Global location technology platform powering navigation for automotive and enterprise clients. Driving product redesign and design systems evolution within the automotive team, working across engineering and product to shape both UX direction and technical implementation.
• Leading end-to-end product redesign of the HERE Navigation product — spanning research, discovery, and usability testing
• Evolving a token-based design system enabling scalable white-label theming across automotive partners, with reach across 500k+ vehicles
• Shaping design systems architecture in close collaboration with engineering and PM, influencing technical direction and implementation decisions
Daniel Swakman
Head of Design · Leading Design Systems, Product UX & Team Growth
I build design organisations that create lasting impact — through rigorous systems, a strong craft culture, and close collaboration with product and engineering. Over 15 years in tech, I've led cross-functional teams, built design systems at scale, and driven product and brand transformations from scrappy startup to acquisition. What I care about most is creating the conditions where great design can actually happen, consistently. I bring an unusual mix of deep craft, hands-on technical fluency, and executive-level strategic thinking — and I've learned those three only create real impact when they pull in the same direction.
Design
Creating impact through meticulous craftsmanship, integrated brand thinking, and an eye for detail
Tech
Bridging design and code with hands-on technical expertise, enabling seamless collaboration with development teams
Leadership
Growing and inspiring teams around a shared north star vision, driving design change within organisations
Lead UX Designer at HERE 2025-current
4 years as Head of Design at nebenan.de 2020-2024
Germany's largest social network for neighbourhoods, 3–5M users across Europe. Scaled the design function from 2 to 8 designers and embedded design as a strategic driver across product, tech, and brand.
• Built and led a cross-functional team of 8 from an initial 2, through structured hiring and a deliberate design culture build
• Architected an accessible Design System adopted across 3 engineering teams — reducing implementation time by 35% and resolving 65% of outstanding accessibility bugs
• Led a comprehensive product and brand redesign in close collaboration with C-level, unifying expression across product and marketing
3 years as Design Director (freelance) at Sincere Studio 2016-2025
Independent design studio helping startups scale through product design, design systems, and brand.
Ran a parallel independent practice throughout my career, taking on strategic design engagements for early-stage and scaling startups across Europe — including a fractional Head of Design role for Poltio.
• Delivered end-to-end product design, accessible design systems, and brand identity for clients across fintech, gaming, and social impact
• Operated at director level across all engagements — owning client relationships, scoping work, and leading delivery independently
• Clients: Inflight VR, one4good, Gamer One, Poltio, LuxFox
3 years as Lead Mobile Designer at Paraşüt 2014-2017
Fast-growing accounting startup in Istanbul — joined at 10 employees, scaled to 70, acquired by Microgrup in 2017. Named by Wired as one of Europe's 100 Hottest Startups.
- Initiated and led mobile app design (iOS/Android) from the ground up, owning the full product design lifecycle
- Built and maintained the web application design system alongside a modular marketing site solution
- Operated as the design lead through a period of 7x team growth and successful acquisition
Paraşüt Mobile App
Paraşüt Web
2 years as co-founder & designer at Muhit 2015-2017
non-profit platform for urban improvement, design, product & business development
3 years as Lead Designer at eLearning startup in Amsterdam 2012-2015
E-learning startup and University of Amsterdam spin-off, building adaptive learning games for elementary school children — 300k+ daily users.
- Led and grew a design team of 3, owning the full design function across product, brand, and marketing
- Initiated and delivered a comprehensive interface overhaul establishing a consistent interaction language across the platform
- Responsible for brand streamlining and marketing website in parallel with core product work
+ side projects and freelance 2008-2024
freelance graphic & web designer, branding & identity, front-end design, visualisations
nebenan.de Design System
Reusable & usable patterns for neighbourhood platform
Paraşüt Mobile
Mobile app solving accounting on the through micro moments
Poltio
Strategic design of product experience and marketing language for an audience engagement tool
Gamer One
Creating a customisable home for pro gamers
one4good
Bold shapes for a subscription platform for doing good
Muhit
Co-founding an online platform allowing citizens to collaboratively improve their living environment
Education
Graphic Design Summer School - Central Saint Martin’s 2015
Gamification Certificate - University of Pennsylvania 2014
Dual Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urbanism - TU Delft 2007-2011
Study Abroad Architecture - South Bank University London 2008
Bachelor’s Degree - Architecture TU Delft 2004-2007
Gymnasium Diploma - Vossius Gymnasium Amsterdam 1998-2004