Growing and leading a team of 8 designers, establishing consistency in design language, initiated and led a comprehensive brand & product redesign, implemented Figma design system & migrated organisation
Daniel Swakman
Digital Design Leader • Berlin, Germany
I’m a designer with 10+ years of experience, working with startups and small businesses that want to innovate and create positive impact. I focus on:
Design
Meticulous craftsmanship, integrated brand thinking, and an eye for detail drive my design approach.
Tech
Tech-savvy and skilled at collaborating with development teams, I bridge the gap between design and code.
Leadership
With leadership experience, I grow teams and spearhead design change within organisations.
3 years as Head of Design at nebenan.de 2020-current
3 years independent designer at Sincere Studio 2017-2020
Independent design studio, working with startups and small businesses on impactful digital design. Collaborations with other freelancers as collective
3 years Senior Designer at Paraşüt 2015-2018
Lead Mobile App Designer in growing team for accounting startup in Istanbul: joined startup at 10 employees, grew to 70 upon acquisition. In the team, I initiated and led the design and iterations of both iOS and Android apps. I also was responsible for the UX/UI design for countless features for the web application, as well as a modular marketing site/landing page solution
Paraşüt Mobile App
Paraşüt Web
3 years aso co-founder & designer at Muhit 2015-2018
non-profit platform for urban improvement, design, product & business development
3 years as Lead Designer at eLearning startup in Amsterdam 2012-2015
Lead Designer for e-learning gaming applications (team of 3). Translating user needs for elementary school children (~300k daily users). Led comprehensive interface overhaul of game UI, brand streamlining & marketing website
+ side projects and freelance 2008-2023
freelance graphic & web designer, branding & identity, front-end design, visualisations
nebenan.de Design System
Reusable & usable patterns for neighbourhood platform
one4good
Bold shapes for a subscription platform for doing good
Gamer One
Creating a customisable home for pro gamers
Poltio
Strategic design of product experience and marketing language for an audience engagement tool
Muhit
Building an online platform allowing citizens to collaboratively improve their living environment
Paraşüt Mobile
Mobile app for invoicing SaaS startup that handles quick jobs on the go
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