Thato Simelane crafts digital experiences grounded in empathy, psychology, and design thinking — from research to polished prototype.
"Great design is a multi-layered relationship between human life and its environment."
I am a young UX designer with a background in psychology and sociology, eager to bring my unique perspective and skills to the field. Working from an empathetic heart and mind, I strive to design digital experiences that are practical, relatable and user-centred.
My business analysis skillset allows me to use different methodologies to research and pinpoint user and customer needs — thereafter providing solutions and products that genuinely meet those needs.
Currently deepening my code knowledge, I wish to become a proactive medium throughout the discovery, design and development of a product. I am a problem-solver at heart, driven to provide positive experiences with technology to the everyday user.
Each project follows the design thinking process — from empathy through to prototype and testing.
A streaming app designed for the 20–35 age group, combining on-demand content with communal viewing windows — simulating the cinema experience and allowing cost-sharing among friends.
View in FigmaA responsive redesign of the South African Department of Home Affairs website, prioritising accessibility, information hierarchy, and usability for Gen X users.
View in FigmaA service design project addressing operational issues across Rea Vaya bus services — resulting in a dual-purpose app for commuters and staff, plus a back-end customer service portal.
View in FigmaA rapid 2-week sprint to design a mobile app for Hamad Doha International Airport — offering navigation, flight updates, lounge bookings, and check-in guidance for busy travellers.
View ProjectA collection of professional projects completed at TooMuchWifi, including a new wallet interface for the customer portal and a restructure of the Pudo app experience.
View in FigmaDesigning and iterating on customer-facing portal features, including wallet UI and the Pudo app restructure. Collaborating across design and development teams.
Led a 4-person design team through a 2-week sprint to prototype a comprehensive airport mobile app, balancing team management with hands-on design contribution.
Served as the UI lead within a multidisciplinary team, translating research findings into visual design for a dual-platform service design solution.
Academic background in psychology and sociology, providing the empathy-driven foundation for user research, persona development, and human-centred design practice.
I am open to new opportunities, collaborations, and conversations about design, technology, and the people we build for.
thatot.simelane@gmail.com