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Marcelo Halpern
Design Lead at Brim Financial
Professional Background
Marcelo Halpern is an accomplished product designer and UX researcher whose career has been shaped by a blend of strategic thinking and brand design expertise. Over the past four years, Marcelo has transitioned his focus towards designing impactful digital experiences, products, and services. This shift has enabled him to cultivate a strong hands-on experience in various aspects of design, from initial concept to final launch. Marcelo's impressive career includes leadership roles that involve team management, client interactions, and teaching, allowing him to share his extensive knowledge with emerging designers.
With over a decade of professional experience, Marcelo has worked in a diverse range of interdisciplinary environments. From renowned technology companies to educational institutions and creative design agencies, he has tackled numerous projects across various industries. His exposure to different methodologies and sectors has refined his keen eye for UX/UI design, fostering a user-centric research approach that resonates with the needs of real users. This unique blend of skills positions Marcelo as a versatile and empathetic design professional, dedicated to creating products that are not only functional but also meaningful to those who interact with them.
Marcelo's passion for design is complemented by his enthusiasm for teaching. He has had the pleasure of sharing his insights with students as a professor at several institutions, including the prestigious ESPM and PUCRS. His time in academia reflects his commitment to nurturing the next wave of talented designers and ensuring they carry forward the essence of user-first design in their work.
Education and Achievements
Marcelo Halpern's educational journey lays a solid foundation for his expertise in design and strategy. He studied for his Master of Science (MS) in Strategic Design at Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, a program that equipped him with advanced methodologies in tackling design complexities. Although Marcelo began a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, he redirected his path towards Graphic Design, completing his Bachelor's degree at UniRitter. In addition to his primary education, he pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Strategy at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, further enriching his strategic insight, particularly as it pertains to consumer behavior and market trends.
Throughout his career, Marcelo has held several prominent positions in reputable organizations, showcasing an impressive trajectory that reflects his growth as a design leader. Currently, he serves as the Design Lead at Brim Financial, where he guides the design vision for products that enhance financial services through innovative user experiences. Before this role, he led the Product & UX Design team at BASE, where he was responsible for the development of compelling user interfaces and interactions that improve overall product usability.
Achievements
Marcelo's diverse portfolio and range of experiences have led to numerous notable achievements throughout his career. His role as a professor at multiple esteemed institutions, including ESPM and PUCRS, underscores his authentic desire to give back to the design community by fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. His teaching experience illustrates his ability to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the fast-evolving world of design.
As a co-founder and design director of both URSA and MONOLITO, Marcelo has demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cultivating design excellence. His leadership in these startups showcases his ability to guide teams through the complexities of brand and product design while ensuring a user-centric approach is maintained throughout the development process.
Additionally, his tenure as a User Experience Researcher during his MSc. candidacy at Unisinos highlights his dedication to being at the forefront of design research. This combination of applied research and practical design rounds out his capabilities and enhances the quality of the work he produces.
Marcelo's strong background and extensive experience make him a sought-after figure in the industries of product design and UX research. His commitment to creating viable and meaningful experiences for real people stands as a testament to his professional philosophy of always placing the user first. Those looking to enhance their digital products can certainly benefit from Marcelo's expertise. His eagerness to share insights and collaborate with others serves as an inspiration to the design community.
With a message to anyone interested in connecting, Marcelo invites individuals to engage with him — "Always user first. Get in touch – drop me a line 💡". This passionate call for collaboration speaks volumes about his openness to new ideas and continuous learning, which are essential qualities in today’s dynamic design landscape.
