Hello, nice to meet you!
My name is Danilo Santana, and I’m a seasoned UX designer with over 9 years of experience in creating impactful user-centered design solutions for brands and digital products. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design & Communications from Brazil and have developed a deep expertise in UX design, UI design, and entrepreneurship through diverse projects and industries.
I began my career at a boutique design agency in Brazil, where I gained a solid understanding of end-to-end design processes. Later, I founded my own startup, where I sharpened my entrepreneurial approach to solving complex problems and driving creative innovation. This combination of agency experience and entrepreneurial mindset has equipped me with a unique perspective on leading design initiatives.
Currently, I work as a UX Designer in a fintech company in Zurich, collaborating with a global product team helping over 1000 international clients work with their data.
I’ve also launched my own clothing line, fueled by my passion for keeping a creative side hustle alive and a drive to learn through hands-on experience.
Check it out here www.mirrorball.ch
My thoughts on design
Design should be simple
Simplicity is not about removing elements, but about refining them until only purpose remains. I believe that truly effective design eliminates distractions to create a seamless, intuitive experience that feels like second nature.
Design should serve people
Design is a tool for empathy and connection. At its core, it’s about understanding human needs and building solutions that make life a little easier, more enjoyable, or even transformative for those who use it.
Design should evolve
Good design never stops growing. As people and technologies change, design must adapt, always searching for better ways to meet new challenges and embrace the future with flexibility and insight.
Design should be creative
Creativity in design is about pushing boundaries while staying grounded in purpose. I approach every project with a curiosity and openness that allow for innovative solutions that are as practical as they are original.
Life beyond work
Music is part of my soul and I’m most of the time driving my neighbors crazy with my syncopated rhythms. I’m a multi-instrumentalist (and professional shower singer). I’m really in love with writing, composing, and producing music. So, most the time you would likely find me jamming with some instruments or doing some bizarre vocal exercises. It’s a vibe…
Here is some of the music I would take to the grave
Awards and recognitions
I am constantly seeking out fresh opportunities to expand my skill set and take on new challenges. One way that I find particularly stimulating is participating in competitions. The dynamic, high-pressure environment of these events really puts my creativity and problem-solving abilities to the test, and I relish the opportunity to push myself to new heights. Over the years, I have taken part in several such competitions, and I feel fortunate to have been recognized and rewarded for my efforts in each instance.
- Startup Weekend Bern – Public Award – Techstars 2018.2
- Startup Weekend Bern – Third Prize – Techstars 2018.1
- Beerhack – Best Pitch – Feldschlößchen Hackathon 2018
- Hackathon+Salvador – First Prize – Sebrae 2017
- Press Design – Gold Prize – Colunistas 2016
- Best Design in Live Marketing – Gold Prize – Ampro Globes Awards 2015
In February of 2019, I took part in one episode of the podcast SwissPats, in which I talked about one of my ideas at that time (Sponties) and about creativity, if you are curious give it a listen!