Interviews with Maria Burgelova

My journey to becoming a designer wasn’t straightforward. Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity through my parents’ business, where I learned the value of making and doing. I originally studied marketing and management, which gave me a solid foundation in understanding business and communication.
But I always felt drawn to design as a deeper way to solve problems and communicate visually. After about a decade in marketing, I decided to follow that pull and went back to study design formally. What drove me was a mix of internal curiosity and a desire to make design that truly helps people and businesses.

When designing, my top priorities are strategy, clarity, and adaptability. I start by understanding the project’s goals and context, which guides every decision. Clarity ensures the design communicates effectively without unnecessary distractions, while adaptability means the design can evolve with the brand or product over time.

Designing is a journey of mixed emotions. I feel curiosity and excitement at the start—when ideas are fresh and possibilities feel endless. The process itself brings focus and flow, especially during deep work sessions where everything clicks. And there’s a quiet satisfaction and fulfillment when the project comes together and serves its purpose.

My background gave me a unique perspective on design. Growing up, I was surrounded by a hands-on environment where creativity met practical challenges. Early experience in marketing and management taught me to see design as more than visuals - it’s a tool for clear communication and achieving real business goals. This experience helps me see the entire picture - what’s behind the brief, what the client wants to achieve, and which strategy will work best for them.

My growth path is about deepening creative and strategic skills, focusing on projects that challenge me and allow us to deliver impactful work. Going forward, I want to work with more clients who value design as a key driver of their success.

For designers starting out, my biggest advice is to stay curious but patient. The path isn’t always straightforward, and it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t click right away.
Having a background in economics helped me understand how to balance creativity with business early on - and that’s a skill every designer needs to develop.
Don’t hesitate to seek mentors and ask questions; their guidance is invaluable. The best advice I got was to always focus on the ‘why’ behind every project. It’s what makes your work meaningful and effective.
Keep learning constantly - whether that’s new tools, trends, or understanding clients better. Growth comes from being open to change, not just perfecting what you already know.

A friendly tip I often share is to always keep the people you’re designing for front and center. It’s easy to get caught up in making something look cool, but the real win is when your design solves a problem and connects with users. Ground your work in strategy, and the rest will follow.

I usually kick off the day with a coffee and a quick check-in with my team - often online, since I’m traveling quite a bit. The rest of my day is a mix of client calls, reviewing design work, and carving out quiet time to focus deeply.
I make it a point to stay updated with the latest in design and industry trends; it’s a small but important source of inspiration. What keeps me going during a busy day are the little moments: a breakthrough on a project, a thoughtful chat with a colleague, or simply watching an idea come to life.
Each day feels unique, and I appreciate the balance between teamwork and solo creative time.

I stay aware of design trends not to chase them, but to understand how the field is evolving. My focus is always on creating work that’s intentional and timeless rather than just what’s fashionable at the moment.
I prefer to develop designs that have their own lasting identity. Trends can inspire fresh ideas, but they don’t dictate my work.

Good design is an elegant solution to the problem it’s meant to solve - clear, effective, and perfectly suited to its context and audience.

When it’s simple enough to communicate without distractions.

One of the largest projects I’ve worked on is for Acumen, a risk management platform. We spent several years on it, tackling complex challenges to create an elegant and simple user experience. Transforming such a complicated system into a user-friendly platform has been one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences in my career.

My son. I admire how differently he sees the world and tackles problems with raw creativity. Every time we work together or share ideas, I’m surprised by how different we are as designers. The passion and experimentation he brings to his work constantly inspire me.

Growing up in Bulgaria, I learned to appreciate contrasts. I travel a lot for work and love exploring different cultures through their food. I find it fascinating to see how different and how similar we all are, no matter where we come from.

One client once said working with us felt like having an extension of their own team. That’s the kind of partnership I aim to build - smooth and natural.
That’s why every collaboration starts with a discovery call. It’s a great way for us to understand each other and see if we’re the right fit to support the specific project. I believe this process is equally important for both sides and helps us understand if we can truly help.

I’ve always wanted to share what I’ve learned and help young designers find their way. I know how tough it can be - dealing with feedback, anxiety, and the fear of putting your work out there. If I could wave a magic wand, I’d make supporting young talent my top priority.
We’ve run a great internship program for a few years, and I’ve mentored through “Mentor the Young,” hackathons, and university talks. It’s something close to my heart, and I love doing it.

This was my second year attending the A’ Design Awards in Como. The event is a true celebration of design and creativity, and I feel genuinely honoured to be part of it. Meeting some of the best designers in the world and being part of that crowd is a really special experience. I’ve made friends and met so many like-minded people from all over the world.

Our main focus was to create a light and positive feeling the moment someone opens the website. We wanted the design to feel optimistic and trustworthy, helping visitors feel at ease and confident in the care they’ll receive.

The project is complete and working well for our client. She’s one of the best dermatologists in Bulgaria, and this design has helped boost her credibility and provide greater comfort to her patients.

The project took around eight weeks from start to finish.

We designed the site with soft colours to create a positive, light, and optimistic atmosphere. Since some of the conditions treated can be serious, like cancer, bright colours could feel overwhelming. Featuring the doctor’s face serves as a symbol of trust, helping visitors feel more comfortable and reassured. Creating a sense of calm and confidence was my main priority throughout the project.

This design was created specifically for Dr. Dancheva and her practice, and it is currently used exclusively by her.

My main motivation was to create a design that supports her patients and helps them feel more hopeful and confident about their possibilities, while also giving the expert the recognition she deserves.

The target customer for this design is her patients, as she is a dermatologist.

What sets this design apart is its careful balance of professionalism and warmth. It’s tailored specifically to a sensitive field, creating a calming and trustworthy experience that helps patients feel comfortable and confident. Every detail - from the soft color palette to the clear, gentle communication - is designed to support this unique purpose.

The design carries the name of the doctor herself. It reflects the personal and professional identity of her practice, making the connection authentic and direct.

For this project, we used WordPress with Elementor for the website build, along with Adobe Creative Cloud for design and visual assets.

The most unique aspect of our design is how it combines a calming, approachable atmosphere with clear, professional communication.

I worked closely on this project with my design team at More By Us. Besides myself, two designers were involved - Bozhidar Hadzhiev and Beloslava Ivanova.

Technology plays a crucial role in this design, allowing us to create an accessible, user-friendly website that works smoothly across devices. It supports clear communication and ensures patients can easily find the information they need.

We researched many websites of similar experts, conducted interviews with potential patients, and used those insights to create a targeted plan of action for the design.

The main challenges we faced were working with an existing website rather than starting from scratch, and handling a lot of graphic material that needed to convey educational value without overwhelming visitors or encouraging self-diagnosis.

Being a doctor plays an important role in our society, and I believe this project deserved to be seen by a wider audience. That’s why we decided to submit the design to an international competition.

Working on this project definitely made me more aware of the importance of regular doctor visits. I realized that many problems can be addressed quickly and painlessly if caught early, so I’ll be making my own health a priority going forward.

We collaborate with a very diverse group of clients - different industries, different tones, different needs - so creating a space that feels cohesive but doesn’t flatten their individuality was a real balancing act. We focused on building a structure that’s quiet enough to let their projects take the spotlight, but still reflects the way we think and work as a studio.

My first instinct, of course, was to redesign it immediately. That’s just how designers are wired - once something’s done, it starts feeling old. But I’m trying to resist the urge, at least for a little while, so people can actually experience the version that won.
No website is ever really finished. A site should grow with the team behind it. We evolve constantly - not just in the kind of work we do, but in how we think and operate - and our presence needs to reflect that. The real challenge is staying open to change without losing the thread of who we are. Keeping our identity consistent over time feels like the right direction.

We’ve been evolving our website from the very beginning - constantly improving and adjusting. Every part has been shaped by someone from the team. The latest concept took about a month to create, and maybe another month to execute. One of my favourite parts of our website, though, is the internship page - designed entirely by our interns.

We never had a proper “about us” page. The work always came first, and our own story kept getting pushed aside. But I knew we needed to give some context - just enough to show who's behind the projects.
Once I had that in mind, I teamed up with Bozhidar Hadzhiev to explore different ways to bring it to life. That page ended up sparking the whole redesign.

It’s the website for our own studio - designed, built, and used by us.

The need for an online presence that actually reflects who we are - as professionals and as a team.

It’s probably a mix of all the influences we carry as a team. Each of us brings in things we see and absorb daily. With so many people involved, it’s hard to trace a single reference - but everything we’ve been exposed to finds its way in, one way or another.

We mainly work with tech startups - big and small - supporting their design needs daily, from pitch decks and product design to event materials and SaaS interfaces.
But the site isn’t built for just one industry. We also work with clients in cosmetics, medical, security, and more. What they all have in common is one question: can we deliver design? That’s exactly what the website is meant to answer.

Our website is an amalgam of everyone on the team - shaped by our ways of thinking and working together. I admire what other studios create, and I enjoy seeing different creative directions out there. But this one reflects us. It’s not a style you'd want to copy - it’s just who we are.

We’ve always been focused on making things work - visually, strategically, and functionally. Design isn’t the final layer for us; it’s part of the foundation. The name More By Us came from that mindset.

The website is built on WordPress, and we use Elementor as our main tool. It’s intuitive and flexible, which makes it easy for new designers on the team to jump in and start building.

The people behind it. We built the site to reflect who we are - as professionals and individuals. Each team member had a hand in shaping it, and everyone found a way to express themselves through the process.

It was a fully in-house project. Everyone on the team contributed.

As a web product, technology is at the core. It’s what brings the entire experience to life.

We talk to our clients and potential clients every day. The questions they ask and the information they look for shaped how we structured the website. It’s built around real conversations.

The biggest challenge was keeping the design consistent while giving everyone space to express themselves. With so many designers involved, it was a balance between creative freedom and clear direction. Letting each person leave their mark without losing coherence took some work, but it was worth it.

For a long time, I was afraid to show my own work. I think most people are, at some point. But I’ve learned to let go of the need for things to be perfect. This felt like the right moment to share what we’ve built - exactly as it is.

I learned that it doesn’t always have to be perfect. I still want it perfect, of course - but while working on this, I realised that progress matters more. It’s a constant work in progress, and probably always will be. There will always be something I’d like to change, and that’s okay.

Some people say they do business best around a glass of wine. A genuine connection is far more meaningful than a thousand unsolicited emails, and we wanted to experiment with fostering this connection.

We aimed to create a light, enjoyable atmosphere for communicating with people you know, where exchanging ideas in an informal environment is a pleasure. Bright colours help keep the conversation relaxed and enjoyable, adding a personal touch to each interaction.

We explicitly chose not to use AI, as we believe in the value of authentic human connection. Our design is simple yet colourful, light, and stimulating to the senses.

I am very happy to announce that our mobile application has been approved to participate in the startup program at Web Summit this November. We are eager to test our idea and gather feedback from the community and investors.

While we are uncertain about the outcomes, we are thrilled about the real-life connections we will create at the event. We hope to soon nurture these connections within our mobile application, further enhancing its value.

This is a passion project for us. We spent several months working on it with our entire team. Everyone contributed to the branding, identity creation, the mobile app itself, and the website.
We loved working on it and cannot wait to take it to the next stage.

This project began with the challenge of not being able to showcase most of our work. We wanted something tangible to present to our potential clients. However, it quickly grew into a passion project that excites all of us. We are eager to see and use it in real life.

We plan to create the final product in-house, but we are also excited to meet like-minded people and companies who appreciate the value of genuine human contact. We hope to improve business communication and make it enjoyable.

We were seeing more and more business applications adopting AI, making communication between people increasingly artificial. Although it's sometimes useful to utilize AI, we want to return to the days of having picnics with our colleagues, chatting from time to time, sharing personal stories, and truly understanding the people around us.

Our target audience is professionals in various fields. The app will not only help them get to know each other but also allow them to organize their contacts. Additionally, it will provide statistics on which events or places are best for meeting people they enjoy communicating with and, ultimately, where to find contacts that can enhance their business.

Our goal is to help people grow their contacts as authentically as possible. Most other concepts rely heavily on automation and the use of AI.

While brainstorming for a project name with my team, we came up with the idea of "Chat over Food," which is exactly what "Bits'n'Bites" means. If we consider the tech aspect of the application, it also refers to the small pieces of information we transfer electronically between each other, like bits and bytes.

We used various tools to create this project—Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and MidJourney, to name a few. However, I believe the tools themselves are not as important for this specific project.

I am not sure if there is anything truly unique anymore, but we aimed to create a design that reflects the concept of building your own community in a very laid-back way. In this case, I believe the focus should be more on how it embodies the idea and makes the design useful, rather than on uniqueness. I am happy with the results we produced for this specific project.

We worked on this project as a team, with all of our designers contributing. The first logo concept was created by Vasil Tonev. Mariya Yordanova and I then joined forces and continued working on it. Val Petrova, Bozhidar Hadzhiev, Beloslava Ivanova, and Boris Savev worked diligently on the app design, while Elisaveta Vakavchieva wrote the copy for the website and the examples for the application. In the next stage, our development team will begin their work.

I have been following the A'Design Awards for years, and not having anything ready to show was always a struggle. So once we started working on this project, the next step was clear to me. I checked the requirements and began preparing the design for this competition.

I believe everyone participating in this project grew to love personal connections with other professionals even more. We learned so much about each other through sharing ideas, playing, experimenting, and collaborating. Personally, I discovered that while I might be an introvert, I truly value meaningful connections.

What drives me is the challenge of taking complex problems and turning them into simple, elegant solutions. I became a designer because I love finding clarity in complexity and creating designs that feel effortless while solving real issues. There’s something deeply satisfying about making the complicated easy to understand and use.

I was supposed to manage my parents’ professional sports equipment company. Becoming a designer was my way of rebelling against the odds - and following my own path.

We work on a huge variety of graphic, web design, and branding projects. I find it fascinating to explore the possibilities of each medium, as each offers unique ways to tell a story and impact the audience.
Many of the designs we create in our studio are for innovative products. It’s rewarding to be part of projects that introduce new ideas to the market.

The key is to never stop investing in yourself - your skills, your knowledge, your mindset. Design is always evolving, so there’s always something new to learn. Stay curious and keep pushing your boundaries. Embrace challenges, seek honest feedback, and don’t shy away from stepping out of your comfort zone.

I would say the key difference is the ability to see the bigger picture. A good designer can create something that looks great and meets the immediate needs of a specific task. But a great designer goes beyond that; they think about the broader implications of their work.

Good design is beautiful. Great design solves problems with simplicity and elegance, achieves its goals, and is timeless.

Without overcomplicating it, I firmly believe that design in business (coming from an economics background) is the first way to show how serious you are about what you do.

I would love to focus on high-impact projects with clients who truly value design.

Every day brings a new dream project, and I’m lucky to work on many of them. But as a creative, the challenge isn’t just finding time - it’s choosing which dreams are truly worth chasing.

For me, it’s curiosity. It keeps me exploring, learning, and pushing beyond the obvious. Curiosity turns every project into an opportunity to discover something new and better.

I get inspired by big-name designers and fresh, up-and-coming creatives who aren’t afraid to do things differently.

Some of my favourites are projects that solve tough problems with smart, elegant solutions - designs that feel effortless but took real thought behind the scenes. Those kinds of works inspire me the most.

Every year, my favourite design changes because I’m always learning and growing. Right now, I’m really passionate about a project I’m working on that helps small companies get accessible and consistent design from professionals.

Keep learning and keep working - that’s how you get better.

If I hadn’t become a designer, I’m pretty sure I’d still be doing something creative - because I just can’t switch that part off.

Design is another form of communication - faster and more impactful.

Last year, just before the A’ Design Awards, I lost my little brother. He was my biggest supporter and fan in everything I’ve done. There was a moment when I wasn’t sure if I could keep going or if I should cancel all my plans. But I kept going because I knew how much he would have wanted to see the wonderful things happening in my professional life. Thinking of that gives me strength every day.

Honestly, what’s helped me become a better designer is knowing I can always do better next time and just keeping at it. I see a lot of young designers thinking that once they gain enough experience, they’ll finally feel confident and happy with their work. For me, that rarely happens. The doubt - “Is this good enough?” - never really goes away. But you learn to show up and share your work anyway.

In my family, I was kind of the rebel for choosing design. I battled a lot of self-doubt and had my share of personal struggles, but honestly, that just made me want to be a designer even more. Those challenges pushed me to keep going.

I’ve heard people say portfolios are dead lately, but I couldn’t disagree more. No matter the format, a portfolio is the best way to show your thinking and problem-solving skills. I believe it’s the greatest tool we have to present ourselves and highlight our strengths. If we have it, why wouldn’t we use it?

I’d love to focus on projects where I can use my full range of skills and design something truly impactful. That’s definitely where I want to head next.

To create elegant and simple solutions to complex problems that have a real impact on everyday life.

Sometimes people expect me to be a good fit for every project. While I might try that occasionally, I believe successful projects happen only when there’s a true fit between the project, the client, and the designer. That’s why I always aim to have an honest conversation upfront - to get a feel for whether I can genuinely help and if I’m the right fit for the project.

Design translates ideas into impactful visual language that can influence how people see and think about important issues in society. I love when design not only changes environments but also shifts perceptions, encouraging reflection and sometimes inspiring action.

I’m currently working on a couple of projects that really excite me - one in cybersecurity and another focused on healthy living. Both have a real impact on people’s everyday lives, which keeps me inspired and curious. Working on such different challenges helps me stay fresh and engaged.

The projects that bring me the most satisfaction are the ones that have real impact. Acumen is a great example - a technology that can actually save lives. I also love working with innovative products that change the way we do business like MoEngage and Kibo, as well as Defendara, where cybersecurity is a top priority. Even projects like Teo Beauty, a cosmetic brand, are rewarding because they add a little extra to make everyday life more enjoyable.

I’d love to see more intentional design in the coming years. Right now, there’s way too much visual noise.

I hope the design field is moving toward more intentional design.

How long it takes to finalise a design project really depends on the scope - it can be as short as a week or stretch over a couple of years.

When I start a new design project, the first thing I do is talk with the client to understand what they really need - not just in terms of colours or visuals, but the deeper reason behind the design. I explain our process and set clear expectations about what we’ll deliver and when. Setting goals upfront is always my starting point.

Embrace complexity, but always aim for elegant solutions.

“One step at a time” is my motto. It reminds me that progress, creativity, and growth come from steady, thoughtful effort, not rushing or shortcuts.

Technology is a tool that brings ideas to life. But it’s never the driver - creativity and strategy always come first.

I use all the typical Adobe Creative Cloud apps and Figma daily, but I love exploring new tools as they come out, so my toolkit changes quite often. Honestly, I never thought I’d say this, but I’m starting to really like Canva for its ease of use, especially for non-designers. Right now, I have a slight preference for Luma for image and video generation, but I use other products as well.

Color, materials, and ambiance set the mood, guide focus, and tell the design’s story.

I wish people would ask why a design is made the way it is. Everything we do as designers has a purpose, and understanding that purpose reveals the true value behind the work.

When I see a great new design or product, I often wonder what the designer was feeling just before the idea struck. Were they having coffee, in the shower, or just going about a regular day? I’m really curious about those small, human moments that sparked the idea.

I’ve been working closely with my team for the past few years, and one thing I always remind them is that it’s okay to have weaknesses - there’s someone else who’s strong where you’re not. The trick is to focus on what you’re really good at and keep pushing your limits. I’m a big believer in co-design because someone else will always bring a skill or perspective you don’t have. So why compete when we can support each other and make better work together?

Probably the person who influenced my design journey the most was professor Dimitrov, who I met when I first applied to university. He was the first to tell me that I could actually be a designer, and that encouragement made all the difference.

Some of the books that have influenced me are Creativity, Inc., The Design of Everyday Things, The Mom Test, Guerrilla Girls: The Art of Behaving Badly, and many others. They’ve helped me see different perspectives on creativity, design, and pushing boundaries.

I developed my skills through a lot of hands-on work, continuous studying, and, importantly, making plenty of mistakes along the way.

Leonardo, Salvador Dalí, Picasso, and I really admire how humble and real Robert Rauschenberg was.

I believe that as designers, we should use recognition and attention to support young talent and give back to the community whenever we can.

My favourite color is white, my favourite place is home, and my favourite food is fruit. I love going to the cinema, and when it comes to brands, there are too many to pick just one.

I worked on a coat of arms as a university project and got paid in dogs. I made a coat of arms for the village where my dad was born, and by chance, it was just before their 600th anniversary. At the local celebration, people were so impressed they gave me a dog as a gift, saying, “We give what we have, and we have dogs.”

What makes my day great as a designer are the small things: a lot of coffee, those moments when a design finally clicks, a nice email saying the design is approved, and the excitement of starting a new project.

It was so obvious, I sometimes wonder how I didn’t realize it sooner. As a kid, I was always sneaking fabric and paint from my parents’ factory, making screen prints, and playing with colours every day.

Looking a thousand years ahead, I hope humanity has learned to live sustainably and peacefully alongside nature, finding harmony that supports both people and the planet.

I founded More By Us in 2016 as a small, senior creative studio. We focus on strategic design that helps businesses communicate clearly and grow with confidence. Our work spans brand identity, web design, and the full spectrum of marketing materials - supporting teams from their first pitch deck all the way through large-scale international product launches.
What makes us different is how hands-on we are. We work closely with each client, adapting to their needs instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all process. That’s why we’ve been able to collaborate with startups and international companies alike across tech, medical, security, cosmetics, and more.

Design is how I communicate ideas, emotions, and solutions.

I enjoy projects where design can solve a real problem - whether that’s clarifying a complex product, building trust through a brand, or creating digital spaces people actually want to use.

My favourite type of design is when a complex problem is solved with simplicity - it’s always a bit of a surprise.

My very first design project was a business card I created for my office while working in marketing. It’s not a project I’m particularly proud of, but it’s funny to think it took me another ten years after that small job to realise I’d eventually become a full-time designer.

I enjoy working with digital platforms, especially web, because of the interaction and reach. But I still love the smell of paint and the hands-on process of screen printing - it’s where my love for design started.

When I have enough space to think and no pressure to rush. That’s usually when the best ideas show up.

Strategy is always first - then clarity, then how it feels and works. When those align, the design does its job.

It’s a mix - curiosity at the start, focus during the process, and a bit of excitement when things finally click into place.

I feel fulfilled when I see the design doing exactly what it was meant to do - helping, connecting, making things easier for people. That’s the moment it all makes sense.

A design is successful when it supports the brand’s strategy, helps reach its goals, and communicates its values clearly - while looking simple and effortless.

Context and goal - if the design meets those effortlessly, it works.

Our responsibility is to make people’s lives easier, simpler, and more beautiful - without creating unnecessary noise.

The design profession is changing rapidly - tools and technology evolve faster than ever. As designers, we need to stay rooted in creativity and the meaning behind our work so we can create solutions that truly solve problems. Another part of this is supporting young talent and guiding them through an already challenging landscape. That’s how the field will stay strong in the future.

Our last exhibition was at the A’Design Awards, and the next one will be Utopia 40×40 at the end of August in New York.

Lately, I find more inspiration in young designers and their raw creativity than in the big names. My son is also studying design right now, and seeing how differently he approaches things compared to me is a constant reminder of how many ways there are to see the world. It makes me happy.

My style is clear and intentional - I start with strategy and let the design adapt to the problem, never the other way around.

I rarely work for Bulgarian clients, and from the start of my design career, I’ve been adapting to different cultures. But the contrasts in Bulgaria are striking - in design, in life, in architecture.
I used to be upset that not everything around me was beautiful. Then one day, I left the office and saw a street musician playing jazz on a piece of cardboard with simple sticks, sitting on the pavement. That was the moment I felt proud to live in a country of such huge contrasts. It taught me to see beauty differently, and that perspective always finds its way into my work.

Every time we start a project, we aim to feel like an internal part of the company we’re working with.

Look for a designer whose work resonates with you, then have a conversation to see if there’s a good working connection. That chemistry matters as much as the portfolio.

I start by understanding the context and goals, then explore directions with the client, refine, and build until the design feels effortless and true to its purpose.

My favorite design items at home are paintings - many of them. And now, the Silver XXL A’Design Award adds a nice accent among them.

Most days start with coffee and a quick catch-up with my team - wherever I happen to be, because I travel a lot for work. Then it’s a mix of client calls, design reviews, and deep work when I can find the quiet. Evenings are slower - time with my partner, checking in on my closest people, or just clearing my head so I can start fresh the next day. No two days are the same, but I like that rhythm.

Stay curious, ask “why” often, and don’t be afraid of the messy parts. Find people who push you, learn constantly, and remember. Evolving matters more than following trends.

The positive is seeing your work make a difference - it’s incredibly rewarding. The negative is that I’m often most creative when I’m trying to switch off.

Everything starts with understanding the context and the goal - if you miss that, nothing else will work.

The most important skills are staying curious, always learning, and being open to experiment.

I work with all the tools a designer should use, but I don’t think they’re the important part. Tools evolve and change; good design shouldn’t depend on them.

Designing can take a lot of time, but I built a project management system myself so we can have one tool that fully supports the way our agency works.

We’ve worked on projects that took a week and others that lasted years - it really depends on the scope.

The question I get asked most often is simply: “Where do you start?” It’s a reminder that every project begins with understanding, not just ideas.

Growing up, I watched my parents pour everything into their business. They didn’t let me jump in, but I longed to be part of it. The first job they gave me was cleaning the factory. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was mine - and it made me feel like I belonged. That early experience taught me the value of hard work and grit. It showed me that no role is too small when you’re building something meaningful, and that mindset has driven everything I’ve done since.

Some of our clients include MoEngage, Kibo, Acumen Risk, Adenis, among others. We've had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of companies, each bringing unique challenges and projects that have helped us grow and refine our approach to design. It’s been fantastic to collaborate with such a variety of businesses, as it keeps our work dynamic and always interesting.

I enjoy brand identity work the most because it’s where strategy, storytelling, and design come together to shape how people connect with a business.

My future plans are to keep growing creatively and strategically, exploring new challenges with clients who push us to think differently. I also want to focus more on mentoring young designers helping the next generation navigate this complex field.

I work closely with my team on projects, but I’m personally involved in all key designs to maintain our vision.

People can easily get in touch with us through our website at https://moreby.us, or they can reach out directly via my personal email: maria@moreby.us. I am always open to discussing new ideas.

For the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App, our research really highlighted how much people were craving real, genuine connections. We talked to lots of potential users and found that while they appreciated the quickness that AI and tech bring to communication, they didn’t want it to take over the whole experience. They were looking for something that felt more personal and less automated.What really struck us was how many people missed the simple joys of chatting over coffee or sharing a meal. They wanted the tech to help them get there, not replace it. So, we decided to make sure our app helped set the stage for those real-life meetups rather than feeling like you're just chatting with a machine.This insight led us to design features that encourage more personal interaction, like connections based on interests that help start deeper conversations, and settings that encourage users to meet up in person. We really focused on making the tech thoughtful and helpful, without letting it get in the way of a good, old-fashioned chat.

When we set out to design the interface for the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App, we wanted it to be intuitive and simple, yet fully equipped to meet the needs of business professionals. Our goal wasn’t to outdo everyone else; instead, we aimed to integrate with the most popular tech platforms already being used. This way, we could add value without pulling users too far from their comfort zones.Our team took a very user-centered approach to this challenge. We started by mapping out the key features business professionals need, like networking options, event calendars, and direct messaging. Then, we looked at how people were using existing platforms and figured out how to make those interactions smoother and more natural in our app.We focused on designing a clean, easy-to-navigate interface. This meant big, clear buttons, straightforward menus, and a layout that feels familiar from the moment you open the app. By integrating with platforms our users were already comfortable with, we made sure they could jump right in without having to learn a whole new system from scratch.Ultimately, by respecting our users' habits and preferences, we created an app that doesn’t just try to be better than the rest—it complements and enhances the digital tools they’re already using, making networking a breeze.

When we were crafting the visual design for the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App, we chose vibrant colors and dynamic imagery with a very specific purpose in mind: to make the app not just a tool, but a welcoming space that invites users to connect and share. We went with bright, energetic colors because they reflect the lively, vibrant nature of the conversations and connections we hoped to foster through the app. These colors are meant to stimulate engagement and make the user experience more enjoyable and inviting. You know, colors can really set the mood, and we wanted to create a positive, uplifting environment that makes people feel good.For the imagery, we opted for dynamic and relatable visuals that represent diverse interactions and communities. This helps users see themselves and their potential connections in the app. It’s all about creating a sense of belonging and community, right from the first glance.These aesthetic choices are strategic because they support the app’s goal of fostering meaningful connections by making the platform more approachable and engaging. We wanted users to feel excited and energized every time they opened the app, ready to dive into conversations that feel both meaningful and fun.

Developing the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App as a hybrid solution for both iOS and Android brought its unique set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was ensuring a consistent user experience across different devices and operating systems, which can vary widely in terms of display, performance, and user interface guidelines.We tackled this by focusing heavily on responsive design from the start. Our developers and designers worked closely to create a flexible layout that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions. This was crucial for making sure that no matter the device—whether a small Android phone or a large iOS tablet—the app looked good and worked well.Another technical challenge was dealing with the different capabilities of iOS and Android platforms. Each has its own strengths and limitations, especially regarding available APIs and integration possibilities with other apps and services. We had to carefully choose features that could be supported well on both platforms, often opting for third-party solutions that work across the board to maintain functionality without sacrificing performance.These constraints influenced our design decisions by pushing us to prioritise simplicity and flexibility. We had to be strategic about which features were essential and how they could be implemented in a way that wouldn't compromise the app's performance on any device. This led to a cleaner, more streamlined app that delivers a robust user experience while staying true to our goal of fostering meaningful connections.

Scanning QR codes at events is a common habit, and we built on that with the QR code feature in the Bits'n'Bites Mobile App. We saw how event apps and LinkedIn connections often lose valuable info after events, and we wanted to make QR scanning more useful.When you meet someone and scan their QR code with our app, you can immediately save notes about what you talked about and any shared interests. This info stays in the app, and you can link it to your LinkedIn and various other tech solutions. This way, you remember not just who you met, but why they were interesting to you.This makes networking more effective and keeps the important details ready for when you need them, helping you build stronger connections.

A significant moment in the development of the Bits'n'Bites Mobile Application was presenting it at the Web Summit in Lisbon and Slush in Helsinki this November. These events were crucial for us, as they provided a platform to showcase our MVP to a diverse audience that included investors, peers, and actual event-goers—our target users.The feedback we gathered there was invaluable. Investors provided insights on scalability and potential growth strategies, which were instrumental in refining our business model. Our peers in the tech community offered technical feedback and shared their perspectives on user experience and design, helping us identify areas where we could enhance the app’s functionality and interface.Most importantly, the event attendees, who are the app’s end-users, gave us firsthand reactions to our QR code integration and the overall ease of use. Their input was particularly valuable as it confirmed that our app effectively addressed the primary networking challenges they faced. They appreciated the seamless way they could capture and retain meaningful details about the people they met, confirming that we were on the right track.Presenting at Web Summit and Slush not only validated our concept but also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and improvement, pushing us closer to creating a truly comprehensive networking platform.

We recognise that successful networking is not exchanging contact information anymore; it's about creating connections.Our system allows users to send personalised messages and invitations that are far from standard templates. We've included features that enable users to reference specific details from their initial interaction, whether it's a shared interest or a discussion from a previous event.

As we approach the launch phase, we're particularly excited about putting the app into the hands of actual users and seeing it in action in real-world environments. This phase is crucial for us because the firsthand experience and feedback from our initial active users will directly inform how we refine and evolve the app.One of the things we’re most eager to introduce is the way the app adapts based on user interactions and feedback. We plan to use the insights gathered from these early adopters to not only improve existing functionalities but also to simplify the user experience even further. Our goal is to develop features that truly meet the needs and preferences of our users, making professional networking more efficient and personalized.We're excited to see how users navigate our interface, utilize the personalized messaging system, and take advantage of the integrated meeting scheduler. Based on what we learn from this initial phase, we aim to enhance the app’s capabilities to better serve our community, making each update more intuitive and user-friendly based on real, actionable feedback.

I’m honestly surprised that in an era where we talk about AI every day and see so much tech progress, we still don’t have a solid app that keeps all our professional connections intact without losing valuable pieces of information.Bits'n'Bites is using technology to bring people together, and I believe it will transform professional networking by making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Business platforms often stick to serious, muted colors like blues, but we wanted to do something different. Our goal was to reflect the energy and optimism of young professionals—people who are passionate about self-development, attending events, and growing their network. The vibrant color palette brings that energy to life and sets the tone for an experience that feels fresh, approachable, and dynamic.We think about how people naturally interact, what they need to make those interactions meaningful, and how design can make those moments easier and more enjoyable. For example, most event apps focus solely on the event app itself, often leaving users with little more than a list of names and emails afterward. That means users have to start the connection from scratch on another platform, like email, which can feel cold and inefficient.We designed Bits’n’Bites to solve this problem by keeping all the important context—shared interests, chats, and profiles—in one place. It ensures that users can continue conversations naturally and build deeper, more authentic professional relationships without losing the momentum they gained during the event. Every design choice, from the vibrant colours to the intuitive interface, was made to support this mission.

When designing the Bits’n’Bites web experience, we knew it had to complement the mobile app while making the most of the desktop’s larger canvas. The biggest challenge was creating a unified, seamless experience that felt equally intuitive on both platforms.We wanted to use design elements that stayed true to the brand identity of the mobile application, which was also created by us. The goal was to craft a web design that would not only make users excited to download the app but also offer a sneak peek into its core functionalities. Building a landing page for a mobile app is about visual storytelling. The design needs to help users imagine themselves using the app and highlight how their problems are solved. We focused on showing the value Bits’n’Bites offers through clear messaging, dynamic visuals, and a strong call-to-action that encourages users to join the community. By blending storytelling and functionality, we created a landing page that connects with users and drives engagement.

One of the key aspects of our design is ensuring users never lose important details about their connections. We created a standalone app that works for any and all events, and your contacts don’t even need to have the app for you to use it effectively. It also integrates seamlessly with the platforms you already use in your business.Think about it: how many of your LinkedIn connections do you actually remember meeting? If you have over 2,000 connections, chances are you recall less than 10%. With Bits’n’Bites, we increase the chances of meaningful connections by helping you keep track of shared interests, where and how you met, and the context of your interactions. For example, wouldn’t it be great to know if a connection also loves tennis, shares your passion for marketing, or attended the same event? These small details can spark meaningful conversations and turn a forgotten acquaintance into a valuable relationship. Our design makes this possible by putting human connection front and center, even in a digital world.

Our research process was a journey of continuous learning and refinement, starting from the very first stages of design. Initially, our vision was simple: to create an app that feels as natural as having a beer or a glass of wine with a business partner—casual, yet meaningful. While we still hold on to that idea, user feedback guided us to make the app more versatile, something people could see value in using daily. We also prioritized integration with existing apps rather than trying to compete with them, ensuring the platform seamlessly fits into users’ routines.Throughout the process, every piece of feedback shaped the product. When users asked, “Why would I need this?” or “How are you better than…?”, these challenges helped us refine not only our messaging but also the app’s functionality. These honest conversations led us to focus on features that truly solve users’ needs.Meeting with investors this November added another layer to our insights. Their perspective pushed us to find ways to reduce costs while maximising usability. We also had the privilege of presenting Bits’n’Bites at two of Europe’s biggest tech conferences, Web Summit and Slush. There, we engaged with potential users and validated our idea through hundreds of meaningful conversations.This iterative process—listening, adapting, and validating—has been invaluable.

When creating a brand identity, consistency is key. It’s a fundamental rule in branding that we followed closely throughout this project. We ensured that the website and the app share the same design elements—color palette, typography, visual language, and overall tone—so they feel like parts of the same cohesive experience, no matter how users interact with them.This consistency is all about building recognition and trust. We wanted users to feel an immediate connection between the landing page and the app, reinforcing the brand identity at every touchpoint. By maintaining this alignment across all media types, we created a seamless cross-platform experience that not only looks unified but also strengthens the brand’s presence and usability.

Networking often feels overwhelming, especially if you have a large network—most people remember only a small fraction of their connections. Imagine the untapped potential in strengthening relationships with the remaining 90%. Our event analysis feature is designed to help users unlock that potential.The metrics we incorporate are flexible and tailored to individual goals. For example, a sales professional might want to track how many deals were closed as a result of connections made at an event. A recruiter might measure how successful the event was in identifying potential hires, while a user focused on partnerships would look at collaboration opportunities formed. Companies, on the other hand, may want insights into how well their representatives are meeting their networking goals at events.We’re continually fine-tuning these metrics to ensure users get meaningful, actionable insights that help them grow their networks. The goal is to provide each user with the data they need to understand their success and make the most of every connection.

The project is technically split into two parts: the presentational website and the mobile and web application. These are entirely separate projects, each built to serve its unique purpose without overlapping.For the presentational website, the decision to use WordPress with Elementor was straightforward. I often say the best tool is the one you know how to use effectively. Since we create WordPress websites with Elementor for clients daily, it was the fastest and most practical solution for our needs. This choice also sets us up for long-term flexibility. WordPress with Elementor allows for seamless content updates, easy integrations, and quick fixes—all of which are essential for scalable marketing management. It supports features like A/B testing, enabling us to refine user engagement strategies, and it’s intuitive enough for our marketing team to manage independently.

For the website, we envision an organic evolution, adding new features and content as the need arises. Our immediate priority is showcasing the app and building a strong network of professionals who use it. As the platform grows, the website will play a bigger role in supporting and inspiring this community.In the next phase, we plan to include case studies and success stories directly on the website to demonstrate how the app is being used effectively. This real-world insight will highlight the value of the platform and encourage others to join. We also aim to introduce more user-generated content (UGC), offering a space where users can share their experiences, feedback, and networking successes. These updates will make the website a hub for connection and inspiration, aligning with our mission to prioritise authentic human interactions while keeping the platform engaging and relevant.

The MVP phase has already provided valuable insights that are shaping the platform’s development. One significant shift has been our focus—from creating a product primarily promoted and used by event organizers to building a standalone app that integrates seamlessly with the most commonly used software solutions in business. This pivot ensures the app serves a broader audience and fits naturally into existing workflows.In the broader field of professional networking, we’ve noticed two key dynamics: the tools people habitually use and the gaps in functionality they often encounter. Our approach is to embrace those habits by integrating with widely adopted platforms rather than forcing users to change their behaviours. This makes adoption easier and ensures our app becomes a natural part of their routine.By focusing on integration and user habits, we believe this strategy can set a new standard in professional networking design. Instead of creating siloed tools, the emphasis shifts to building solutions that complement and enhance how people already connect, ultimately making networking more accessible and effective for everyone.