Izel Maras is a design technologist who designs and codes human–computer interactions. She works across systems with a focus on empowering people who lack access or resources and on building tools for creative expression. Her process is guided by AI, code, and generative methods, and grounded in color, motion, and prototyping. She is also the founder of Desen, a crochet and knit object brand. She loves Bauhaus.

2015
Computer Science & Visual Arts
Tufts University, Boston
2015
Designer-Developer Apprentice
Marcelo Coelho Studio (MIT Media Lab), Cambridge, MA
Prototyped hybrid digital-physical interfaces: designed enclosures, coded in Processing, and built an Arduino-based wearable that bridged form and computation.
2015-17
Visual Designer
frog Design, New York
Refined typography and visual design principles. Conducted ethnographic research, synthesized insights into journey maps and archetypes, and facilitated design thinking workshops. Designed interfaces for TouchTunes, BNY Mellon, and generative graphics for Verizon's 5G launch.
2017-22
Senior Interaction Designer
Verizon
Established Verizon's first centralized design system. Designed growth experiences for Verizon Up rewards program. Built the company's first Figma design system with Storybook integration. Designed conversational interfaces for chat bots and watchfaces for GizmoWatch, Verizon's children's wearable.
2022-24
Head of Design
Roon
First design hire. Defined product vision, designed MVP, and shipped iOS app. Built a unified design system enabling consistent experiences across iOS, web, and content updates. Designed video-first content formats, creator tools, and non-linear navigation patterns. Product received VC funding and entered Sequoia Capital's Arc program.
2024
Seismic Alarm
iOS app that monitors environmental motion and delivers instant alerts for earthquake safety. Designed and developed independently. App Store
2024-25
Lead Designer
Chime, MyPay
Redesigned early wage access experience with a dual-dial interface: accumulated balance on the left, projected earnings on the right. Received interaction design patent. Leading AI Ă— Design initiatives, advocating for AI-fueled prototyping and development workflows.