Hi, I'm Maaya. I am a designer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a dual background in Cognitive Science and Design from UC Davis and a Master’s in HCI from UC Santa Cruz, I focus on turning complexity into clarity. My approach is rooted in the “why”, leveraging cognitive heuristics to make digital products feel natural.

I have a strong foundation in user research and systems thinking, shaped by experience across academic research, enterprise tools, and early-stage products. I have led end-to-end UX efforts, synthesizing large research datasets into actionable design direction and moving concepts to high-fidelity prototypes.

During my free time, I find inspiration in photography, video editing, DJing, cooking, and content curation. Whether I’m behind a screen, a lens, or in the kitchen, I’m driven by a desire to innovate and spark connection.