About Me

My Journey into Design

Hi, I'm Juan. I specialize in making mission-critical software, from industrial systems to legal tools, feel as simple as consumer apps.

My design journey began in the early 2000s and has evolved through every major shift in digital design. Today, I work at the intersection of complex systems and human needs: enterprise tools, industrial interfaces, and human rights technology. Through it all, my principles remain constant: making powerful tools simple, humane, and usable. (And yes, beautiful, I believe beauty matters.)

Until August 2025, I lead design at HURIDOCS, a human rights organization where I helped defenders structure, manage, and preserve critical legal evidence. Whether it's modernizing the Uwazi platform used by 150+ organizations, designing secure tools for fieldwork, or making machine learning accessible to non-technical users, my work directly impacted those fighting for justice worldwide.

Beyond human rights tech, I've designed enterprise software for Fortune 500 companies across logistics, fintech, and healthcare. I thrive on solving messy problems with sharp constraints, the kind where user needs, technical limitations, and business goals create fascinating design challenges.

Based in Quito, Ecuador. Working globally. Fluent in Spanish, English and French.

How I Work

I'm hands-on and collaborative, working best in small, mission-driven teams where research, prototyping, and iteration drive decisions. I care equally about front-end feasibility, stakeholder alignment, and user experience, because great design happens when all three align.

While tools evolve, good design is rooted in clarity, empathy, and relevance. I bring both strategic thinking and practical execution to every project.

Skills & Expertise

Beyond the Screen

When I'm not designing interfaces, you'll find me exploring Quito with my camera, getting lost in Latin American literature, or writing about design and technology. These pursuits aren't just hobbies, photography sharpens my eye for composition, reading deepens my empathy for different perspectives, and writing clarifies my thinking about complex problems.

Let's Connect

I'm always interested in connecting with fellow designers, discussing new opportunities, or exploring how design can drive meaningful impact. Whether you need someone to tackle complex enterprise UX, lead design for mission-driven products, or bring clarity to ambitious technical projects, let's talk.

Get in touch: hola@juanmnl.com

Download Resume Send me an email