Julia Paranay

Hey there, I'm Julia —

I've spent the last ten years immersed in the dynamic world of design in Boston, MA. In my current role at Product Insight, I'm leading design of end-to-end experiences that span both digital interfaces and real-world interactions. I take a systems-level approach to design, shaping every touchpoint in the user journey and partnering closely with engineering to ensure implementation aligns with user needs and practical constraints.

In my previous role as a Principal Product Designer at Motional, I focused on shaping the future of autonomous vehicles. Working collaboratively with Product, Research, Engineering and other partners, I led planning, strategy and vision on key priorities from concept to completion. Working in the fast-paced realm of cutting-edge technology within the AI-driven vehicle sector, every day brought fresh challenges and exciting innovations. On my teams, I applied meticulous organization, process improvements, and comprehensive documentation to ensure efficiency and accessibility. My dedication to keeping projects well-organized and thoroughly documented was instrumental in ensuring smooth workflows and successful outcomes.

At Motional, I oversaw one direct report, building upon my previous experiences at Accenture Digital Products where I mentored junior designers going through the apprentice program. At Accenture, I worked as a design consultant leading teams in crafting clean, meaningful, and accessible products for diverse clients across industries such as Finance, Insurance, Consumer Electronics, Consumer Goods, Education, E-Commerce, Small Businesses, Public Sector, Healthcare, and Aerospace Engineering.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply engaged in the design community, taking on roles that allow me to connect with fellow designers and mentor emerging talents. This has included co-hosting Practice Makes, a bi-monthly design meetup in Boston. At Motional, I have been an active member of the social committee, contributing to the establishment of a vibrant community post-COVID through organizing company events and hosting monthly board game nights. I also host a monthly art meetup where colleagues gather to learn new forms of creativity, crafts, and explore various design outlets.

Away from my desk, I'm constantly seeking new avenues for learning and growth. Recently, I completed a leadership essentials certificate with Cornell University and am now delving into 3D modeling with Blender, which has been crucial in my current role. Through Motional, I took part in Ali Levin's CLEAR program which built on my leadership and coaching skills. In October 2022, I completed a week-long, in-person management training course upon assuming my managerial role at Motional.

Front-end development is another passion of mine. I've taken classes through One Month and General Assembly, learning HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Coding has been a consistent source of excitement for me over the years. I crafted this portfolio website using Github, Bootstrap, and VS Code, and am constantly seeking out new ways to refine and improve it.

Outside of work, you'll often find me on wheels – whether it's biking, skating, or riding my motorcycle. I also enjoy learning new crafts, playing board and video games, watching thrillers, listening to audio books, painting, gardening, photography, weightlifting and cooking new plant-based recipes.

If you're interested in collaborating or simply want to connect, don't hesitate to reach out!