Alessandra Canestrini
/**
* Hands-on UX Designer bridging design, development, and business needs
* Background in theater, fashion, and digital
* Bringing empathy, creativity, and process thinking to complex projects
*/
$ cat about.txt
Hi, I’m Alessandra—a UX designer based in Munich with a background in literature, theater, and fashion. My career began in creative writing and performance, then moved into leading teams in retail, and eventually brought me to digital product design. These diverse experiences have taught me the value of empathy, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
I believe good design starts with truly understanding people and crafting solutions that feel natural and intuitive. I enjoy working closely with developers and colleagues from all areas, believing that the best results come when diverse skills and perspectives unite.
Having grown in both creative and management roles, I look forward to taking on new challenges and contributing even more to the growth and success of UX teams.
Background
Experience
2021 - present
UX Designer
IU INTERNATIONALE HOCHSCHULE, remote
2018 - 2020
E-Commerce Manager
MARION HEINRICH, Munich
2016 - 2018
Assistant Store Manager
ZADIG & VOLTAIRE, Munich
Technical skills & Methods
$ cat skills.json
User Research & Personas (qualitative & quantitative)
Complex User Journey Mapping & Flow Optimization
AI- Integrated Wprkflows (Cursor, ChatGPT, Claude, Lovable)
Workshop Facilitation & Stakeholder Alignment (Miro, FigJam)
Concept Development & Rapid Prototyping (Figma, Figma Make)
Information Architecture & Card Sorting (Miro, optimal Workshop)
Usability Testing ( Rapidusertests, TestingTime, surveys, analytics)
Cross-functional Collaboration (Agile, Jira, Confluence)
Basic HTML/CSS (for better collaboration & Handoff)
SEO Awarness & Data-driven Insights (Google Analytics, Clarity, Amplitude)
//CORE_VALUES
[X]Hands-on mindset
[X]Developer Collaboration
[X]AI-driven Workflows
[X]Creative Thinking
[X]User-first Approach
[X]Open-minded
$ ls -l projects/
Selected Work
[01]
IU_ONE DOMAIN PROJECT
From three Websites to one
MAt IU University, I contributed to a team effort to address the complexity, higher costs, and fragmented user experience caused by maintaining multiple separate websites. By consolidating these into a single unified platform (iu.de), we streamlined operations, strengthened brand consistency, improved user journeys, and reduced expenses
//DISCOVERY //PROTOTYPE //TEST
IU_DUALES STUDIUM PORTAL
[02]
University Application Portal
While working as a UX designer for IU University, user interviews revealed confusion during the application process—especially for Duales Studium, where finding a Praxispartner adds extra steps. We responded by redesigning the portal with a user-first, mobile-first approach and introducing guided, wizard-style flows to make the process clearer and more intuitive
//GAMIFICATION //USER GUIDANCE //MOBILE-FIRST
[03]
IU_FERNSTUDIUM
Marketing Website
From 2020 to 2023, I was a UX Designer for IU Fernstudium, Germany’s leading online university. Working closely with developers and product owners, I focused on creating user-friendly tools to help prospective students easily find and apply to the right study program.
//GAMIFICATION //USER NEEDS
[04]
BIKERGIRL
Women on bikes app
bikergirl.com is a web app created for women who love to cycle—whether for travel, fitness, or everyday life. The platform lets users connect directly with industry experts for advice on bike maintenance, trip planning, wellness tips, and even cycling style, helping make every ride enjoyable, empowering, and accessible.
//DESIGN THINKING
[05]
MARION HEINRICH
Fashion online shop
As E-Commerce Manager for Marion Heinrich’s luxury boutiques, I transformed their website into a successful online shop using WordPress and WooCommerce. By improving usability, optimizing content, and driving targeted marketing campaigns, I significantly increased sales and ensured ongoing growth.
//E-COMMERCE
When I am not designin
$ cat interests.txt
[01]
Arts I’ve loved movement and creativity since childhood, starting with dance and later studying at a theater academy. I’m drawn to performance art because it blends so many forms of expression. You can see my diploma theater play here
Theater & Performance Art
[02]
I have a deep passion for music—everything from classical and Celtic tunes to metal and techno. I love discovering new sounds and going to live concerts whenever I can
From Classics to Techno
Running and cycling are a big part of my life—I’ve completed two marathons and enjoy bikepacking adventures. I also love watching cyclocross races (always with “cyclocross-approved snacks” close by)
Running, bikepacking & cyclocross
[03]
[04]
Being Italian, food is of course very important. I enjoy French cheese and red wine tastings, and I love baking my own pizza.
Pizza, Cheese & Red Wine
Get in touch
Interested in working together or learning more about my experience? Please feel free to reach out—I’m always open to new opportunities and meaningful conversations
$ cat contact_form.txt