Hi, I'm Ela!
I'm a UX Designer of 7+ years, mainly working in the games industry - specifically live productions (Rainbow Six Siege, XDefiant, and Ubisoft Connect). Prior to games, I also worked on device UI and engineering tools.
I hold an MSc degree in Human-Computer Interaction and a BEng in Applied Computer Science. I'm also a certified accessibility practicioner, as well as a mentor at The Very Secret Society of Women in Games.
I specialize in developing player(data)-backed feature designs and strategies to keep games fun.
I thrive with product complexity, strong research foundations, and venturing out to identify the small details that spark joy. Even within challenging productions, I always find ways to put players and communities first.
My immense curiosity and drive to connect (with) people of all backgrounds are my two strongest assets (if we don't count making S-tier memes). Years of experience in content creation taught me important skills around community management, active listening, direct (yet strategic) communication, and the balance between approachability and confidence.
Work Snapshot
A few features I've worked on as the leading hands-on designer
Password found on my submitted resume (not on this page)
After Action Report
Multiplayer ● Live Ops ● Tactical FPS ● Competitive
Iterating the After Action Report experience
Limited-Time Events
Multiplayer ● Live Ops ● Arena FPS ● Free to Play
Designing the first seasonal event as an entire system
Games Library
Desktop App ● Live Ops ● Global Games Launcher
Redesigning the Ubisoft Connect Library Experience
More main + side quests I've worked on
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After Action Report Rework
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Onboarding, FTUE & skill growth
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Game terminology documentation & Glossary alignment
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Player behaviour and safety
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CPR for internal playtests
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Limited-time live events
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HUD (Special game modes)
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Retention design
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Onboarding/FTUE
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Player insights & Gameplay stats
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Rewards celebration
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Player HUB optimization
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MTX design
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Creative brainstorming & strategy
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Games library and product page
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Global design system
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Accessibility guidelines
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Global focus navigation
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Downloads & digital entitlement
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Anti-toxicity research/strategy
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Subscriptions and MTX
Feedback
Hear from some of the wonderful people I've gotten to work with
"Ela is the most passionate, inventive, and user-focused UX designer I have ever worked with. Her exceptional ability to gather, analyze, and organize data to understand our users’ diverse needs and translate them into designs makes her an invaluable member of any team. Ela goes above and beyond to truly comprehend not only the users but also the dynamics of the team she collaborates with. (...) I learned a lot from working alongside Ela and feel immensely privileged to have had the opportunity to collaborate with her during my time at Ubisoft. Her unparalleled passion, dedication to her craft, and genuine care for her team are truly inspiring."
Zenith Nelson
Technical UI Designer (Ubisoft)
"I love working with Ela! She showed a real passion for video games and a great curiosity to understand things before jumping into solutions. She’s super friendly, easy to talk to, and really involved in the team. I’m really glad I got to work with her."
Cecilia Pasquali
Associate UX Lead (Ubisoft)
"Working with Ela has been an absolute pleasure. She is one of the most genuine and caring individuals I have had the privilege of working with. Her commitment to ensuring that accessibility standards are not only established but consistently upheld is remarkable. Ela's UX design decisions are always grounded in data and research, never mere opinion. Ela made an incredible impact by single-handedly creating accessibility resources in a team that previously had none. Her background in computer science equips her with a deep technical understanding that she applies seamlessly to any team or project she is part of. Beyond her technical expertise, Ela brings a remarkable level of empathy - whether for our players or her colleagues. Her kindness and thoughtfulness have left an indelible mark on our team. I deeply miss having Ela as part of the team; she has left both a professional and personal void that’s hard to fill."
Natali Panic-Cidic
User Researcher (Ubisoft) & The Secret Society of Women in Games Founder
About Me
Bonus section for the curious :)
Born and raised in the quiet countryside of the Bavarian Forest, games made me dream of big adventures early on (look at our sick Aldi rig my Dad got us when I was 7).
I then studied in the UK, worked in Austria, and briefly even moved to Australia. I'm currently back in Germany, wondering where life will lead me next (when's fast-travelling unlocked??).
I feel extremely fortunate to work in an industry I love, and getting to be deeply passionate and curious about my work every day.
Designing is a privilege (we get to decide how things work for others!!), so I strive to achieve a long-lasting, positive impact for all players/users, and the wonderful people I get to work with.
Games bring us together. The friends I've made via games have accompanied me for decades, and hopefully for a lifetime <3 Playing sparks our inspiration, makes us feel capable, and allows us to recharge and escape. In these times of uncertainty and drifting apart, this feels like an extra important mission that makes me want to give my best every single day.
Currently learning: Mandarin Chinese (汉语非常着迷 <3)
Currently playing: Infinity Nikki, VALORANT, Dorfromantik
Currently reading: Babel (R.F. Kuang), The Plague (Albert Camus)
Currently fave esports moment: T1 Oner not knowing how to play Mundo 😭
3 random life side quests:
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I'm currently holding 3 speedrun world records (which game? Ask me over a coffee :) )
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I met LoL legend Bjergsen at a random house party
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Collectively I raised over 53.000€ for various charities, together with the wonderful online community I've built
Journey before destination
