"The future is uncertain but promising."

I'm Manuel, an Interaction Designer & Industrial Design Engineer.

Passionate about technology and its impact on people, I specialize in interaction design. I recently graduated with honours with a double degree Master's in Human Computer Interaction & Design (HCID) from UPM and Aalto, where I was able to link my studies directly to industry by completing a six-month research internship at Sisteplant, an industry leader in industrial digital transformation.

After studying Industrial Design Engineering in Valencia and receiving several awards for academic excellence, I had the opportunity to work at Ford Motor Company, where I developed creative, communication, and innovation skills.

On a personal level, I see myself as empathetic with a good sense of humor. My hobbies include sports, motorcycle rides, and reading (yes, manga too). Motivated by curiosity, I am always ready to learn and think in different ways to solve problems. One of my favourite quotes is, "the future is uncertain but promising."

Experience

Mar 2025 - Aug 2025

UI/UX Designer Intern (M.Sc. Thesis)

Sisteplant

Completed a six-month, industry-based research internship for my M.Sc. in HCID. Planned and executed the complete end-to-end UCD redesign of a CMMS mobile application, collaborating directly with clients and developers.

Jul 2022 - Jun 2023

UI/UX Designer

Ford Motor Company & TSE

Advanced into a full-time role to design and improve the user experience for VR training applications and new web interfaces. Sole designer on the Launch VR Team, responsible for creation from concept to user validation.

Nov 2021 - Jun 2022

UI/UX Designer Intern

Ford Motor Company

Completed an internship focused on designing User Interfaces for Virtual Reality (VR) applications. Utilized UI design tools to prototype immersive interfaces and gathered feedback from users.

Education

2024 - 2025

M.Sc. Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID)

Aalto University (Year 2)

Second year of the EIT Digital double degree, specializing in advanced interaction design.

2023 - 2024

M.Sc. Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID)

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Year 1)

First year of the program establishing foundations in User-Centered Design and research.

2023 - 2025

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Minor

EIT Digital Master School

Certificate in Digital Technologies and Entrepreneurship validating business creation skills.

2018 - 2022

B.Eng. Industrial Design Engineering & Product Development

Polytechnic University of Valencia

Bachelor's Degree graduated with honors (Best Academic Record of the promotion).

Honors & Awards

2025

Academic Excellence Award

Generalitat Valenciana

Highest regional recognition for exceptional academic performance in the Bachelor's degree.

2022

Best Graduate Award

Polytechnic Univ. of Valencia

Award for the Best Academic Record of the entire graduating promotion (Industrial Design).

2019

Winner - STARTUPV 2K19

IDEAS UPV (Entrepreneurship Contest)

Winner in the 'Advanced Idea' category for an innovative business proposal at the VI edition.

2019

2nd Year Academic Award

Polytechnic Univ. of Valencia

Recognition for the best academic record during the second year of the degree.

2018

1st Year Academic Award

Polytechnic Univ. of Valencia

Recognition for the best academic record during the first year of the degree.