Alumni Story – Marianne Abreu
Who are you and what do you do?
Hello! My name is Marianne Abreu and I’m a senior product designer and leader with almost 15 years of experience creating products and online experiences. I currently work as a Lead UX Designer for YouTube.
Previously, I worked at Samsung, where was part of an ambitious and design-driven product development effort to build consumer-grade augmented reality and VR glasses. My work has influenced multiple Samsung generations of smart TVs, smart home products (internet of things) and smartphones.
On the side, I have been involved in numerous art projects and exhibitions – from painting to interactive installations and creative code.
In Brazil, I worked as part of the prestigious UX group at Globo.com, the internet portal for the largest TV network in Latin America and the second-largest worldwide; and for organizations like Purpose and Avaaz to create “MeuRio” – a mobilization group that seeks for more transparency in politics. Besides building products that are proven to improve people’s lives, I design products that help companies leverage investments and increase consumer engagement.
During my school years, I earned a master degree in Strategic Design and Management from the Parsons School of Design and a bachelor degree in Industrial Design and Visual Design from the University of Brasilia.
Where are you originally from?
I’m from Brasilia, Brazil.
What year did you graduate from the MS SDM program?
2014
In what ways did the work/research you did at Parsons prepare you for that transition and the work you’re doing now?
It helped me to be more aware of ‘design strategy’ and the management tools associated with it.
How has the MS-SDM program challenged you to grow as a Strategic Designer?
The program opened my mind and allowed me to think about products from other perspectives, rather than just through ‘design eyes’.
If you were to give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?
Try to practice the learnings as you go, it is easier and better to learn with practice. If you are not working right now, try to mimic them in your daily life!
What book are you reading right now?