Morné Leander

UX Lead, Product Designer
Johannesburg, ZA.

About

Highly accomplished UX Lead and Product Designer with 19 years of comprehensive design experience, including 12 years specializing in UX/UI and product design. Proven leader in cross-functional Agile environments, driving the development of intuitive digital products and mentoring high-performing design teams to deliver exceptional user experiences at scale.

Work

Vodacom
|

UX Design Lead

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Led a team of designers across mobile channels, overseeing UX/UI for key applications and contributing to the strategic evolution of design systems.

Highlights

Led and managed a team of designers, overseeing UX/UI for critical mobile channels including My Vodacom App, VodaPay mini-apps, and responsive web platforms.

Mentored and developed emerging designers and graduates, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement within the design team.

Drove the design of scalable UX/UI solutions, significantly contributing to the evolution and implementation of comprehensive design systems.

Collaborated cross-functionally with product and engineering teams to align design strategies with business objectives and user needs in an Agile environment.

Vodacom
|

Senior User Experience Specialist

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Designed and optimized user experiences and interfaces through comprehensive research, prototyping, and stakeholder collaboration.

Highlights

Conducted extensive user research, data analysis, persona creation, and user testing to inform design decisions, creating detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes for optimal user flows.

Translated complex business requirements into intuitive navigation, content, and user flows across diverse interfaces including mobile apps, websites, and portals.

Optimized user experiences by strategically balancing business objectives, technological constraints, and critical user needs to deliver impactful solutions.

Actively participated in key Vodacom initiatives, including innovation sprints, job shadow programs, UX inductions, and hackathons, fostering a culture of design excellence.

ThoughtWorks
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Senior User Experience Consultant

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Provided expert UX/UI consulting, driving user-centric design strategies from research to implementation for diverse clients.

Highlights

Delivered high-impact UX/UI design solutions as a consultant, ensuring exceptional user experiences across various client projects.

Executed end-to-end user experience processes, from comprehensive research and persona development to wireframing, prototyping, and user testing, enhancing usability.

Translated complex business and technical requirements into intuitive design solutions for mobile, web, and portal interfaces, optimizing user journeys.

Successfully navigated and integrated business objectives, technological capabilities, and user needs to deliver balanced and effective design strategies.

Gijima
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Design Manager | UX/UI, Art Director

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Managed a design team and oversaw UX/UI and art direction, enhancing design quality and team capabilities.

Highlights

Led and managed a team of two designers, providing mentorship and strategic guidance, while also supporting two marketing designers.

Directed UX/UI design initiatives, implementing user research, data analysis, and prototyping to create intuitive and engaging user experiences.

Oversaw graphic design projects, including print adverts, websites, email marketing, and social media campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and visual impact.

Collaborated cross-functionally to translate business requirements into effective design solutions, balancing user needs with technological constraints.

Brandsmiths
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Graphic Designer

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Designed diverse graphic materials and managed client relationships from concept to final product.

Highlights

Designed a wide range of graphic assets including print advertisements, corporate identities, logos, and digital marketing materials for diverse clients.

Managed client relationships from initial concept ideation through to final product delivery, ensuring alignment with client vision and project goals.

Contributed to creative brainstorming sessions, translating complex ideas into compelling visual narratives and effective design solutions.

INCE.MOTIV
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Graphic Designer

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Produced comprehensive graphic design collateral for investor relations, from concept development to final execution.

Highlights

Developed comprehensive graphic design solutions for investor relations, including annual reports, corporate identities, and digital/print collateral.

Contributed to strategic brainstorming sessions, translating conceptual ideas into compelling visual designs and finished products.

Ensured brand consistency and high-quality visual communication across all design outputs for investor and corporate stakeholders.

Education

Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Diploma

Graphic Design

St Thomas Secondary School
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Matric

General Studies

Awards

Designer of the South African Parliamentary Emblem

Awarded By

South African Parliament

Selected as one of 20 designers nationwide to conceptualize and design the official South African Parliamentary Emblem, a significant national recognition.

Certificates

AgilePM Certification

Issued By

APMG International

Skills

Design Software

Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure, Keynote, Balsamiq, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop.

UX/UI Design

User Research, Data Analysis, Persona Creation, Brainstorming, User Testing, Wireframing, Prototyping, Design Systems, Information Architecture, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Responsive Design, Mobile App Design, Web Design.

Product Design & Strategy

Product Design, Strategic Planning, Business Requirements Gathering, Cross-functional Collaboration, Agile Methodologies, Design Thinking, Problem-Solving.

Leadership & Mentorship

Team Leadership, Mentoring, Talent Development, Project Management, Art Direction.

Graphic Design & Branding

Graphic Design, Brand Identity, Corporate ID, Digital Marketing Design, Print Design, Client Management, Concept Development.

References

Cabangubuhle Vilakazi

Head Of Department (Vodacom) | CONTACT: 087 289 8928 / 082 888 8122

Sebabatso Mtimkulu

UX Manager (Vodacom) | CONTACT: 076 429 7783

Jaco van den Heever

UX Manager (Vodacom) | CONTACT: 072 824 4888

Mark Rolle

Head Of Department (Gijima) | CONTACT: 083 788 1610