About me

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Picture of Nikka Foroughi in black and white sitting

Name: Nikka Foroughi

Alias: Teal Bird

Role: Product & UX Designer

Level: 5+ years

Next quest in progress

Master of Digital Experience Innovation - University of Waterloo

I make complex products feel clear, human and worth remembering.

I work where product thinking, research and visual storytelling meet. I ask a lot of questions, untangle complicated flows and care about how the whole experience feels, not only how each screen looks.

View my work Download my resume

My story, in three chapters:

Origin
Design was part of my life before it became my job. I grew up in an artistic family. My dad is a graphic designer, so I learned early that small visual choices can completely change how something feels. That curiosity led me to Interaction Design at Emily Carr, where I discovered that design was not only about making things beautiful. It could make complicated experiences easier, more inclusive and more human.

Now
My career started in a fast-moving startup world. At Castofly, I designed an AI-powered creation platform from the ground up. I worked across the product, brand, website and storytelling, learning how to move quickly without losing the details that make an experience memorable.

Today at ICBC, I work on complex public services used by people across British Columbia. The scale is different, but my goal is still the same: understand the real problem, remove unnecessary friction and make every step feel clear.

Next
I’m still learning, experimenting and evolving. In September 2026, I’ll begin the Master of Digital Experience Innovation at the University of Waterloo. I’m also exploring AI and Agent Experience, especially how people and intelligent systems can work together with more clarity, control and trust. The tools will keep changing. My intention will not: design technology around people, not the other way around.

My powers

pixel gif of a light bulb smiling and shining

Clarity

Untangling flows until the next step feels obvious. (My ICBC's payment plan design is the best example of this in practice.)

Deep Listening

Always asking and not assuming, then designing from what I learn. (Shown in the deep research and user testing behind projects like My ICBC and ID Online Card renewals and replacements projects.)

Visual Storytelling

Making ideas easier to follow, feel and remember. (Shown in this portfolio itself or promo videos I made for projects like Podofly and Caleido.)

pixel gif of a teal hummingbird on a rocket that "AI" is written on

Smart speed + Human Intention

Using AI to move faster, never to think for me. (This is simply how I work, on every project.)

Passion for discovery

I love uncovering the insight that changes everything for the better. (Like ICBC’s authentication illustrations, born from users guessing which ID to use.)

pixel gif of a piano that music notes comes out of it

Rhythm & Flow

I care about how the whole experience moves, not just how each screen looks. (Shown in how My ICBC’s services had to stay coherent across parallel workstreams, not just within one screen.)

Always Evolving

Learning, reflecting and becoming a stronger designer with every quest!

Achievement unlocked

My previous portfolio got noticed!

Before building this portfolio, I designed The Teal Bird, an interactive portfolio inspired by the speed, curiosity and personality of a hummingbird. It received an Awwwards Honorable Mention and recognition from the CSS Design Awards for its UX, UI, innovation and visual design. It was more than a place to show my work. It became a project of its own, and helped shape the personal brand I still carry today.

Outside the screen

When I’m not designing, I usually slow down through music, exercising and a little quiet time.

TRX

Training TRX resets my energy after spending too much time sitting. It keeps me focused and surprisingly competitive with myself.

Lakota flute

I picked up this flute because I loved how calm and earthy it sounded. I’m still learning, but that is part of the joy.

Piano

The piano has been part of my life for years. I play when I need to think, feel or simply step away from everything else.

Picture of a relaxing room with a plant next to the window , a sunny day

Meditation

A few quiet minutes help me slow down and return with a clearer mind. It is a small habit that makes a big difference.

Why I chose pixel art for my portfolio?

Small pixels. big thinking

Before interfaces became seamless, they were built pixel by pixel. I chose pixel art for my portfolio as a tribute to digital design’s roots and the power of thoughtful simplicity.

NIKKA FOROUGHI