Daniella Marooney

About Me

I taught myself HTML at 10 to build an *NSYNC fan site. I was convinced they’d see it and pull me on stage. They didn’t, but I kept designing anyway.

Now I work on complex tools for fintech, policy, security, and healthcare. I focus on systems, workflows, and features that actually get used. I’ve built design systems, led AI projects, and cleaned up messy interfaces more times than I can count.

I specialize in…

• Design systems

• Complex workflows

• AI-integrated features

• Cross-functional collaboration

My design philosophy

• Design is a team sport

• Every screen should have a job

• Complexity should be hidden, not ignored

• If users are guessing, you’ve failed

My process

Under the hood, I always go back to the old Double Diamond: I explore the problem space, define what matters, ideate quickly, and validate before refining. I balance speed with clarity. I don’t skip over research or feedback. And I don’t treat handoff like the end of the work.

• Get context & gather all info

• Talk to people

• Map the mess

• Test early

• Ship clean

• Document it

I love and thrive in roles where design, product, and engineering act like one team. I ask questions, act as the voice of the user, share context, and push for clarity when things get muddy.

What I would love for my next role…

I’m looking for an IC role where I can help shape a smart, cohesive AI product. No standalone gimmicks. I want to build something useful that fits into the product naturally and makes people’s lives easier. Fast-paced environments with quick turn arounds

Let me know if the AI team is hiring. Or if *NSYNC needs an app designed for their reunion tour.

Random but relevant things...

I love elephants. Their memory is absurd. They communicate across miles by stomping the ground. My coworkers say I always bring up the elephant in the room. They’re not wrong. If there’s a backend problem no one wants to touch, I’ll call it out and push to solve it.

When I’m not working, I paint, draw, chalk up my driveway, or bullet journal. My paintings and drawings mostly involve landscapes (and elephants) and still life. Sometimes I like them enough to hang them up.