Polina
Kabakova
Senior UX Designer with 10+ years of experience designing digital products and solving complex user problems. Experienced in UX research, interaction and visual design, prototyping, usability testing, and design systems. I work closely with product and engineering teams to turn user needs into practical, effective experiences.
Selected work
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SaaS Product Page Redesign
Enterprise UXInformation ArchitectureDesign SystemRedesigned 20+ high-traffic SaaS product pages, growing free-trial conversions 6×.
Password protected
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Connecting Climbers
Mobile UXCommunity & SocialUser ResearchDesigned a partner-finding app for climbers, grounded in 100+ interviews, that grew a fundraising-ready community.
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AR / Spatial Experience
Immersive / ARSpatial InterfacesPrototypingDesigned a fully self-guided AR installation making complex migraine science tangible on the conference floor.
About
I came to UX through graphic design and a genuine love of research. Over a decade, I've learned that the best product decisions start with understanding people, then earn their keep against real business goals.
Away from the screen
On the wall, 
has me reading a route before I touch it: patience, sequencing, calm decisions under real constraints.
On the dance floor, 
is collaboration made physical: listening, leading, following, staying in sync through change.
And 
resets my assumptions, and feeds the curiosity that makes research findings land as empathy.
Experience
Download Resume (PDF)2021–Present
OpenText
Senior UX Designer
Led UX initiatives across navigation, product pages, and campaign experiences, improving discoverability and contributing to up to 6× growth in free-trial conversions.
2019–2021
Red Nucleus
Intermediate UX Designer
Led UX design across 20+ responsive web apps and interactive tools.
2019–2023
RockBase Inc.
UX/UI Designer Passion Project
Led UX/UI design for a partner-finding app for rock climbers, using research and user testing to guide product development.
2015–2018
Public Good
Graphic Designer
Translated complex nonprofit and public-sector mandates into clear, accessible brand assets, print collateral, and campaign materials.
Education
Master of Information, UXD Concentration
University of Toronto · 2017–2019
Bachelor of Design, with Distinction
OCAD University · 2011–2015
Certification
UX Certification
Nielsen Norman Group · 2024