Veruzka Oropeza

I design for people and prototype in code.

I started in code, scaled as a program manager, and now design interfaces that simplify AI workflows and systems.

I'm a full-stack, AI-native product designer with 18 years in tech, blending software development, program management, and product design into a uniquely cross-functional approach. I led the design of Graft’s AI product from the ground up, and in my previous role, partnered with 15+ engineering teams to ship over 50 enterprise features.

My background lets me speak the language of engineers, align with business goals, and advocate for users, making me a strong partner across teams and a consistent driver of execution, with craft and clarity rooted in design.

MY process

The steps I typically follow when designing new features or products.

01

Understand the System

I analyze technical constraints, user context, and product architecture to ask the right questions early. What are we solving, and why? I map mental models and workflows to design from clarity, not assumptions.

02

Define Success

I align with Product, Engineering, and GTM on what success looks and feels like, behavior change, system trust, and simplified AI flows. Clear goals guide smart design.

03

Research Patterns and Gaps

I study structures, not just screens, mental models, technical flows, and user friction. Competitive audits and interviews reveal where complexity lives, and where it can be cut.

04

Architect and Explore

I explore early solutions through low-fidelity flows, but I also sketch structural patterns: how the system behaves, how user roles intersect, and how AI should reveal or hide its work. Divergence here sets the stage for smarter, scalable UX.

05

Build with Engineers

I embed early with engineering to shape better systems. We question old assumptions, map mental models, and co-create flows that reduce friction from the start.

06

Iterate with Intention

Not all parts of the process move at the same pace. I deliberately balance speed and depth, prototyping fast when the path is clear, and slowing down when details, trust, or alignment feel nebulous.

07

Test Like a System Owner

I test real flows, edge cases, and model behavior. Especially in AI, I validate not just the interface, but how the system earns trust and delivers value.

08

Ship, Refine, Scale

I polish for launch but stay engaged, spotting friction, evolving patterns, and scaling clarity as the product grows. Delivery is the beginning, not the end.

01

Understand the System

I analyze technical constraints, user context, and product architecture to ask the right questions early. What are we solving, and why? I map mental models and workflows to design from clarity, not assumptions.

02

Define Success

I align with Product, Engineering, and GTM on what success looks and feels like, behavior change, system trust, and simplified AI flows. Clear goals guide smart design.

03

Research Patterns and Gaps

I study structures, not just screens, mental models, technical flows, and user friction. Competitive audits and interviews reveal where complexity lives, and where it can be cut.

04

Architect and Explore

I explore early solutions through low-fidelity flows, but I also sketch structural patterns: how the system behaves, how user roles intersect, and how AI should reveal or hide its work. Divergence here sets the stage for smarter, scalable UX.

05

Build with Engineers

I embed early with engineering to shape better systems. We question old assumptions, map mental models, and co-create flows that reduce friction from the start.

06

Iterate with Intention

Not all parts of the process move at the same pace. I deliberately balance speed and depth, prototyping fast when the path is clear, and slowing down when details, trust, or alignment feel nebulous.

07

Test Like a System Owner

I test real flows, edge cases, and model behavior. Especially in AI, I validate not just the interface, but how the system earns trust and delivers value.

08

Ship, Refine, Scale

I polish for launch but stay engaged, spotting friction, evolving patterns, and scaling clarity as the product grows. Delivery is the beginning, not the end.

work experience

I stepped into AI design when the path wasn’t clear, just raw models, undefined UX, and complex systems. Every part of my journey, engineering, program management, and design, prepared me to shape that ambiguity into something human, useful, and real.

October 2021 - Present

Graft (AI Startup)

Lead Product Designer

Took a raw, technical AI product and iteratively redesigned it into something users could understand and adopt. Led design across the stack, conducted user research, supported Sales/PMs, reviewed live implementations, and advocated for polish and usability across the product. Collaborated closely with engineers to bridge design vision and execution.

October 2021 - Present

Graft (AI Startup)

Lead Product Designer

Took a raw, technical AI product and iteratively redesigned it into something users could understand and adopt. Led design across the stack, conducted user research, supported Sales/PMs, reviewed live implementations, and advocated for polish and usability across the product. Collaborated closely with engineers to bridge design vision and execution.

February 2025 - April 2025

Bright Bites (Side Project)

Product Design & Development

Designed and developed a live design system and live prototype from scratch. Built as a personal tool to explore design engineering craft. https://veruzka.github.io/bright-bites/

February 2025 - April 2025

Bright Bites (Side Project)

Product Design & Development

Designed and developed a live design system and live prototype from scratch. Built as a personal tool to explore design engineering craft. https://veruzka.github.io/bright-bites/

May 2015 - June 2020

Splunk

Program Manager

Shipped 50+ enterprise features across on-prem and cloud. Led cross-functional planning with Engineering, Infrastructure, and Product Design; drove prioritization of high-impact UX improvements in technical domains.

May 2015 - June 2020

Splunk

Program Manager

Shipped 50+ enterprise features across on-prem and cloud. Led cross-functional planning with Engineering, Infrastructure, and Product Design; drove prioritization of high-impact UX improvements in technical domains.

May 2008 - Jan 2015

CIBER

Software Developer

Built internal tools for enterprise clients (e.g., Disney, Elsevier) focused on stability, usability, and data management. Developed front- and back-end components using JavaScript, C#, and SQL for business operations platforms.

May 2008 - Jan 2015

CIBER

Software Developer

Built internal tools for enterprise clients (e.g., Disney, Elsevier) focused on stability, usability, and data management. Developed front- and back-end components using JavaScript, C#, and SQL for business operations platforms.

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Send me a message

veruzkaoropeza@gmail.com

+1 (407) 927-0349

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