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About Matt

I'm Matt.
I've been where
you're trying to go.

18+ years in design. Teams at Fortune 500s. Products people actually use. And every version of the career ladder you can imagine — including the parts nobody talks about.

Connect on LinkedIn →
Matt Karakilic — founder of Designed Forward
18+
Years in industry
Recognized by the best
Tony Robbins
1,000+
Coaching hours
Background

Why I built
Designed Forward

I've spent 18+ years in design — leading teams at Fortune 500s, building products people actually use, and navigating every version of the career ladder you can imagine.

I didn't set out to become a coach. But over time I noticed that the people around me — designers, career changers, students, senior leaders — kept asking the same kinds of questions. And I had real answers, because I'd lived through the real problems.

The gap between where talented people are and where they want to be isn't a skills gap. It's an access gap. The right conversation with the right person can change everything — but most people don't have that person in their corner.

Designed Forward exists because I believe everyone deserves access to honest, experienced guidance — not just the people lucky enough to know the right person.

"The comeback starts here. Wherever here is for you."

Credentials
🎓
Digital Design Instructor, Emily Carr University of Art + Design
A globally recognized institution with a reputation for creative excellence and a thriving community of students, faculty, and alumni
🌍
Global R&D UX Director, Hitachi Energy
Led a 15-person distributed team across 4 continents
🏆
Student Entrepreneur of the Year — SFU
Two Guinness World Records — because why not
📋
UXPA Conference Chair
Volunteering to build the design community, not just talk about it
🤝
UX Consultant — Fortune 500 brands
HP, SAP, Best Buy, AutoTrader, Hitachi Energy, UKG and more
Coaching philosophy

The way I think about
helping people move forward

01
Honest over comfortable
I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm here to help you see what you're actually missing — and what to do about it. Influenced by Gabor Maté and the belief that real growth starts with real honesty.
02
Presence over prescription
Most people don't need a 12-step framework. They need someone to actually look at their situation — clearly, without ego — and help them find their own next step. Inspired by Eckhart Tolle's focus on presence and clarity.
03
Access for everyone
Good guidance shouldn't be reserved for people who know the right person. Designed Forward is built to democratize access to the kind of real, experience-backed support that used to require the right connection.
Hitachi Energy
Best Buy
UKG
UXPA
AutoTrader
Ulti
BobJ
Alopex
KTVA
UFP
BioBuilds
Capalyze
Qubik
Stone
Teledoctor
SimplyReceipts
Headsets
SAP
What people say
Don't take my word for it.
★★★★★
"In just one meeting, Matt identified a potential pattern in my career. His storytelling led to so many 'Aha' moments. I'm incredibly impressed and would highly recommend Matt as a mentor."
Linda Phan
Student, Coursera
★★★★★
"He gave me actionable insights and helped me feel more confident. I left feeling empowered and more clear about my next steps. I highly recommend Matt to anyone seeking support in their design career."
Stefanie Leung
Consultant, EY
★★★★★
"He doesn't just teach you how to do things — he explains why things are done a certain way. His advice is grounded in reality yet always framed by a vision of what is possible."
Roland Somlai
Research Analyst, Climateworks Centre
★★★★★
"Matt is laser-focused on solving problems. What stood out was his active listening — he consistently ensures he's addressing the exact question you're asking. Clear, productive, every time."
Eddie Wang
Product Designer, Carnegie Mellon University
★★★★★
"He was transparent and direct. I felt heard as I shared my challenges around career transition. Matt noted specific areas to improve and encouraged me to integrate my experience. I recommend!"
Lauren Yankiling
UI/UX Design, Springboard
★★★★★
"He provided me with three simple and actionable steps to structure my approach — exactly the guidance I was looking for. With his unique method, I'm now more confident in how to be a better designer."
Mariam Benjamaa Aboumoudriq
UX/UI Designer, UC Irvine
Work with Matt Directly

1:1 coaching — for when you need the real conversation.

Sometimes AI and community aren't enough. If you're at a major decision point — a career pivot, a negotiation, a job search — a direct session with Matt gives you personalized, no-BS guidance built around your exact situation.

Book a Free Discovery Call →
What's covered
  • → Resume, portfolio & positioning
  • → Job search & salary negotiation
  • → Career pivots & transitions
  • → Leadership & getting unstuck
  • → Personalized to your exact situation
First call is free. No pitch, no pressure — just an honest conversation.
Ready when you are

You don't have to
figure this out alone.

Join free today. No credit card, no commitment. Just a community of people who are actually moving forward — and a coach who shows up.

Join Free → Let's Talk →