E
Elena Molinari
Product Designer at TUI
"It’s better to regret something you did than to regret something you didn’t do."
Last updated on 27 Aug, 2025
How did you get started in your role as a designer?
I started as a fashion designer about 10 years ago when I lived in Belarus. But after a year in the industry, I realised it wasn’t for me and transitioned into graphic design. I worked for around 2 years as a graphic designer before transitioning again, this time into product design. Creating my first portfolio was tough, so I took on a lot of freelance work to showcase my skills. Then I joined an enterprise-level FinTech company, which really boosted my career. After 4 years in FinTech, I moved to London, UK, where I joined Intercom. And finally, after 2 years in London, I moved to Sydney, Australia, where I’m currently working at Propeller, building 3D maps for construction.
What are the responsibilities of your role as a designer?
End-to-end product design. Starting from problem definition and validation, working closely with product managers and stakeholders. From there, I run research, create designs, validate assumptions, finalise solutions, and make sure they get shipped to deliver real value to customers.
What difficulties do you encounter in your role as a designer?
How to ensure that the thing I design doesn’t become a half-baked feature, but instead a real product that delivers real value.
How do you incorporate the apps in your design process?
Apps are just tools, I don't want them to be too noticeable. Figma for designs, presentations, workshops, etc. AI tools like GPT and Cursor to vibe code, challenge ideas, figure our complex things, work with copy, and many other scenarios. Mobbin to find references, inspiration and patterns. Notions to dump thoughts, ideas, plans and organise projects.
What advice would you give to your younger self trying to get into the field of design?
Try everything, learn fast, and don't afraid to be judged or to make mistakes.
Do you have any regrets in your journey in becoming a designer?
No, everything worked out perfectly.
As a designer how do you stay inspired?
By exploring different tools and always looking at how tech can actually make the world a better place.
Figma
Figma helps design and development teams build great products, together.
Used by 19 designers
ChatGPT
Free to use. Easy to try. Just ask and ChatGPT can help with writing, learning, brainstorming, and more.
Used by 10 designers
Notion
Write. Plan. Collaborate. With a little help from AI.
Used by 8 designers
Adobe Illustrator
With powerful new features in Illustrator, you can create graphics that match your style, explore dozens of options, and finish designs faster.
Used by 7 designers
Mobbin
Discover real-world design inspiration.
Used by 5 designers
Adobe Creative Cloud
Anywhere your imagination takes you.
Used by 4 designers