TOLANI SMITH

About

👋🏽 Howdy!

"Think left and think right and think low and think high.
Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!"

~ Dr. Seuss

My Philosophy 🧠 —>

I am passionate about understanding people's lives and learning how to truly make them better. I find the converging of ideas and collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams to be one of the most exciting parts of the design process as well as seeing the wireframes become final interactive prototypes and live applications.

From Engineering to Design 👷🏽‍♀️ —>

My background is in computer engineering, with previous internships as a Software Engineer. From my two internships as a SWE at Apple, I worked with their Human Interface Teams and learned about their impact and the field of user experience design. I then discovered the HCI program at University of Michigan and was so excited to learn more about this new field.

Currently 😃 —>

I am finishing up my Masters at the University of Michigan, graduating May 2026.

Playing with more AI integration into my design process. Using stitch.withgoogle, FigmaMake, Cursor and Claude primarily.

I am seeking full-time opportunities in Product/UX Design and Research.

Offline Life

Painting
My favorite decorations are the ones I make myself! I started painting memes as a stress relief during the pandemic, but I have since enjoyed watching the mosaic of memes grow on my wall! I now have about 30 paintings and counting!
Traveling
Here I am visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa! I had so much fun learning about why and how the tower is leaning as well as touring the Cathedral next to it - Duomo di Pisa. My longest trip abroad was six weeks in Finland in the summer of 2019.
Sewing
Here is a prom dress I made in 2020! I taught myself how to sew and this was my first major sewing project! While in college, I did alterations for my friends and my community :) Even today, I enjoy taking breaks to make or upcycle clothes I can wear.

Painting
My favorite decorations are the ones I make myself! I started painting memes as a stress relief during the pandemic, but I have since enjoyed watching the mosaic of memes grow on my wall! I now have about 30 paintings and counting!
Traveling
Here I am visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa! I had so much fun learning about why and how the tower is leaning as well as touring the Cathedral next to it - Duomo di Pisa. My longest trip abroad was six weeks in Finland in the summer of 2019.
Sewing
Here is a prom dress I made in 2020! I taught myself how to sew and this was my first major sewing project! While in college, I did alterations for my friends and my community :) Even today, I enjoy taking breaks to make or upcycle clothes I can wear.

Painting
My favorite decorations are the ones I make myself! I started painting memes as a stress relief during the pandemic, but I have since enjoyed watching the mosaic of memes grow on my wall! I now have about 30 paintings and counting!
Traveling
Here I am visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa! I had so much fun learning about why and how the tower is leaning as well as touring the Cathedral next to it - Duomo di Pisa. My longest trip abroad was six weeks in Finland in the summer of 2019.
Sewing
Here is a prom dress I made in 2020! I taught myself how to sew and this was my first major sewing project! While in college, I did alterations for my friends and my community :) Even today, I enjoy taking breaks to make or upcycle clothes I can wear.