Breaking The Interface: Women In UX/UI Design

In this blog post, we unpack the journey of Hailr designer, Megan. We explore her path to UX/UI, the challenges she's endured, and how empathy shapes her design philosophy. Additionally, we uncover what the future of UX/UI design holds for women and innovation.

Exploring Creativity, Innovation, and Resilience

In the dynamic world of UX/UI design - where creativity meets technology and human behaviour - every pixel tells a story, and every interaction shapes the user experience. Yet, behind the seamless interfaces we use daily, lies a deeper narrative: one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers. For women in the industry, this story is particularly profound.

We had the privilege of speaking with Megan Lentin, one of Hailr’s skilled UX/UI designers, to uncover her journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and her hopes for the future of design.

A Career Born From Curiosity

Megan’s path to UX/UI design wasn’t a straight line. “UX/UI wasn’t my dream from the start,” she shares. With a background in animation, she initially sought to combine her creativity with technical problem-solving. While animation fuelled her passion for storytelling, the painstaking process led her to explore new opportunities.

Her turning point came at Sea Monster, a studio that championed upskilling and career transitions. There, she explored various roles—from animation to proposals—and stumbled upon her love for UX/UI design during an internal project. “That experience showed me how much I enjoy designing user experiences,” she says.

Her story is a testament to the value of curiosity and embracing unexpected opportunities.

Navigating Challenges In A Male-Dominated Industry

While women make up 53% of the UX/UI workforce, leadership roles in tech remain scarce—only 5% of leadership positions are held by women. Megan’s journey reflects these challenges.

Early in her career, Megan encountered dismissive attitudes from older, predominantly male clients.

“At first, I thought the lack of respect was because I was inexperienced, but I soon realised gender played a role,” Megan adds.

To navigate these situations, she adapted. “I briefed a male colleague before meetings to act as my voice. It was frustrating but effective.” Her success on that project reinforced her determination to pave an easier path for future generations of women in tech.

Her experience underscores the need for cultural and systemic change while highlighting the perseverance required to thrive in such environments.

A Design Philosophy Centred On Empathy

For Megan, empathy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of her approach to design.

“Empathy doesn’t stop at the user,” she explains. “It extends to stakeholders, understanding their goals, and balancing them with business constraints to create meaningful solutions.”

She also emphasizes the importance of self-empathy in an ever-evolving industry. “It’s okay not to know everything. Scaling back isn’t failure—it’s an opportunity to prioritize and revisit later.”

In an era of rapid technological change, Megan relies on timeless design principles and storytelling to stay grounded.

“Trends may shift, but the fundamentals of human connection remain constant,” she adds.

Lessons For Women In UX/UI Design

Megan’s advice for women in the field is practical and empowering:

• Build your network: Find allies who support your vision and work.
• Own your expertise: “Don’t question your place at the table—claim it.”
• Take the initiative: Lead with confidence and let your results speak for themselves.
• Challenge biases: “Misogyny is noise. Stay focused on your goals and don’t let it derail you.”

Her insights serve as both encouragement and a call to action for broader industry change.

The Future Of UX/UI Design

With advancements like AI reshaping the design landscape, Megan sees exciting opportunities on the horizon.

“AI has already streamlined research and briefing. I dream of tools that automate repetitive tasks, allowing designers to focus on refining user experiences.”

She also envisions a shift in how success is measured:

“I hope we move beyond basic metrics like ‘eyeballs’ and focus on building authentic, meaningful brand interactions.”

For Megan, the future of UX/UI is about creating experiences that resonate deeply, fostering connections that feel personal and valued.

Redesigning an inclusive future

Being a woman in UX/UI design means breaking barriers—whether it’s challenging workplace bias, pushing creative boundaries, or redefining success. Megan’s journey demonstrates that great design is more than aesthetics; it’s about empathy, innovation, and impact.

As technology evolves and brands seek deeper connections with audiences, voices like Megan’s are shaping a more inclusive, thoughtful industry—one interface at a time.