Hi! I’m Trace,
I think in systems and create structure from complexity.
People lean on me to help them see the big picture and take action. As a designer, I thrive in unpacking complex problems and designing systems, working in design operations and delivering a range of design solutions, always aiming for a high bar.
I've built an uncommonly diverse skill set with a mix of side projects and client work in fintech, B2B SaaS, and startups.
I also go by Patricia. Currently, I'm designing products and building web experiences at Tiller.
Hi! I’m Trace,
I think in systems and create structure from complexity.
People lean on me to help them see the big picture and take action. As a designer, I thrive in unpacking complex problems and designing systems, working in design operations and delivering a range of design solutions, always aiming for a high bar.
I've built an uncommonly diverse skill set with a mix of side projects and client work in fintech, B2B SaaS, and startups.
I also go by Patricia. Currently, I'm designing products and building web experiences at Tiller.
SKILLS
Stuff I do well
Design operations
End to end UX & UI design for product & web
Workshops to clarify the product roadmap
Design system kits
Custom illustration systems & product visualizations
Design direction
CASES
In my work, I typically start with strategy before diving into execution and helping cross-functional teams reach project goals.
Each case study features a different side of this, from designing operationally efficient systems to carrying out multi-disciplinary campaigns.
How opportunity trees led to a contract comparison tool and an app's first 1,000+ subscribers
How opportunity trees led to a contract comparison tool and an app's first 1,000+ subscribers
How opportunity trees led to a contract comparison tool and an app's first 1,000+ subscribers
How opportunity trees led to a contract comparison tool and an app's first 1,000+ subscribers
How opportunity trees led to a contract comparison tool and an app's first 1,000+ subscribers
How opportunity trees led to a contract comparison tool and an app's first 1,000+ subscribers
How opportunity trees led to a contract comparison tool and an app's first 1,000+ subscribers
How opportunity trees led to a contract comparison tool and an app's first 1,000+ subscribers
Developed an opportunity tree framework to structure customer discovery insights, enabling a data-driven approach to defining the product roadmap for an energy management platform.
product strategy
customer discovery
ux research
From 0 to 15 clients: Driving product discovery and UX in AI for regulatory work
From 0 to 15 clients: Driving product discovery and UX in AI for regulatory work
From 0 to 15 clients: Driving product discovery and UX in AI for regulatory work
From 0 to 15 clients: Driving product discovery and UX in AI for regulatory work
From 0 to 15 clients: Driving product discovery and UX in AI for regulatory work
From 0 to 15 clients: Driving product discovery and UX in AI for regulatory work
From 0 to 15 clients: Driving product discovery and UX in AI for regulatory work
From 0 to 15 clients: Driving product discovery and UX in AI for regulatory work
Led UX research and product strategy that helped a startup acquire 15 enterprise clients in its first year designing an AI-powered research platform for regulatory filings. Defined user workflows, emerging LLM personas and use cases, optimized information architecture, and shaped the product’s early experience.
product discovery
product strategy
AI UX
LLM design
IA
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Built a flexible design system and illustration system that streamlined UI consistency, improved development efficiency, and enabled faster iteration for an energy management app helping homeowners optimize energy use.
Design system
Design operations
Product design
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Reducing tech and design debt with a structured energy management system
Built a flexible design system and illustration system that streamlined UI consistency, improved development efficiency, and enabled faster iteration for an energy management app helping homeowners optimize energy use.
Design system
Design operations
Product design
Scaling a multi-disciplinary design pipeline to support fintech growth from 30 to 120+ employees
Scaling a multi-disciplinary design pipeline to support fintech growth from 30 to 120+ employees
Scaling a multi-disciplinary design pipeline to support fintech growth from 30 to 120+ employees
Scaling a multi-disciplinary design pipeline to support fintech growth from 30 to 120+ employees
Scaling a multi-disciplinary design pipeline to support fintech growth from 30 to 120+ employees
Scaling a multi-disciplinary design pipeline to support fintech growth from 30 to 120+ employees
Scaling a multi-disciplinary design pipeline to support fintech growth from 30 to 120+ employees
Scaling a multi-disciplinary design pipeline to support fintech growth from 30 to 120+ employees
As the company scaled 4x in size, I established a design delivery pipeline to streamline operations and keep design work efficient and aligned. This ensured smooth collaboration across teams, preventing bottlenecks as demand grew.
leadership
strategy
design operations
Building a cross-functional fintech design system framework to improve operational efficiency
Building a cross-functional fintech design system framework to improve operational efficiency
Building a cross-functional fintech design system framework to improve operational efficiency
Building a cross-functional fintech design system framework to improve operational efficiency
Building a cross-functional fintech design system framework to improve operational efficiency
Building a cross-functional fintech design system framework to improve operational efficiency
Building a cross-functional fintech design system framework to improve operational efficiency
Established the first design system framework for a fast-growing fintech, creating a structured scaffolding that scaled across product, web, and marketing while improving brand cohesion and workflow efficiency.
design operations
design system
brand identity
Redesigning a queue management platform, driving a 30% increase in engagement
Redesigning a queue management platform, driving a 30% increase in engagement
Redesigning a queue management platform, driving a 30% increase in engagement
Redesigning a queue management platform, driving a 30% increase in engagement
Redesigning a queue management platform, driving a 30% increase in engagement
Redesigning a queue management platform, driving a 30% increase in engagement
Redesigning a queue management platform, driving a 30% increase in engagement
Refined the brand's visual language and restructured the web experience for a queue management platform, improving product storytelling, strengthening lead conversion, and increasing organic web traffic by 30%.
brand identity
web design
art direction
50% built
Helping an energy management app hit 1,000 users with a Contract Comparison Toolkit
Helping an energy management app hit 1,000 users with a Contract Comparison Toolkit
Jotson’s Contract Comparison Toolkit was designed to help users make smarter energy choices by comparing plans and identifying cost-saving opportunities. By aligning product strategy with customer insights, this feature became a key driver in surpassing Jotson’s goal of 1,000 subscribers by the end of 2024.
PRODUCT DESIGN
UX
CLIENTS
Some of the awesome teams I’ve helped
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
Trace is incredibly dedicated and often goes above and beyond to make deliverables or create the best product. She is a very strong leader and has immense skill in leading client workshops, especially in the UX and CDR space.
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
Trace is incredibly dedicated and often goes above and beyond to make deliverables or create the best product. She is a very strong leader and has immense skill in leading client workshops, especially in the UX and CDR space.
STAGES
How Design Enables Brand and Product
HELCIM DESIGN FOR TECH TALENT TUESDAY, 2023
Mobility First: DANxGoogle Mobility Workshop
GOOGLE X DENTSU, 2017
Social Media Marketing at #LODITalks
GMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS, 2017
STAGES
How Design Enables Brand and Product
HELCIM DESIGN FOR TECH TALENT TUESDAY, 2023
Mobility First: DANxGoogle Mobility Workshop
GOOGLE X DENTSU, 2017
Social Media Marketing at #LODITalks
GMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS, 2017
STAGES
How Design Enables Brand and Product
HELCIM DESIGN FOR TECH TALENT TUESDAY, 2023
Mobility First: DANxGoogle Mobility Workshop
GOOGLE X DENTSU, 2017
Social Media Marketing at #LODITalks
GMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS, 2017
Working with Trace has been a delightful experience that made me grow as a leader.
If I had to point out at one of her strongest skills, that would definitely be the ability to look at a design piece, understand that something is off, and turn that vague feeling into an objective and actionable feedback.
This ability to effectively deliver feedback has brought a lot of value to the team output and increasing their work quality.
RODOLFO FERRO CASAGRANDE
FERRO CASAGRANDE
HEAD OF DESIGN, Helcim
Working with Trace has been a delightful experience that made me grow as a leader.
If I had to point out at one of her strongest skills, that would definitely be the ability to look at a design piece, understand that something is off, and turn that vague feeling into an objective and actionable feedback.
This ability to effectively deliver feedback has brought a lot of value to the team output and increasing their work quality.
RODOLFO
FERRO CASAGRANDE
HEAD OF DESIGN, Helcim
At Jotson, Trace made a lasting impact across multiple fronts. She was instrumental in our product design efforts, collaborating closely with Michelle, our in-house designer, to deliver a clean and scalable design system that made development smooth and efficient.
Her customer discovery work, designing and administering surveys, helped us better understand our users and informed our roadmap in meaningful ways. She also has a fantastic visual sensibility and brought real polish to our product through her thoughtful approach to iconography and visual design. Her ability to balance design thinking with practical execution made her contributions incredibly valuable from both a product and engineering perspective.
SHELDON MANABAT
SENIOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, JOTSON
At Jotson, Trace made a lasting impact across multiple fronts. She was instrumental in our product design efforts, collaborating closely with Michelle, our in-house designer, to deliver a clean and scalable design system that made development smooth and efficient.
Her customer discovery work, designing and administering surveys, helped us better understand our users and informed our roadmap in meaningful ways. She also has a fantastic visual sensibility and brought real polish to our product through her thoughtful approach to iconography and visual design. Her ability to balance design thinking with practical execution made her contributions incredibly valuable from both a product and engineering perspective.
SHELDON MANABAT
SENIOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, JOTSON
Working alongside Trace at Helcim was an absolute pleasure. I genuinely miss our collaboration! Her ability to carve out a clear path forward in complex situations is impressive.
If I had to highlight one of her many strengths, it would definitely be her talent for identifying solutions where none previously existed. Her approachability and support made challenging scenarios much smoother, and I was genuinely grateful to have her partnership.
DARREN BELGRAVE
WEBSITE PRODUCT MANAGER, HELCIM
Working alongside Trace at Helcim was an absolute pleasure. I genuinely miss our collaboration! Her ability to carve out a clear path forward in complex situations is impressive.
If I had to highlight one of her many strengths, it would definitely be her talent for identifying solutions where none previously existed. Her approachability and support made challenging scenarios much smoother, and I was genuinely grateful to have her partnership.
DARREN BELGRAVE
WEBSITE PRODUCT MANAGER, HELCIM
Trace played a pivotal role in solving a major pain point within a client's design system, and the impact of her work cannot be overstated. When the client struggled with inconsistencies and scalability issues in their design, Trace’s deep understanding of both design principles and technical constraints allowed her to implement a solution that not only addressed these challenges but also improved the overall user experience.
Her innovative approach to simplifying the design system was a game-changer, leading to greater consistency, efficiency, and ease of use for the team. Trace’s ability to listen closely to client needs and transform those into actionable, impactful solutions is a testament to her expertise and dedication to delivering excellence. Her contributions were integral to the success of the project, and the client is still reaping the benefits today.
JOSH LEWIS
FULL STACK PROJECT MANAGER, TILLER
Trace played a pivotal role in solving a major pain point within a client's design system, and the impact of her work cannot be overstated. When the client struggled with inconsistencies and scalability issues in their design, Trace’s deep understanding of both design principles and technical constraints allowed her to implement a solution that not only addressed these challenges but also improved the overall user experience.
Her innovative approach to simplifying the design system was a game-changer, leading to greater consistency, efficiency, and ease of use for the team. Trace’s ability to listen closely to client needs and transform those into actionable, impactful solutions is a testament to her expertise and dedication to delivering excellence. Her contributions were integral to the success of the project, and the client is still reaping the benefits today.
JOSH LEWIS
FULL STACK PROJECT MANAGER, TILLER
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
Trace's greatest strength is her ability to handle moving pieces within the project.
With my short collaboration with her in one of the projects in the past, there was some inconsistency with what we usually do versus what she has done. She effectively adapted to what we're doing and understood where the devs are coming from!
It was greatly appreciated. I found that not only is she a big advocate for the design team but also for devs in terms of improvement and just making sure things are delivered on time and the handoff is complete.
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
Trace's greatest strength is her ability to handle moving pieces within the project.
With my short collaboration with her in one of the projects in the past, there was some inconsistency with what we usually do versus what she has done. She effectively adapted to what we're doing and understood where the devs are coming from!
It was greatly appreciated. I found that not only is she a big advocate for the design team but also for devs in terms of improvement and just making sure things are delivered on time and the handoff is complete.
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
I appreciate Trace's organized and analytical mind. She communicates clearly and helps add extra clarity to processes that might otherwise be muddy and unorganized.
Trace is also one of the best people I know who can take a problem and get it "unstuck" (e.g., I think that she singlehandedly saved a client case study video. It would have been a trainwreck without her expertise).
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
I appreciate Trace's organized and analytical mind. She communicates clearly and helps add extra clarity to processes that might otherwise be muddy and unorganized.
Trace is also one of the best people I know who can take a problem and get it "unstuck" (e.g., I think that she singlehandedly saved a client case study video. It would have been a trainwreck without her expertise).
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
Trace is a great communicator, and very thoughtful. Trace thinks beyond her role and considers not only the other designers but the dev team as well.
During planning sessions or similar situations, she's always considering how certain design ideas or decisions will affect the work of others and provides suggestions or other ideas.
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
Trace is a great communicator, and very thoughtful. Trace thinks beyond her role and considers not only the other designers but the dev team as well.
During planning sessions or similar situations, she's always considering how certain design ideas or decisions will affect the work of others and provides suggestions or other ideas.
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
I feel Trace's greatest strengths are her design rationale and ability to speak and present eloquently.
I also appreciate her ability to see details and art direct to a high degree of refinement. She has strong rationale for all design decisions and her experience and thoughtfulness are evident.
This has often allowed her to influence client behaviour and decisions and sell work through to clients. It has also allowed her to elevate the work of others that she has collaborated with.
WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAY
I feel Trace's greatest strengths are her design rationale and ability to speak and present eloquently.
I also appreciate her ability to see details and art direct to a high degree of refinement. She has strong rationale for all design decisions and her experience and thoughtfulness are evident.
This has often allowed her to influence client behaviour and decisions and sell work through to clients. It has also allowed her to elevate the work of others that she has collaborated with.
hello@traceorozco.com
For clarity and consistency, Trace is used in place of Patricia in the testimonials. Both refer to me. :)
This website is designed and built from scratch by Trace Orozco. All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2025 Trace Orozco
hello@traceorozco.com
For clarity and consistency, Trace is used in place of Patricia in the testimonials. Both refer to me. :)
This website is designed and built from scratch by Trace Orozco. All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2025 Trace Orozco
hello@traceorozco.com
For clarity and consistency, Trace is used in place of Patricia in the testimonials. Both refer to me. :)
This website is designed and built from scratch by Trace Orozco. All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2025 Trace Orozco
hello@traceorozco.com
Download resume
For clarity and consistency, Trace is used in place of Patricia in the testimonials. Both refer to me. :)
This website is designed and built from scratch by Trace Orozco. All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2025 Trace Orozco