Founder • 2024—Present
DesignQA
Founded AI devtool that turns UI bugs into code fixes. Shipped MVP and secured paying customers pre-launch.
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Mahdi Farra
Design leader with 17 years scaling teams, building systems, and shipping products.
I've grown design teams from 1→6, led cross-functional orgs of 25+, and I code. My teams ship faster. Currently working on DesignQA, an AI tool that turns UI bugs into code fixes.
View Portfolio
Based in Bay Area, CA
Open to Head of Design / Director roles
What I bring to Head of Design roles
Team scaling
Grew design teams from 1→6 designers at Ronday. Hired, mentored, and built high-performing design orgs.
Design Systems at Scale
Built design systems at 5 companies including Rakuten (100M+ users). Reduced implementation time 50%.
Technical Fluency
Designer who codes in React, Next.js, and Vue.js. Bridges design vision with engineering constraints.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Managed 25-person cross-functional org as Acting CEO. Led product, design, and engineering teams.
0→1 Product Development
Built products from scratch at DesignQA, Ronday, and earlier startups. Strong validation and iteration skills.
AI & Devtools Expertise
Deep experience with AI products (Ava, DesignQA) and tools for technical users. Understand developer workflows.
Selected work
Interactive prototype
Head of Design → Acting CEO • 2021—2023
Ronday
Scaled design team from 1→6 and led 25-person org as Acting CEO. Drove 4× engagement and 83% performance gains while securing $7M seed funding.
Mahdi
Head of Design • 2024
Ava
Led cross-platform design for AI accessibility platform (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows). Increased session duration 3×.
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Staff Product Designer • 2018—2020
Rakuten Takeout
Led design for restaurant pickup and fulfillment tools. Built design system for team of 20. Improved staff efficiency 50% and increased sales 40% per location.
157 Riverside Ave
Rebecca M
21009
4:15
in-store pickup › In 15 min
8 items
$68.00
1
Seared Tuna Tataki Salad
$12.00
2
Seaweed Salad
$4.00 each
$18.50
1
Seared Black Pepper Tuna
House Salad ($3.00)
$13.50
1
Chicken Teriyaki
$13.00
1
Udon Noodles
Diet Coke
$8.00
2
Soda
$1.50 each
$3.00
IN PROGRESS
READY FOR PICKUP
PICKED UP
Design Lead, Web • 2020—2021
Airtime
Led web design for live video social platform. Designed reactions, chat, and real-time video features. Improved engagement 50%.
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Beyond the work
I've lived across five countries, built products in four languages, and I'm still learning. Outside work, I'm a dad, photographer, and maker — always building something, whether it's DesignQA or a new recipe in the kitchen.