Hi! I’m a Dublin based Senior Product Designer specializing in UX in the edtech space.

I focus on designing intuitive, user-centered experiences that empower educators and students.

With over four years of experience in product design and a background in teaching, I bring a deep understanding of both education and technology to my work. Currently, I design adaptive learning solutions at HMH, helping create digital tools that support teachers and inspire learners.

Beyond UX, I’m also a published children’s book illustrator. My love for storytelling and illustration began in college, where I studied visual storytelling and design. This creative foundation continues to shape my approach to user experience—bringing empathy, clarity, and engagement to every project

Product Design

In 2021, I’ve joined HMH and have since then contributed to a range of projects—with a key focus on Classcraft, an immersive, standards-aligned learning platform.
My work spans product design for classroom management tools, student engagement routines, and digital learning experiences.

I’ve put together a few case studies below that dive deeper into these projects.

Several screens showing Classcraft activities

Crafting Engagement: Designing Standards-Aligned Routines to Boost Student Interaction in Classcraft

As part of our mission to support teachers and students, I contributed to designing standards-aligned routines that empower teachers to foster meaningful student interaction. By creating engaging, repeatable activities grounded in curriculum goals, we are aiming to make classroom participation more consistent and rewarding. This case study highlights how thoughtful UX design can turn instructional routines into opportunities for connection, motivation, and deeper learning.

Two laptop screens showing a Timer tool

UX for Focus and Flow: Creating Classroom Management Tools in Classcraft

In this project, I focused on designing intuitive classroom management tools within Classcraft to enhance teacher focus and maintain classroom flow. My primary focus was on the Timer and Stopwatch tools, ensuring their seamless integration across both student and classroom screens for a cohesive, cross-device experience. The goal was to minimize friction during live instruction by creating smooth, easy-to-use interfaces that empower teachers to manage behavior, track engagement, and keep lessons moving forward effectively. This case study highlights how thoughtful UX decisions can significantly improve classroom efficiency and elevate the overall student experience.

Screenshot of the WIP of the Digital Activity Book. We see a student screen blurred with gray gradient.

A Hub for Learning: Designing Classcraft’s Digital Activity Book for Student Reflection and Progress Tracking

Still WIP, I’m leading the design of Classcraft’s Digital Activity Book—a centralized space where students can reflect on their learning, track progress, and engage with personalized activities. The challenge was to create a hub that felt both structured and student-friendly, supporting self-directed learning while aligning with classroom goals. This case study dives into how we blended usability, motivation, and reflection to support deeper learning habits.

Illustration

Since 2019, I’ve also been working as a freelance illustrator, helping companies tell their stories through engaging visuals—with a special focus on children’s publishing. I’ve illustrated five books for various publishing houses, enhancing storytelling experiences for young readers. Each project has been a close collaboration with editors, art directors, and designers to bring vibrant, meaningful illustrations to life.

Get in touch!

Email me: hello@emelinebarrea.com