Hi, my name is

Melanie Rose Abutin

...but we can skip the formalities, call me Mel

I'm your resident

purpose-driven creative

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Where Threads Lead

It's easy to get tangled up in the noise. In complexity. In fast-moving trends. In assumptions.

That’s why I design — to untangle that noise, to bring clarity where it’s needed, and to connect people with what truly matters. But we all know that the path to good design isn’t always clean. It's messy, complex, and full of knots. Yet in those knots are where meaning and purpose live.

My goal is to step back, listen deeply, and design from what matters: people’s lived experiences. Whether it's a digital interface or a real-world interaction, I believe in design that connects across boundaries and backgrounds.

My approach to UX is guided by empathy, contextual awareness, and thoughtful intention.

Design, for me, is the thread that weaves all of this together — not just solving problems, but doing so with care, context, meaning, and purpose.

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Empathy with

Intention

I design with people in mind — not personas on paper, but real lives, emotions, and stories.

Rooted in psychology, information tech, & human-computer interaction, I’m driven by a goal to understand, not assume.

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Connection Across Contexts

I see design as a thread —tying together cultures, technologies, and experiences.

Whether I’m building for accessibility, bridging gaps, or tackling situational concerns, I design to connect.

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Clarity Through Complexity

I’m driven and intrigued by ambiguity.

Where others see clutter, I look for patterns. Where there’s friction, I look for a way to distill chaos. I’m in love with making tech feel human.

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Purpose Paired with Aesthetics

Good design should not only look good—it should do good.

I’m motivated by impact, ethics, and designing for a future where technology is more human, more inclusive, and more intentional.

Projects Tied to Purpose

Eventure

Personal Case Study & Prototype

Nov 2024 - Dec 2024 | Rutgers University, New Brunswick

UX/UI

UX Research

Mobile Design

Eventure is a mobile platform designed to plan hangouts or events with friends while overcoming scheduling challenges. It handles both spontaneous and long-term planning, enhancing the social experience for those struggling to coordinate hangouts with friends that may have hectic schedules.

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StyleSync

Personal Case Study & Prototype

Nov 2024 - Dec 2024 | Rutgers University, New Brunswick

UX/UI

AI Research

Web Design

StyleSync is a platform dedicated to preserving the integrity of human creativity in an age dominated by AI-generated art. By leveraging advanced tools, StyleSync identifies AI-generated artworks, traces their inspiration back to the original human creators, and promotes genuine, human-made artistry.

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