Growth By Design
Growth By Design
Growth By Design
Growth By Design
Erfan Talimi
Designer, Director, Mentor
Strategic design to grow your product.
Expertise at every stage.
Recent Work
Co-Living Reimagined
I led the rebranding of Homefully, a co-living startup, to support market expansion in Germany. Through workshops, we refined their mission to "make people feel at home," creating a timeless identity and user-friendly website that enabled successful scaling and a merger with Habyt.
Strategy
Branding
UX/UI
Co-Living Reimagined
I led the rebranding of Homefully, a co-living startup, to support market expansion in Germany. Through workshops, we refined their mission to "make people feel at home," creating a timeless identity and user-friendly website that enabled successful scaling and a merger with Habyt.
Strategy
Branding
UX/UI
Co-Living Reimagined
I led the rebranding of Homefully, a co-living startup, to support market expansion in Germany. Through workshops, we refined their mission to "make people feel at home," creating a timeless identity and user-friendly website that enabled successful scaling and a merger with Habyt.
Strategy
Branding
UX/UI
Co-Living Reimagined
I led the rebranding of Homefully, a co-living startup, to support market expansion in Germany. Through workshops, we refined their mission to "make people feel at home," creating a timeless identity and user-friendly website that enabled successful scaling and a merger with Habyt.
Strategy
Branding
UX/UI
Football for Change
Common Goal unites football for social impact. I developed their brand and website to inspire action, focusing on collaboration and transparency. The logo symbolizes unity, while the website boosts engagement, generating global media attention and support for the United Nations Global Goals.
Strategy
Branding
UX/UI
Football for Change
Common Goal unites football for social impact. I developed their brand and website to inspire action, focusing on collaboration and transparency. The logo symbolizes unity, while the website boosts engagement, generating global media attention and support for the United Nations Global Goals.
Strategy
Branding
UX/UI
Football for Change
Common Goal unites football for social impact. I developed their brand and website to inspire action, focusing on collaboration and transparency. The logo symbolizes unity, while the website boosts engagement, generating global media attention and support for the United Nations Global Goals.
Strategy
Branding
UX/UI
Football for Change
Common Goal unites football for social impact. I developed their brand and website to inspire action, focusing on collaboration and transparency. The logo symbolizes unity, while the website boosts engagement, generating global media attention and support for the United Nations Global Goals.
Strategy
Branding
UX/UI
Research Integration
I partnered with Flexperto to embed user research into their product development. We set research goals aligned with business needs and trained the team for independent management. This sustainable approach enhanced user-centric design across their offerings.
Research
Roadmap
Training
Research Integration
I partnered with Flexperto to embed user research into their product development. We set research goals aligned with business needs and trained the team for independent management. This sustainable approach enhanced user-centric design across their offerings.
Research
Roadmap
Training
Research Integration
I partnered with Flexperto to embed user research into their product development. We set research goals aligned with business needs and trained the team for independent management. This sustainable approach enhanced user-centric design across their offerings.
Research
Roadmap
Training
Research Integration
I partnered with Flexperto to embed user research into their product development. We set research goals aligned with business needs and trained the team for independent management. This sustainable approach enhanced user-centric design across their offerings.
Research
Roadmap
Training
User-Centric Culture
As Head of UX at Spark Networks, I built a user-centric design culture by hiring and mentoring talent. This strategy improved collaboration across departments and streamlined workflows, resulting in products that exceeded expectations and boosted ratings and conversions.
Leadership
Workflow
Culture
User-Centric Culture
As Head of UX at Spark Networks, I built a user-centric design culture by hiring and mentoring talent. This strategy improved collaboration across departments and streamlined workflows, resulting in products that exceeded expectations and boosted ratings and conversions.
Leadership
Workflow
Culture
User-Centric Culture
As Head of UX at Spark Networks, I built a user-centric design culture by hiring and mentoring talent. This strategy improved collaboration across departments and streamlined workflows, resulting in products that exceeded expectations and boosted ratings and conversions.
Leadership
Workflow
Culture
User-Centric Culture
As Head of UX at Spark Networks, I built a user-centric design culture by hiring and mentoring talent. This strategy improved collaboration across departments and streamlined workflows, resulting in products that exceeded expectations and boosted ratings and conversions.
Leadership
Workflow
Culture
Empowering Designers
I've mentored over 280 designers, focusing on those aiming for leadership roles. My approach emphasizes clarity and actionable goals, fostering growth and confidence. Many mentees have achieved promotions and renewed purpose in their careers, making this experience deeply rewarding.
Mentorship
Career
Growth
Empowering Designers
I've mentored over 280 designers, focusing on those aiming for leadership roles. My approach emphasizes clarity and actionable goals, fostering growth and confidence. Many mentees have achieved promotions and renewed purpose in their careers, making this experience deeply rewarding.
Mentorship
Career
Growth
Empowering Designers
I've mentored over 280 designers, focusing on those aiming for leadership roles. My approach emphasizes clarity and actionable goals, fostering growth and confidence. Many mentees have achieved promotions and renewed purpose in their careers, making this experience deeply rewarding.
Mentorship
Career
Growth
Empowering Designers
I've mentored over 280 designers, focusing on those aiming for leadership roles. My approach emphasizes clarity and actionable goals, fostering growth and confidence. Many mentees have achieved promotions and renewed purpose in their careers, making this experience deeply rewarding.
Mentorship
Career
Growth
Inspiring Users,
Elevating Startups
About
I'm Erfan, Designer, Director and Mentor with 16y of experience in leading product design and branding. I've worked with Adobe, YouTube, Behance, and early stage startups in IC and leadership roles.
I specialize in creating 0-1, customer-first products and brands that go beyond aesthetics. By blending design, business, and psychology, I aim to turn challenges into opportunities, align teams, and drive growth at every stage.
As a self-taught professional who has lived in eight countries, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and turn challenges into opportunities.
My approach blends design, business, and psychology to create thoughtful, user-centric experiences.
Capabilities
Strategy
Research
Vision
Positioning
Roadmap
Design
Product Design
Web Design
Branding
Design System
Leadership
Recruitment
Mentorship
Alignment
Optimization
Expertise
Launch
Building new brands and products from idea to launch to capture valuable market opportunities.
Refresh
Updating your brand and product to boost relevance and competitiveness, while preserving key strengths.
Merger
Developing powerful new identities when combining brands and products.
Scale up
Guiding your business through sustainable growth with evolved brand systems and workflows.
Expansion
Helping you grow into new markets and offerings to increase revenue and leverage existing assets.
Reposition
Adapting your company's focus to align with market shifts or new growth stages.
Launch
Building new brands and products from idea to launch to capture valuable market opportunities.
Refresh
Updating your brand and product to boost relevance and competitiveness, while preserving key strengths.
Merger
Developing powerful new identities when combining brands and products.
Scale up
Guiding your business through sustainable growth with evolved brand systems and workflows.
Expansion
Helping you grow into new markets and offerings to increase revenue and leverage existing assets.
Reposition
Adapting your company's focus to align with market shifts or new growth stages.
Launch
Building new brands and products from idea to launch to capture valuable market opportunities.
Refresh
Updating your brand and product to boost relevance and competitiveness, while preserving key strengths.
Merger
Developing powerful new identities when combining brands and products.
Scale up
Guiding your business through sustainable growth with evolved brand systems and workflows.
Expansion
Helping you grow into new markets and offerings to increase revenue and leverage existing assets.
Reposition
Adapting your company's focus to align with market shifts or new growth stages.
Launch
Building new brands and products from idea to launch to capture valuable market opportunities.
Refresh
Updating your brand and product to boost relevance and competitiveness, while preserving key strengths.
Merger
Developing powerful new identities when combining brands and products.
Scale up
Guiding your business through sustainable growth with evolved brand systems and workflows.
Expansion
Helping you grow into new markets and offerings to increase revenue and leverage existing assets.
Reposition
Adapting your company's focus to align with market shifts or new growth stages.
Stats
16Y
Experience in Tech
30M
Users Impacted
100+
Projects Delivered
7x
Top 1% Mentor @Adplist
Top 1% Mentor
280+
Designers Mentored
73
5-Star Reviews
The perfect blend of a skilled strategist and creative visionary
Client
COO @Common Goal
Thomas Preiss
Erfan helped me refine my career and coaching skills, with practical exercises and clear guidance. Highly recommend him for anyone aiming to level up as a Design Lead.
Mentee
Design Team Lead @Shell
Nikki Veldhuis
Outstanding mentor focusing on mindset and career strategy. Offered practical guidance for clearer career goals.
Mentee
Product Designer
Gizem Kaymakçı
Erfan helped us to differentiate our product to gain relevant market advantage
Client
Co-Founder @Jalu
Jan Titze
Erfan helped me rediscover confidence and leadership potential. His targeted assignments were pivotal in guiding my career growth.
Mentee
Lead PD @HelloFresh
Clara Chaume
Erfan pushes you to your limits, questioning design decisions. His honesty drives you to strive for better. Combined with mutual trust, we delivered great products.
Mentee
Design Ops & Systems
Steffen Karspeck
Erfan helped me build confidence in communication and strategy, focusing on mindset and problem-solving.
Mentee
UX Designer
Gillian Wu
Erfan is the creative mind behind the success story of our startup
Client
CEO @Homefully
Sebastian Würz
Visionary UX leader delivering growth-driving feedback. Goes above and beyond in mentorship.
Mentee
UX Associate @UNDP
Ruzanna Baldryan
Erfan's hands-on approach boosted my design thinking, fostering critical thinking and innovation
Mentee
UX Designer @NextPay
Jannah Sandico
Erfan’s mentoring approach guided me to find my own path. He offered resources that helped me develop a style that fits my unique leadership approach.
Mentee
Design Manager @Sc Ventures
Miridhani Rani
The blend of design and business makes Erfan a perfect strategic asset
Client
CFO @Flexperto
Marcel Schmidt
Erfan’s mentoring style is practical and positive, with no fluff. His advice helped me gain clarity and grow as a designer.
Mentee
Product Designer @UzumBank
Abdul Abdumansurov
Erfan pinpoints improvement areas precisely. Offers invaluable, widely applicable frameworks for growth.
Mentee
Product Designer @Stealth
Sonia Wu
The perfect blend of a skilled strategist and creative visionary
Client
COO @Common Goal
Thomas Preiss
Erfan helped me refine my career and coaching skills, with practical exercises and clear guidance. Highly recommend him for anyone aiming to level up as a Design Lead.
Mentee
Design Team Lead @Shell
Nikki Veldhuis
Outstanding mentor focusing on mindset and career strategy. Offered practical guidance for clearer career goals.
Mentee
Product Designer
Gizem Kaymakçı
Erfan helped us to differentiate our product to gain relevant market advantage
Client
Co-Founder @Jalu
Jan Titze
Erfan helped me rediscover confidence and leadership potential. His targeted assignments were pivotal in guiding my career growth.
Mentee
Lead PD @HelloFresh
Clara Chaume
Erfan pushes you to your limits, questioning design decisions. His honesty drives you to strive for better. Combined with mutual trust, we delivered great products.
Mentee
Design Ops & Systems
Steffen Karspeck
Erfan helped me build confidence in communication and strategy, focusing on mindset and problem-solving.
Mentee
UX Designer
Gillian Wu
Erfan is the creative mind behind the success story of our startup
Client
CEO @Homefully
Sebastian Würz
Visionary UX leader delivering growth-driving feedback. Goes above and beyond in mentorship.
Mentee
UX Associate @UNDP
Ruzanna Baldryan
Erfan's hands-on approach boosted my design thinking, fostering critical thinking and innovation
Mentee
UX Designer @NextPay
Jannah Sandico
Erfan’s mentoring approach guided me to find my own path. He offered resources that helped me develop a style that fits my unique leadership approach.
Mentee
Design Manager @Sc Ventures
Miridhani Rani
The blend of design and business makes Erfan a perfect strategic asset
Client
CFO @Flexperto
Marcel Schmidt
Erfan’s mentoring style is practical and positive, with no fluff. His advice helped me gain clarity and grow as a designer.
Mentee
Product Designer @UzumBank
Abdul Abdumansurov
Erfan pinpoints improvement areas precisely. Offers invaluable, widely applicable frameworks for growth.
Mentee
Product Designer @Stealth
Sonia Wu
The perfect blend of a skilled strategist and creative visionary
Client
COO @Common Goal
Thomas Preiss
Erfan helped me refine my career and coaching skills, with practical exercises and clear guidance. Highly recommend him for anyone aiming to level up as a Design Lead.
Mentee
Design Team Lead @Shell
Nikki Veldhuis
Outstanding mentor focusing on mindset and career strategy. Offered practical guidance for clearer career goals.
Mentee
Product Designer
Gizem Kaymakçı
Erfan helped us to differentiate our product to gain relevant market advantage
Client
Co-Founder @Jalu
Jan Titze
Erfan helped me rediscover confidence and leadership potential. His targeted assignments were pivotal in guiding my career growth.
Mentee
Lead PD @HelloFresh
Clara Chaume
Erfan pushes you to your limits, questioning design decisions. His honesty drives you to strive for better. Combined with mutual trust, we delivered great products.
Mentee
Design Ops & Systems
Steffen Karspeck
Erfan helped me build confidence in communication and strategy, focusing on mindset and problem-solving.
Mentee
UX Designer
Gillian Wu
Erfan is the creative mind behind the success story of our startup
Client
CEO @Homefully
Sebastian Würz
Visionary UX leader delivering growth-driving feedback. Goes above and beyond in mentorship.
Mentee
UX Associate @UNDP
Ruzanna Baldryan
Erfan's hands-on approach boosted my design thinking, fostering critical thinking and innovation
Mentee
UX Designer @NextPay
Jannah Sandico
Erfan’s mentoring approach guided me to find my own path. He offered resources that helped me develop a style that fits my unique leadership approach.
Mentee
Design Manager @Sc Ventures
Miridhani Rani
The blend of design and business makes Erfan a perfect strategic asset
Client
CFO @Flexperto
Marcel Schmidt
Erfan’s mentoring style is practical and positive, with no fluff. His advice helped me gain clarity and grow as a designer.
Mentee
Product Designer @UzumBank
Abdul Abdumansurov
Erfan pinpoints improvement areas precisely. Offers invaluable, widely applicable frameworks for growth.
Mentee
Product Designer @Stealth
Sonia Wu
The perfect blend of a skilled strategist and creative visionary
Client
COO @Common Goal
Thomas Preiss
Erfan helped me refine my career and coaching skills, with practical exercises and clear guidance. Highly recommend him for anyone aiming to level up as a Design Lead.
Mentee
Design Team Lead @Shell
Nikki Veldhuis
Outstanding mentor focusing on mindset and career strategy. Offered practical guidance for clearer career goals.
Mentee
Product Designer
Gizem Kaymakçı
Erfan helped us to differentiate our product to gain relevant market advantage
Client
Co-Founder @Jalu
Jan Titze
Erfan helped me rediscover confidence and leadership potential. His targeted assignments were pivotal in guiding my career growth.
Mentee
Lead PD @HelloFresh
Clara Chaume
Erfan pushes you to your limits, questioning design decisions. His honesty drives you to strive for better. Combined with mutual trust, we delivered great products.
Mentee
Design Ops & Systems
Steffen Karspeck
Erfan helped me build confidence in communication and strategy, focusing on mindset and problem-solving.
Mentee
UX Designer
Gillian Wu
Erfan is the creative mind behind the success story of our startup
Client
CEO @Homefully
Sebastian Würz
Visionary UX leader delivering growth-driving feedback. Goes above and beyond in mentorship.
Mentee
UX Associate @UNDP
Ruzanna Baldryan
Erfan's hands-on approach boosted my design thinking, fostering critical thinking and innovation
Mentee
UX Designer @NextPay
Jannah Sandico
Erfan’s mentoring approach guided me to find my own path. He offered resources that helped me develop a style that fits my unique leadership approach.
Mentee
Design Manager @Sc Ventures
Miridhani Rani
The blend of design and business makes Erfan a perfect strategic asset
Client
CFO @Flexperto
Marcel Schmidt
Erfan’s mentoring style is practical and positive, with no fluff. His advice helped me gain clarity and grow as a designer.
Mentee
Product Designer @UzumBank
Abdul Abdumansurov
Erfan pinpoints improvement areas precisely. Offers invaluable, widely applicable frameworks for growth.
Mentee
Product Designer @Stealth
Sonia Wu
The perfect blend of a skilled strategist and creative visionary
Client
COO @Common Goal
Thomas Preiss
Erfan helped me refine my career and coaching skills, with practical exercises and clear guidance. Highly recommend him for anyone aiming to level up as a Design Lead.
Mentee
Design Team Lead @Shell
Nikki Veldhuis
Outstanding mentor focusing on mindset and career strategy. Offered practical guidance for clearer career goals.
Mentee
Product Designer
Gizem Kaymakçı
Erfan helped us to differentiate our product to gain relevant market advantage
Client
Co-Founder @Jalu
Jan Titze
Erfan helped me rediscover confidence and leadership potential. His targeted assignments were pivotal in guiding my career growth.
Mentee
Lead PD @HelloFresh
Clara Chaume
Erfan pushes you to your limits, questioning design decisions. His honesty drives you to strive for better. Combined with mutual trust, we delivered great products.
Mentee
Design Ops & Systems
Steffen Karspeck
Erfan helped me build confidence in communication and strategy, focusing on mindset and problem-solving.
Mentee
UX Designer
Gillian Wu
Erfan is the creative mind behind the success story of our startup
Client
CEO @Homefully
Sebastian Würz
Visionary UX leader delivering growth-driving feedback. Goes above and beyond in mentorship.
Mentee
UX Associate @UNDP
Ruzanna Baldryan
Erfan's hands-on approach boosted my design thinking, fostering critical thinking and innovation
Mentee
UX Designer @NextPay
Jannah Sandico
Erfan’s mentoring approach guided me to find my own path. He offered resources that helped me develop a style that fits my unique leadership approach.
Mentee
Design Manager @Sc Ventures
Miridhani Rani
The blend of design and business makes Erfan a perfect strategic asset
Client
CFO @Flexperto
Marcel Schmidt
Erfan’s mentoring style is practical and positive, with no fluff. His advice helped me gain clarity and grow as a designer.
Mentee
Product Designer @UzumBank
Abdul Abdumansurov
Erfan pinpoints improvement areas precisely. Offers invaluable, widely applicable frameworks for growth.
Mentee
Product Designer @Stealth
Sonia Wu
The perfect blend of a skilled strategist and creative visionary
Client
COO @Common Goal
Thomas Preiss
Erfan helped me refine my career and coaching skills, with practical exercises and clear guidance. Highly recommend him for anyone aiming to level up as a Design Lead.
Mentee
Design Team Lead @Shell
Nikki Veldhuis
Outstanding mentor focusing on mindset and career strategy. Offered practical guidance for clearer career goals.
Mentee
Product Designer
Gizem Kaymakçı
Erfan helped us to differentiate our product to gain relevant market advantage
Client
Co-Founder @Jalu
Jan Titze
Erfan helped me rediscover confidence and leadership potential. His targeted assignments were pivotal in guiding my career growth.
Mentee
Lead PD @HelloFresh
Clara Chaume
Erfan pushes you to your limits, questioning design decisions. His honesty drives you to strive for better. Combined with mutual trust, we delivered great products.
Mentee
Design Ops & Systems
Steffen Karspeck
Erfan helped me build confidence in communication and strategy, focusing on mindset and problem-solving.
Mentee
UX Designer
Gillian Wu
Erfan is the creative mind behind the success story of our startup
Client
CEO @Homefully
Sebastian Würz
Visionary UX leader delivering growth-driving feedback. Goes above and beyond in mentorship.
Mentee
UX Associate @UNDP
Ruzanna Baldryan
Erfan's hands-on approach boosted my design thinking, fostering critical thinking and innovation
Mentee
UX Designer @NextPay
Jannah Sandico
Erfan’s mentoring approach guided me to find my own path. He offered resources that helped me develop a style that fits my unique leadership approach.
Mentee
Design Manager @Sc Ventures
Miridhani Rani
The blend of design and business makes Erfan a perfect strategic asset
Client
CFO @Flexperto
Marcel Schmidt
Erfan’s mentoring style is practical and positive, with no fluff. His advice helped me gain clarity and grow as a designer.
Mentee
Product Designer @UzumBank
Abdul Abdumansurov
Erfan pinpoints improvement areas precisely. Offers invaluable, widely applicable frameworks for growth.
Mentee
Product Designer @Stealth
Sonia Wu
The perfect blend of a skilled strategist and creative visionary
Client
COO @Common Goal
Thomas Preiss
Erfan helped me refine my career and coaching skills, with practical exercises and clear guidance. Highly recommend him for anyone aiming to level up as a Design Lead.
Mentee
Design Team Lead @Shell
Nikki Veldhuis
Outstanding mentor focusing on mindset and career strategy. Offered practical guidance for clearer career goals.
Mentee
Product Designer
Gizem Kaymakçı
Erfan helped us to differentiate our product to gain relevant market advantage
Client
Co-Founder @Jalu
Jan Titze
Erfan helped me rediscover confidence and leadership potential. His targeted assignments were pivotal in guiding my career growth.
Mentee
Lead PD @HelloFresh
Clara Chaume
Erfan pushes you to your limits, questioning design decisions. His honesty drives you to strive for better. Combined with mutual trust, we delivered great products.
Mentee
Design Ops & Systems
Steffen Karspeck
Erfan helped me build confidence in communication and strategy, focusing on mindset and problem-solving.
Mentee
UX Designer
Gillian Wu
Erfan is the creative mind behind the success story of our startup
Client
CEO @Homefully
Sebastian Würz
Visionary UX leader delivering growth-driving feedback. Goes above and beyond in mentorship.
Mentee
UX Associate @UNDP
Ruzanna Baldryan
Erfan's hands-on approach boosted my design thinking, fostering critical thinking and innovation
Mentee
UX Designer @NextPay
Jannah Sandico
Erfan’s mentoring approach guided me to find my own path. He offered resources that helped me develop a style that fits my unique leadership approach.
Mentee
Design Manager @Sc Ventures
Miridhani Rani
The blend of design and business makes Erfan a perfect strategic asset
Client
CFO @Flexperto
Marcel Schmidt
Erfan’s mentoring style is practical and positive, with no fluff. His advice helped me gain clarity and grow as a designer.
Mentee
Product Designer @UzumBank
Abdul Abdumansurov
Erfan pinpoints improvement areas precisely. Offers invaluable, widely applicable frameworks for growth.
Mentee
Product Designer @Stealth
Sonia Wu
The perfect blend of a skilled strategist and creative visionary
Client
COO @Common Goal
Thomas Preiss
Erfan helped me refine my career and coaching skills, with practical exercises and clear guidance. Highly recommend him for anyone aiming to level up as a Design Lead.
Mentee
Design Team Lead @Shell
Nikki Veldhuis
Outstanding mentor focusing on mindset and career strategy. Offered practical guidance for clearer career goals.
Mentee
Product Designer
Gizem Kaymakçı
Erfan helped us to differentiate our product to gain relevant market advantage
Client
Co-Founder @Jalu
Jan Titze
Erfan helped me rediscover confidence and leadership potential. His targeted assignments were pivotal in guiding my career growth.
Mentee
Lead PD @HelloFresh
Clara Chaume
Erfan pushes you to your limits, questioning design decisions. His honesty drives you to strive for better. Combined with mutual trust, we delivered great products.
Mentee
Design Ops & Systems
Steffen Karspeck
Erfan helped me build confidence in communication and strategy, focusing on mindset and problem-solving.
Mentee
UX Designer
Gillian Wu
Erfan is the creative mind behind the success story of our startup
Client
CEO @Homefully
Sebastian Würz
Visionary UX leader delivering growth-driving feedback. Goes above and beyond in mentorship.
Mentee
UX Associate @UNDP
Ruzanna Baldryan
Erfan's hands-on approach boosted my design thinking, fostering critical thinking and innovation
Mentee
UX Designer @NextPay
Jannah Sandico
Erfan’s mentoring approach guided me to find my own path. He offered resources that helped me develop a style that fits my unique leadership approach.
Mentee
Design Manager @Sc Ventures
Miridhani Rani
The blend of design and business makes Erfan a perfect strategic asset
Client
CFO @Flexperto
Marcel Schmidt
Erfan’s mentoring style is practical and positive, with no fluff. His advice helped me gain clarity and grow as a designer.
Mentee
Product Designer @UzumBank
Abdul Abdumansurov
Erfan pinpoints improvement areas precisely. Offers invaluable, widely applicable frameworks for growth.
Mentee
Product Designer @Stealth
Sonia Wu
Get in
Get in
Get in
Get in
Touch
Touch
Touch
Touch
Capabilities
Strategy
Design
Leadership
Transparency
Status
Available
Location
Berlin/ Remote
Starting
$10,000