Natasha Kurus
About Me
Profile Image

👋 About Me

Hi, I’m Natasha — a Senior UX/UI Designer with 9+ years of experience creating intuitive, accessible, and scalable digital products for government, SaaS, and highly regulated industries.

I specialize in transforming complex systems into user-friendly experiences that drive measurable impact — from reducing onboarding time by 50% to improving accessibility scores across enterprise platforms. I bridge product vision with brand strategy, ensuring every design decision supports both business goals and user needs.

Whether collaborating with cross-functional teams or leading end-to-end design strategy, I bring a mix of creativity, analytical thinking, and technical expertise to deliver thoughtful, consistent, and inclusive solutions. I thrive on solving challenging problems, championing design systems, and elevating products that serve millions of users.

📩 Let’s connect: natakurus@gmail.com





87 Forge

From Engineering Passion Project to Successful Brand (2023-Present)

Overview

87 Forge began as a passion-driven project rooted in my engineering background. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and a desire to craft unique, personalized accessories for AirPods Max, I set out on a comprehensive journey—from concept to consumer-ready product.

Ideation & Concept Development

The journey began with traditional pencil sketches, capturing initial design concepts aimed at transforming AirPods Max into personalized statement pieces.

  • Initial Sketches: Ideas captured through hand-drawn sketches established the foundation for creative exploration.

Digital Transformation & Prototyping

Transitioning from sketches to digital form was essential for precision and refinement:

  • Digitizing & 3D Modeling: Using Blender, I created detailed 3D models that precisely visualized each accessory. (Image suggestion: screenshots of Blender 3D models)
  • Prototyping with 3D Printing: Leveraging 3D printing technology, I produced tangible prototypes to test usability, fit, and aesthetics extensively. (Image suggestion: photos of 3D printed prototypes)

Material Selection & Production

Ensuring the accessory’s quality, comfort, and durability required careful material selection:

  • Material Exploration: Chose lightweight plastic to maintain comfort and protect headphones from scratches.
  • Vacuum Casting & Plating: Utilized vacuum casting for precise detail reproduction and vacuum plating to achieve an elegant metallic finish. Each piece underwent polishing and special coating processes to ensure durability and premium appearance.

User Testing & Refinements

Before scaling production, extensive user testing provided critical insights:

  • Gathered feedback on prototype usability, comfort, and aesthetics.
  • Implemented iterative improvements, refining each detail until the final product met high standards.

Brand Development & Market Entry

Parallel to product development, I focused on creating a cohesive brand identity and market presence:

  • Branding: Developed the “87 Forge” brand to represent craftsmanship and artistic expression.
  • Digital Presence: Built a dedicated website and online store, managing product photography, packaging design, and compelling storytelling.
  • Legal & Business Setup: Registered business officially, secured patents and design protections, and ensured robust legal compliance.

Outcomes & Impact

  • Successfully launched an innovative, patented product that resonated with consumers seeking unique and personalized headphone accessories.
  • Established a sustainable small business with a growing digital community and marketplace presence.
  • Gained valuable entrepreneurial experience encompassing product design, manufacturing, branding, and e-commerce management.

Reflection

Creating 87 Forge has not only fulfilled my engineering passion but also taught me the intricacies of bringing a consumer product to market. The comprehensive journey—from initial sketches through prototyping, manufacturing, branding, and online sales—reinforced my belief in meticulous craftsmanship and user-focused design.

I continue to evolve 87 Forge, exploring new creative avenues and product innovations.