Julia Cheng · UX & Product Designer

IBM

Feb 2026 – now

UX Designer

ContextIBM is an enterprise software company. My team builds on-prem security software for IBM Z mainframes.

I learned how to align siloed teams and make an impact without authority.

zThreat MonitorIn progress
Rebuilt an acquired product’s entire UI in IBM’s Carbon in three months as sole designer, closing a security gap.
- Enterprise
- Carbon
- Mainframe
zSecure DetectionIn progress
Led strategy to consolidate the product portfolio, aligned the team on a shared architecture, and set priorities on a phased roadmap.
- Design strategy
- Workshops
- Object-oriented UX

Brandcave

Feb 2024 – Apr 2025

Product Designer

ContextBrandcave is a product design agency working with clients from pre-seed startups to established businesses, across many industries and often on tight deadlines.

I learned how to get up to speed on any product fast, then design it to scale.

Social Emotional Tech Lab

Apr – Dec 2023

Web Administrator

ContextSET Lab is a UC Santa Cruz research lab designing technology that enhances physical, social and emotional experiences.

I learned how to distill a complex idea into simple shapes and symbols.

Anywear Academy
Rebranded and restructured a research lab’s website, turning five years of research into a public STEM curriculum.
- Web
- Brand identity
- Info architecture

Bird School Project

Jan – Mar 2020

Illustrator

ContextThe Bird School Project is a Monterey Bay nonprofit that brings bird watching to local schools, so students can get to know the natural places right outside their classroom door.

I learned how to spot a problem, propose a fix, and ship it on time.

Bird School Project
Illustrated and designed two kids’ field guides with 30+ hand-drawn watercolors for an outdoor science curriculum.
- Education
- Illustration
- End-to-end lifecycle

Hi, I’m Julia!

Everything in the studio, as a list

IBM

Brandcave

Social Emotional Tech Lab

Bird School Project