about designer

Hi, I’m Kael Paterson — a product designer with a foundation in art, a global perspective, and a deep appreciation for how design shapes everyday life.

First-class honours graduate from the University of Sussex with a strong foundation in design principles and a passion for creating impactful, user-focused solutions. I bring over five years of experience with Adobe Creative Suite and more than three years with SolidWorks, with core strengths in user-centered design, prototyping, systems thinking, and visual storytelling.

My approach to design has been recognised through nominations for both the Ben Miller Award and the Plus X Innovation Award, along with the honour of exhibiting my final-year project, MONGOOSE, at New Designers in London.

As a designer, I specialize in bringing concepts from sketch to prototype — the stage where ideas become tangible and meaningful. I’ve always loved working with my hands to solve problems, and prototyping is where I feel most in flow. My process blends creative problem-solving, clear communication, and collaboration — all grounded in technical precision and business insight.

Beyond product design, I continue to explore graphic design and painting in my personal time. This passion has led me to expand my creative toolkit to include photography, GoPro videography, Adobe Premiere Pro, and After Effects. These tools allow me to tell stories visually, using imagery that’s personal and grounded in real places, people, and experiences.

My design philosophy is rooted in multidisciplinary thinking and influenced by Thomas Manss' idea: “To create a memorable design, you have to start with a thought that’s worth remembering.” It also echoes the Bauhaus principle of form follows function. To me, great design serves its purpose with clarity and beauty — leaving a lasting impression through both its function and its form.

Having grown up across South Africa, the Middle East, and England, I bring a culturally diverse perspective and an appreciation for simplicity to everything I create. I strive to design products that feel intuitive, honest, and human.

When I’m not designing, I’m most at home outdoors — hiking, playing rugby or golf, or simply stepping away from the noise of daily life. I believe some of the best ideas come when we slow down and observe — a mindset that shapes how I live and how I design.

If you'd like to connect, collaborate, or explore my work, feel free to reach out.