Where
Pixels Meet Personality & Function
I'm Sotera Costello, your go-to product designer and the brains (and heart) behind Simply Sotera. Let's explore the magic of infusing products with personality through design.
Get to know me and my process a little more, or dive straight into my portfolio.








My Story Unfolded
Over a decade in design, navigating the chaos from web designer to full-blown product design guru. I'm that designer who's seen it all, weaving through product innovation like a pro, infusing each creation with personality and charm.
Notable Projects
The Design Story Unfolds
These projects hold a special place in my heart from the past few years. While some made it to production, others sparked inspiration for similar experiences down the road. But let me tell you, each one was a result of fantastic teamwork and collaboration—and boy, did we have a blast while working on these!
Over a decade in design, navigating the chaos from web designer to full-blown product design guru. I'm that designer who's seen it all, weaving through product innovation like a pro, infusing each creation with personality and charm.


Gap Brands,
One System
Unifying the shopping experience across all Gap Inc. brands with a flexible, headless UI. A shared design system brought consistency, efficiency, and scalability—making it easier to theme & maintain brand identities while streamlining development.









Notable Projects
These projects hold a special place in my heart from the past few years. While some made it to production, others sparked inspiration for similar experiences down the road. But let me tell you, each one was a result of fantastic teamwork and collaboration—and boy, did we have a blast while working on these!
Gap Brands,
One System
Unifying the shopping experience across all Gap Inc. brands with a flexible, headless UI. A shared design system brought consistency, efficiency, and scalability—making it easier to theme & maintain brand identities while streamlining development.



Beyond Pixels and Wireframes
Let's dive deep into the essence of design—simplicity infused with personality using 6 phases of the design process.
No need for fancy jargon here. It's about leading with heart, listening intently, and communicating effectively.
1
Define and Analyze
Time to get down to business. We're defining our objectives and doing a competitive analysis to lay the groundwork for some killer design decisions.
2
Sketch and Discuss
Grab your favorite sketch pad or fire up Figma—it's brainstorming time! Let's sketch out some ideas and get those creative conversations flowing.
3
Models & Insights
We're delving deep into the design world, using journey mapping, empathy mapping, and user research to gain valuable insights and inform our decisions.
We're delving deep into the design world, using journey mapping, empathy mapping, and user research to gain valuable insights and inform our decisions.
We're delving deep into the design world, using journey mapping, empathy mapping, and user research to gain valuable insights and inform our decisions.
We're delving deep into the design world, using journey mapping, empathy mapping, and user research to gain valuable insights and inform our decisions.
4
Mock & Prototype
We're diving into mockups and prototypes here, using tools like Figma to bring our ideas to life and kickstart the feedback loop
We're diving into mockups and prototypes here, using tools like Figma to bring our ideas to life and kickstart the feedback loop
We're diving into mockups and prototypes here, using tools like Figma to bring our ideas to life and kickstart the feedback loop
We're diving into mockups and prototypes here, using tools like Figma to bring our ideas to life and kickstart the feedback loop
5
Reviews & Validations
Time to gather the team and get some feedback. We want to make sure our design choices hit the mark, so don't hold back on those insights!
Time to gather the team and get some feedback. We want to make sure our design choices hit the mark, so don't hold back on those insights!
Time to gather the team and get some feedback. We want to make sure our design choices hit the mark, so don't hold back on those insights!
Time to gather the team and get some feedback. We want to make sure our design choices hit the mark, so don't hold back on those insights!
6
Polish & Spec
Alright, let's add those final touches and nail down the specs to ensure everything's ready to go for handoff.
Alright, let's add those final touches and nail down the specs to ensure everything's ready to go for handoff.
Alright, let's add those final touches and nail down the specs to ensure everything's ready to go for handoff.
Alright, let's add those final touches and nail down the specs to ensure everything's ready to go for handoff.
Designing Products, Crafting Experiences
Designing Products, Crafting Experiences
Designing Products, Crafting Experiences
Designing Products, Crafting Experiences
Imagine this: stunning aesthetics, interactive fun, and a strategic mind all bundled up. I'm your visionary, motivator, and fearless innovator and leader, making the intersection of product and design effortlessly enjoyable.
So, think of me as your partner in product design—blending user-centricity, strategic problem-solving, adaptability, and a touch of rapid innovation. Here are some of my personal value props that I bring to the table.
Imagine this: stunning aesthetics, interactive fun, and a strategic mind all bundled up. I'm your visionary, motivator, and fearless innovator and leader, making the intersection of product and design effortlessly enjoyable.
So, think of me as your partner in product design—blending user-centricity, strategic problem-solving, adaptability, and a touch of rapid innovation. Here are some of my personal value props that I bring to the table.
Imagine this: stunning aesthetics, interactive fun, and a strategic mind all bundled up. I'm your visionary, motivator, and fearless innovator and leader, making the intersection of product and design effortlessly enjoyable.
So, think of me as your partner in product design—blending user-centricity, strategic problem-solving, adaptability, and a touch of rapid innovation. Here are some of my personal value props that I bring to the table.
Imagine this: stunning aesthetics, interactive fun, and a strategic mind all bundled up. I'm your visionary, motivator, and fearless innovator and leader, making the intersection of product and design effortlessly enjoyable.
So, think of me as your partner in product design—blending user-centricity, strategic problem-solving, adaptability, and a touch of rapid innovation. Here are some of my personal value props that I bring to the table.
User-Centric Product Design
Every decision, from wireframes to the final product, is meticulously crafted to enhance user experience. The result? Products that aren't just functional but seamlessly intuitive.
User-Centric Product Design
Every decision, from wireframes to the final product, is meticulously crafted to enhance user experience. The result? Products that aren't just functional but seamlessly intuitive.
User-Centric Product Design
Every decision, from wireframes to the final product, is meticulously crafted to enhance user experience. The result? Products that aren't just functional but seamlessly intuitive.
Every decision, from wireframes to the final product, is meticulously crafted to enhance user experience. The result? Products that aren't just functional but seamlessly intuitive.
Iterative Design Excellence
Product design is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Through Kaizen, I ensure continuous improvement, aligning your product with user feedback and evolving expectations.
Product design is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Through Kaizen, I ensure continuous improvement, aligning your product with user feedback and evolving expectations.
Strategic Problem-Solving
I don't just design features; I solve problems. I streamline user flows & optimize interactions, my approach is rooted in strategic thinking that aligns with your business objectives.
Strategic Problem-Solving
I don't just design features; I solve problems. I streamline user flows & optimize interactions, my approach is rooted in strategic thinking that aligns with your business objectives.
I don't just design features; I solve problems. I streamline user flows & optimize interactions, my approach is rooted in strategic thinking that aligns with your business objectives.
Versatility in Product Domains
I've navigated diverse product domains, equipping me to adapt seamlessly to your industry, crafting solutions that resonate with your product's unique challenges and opportunities.
I've navigated diverse product domains, equipping me to adapt seamlessly to your industry, crafting solutions that resonate with your product's unique challenges and opportunities.
Rapid Prototyping for Swift Solutions
In fast-paced product design, speed matters. I excel in rapid prototyping, expediting concept to execution. Swift solutions, no compromise on quality.
In fast-paced product design, speed matters. I excel in rapid prototyping, expediting concept to execution. Swift solutions, no compromise on quality.
Rapid Prototyping for Swift Solutions
In fast-paced product design, speed matters. I excel in rapid prototyping, expediting concept to execution. Swift solutions, no compromise on quality.
Collaborative Design Workshops
Design isn't a solo endeavor. I thrive in collaborative settings, conducting design workshops that harness the collective intelligence of cross-functional teams.
Design isn't a solo endeavor. I thrive in collaborative settings, conducting design workshops that harness the collective intelligence of cross-functional teams.
Innovation Infused with Compassion
Innovation should enhance, not complicate. I approach product design with compassion, ensuring technological advancements, empathy, and fostering genuine connections with users.
Innovation should enhance, not complicate. I approach product design with compassion, ensuring technological advancements, empathy, and fostering genuine connections with users.
Challenges and Growth: Embracing Complexity
In the world of design, criticism isn't a foe; it's a mentor. Balancing aesthetics and function, I've learned to simplify without losing the magic. Embracing skepticism and criticism has transformed me into a more open and compassionate designer, advocating effectively for users while meeting business needs.




Endorsements and Commendations
Check out what my peers are saying about me and if you’re ready, let's embark on this product design adventure together!
























© 2025 by Sotera Costello