In an era where digital experiences define our interactions, the role of product designers has never been more critical. According to a report by the Design Council, the UK’s design economy grew by 6.2% annually, contributing over £90 billion to the UK economy as of 2022. Product design, in particular, has emerged as one of the most dynamic sectors, fueled by rapid advancements in digital technologies, the rise of startups, and the increasing demand for user-friendly interfaces across industries. With more businesses embracing design thinking to enhance customer experiences, product designers are in high demand, and the field is continuously evolving.

For African immigrants, particularly Nigerians, the UK has become a beacon of opportunity in tech and design. As of 2023, around 10% of the UK’s tech workforce is made up of people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, with a significant percentage being African immigrants. Nigerian professionals, in particular, have made a strong impact on the UK’s tech ecosystem. These individuals have not only brought diverse perspectives but have also contributed immensely to the innovation shaping today’s design landscape.

Here, we highlight 7 Nigerian product designers based in the UK whose careers serve as both inspiration and proof that risk-taking, perseverance, and talent can pave the way for success in a competitive industry. Each of these designers has carved a unique path, overcoming challenges of migration, cultural adaptation, and the demanding nature of design work, proving that with hard work and passion, it is possible to thrive in global tech hubs.

Daniel Abayomi

Daniel Abayomi is a Product Designer currently working at Meta in Londo with the Trust: Well-Being & Privacy teams for Instagram and Messenger. In this role, Daniel focuses on creating safe, engaging, and privacy-conscious user experiences that prioritize the well-being of users. His work at Meta is crucial in ensuring that both platforms continue to evolve in ways that promote responsible digital interaction while safeguarding user privacy and mental health.

Before joining Meta, Daniel served as the Design and Product Lead at Brass in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was responsible for leading the design and development of digital solutions in the fintech space. His leadership at Brass involved overseeing product strategy and user experience design for financial tools that made banking more accessible to underserved communities in Nigeria.

Outside of his professional roles, Daniel commits himself to creating opportunities for the next generation of tech talent. He was the Co-Founder of Growtek, a platform aimed at giving teenagers the chance to gain early exposure to no-code tech jobs. By helping young people gain the skills necessary to thrive in tech, Daniel has contributed to bridging the skills gap and empowering the next wave of tech innovators.

Daniel Abayomi’s journey exemplifies how bold decisions and a deep passion for design can open doors to world-class opportunities. Whether he’s working on enhancing privacy at Meta or mentoring the next generation of tech leaders through Growtek, Daniel continues to help shape the future of design and digital technology. His career serves as an inspiring model for aspiring product designers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Samuel Lasisi

Samuel Lasisi is a talented Product Design Lead at the University of Nottingham, where he plays a crucial role in shaping digital experiences for the university’s various platforms and services. Samuel’s expertise lies in creating intuitive and user-centered designs that meet the unique needs of students, staff, and faculty, helping the university enhance its digital ecosystem. With a passion for innovation and improving user experience, he has been instrumental in leading design initiatives that make university systems more accessible and engaging.

Before taking on his role at the University of Nottingham, Samuel worked as a Product Designer at Sunfi in Lagos, Nigeria. At Sunfi, he helped design digital solutions for renewable energy systems, contributing to the company’s mission of making solar energy more accessible and efficient for communities.

Outside of his professional work, Samuel is a top voice on LinkedIn, where he has built a community of over 10k followers. He regularly posts insightful videos on product design, sharing tips, industry trends, and personal experiences that inspire and educate fellow designers. His dedication to helping others grow in the field has earned him a reputation as both a thought leader and mentor. His content serves as a valuable resource for aspiring designers looking to learn and improve their craft.

He is also a founder of Verdatech, on a  mission to make design education accessible for everyone and equip the continent of Africa with a league of versatile designers.

Samuel’s journey in product design is a testament to his commitment to excellence and community-building. Whether he’s leading design projects at the University of Nottingham or sharing knowledge on LinkedIn, Samuel continues to make a significant impact in the design world, inspiring others to follow their passions and push the boundaries of what design can achieve.

Mitchelle Chibundu

Mitchelle Chibundu is the Product Design Lead at Ledger, where she leads the design of payments and transaction services, playing a crucial role in enhancing the user experience for one of the most trusted names in digital asset management. Mitchelle’s expertise in product design, particularly in the fintech space, allows her to craft seamless, secure, and intuitive experiences for users navigating the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Before her current role at Ledger, Mitchelle was the Product Design Lead for Mobile Products at Flutterwave in Lagos, Nigeria. At Flutterwave, she was instrumental in shaping the design direction for mobile payment solutions that helped businesses across Africa accept payments online.

Beyond her impressive career in product design, Mitchelle is also the founder of Designer Babe®, a platform with a mission to revolutionize how young technology professionals prepare for global careers and lead fulfilling lives. Designer Babe® offers dynamic, bite-sized educational resources designed to help creative minds navigate the tech world while also providing a vibrant space for showcasing their talents and discovering new opportunities. Mitchelle’s platform is dedicated to supporting the next generation of tech professionals by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to succeed on the global stage.

Mitchelle Chibundu’s work speaks to her passion for both design and empowerment. Whether she’s leading design teams at Ledger or helping shape the future of young professionals through Designer Babe®, Mitchelle continues to make a lasting impact on the design community. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how bold vision, commitment to learning, and a passion for uplifting others can drive success in both professional and personal pursuits.

Damola Adegoke

Damola Adegoke is a London-based Product Designer currently working at Spotify, where he focuses on enhancing the user experience for one of the world’s leading music streaming platforms. In his role, Daniel is responsible for crafting intuitive and engaging designs that help users interact seamlessly with Spotify’s suite of products, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for millions of users globally.

Before joining Spotify, Daniel was the Product Design Lead at Nestcoin, where he worked on addressing key security challenges, specifically related to breaches, within the cryptocurrency space. At Nestcoin, Daniel’s primary focus was on designing solutions that helped users better navigate and manage the risks associated with breaches and vulnerabilities in digital assets. His work involved creating user-friendly security features that made complex cryptocurrency protection protocols more understandable and accessible to everyday users, helping them safeguard their digital investments.

Daniel’s career showcases his ability to adapt his design skills to a variety of industries, from music streaming at Spotify to security-driven design in the crypto space at Nestcoin.

Daniel Abayomi’s work journey serves as an inspiring example that anyone can reach their dream if they believe and work hard.

Oyindamola Ajibike

Oyindamola Ajibike is a Product Designer currently working at ClearScore, where she specializes in open banking and user engagement. In her role, Oyindamola designs intuitive and accessible solutions that enhance the way users interact with ClearScore’s financial products. Her focus is on creating seamless experiences that help individuals manage their finances more effectively, making financial tools both user-friendly and empowering.

Before her time at ClearScore, Oyindamola served as a Senior Product Designer at Andela, a global technology company that trains and connects software engineers with leading companies.

Beyond her professional design work, Oyindamola is passionate about empowering African women in the design industry. She is the co-founder of Design-chics, a platform dedicated to connecting and empowering African women in design by providing them with opportunities for growth and mentorship. Through Design-chics, Oyindamola is helping to create a supportive community where African women designers can thrive, build networks, and share knowledge. This initiative showcases her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the design world.

Raymond Okoro

Raymond Okoro is a Product Designer currently working at Moneybox UK, where he crafts seamless, user-centered designs for digital financial solutions. With his extensive experience in the design field, Raymond plays a crucial role in making complex financial concepts accessible and user-friendly, helping users manage their savings and investments with ease.

Before joining Moneybox, Raymond held the position of Senior Product Designer at Edutech Global in Lagos, Nigeria, where he focused on building educational tech products aimed at enhancing learning experiences for students and educators alike.

Beyond his professional design roles, Raymond is passionate about giving back to the design community. He is an active mentor on ADPList, where he supports and guides aspiring designers, helping them navigate the challenges of the design industry. In addition to his mentorship, Raymond is a talented photographer who contributes his work to Unsplash, offering free, high-quality images for the creative, tech, and design  community. His photography showcases his keen eye for aesthetics, an essential quality that complements his design work.

Chidinma Aniugbo

Chidinma Aniugbo is a Product Designer at Shopify in London, where she designs seamless and intuitive experiences for Shopify’s users. With a focus on creating user-centered design solutions, Chidinma ensures that entrepreneurs and businesses can effectively use Shopify’s ecommerce platform to build, grow, and scale their online stores.

Before joining Shopify, Chidinma was a Product Designer at Swipe in Lagos, Nigeria, where she contributed to building innovative products in the fintech space. At Swipe, Chidinma worked on designing user-friendly interfaces for financial solutions that made mobile payments and digital financial services more accessible to people in Nigeria and across Africa.

In addition to her impressive career in product design, Chidinma is also the founder of Design-chics, a platform dedicated to connecting and empowering African women in design. Through Design-chics, Chidinma provides opportunities for growth, mentorship, and networking, helping African women in the design industry build strong professional communities. Her platform serves as a vital resource for those looking to advance in their careers and find support in a male-dominated industry, highlighting her commitment to diversity and inclusion in design.

Chidinma Aniugbo’s journey from Lagos to London reflects her dedication to making a significant impact in the design world. Whether she’s shaping e-commerce experiences at Shopify or empowering women through Design-chics, Chidinma continues to inspire the next generation of designers, proving that with passion, purpose, and perseverance, one can shape a career that not only thrives but also creates meaningful change.

The careers of these Nigerian product designers highlight that the incredible grit, talent, and resilience required to thrive in the tech industry is not at all far-fetched. Each of them has navigated unique challenges—whether moving across borders or pioneering new design solutions in emerging markets. These designers are not only shaping the future of design but also inspiring others to push past boundaries, demonstrating that with talent and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.

Their journeys—marked by hard work, perseverance, and a dedication to making a positive impact—serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers, immigrants, and anyone navigating the challenges of building a successful career in a competitive, ever-evolving industry.