We were lucky to catch up with Vini Mota recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vini, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?

I’m a designer by education and had the privilege of attending one of the most sought-after design school in Brazil. That foundation gave me a strong start, but the real learning came through experience. Living and working in Australia, Dubai, and Singapore exposed me to diverse ways of thinking and working. I’ve always leaned into hands-on work, learning by doing, and surrounding myself with people who challenge me to think bigger and approach things differently.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

I’d tell my younger self, “Don’t fall in love with your first idea.” When I started, I’d get so attached to initial concepts that I missed opportunities to explore better solutions. Being more open to iterating early and often would’ve sped things up. Also, I’d remind myself to collaborate more deeply with non-design teams like engineers and business folks—those partnerships are a goldmine for learning how things work in the real world.

What skills do you think were most essential?

Problem-solving, without a doubt. At the core of design, we’re solving challenges—whether it’s for users, businesses, or both. Being able to look at a problem, break it down, and come up with a creative, practical solution is what makes a designer invaluable. Beyond that, curiosity and adaptability have been key—staying curious keeps the work exciting, and being adaptable lets you navigate all the twists and turns of a project.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Early on, I had a habit of trying to do everything myself. It took time to realize that the best work happens when you lean into collaboration. Another challenge was not knowing when to stop tweaking—sometimes, you just have to ship the work and let feedback guide the next iteration. I’ve learned that good design is often a process, not a one-and-done effort.

Vini, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I feel incredibly lucky to have discovered my passion for design early in life. From a young age, visual communication captivated me—whether it was the packaging of a product or the way objects told a story without words. I was always curious about how things worked, often taking apart mixers, fans, or any household gadgets just to see what was inside. That curiosity and fascination with design led me to pursue formal education in design at the age of 17, setting the foundation of my career.

Today, I specialize in end-to-end product design, from strategy to execution. I work closely with businesses to deeply understand their challenges, their competition, and opportunities to elevate existing products or services. I’m often involved in the early stages of projects, looking holistically at business objectives, identifying revenue opportunities, and improving the overall user experience. Whether it’s guiding and mentoring teams or rolling up sleeves for hands-on work, I love contributing to both the big-picture vision and the smallest details.

Looking back, I’m proud of the impact my work has had. During the pandemic, I led the design of a mental health platform for Singapore’s Ministry of Health, offering critical support when it was needed most. I helped Google build a platform to upskill people impacted by the economic downturn and designed a virtual fitness coach for Nike Training Club to keep people active and motivated during those tough times. For me, it’s always been about creating solutions that not only meet business goals but also make life simpler, more beautiful, and more human.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the core of my creative journey is the belief that design has the power to solve real-world problems and make life better. My goal has always been to create meaningful, impactful experiences—designs that empower people, improve accessibility, and connect communities. Whether it’s simplifying complex systems, making technology more human, or creating tools that help people, I’m driven by the idea that design isn’t just about what things look like—it’s about how they work and how they make people feel.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and keeping morale high is something I’ve learned through years of working across different industries, cultures, and time zones. One of the biggest challenges—and rewards—has been adapting to different leadership styles around the world. What resonates in Singapore might not land the same way in the Dubai, so I’ve made it a priority to listen, understand cultural dynamics, and shape my approach to fit the team.

For me, it starts with trust. I focus on creating an open environment where people feel heard and valued. Honest communication, celebrating wins (big or small), and encouraging ownership are all key to keeping the energy high. I also believe in leading by example—whether that means diving into a tough design problem or showing empathy when things don’t go as planned.

I’ve worked on high-pressure environments, so I know how important it is to find balance. I’m all about giving people space to grow and challenge themselves while respecting their boundaries. Recognizing strengths, mentoring when needed, and fostering collaboration go a long way in keeping teams motivated and inspired.

At the end of the day, it’s about showing up with energy and authenticity. I genuinely enjoy collaborating and solving problems together, and I think that positivity sets the tone for the team to thrive—no matter where in the world we’re working.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.vinimota.com
• Instagram: @vncsmt
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/vinimota