Hey there! 👋🏽
I'm João
Senior
Product
Designer based in Toronto
Featured work
Featured work
Shopify
Customer Accounts
Rebuilding Shopify's Buyer Portal
I led the end-to-end design of Shopify’s new Customer Accounts platform, replacing a legacy password-based system with a secure, passwordless, and extensible foundation.
Shopify
Customer Accounts
Rebuilding Shopify's Buyer Portal
I led the end-to-end design of Shopify’s new Customer Accounts platform, replacing a legacy password-based system with a secure, passwordless, and extensible foundation.
Shopify
Checkout & Accounts Editor
Unlocking Platform Power: Designing a scale editor for Checkout and Accounts
I led the ideation and execution of the unified apps tab, centralizing the discovery and management of app blocks. Additionally, we integrated the active inspector from the theme editor, allowing direct manipulation of app blocks in the preview.
Shopify
Checkout & Accounts Editor
Unlocking Platform Power: Designing a scale editor for Checkout and Accounts
I led the ideation and execution of the unified apps tab, centralizing the discovery and management of app blocks. Additionally, we integrated the active inspector from the theme editor, allowing direct manipulation of app blocks in the preview.
Apple - CESAR
CarPlay Certification Test App
From MVP to Factories.
I led the visual design and user experience of the CarPlay Certification Test App across all phases of its lifecycle. The app is used by Apple to validate compatibility standards, certify third-party accessories, and ensure seamless integration across the ecosystem.
Apple - CESAR
CarPlay Certification Test App
From MVP to Factories.
I led the visual design and user experience of the CarPlay Certification Test App across all phases of its lifecycle. The app is used by Apple to validate compatibility standards, certify third-party accessories, and ensure seamless integration across the ecosystem.
Samsung - CESAR
Zoominers
A 'Dig, dig, dig 💎' game
Worked as visual artist on this mobile game designed for Samsung Android devices.
Samsung - CESAR
Zoominers
A 'Dig, dig, dig 💎' game
Worked as visual artist on this mobile game designed for Samsung Android devices.
Samsung - CESAR
Flying Restaurant
A chef on board of his flying restaurant discovering, and serving the best dishes of each culture he lands.
Worked as visual artist and collaborated cross-discipline to develop a TV OS game for Samsung Smart TVs.
Samsung - CESAR
Flying Restaurant
A chef on board of his flying restaurant discovering, and serving the best dishes of each culture he lands.
Worked as visual artist and collaborated cross-discipline to develop a TV OS game for Samsung Smart TVs.
Case Study
AURIA
Achademic research - Architecture and Urbanism
Half way through my career I considered transitioning to architecture and urbanism, and at the university I ran this project as a case study to address some of my hometown's mobility issues.
Case Study
AURIA
Achademic research - Architecture and Urbanism
Half way through my career I considered transitioning to architecture and urbanism, and at the university I ran this project as a case study to address some of my hometown's mobility issues.
Oldy Goldie
An archive of polished work
Oldy Goldie
An archive of polished work
About
About
Experience
My design work is grounded in a simple goal: making complex systems feel intuitive and human. I’ve spent the last 15 years doing this for global platforms, building foundational systems, and using motion to make digital experiences feel alive—most recently for the millions of merchants and buyers at Shopify.
Senior Product Designer
2021 → 2025
Shopify
Product Designer
2017 → 2021
CESAR
Product Designer Junior
2011 → 2017
CESAR
Designer Intern
2010 → 2011
CESAR
Senior Product Designer
2021 → 2025
Shopify
Product Designer
2017 → 2021
CESAR
Product Designer Junior
2011 → 2017
CESAR
Designer Intern
2010 → 2011
CESAR
My Journey
Everyone has a story that shapes them, and mine is rooted in Brazil. Growing up in there gave me both strength and a deep sense of empathy. It showed me what really matters. That's my foundation. It's why I do what I do.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
Principles
My background shaped me as a person and designer and this is reflected in the core values and principles carry over with me and apply to every single challenge I encounter.
Designing for Humans
Usage isn't the same as value. Real success comes from designing for genuine engagement, not just being the only option.
That’s why I start by understanding human needs—it's the only way to build something that truly connects.
Usage isn't the same as value. Real success comes from designing for genuine engagement, not just being the only option.
That’s why I start by understanding human needs—it's the only way to build something that truly connects.
Skills
My toolkit is focused on bringing ideas to life. I use Figma, Framer, and the Vibecoding tools to craft everything from initial wireframes to high-fidelity, interactive prototypes.
I have a deep appreciation for how things move and feel, which I express through motion design and 3D modeling.
My toolkit is focused on bringing ideas to life. I use Figma, Framer, and the Vibecoding tools to craft everything from initial wireframes to high-fidelity, interactive prototypes.
I have a deep appreciation for how things move and feel, which I express through motion design and 3D modeling.
B2B/SaaS
Prototyping
Illustration
Mentoring
UX Design
Visual Design
B2B/SaaS
Prototyping
Illustration
Mentoring
UX Design
Visual Design
Experiments
A few stuff I like to do on my spare time. I'm passionate about animation, 3D modeling and 3D printing, airbrush painting and anime. Below a few examples of finished hobby projects and some that one day I intent do get done.
Get in touch!
Let's build something great together!
Let's build something great together!
Hey there! 👋🏽
I'm João
Senior
Product
Designer based in Toronto
Featured work
Shopify
Customer Accounts
Rebuilding Shopify's Buyer Portal
I led the end-to-end design of Shopify’s new Customer Accounts platform, replacing a legacy password-based system with a secure, passwordless, and extensible foundation.
Shopify
Checkout & Accounts Editor
Unlocking Platform Power: Designing a scale editor for Checkout and Accounts
I led the ideation and execution of the unified apps tab, centralizing the discovery and management of app blocks. Additionally, we integrated the active inspector from the theme editor, allowing direct manipulation of app blocks in the preview.
Apple - CESAR
CarPlay Certification Test App
From MVP to Factories.
I led the visual design and user experience of the CarPlay Certification Test App across all phases of its lifecycle. The app is used by Apple to validate compatibility standards, certify third-party accessories, and ensure seamless integration across the ecosystem.
Samsung - CESAR
Zoominers
A 'Dig, dig, dig 💎' game
Worked as visual artist on this mobile game designed for Samsung Android devices.
Samsung - CESAR
Flying Restaurant
A chef on board of his flying restaurant discovering, and serving the best dishes of each culture he lands.
Worked as visual artist and collaborated cross-discipline to develop a TV OS game for Samsung Smart TVs.
Case Study
AURIA
Achademic research - Architecture and Urbanism
Half way through my career I considered transitioning to architecture and urbanism, and at the university I ran this project as a case study to address some of my hometown's mobility issues.
Oldy Goldie
An archive of polished work
About
Experience
My design work is grounded in a simple goal: making complex systems feel intuitive and human. I’ve spent the last 15 years doing this for global platforms, building foundational systems, and using motion to make digital experiences feel alive—most recently for the millions of merchants and buyers at Shopify.
Senior Product Designer
Shopify
Product Designer
CESAR
Product Designer Junior
CESAR
Designer Intern
CESAR
My Journey
Everyone has a story that shapes them, and mine is rooted in Brazil. Growing up in there gave me both strength and a deep sense of empathy. It showed me what really matters. That's my foundation. It's why I do what I do.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
I was born and raised in a modest neighbourhood in Recife, the vibrant capital of Brazil's northeast state of Pernambuco. It was there that I learned my most important lessons — though I was usually too busy running from my grandma to realize it at the time.
I grew up in a house full of love and sharing. Even though we had a tough childhood, my parents always found creative ways to bring joy and fun for my brother and I. My mother is definitely one of the strongest women I've met! She's my main reference of faith and perseverance.
My dad is the most creative person around me and the one I've learned most of what I know when it comes to solving problems with little resources. He's almost 70, and he's building a house by himself, along with all the furnitures, tools and accessories used to get it done and decorated.
I started working at the age of 19 and I spent almost 12 years in the same company. CESAR was where I mastered my craft. Throughout my journey there, I had the privilege to work in a wide range of projects for clients like Apple, Samsung, and LG.
Working closely with Apple sparkled something I thought it was beyond my reality: be able to make a life abroad out of my craft and expertise in design. In 2021 I joined Shopify, and then moved to Toronto with my wife and our little dog. We've managed to survive 3 winters already.
Principles
My background shaped me as a person and designer and this is reflected in the core values and principles carry over with me and apply to every single challenge I encounter.
Designing for Humans