Why pixel art? Small pixels. big thinking

Before interfaces became seamless, they were built pixel by pixel. I chose pixel art for my portfolio as a tribute to digital design’s roots and the power of thoughtful simplicity.

About me

I’m Nikka Foroughi (The Teal Hummingbird) - Product and UX Designer with 6+ years of hands-on experience desiging thoughtful digital products.

I currently work at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), designing digital services that support millions of people across the province. My work focuses on simplifying complex systems, improving accessibility, and creating clear, trustworthy experiences at scale.

I graduated from Emily Carr University of Art + Design in 2021 with a Bachelor of Design in Interaction Design. During my studies, I developed a strong foundation in collaboration, research-driven design, systems thinking, and crafting thoughtful user experiences that balance business goals with real human needs.

I come from an artistic family, where creativity was part of everyday life. My father, a graphic designer, taught me early on that every visual choice carries intention and emotion. Growing up surrounded by design thinking shaped how I see the world. Over time, it became something deeply personal. I naturally analyze services, websites, and products, always thinking about how they could be clearer, kinder, or more meaningful.

Before ICBC, I worked at Castofly Technologies, an early-stage edtech startup, where I owned the end-to-end UX/UI design of an AI-powered content creation platfom. Working in a small, fast-paced team taught me how to move quickly, design with constraints, and create tools that genuinely help educators and creators communicate and tell stories.

Today, I design with a hummingbird’s pace: curious in research, precise in execution, and focused on flow. I use AI to move faster and explore ideas, while staying intentional in every decision. I’m driven by the belief that good design should feel effortless while quietly doing the hard work underneath.

Outside of work, I stay creative by making animated promo videos, sketching, and working with my hands through craft projects. Music is another source of inspiration. I play the piano and the Lakota flute to explore rhythm, emotion, and flow in a different form. To keep both my body and mind fresh, I meditate and practice TRX training.

My values

Passion fuels quality

When I care about what I'm building, it shows in every pixel. I don't just complete work. I invest in it.

Listen then design

I listen before I sketch. The best solutions come from the right questions, not the first answer.

Human intention, AI speed

Every decision I make has a reason. I'm deliberate in research, precise in execution, and I use AI to move faster without losing that intentionality.

Complexity deserves clarity

I enjoy untangling complex systems and turning them into experiences that feel simple, calm, and easy to use.

Rhythm is everything

I play piano and the Lakota flute. The space between notes taught me everything about flow.I bring that same sense of rhythm and flow to every experience.

Clarity is kindness

Confusing experiences cost people time, confidence, and trust. Making designs clear isn't just good craft. It's respect for the users.

My last but not least value

Always becoming

Every project, every critique, every constraint makes me better. I never stop evolvig as I believe growth has no final form.

My journey at a glance

From an Emily Carr interaction design degree to designing for millions of British Columbians at ICBC — my path has been shaped by curiosity, craft, and a belief that good design quietly does the hard work.