A little bit about myself...
I'm Meltem Parlak, a multidisciplinary designer passionate about improving lives through thoughtful, strategic design. I collaborate with visionary leaders and organizations to bridge the gap between their goals and the people they serve—crafting experiences that are both emotionally resonant and purpose-driven.
Currently, I’m a Senior Product Designer at Birsel + Seck, where I lead human-centered design initiatives that translate complex challenges into meaningful solutions. My work spans design strategy, product development, and co-design facilitation—always with a deep commitment to creating value for real people.
With over eight years of experience, I’ve led projects from ideation through development across a range of industries. I managed a year long research project funded by The SCAN Foundation. I traveled across America to facilitate co-design sessions with older adults to learn what they want, need, and desire in their experiences to live engaged, joyful, and independent lives. Our work resulted in a detailed research and insights report with opportunity areas identified and a co-design kit for anyone who wants to lead a session and co-design with older Americans
Outside of work, you'll find me exploring nature with my dog Alfie, staying curious, and connecting with creatives who are unafraid to share bold ideas.

Experience.
Birsel + Seck
Senior Product Designer | Feb 2023 - Present
Staples
Senior Product Designer | Dec 2021 - Feb 2023
Birsel + Seck
Product Design Manager | May 2018 - Dec 2021
Parsons School of Design
Adjunct Professor | Jan 2018 - Jan 2019
Bama Technology
Product Designer | Jul 2015 - Jun 2016
Skills.
General
UX / UI Product Design Design Research
Design Strategy Design Thinking Design Sprints
Mock-ups & Wireframes Usability Testing
Storyboarding Insights & Ideation Concept Dev
Design
Adobe Creative Suite Sketch Figma
Invision Rhinoceros Fusion 360 Keyshot
Language
English Turkish German
Education.
Parsons School of Design
MFA Product Design | 2016 - 2018
Middle East Technical University
BFA Industrial Design | 2010 - 2015
Braunschweig University of Art
Erasmus Transportation Design | 2014