DIVE INTO
A WORLD OF ART
Find the perfect gift for yourself or someone special.
Discover One-of-a-Kind watercolor and surf artwork, be amazed by
my upcycled surfboard fin collection and explore some wearable art.
Aloha, that’s me, Natalie!
A free spirit with a wild heart.
Designing Emotional Experiences
UX Case Studies Shaped by Human Needs
Eisbachtime
Free work
An attempt to give surfers in Munich the possibility to check how many surfers are currently surfing to plan their surf sessions accordingly. This case study gives insights about how to solve user problems strategically from UX research over wireframing to high fidelity prototyping.
Application Portal
IU – International University
How to push the engagement of applicants of a dual study program and support them right from the beginning of their user journey with a captivating gamified experience. Take a deep dive into building an application to fulfill the needs of both user groups: the applicants and the study advisors.
Translating Feelings into Art
Personal Artworks and Explorations
About Me
My Creative Practice
I design intuitive, emotionally engaging digital experiences at the intersection of UX, visual design and artificial intelligence. My work is driven by the question of how technology can feel more natural, human and empowering in everyday life.
For almost three years, I have been working as a Senior UX Designer in the Department for Synthetic Teaching, the AI-driven teaching unit at IU University. During this time, I have been responsible for the overall visual design and experience quality of our in-house AI learning assistant Syntea. My work included building a scalable design system that enables teams to create flexible micro-apps while ensuring a consistent, high-quality core product.Beyond UI, I actively shape the UX strategy through concept work, user research, usability testing and emotional journey mapping. A central focus of my work is Natural User Interfaces (NUI) — from conversational patterns and avatar concepts to voice-based interaction design — making complex AI systems feel approachable and trustworthy.
Previously, I led design strategy for an in-house software project where I decreased click rates from 50% to 80% and significantly improved task success rates. I also led the product development and UX design of the application portal for IU’s dual study program, creating a time-saving and engaging experience that achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rate (2021, handover).
With an unconventional background — a B.A. in Tourism Management, an M.Sc. in Sport Tourism and Recreation Management, and a second M.Sc. in Business Informatics — I bring a multidisciplinary perspective that combines design, management, psychology and technology.
For a full overview of my education and certifications, please visit my LinkedIn profile.
Alongside my work as a UX Designer, I am an artist driven by a deep love for craft, material and analog creation. Every piece I create is guided by the intention to evoke emotion and tell a story — whether through illustration, sculpture or watercolor. I put great care into each step of the process, from concept and material choice to production methods and environmental impact.
In 2021, I founded my own brand as an artistic statement against the logic of mass consumerism. My goal was to explore an alternative path: creating pieces that stand out through craftsmanship, creativity and a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable production. Even though my webshop closed in 2025, the ideas behind it continue to shape my work and values today.
A project that still represents the heart of my artistic journey is the Sunken Fins Collection — hand-crafted, upcycled table clocks and art objects made from lost surfboard fins from my home surf spot, the Eisbachwelle in Munich. This idea not only inspired my brand, but also pushed me to learn new skills such as laser cutting, engraving and mold-making, and to explore how design, sustainability and storytelling can merge into meaningful objects.
Today, my artistic work continues beyond commercial structures. It is a space for experimentation, reflection and emotional expression — a counterbalance to my digital design practice, and a constant reminder of why I started creating in the first place.
More about me…
aspiring vegan
adventure seeker
(still dreaming of my own van…)
passionated surfer girl
environmentalist
Don’t be shy
Say hello!
Get in touch and let me know how I can help. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
natalie.maerkle@gmail.com
Munich, Germany
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Art is the journey of a free soul.
Alev Oguz
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© Natalie Märkle 2026 | Impressum | Data policy