ABOUT ME
I'm Makenna Gleichman, a designer with a love of brand development and a career in product design focusing on finding the intersection between function & beauty.
CURRENTLY
As a generalist Senior Product Designer on the Xbox Family team at Microsoft, I design experiences across mobile, desktop, and console platforms used by millions of players and families that aid in providing safety for kids, joy for players and tools for parents.
Working within a large product ecosystem has strengthened my approach to visual systems, clarity, and scalable design frameworks. My work spans everything from intuitive, interactive user experiences to visual design projects, including logo creation, presentation design, and design system development. With almost a decade at Microsoft, I’ve grown from a tactical production role into a cross-platform UX and visual systems designer.
MY DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
I’m drawn to work where brand and product intersect. The most effective brands don’t just live in marketing - they live inside the products people use every day. My approach focuses on translating identity into clear visual language, thoughtful systems, and experiences that feel cohesive across platforms. I value simplicity, strong typography, and design decisions that balance craft, clarity, and function.
OUTSIDE OF WORK
Outside of work, you can find me outdoors exploring the Pacific Northwest, experimenting with new recipes, or working on home renovation projects with my husband. I’m endlessly curious about how design shapes both digital experiences and physical spaces.
created
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DESIGN SpECIALTIES
MY JOURNEY IN DESIGN
Senior Designer
UX/UI Designer II
UX/UI Designer I
Visual Designer
Xbox @ Microsoft
2017-Current
Freelance Designer
Makenna Gleichman Design
2016-Current
Graphic Designer
College Hill Custom Threads
2015 - 2016
Graphic Design Intern
ADURO
2016
Graphics Technician
The Daily Evergreen
2015
Graphic Design Intern
College Hill Custom Threads
2014
KIND WORDS
"I've had the privilege of managing Makenna for the past 8 years, and I can confidently say she's one of the most uniquely talented designers I've worked with. Her combination of visual design excellence, technical UI/UX instincts, and exceptional critical thinking skills make her an absolute unicorn in the design world.
Makenna’s level of organization is unmatched. Her Figma files are so thoughtfully structured and intuitive that I use them as onboarding examples for new designers. Her approach to information architecture and wayfinding not only elevates the design, but also makes collaboration seamless for partners and teams.
She brings clarity to complexity, always asking the right questions and approaching challenges with a strategic, user-first mindset. She raises the bar and brings calm, thoughtful design thinking to every project she touches."
"Makenna's constant consideration and dedication to excellence have been pivotal in our ability to adjust quickly and find success in the midst of ever-changing requirements and landscape. She has approached every update and new component with excitement and a want to deliver the highest quality we can to our customers and partners."
"Makenna is an incredibly talented designer with a natural ability to bring ideas to life in a way that feels both thoughtful and visually compelling. She has a great eye for detail and a strong sense of brand, consistently creating work that is not only beautiful but also purposeful. Beyond her design skills, she’s a joy to collaborate with: reliable, creative, and genuinely invested in doing great work. Any team would be lucky to have her!"
i don't do surface level
If I’m in, I’m all in. I want to understand the why, not just the what.
design earns a seat at the table
I don’t decorate decisions - I help shape them.
I care about business goals, user psychology, and long-term systems.
design earns a seat at the table
I don’t decorate decisions - I help shape them.
I care about business goals, user psychology, and long-term systems.
design earns a seat at the table
I don’t decorate decisions - I help shape them.
I care about business goals, user psychology, and long-term systems.
design earns a seat at the table