Lou Millar-MacHugh

From speaking on panels about Gen Z career paths to crafting interactive educational experiences that teach teenagers how algorithms shape their world, my career has been driven by innovation and curiosity.

Currently, I lead brand and digital strategy at Sano, overseeing print and web design alongside social media campaigns. I’m also developing Irrational Technology, an educational initiative born from my university honours project, which explores societies evolving relationship with social media and technology through a design perspective on platforms like Substack, TikTok, and YouTube.

If you would like to be a part of the next big adventure, you can get in touch with me at loumachugh@gmail.com.

web design | brand strategy

Redesigning Sano's web Experience

Comprehensive website redesign project transformed a multi-location restaurant's digital presence through iterative design, user-centric solutions, and data-driven decision making. The project addressed complex business requirements while elevating brand storytelling and user experience.

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UX Strategy | digital marketing | social media

a ux approach to Hospitality marketing

The applications of UX are  more far-reaching than just building websites. In my work with Sano, I have used my understanding of how people interact with the digital to craft a digital presence that connects with our customer base in a unique way, increasing engagement by 150% in the first 3 months.

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DISCOVER

DEFINE

DEVELOP

DELIVER

DESIGN THINKING, SERVICE DESIGN, UX DESIGN

Improving Teen Experiences of Social Media

Addressing how teenagers interact with social media and the challenges they face. I designed a teacher-led, digitally-enabled program to teach "social media literacy"—a curriculum aimed at giving teens the skills and insight to understand social media design and make empowered choices online

Design Case StudyParent & Teacher Guide
presentation & talk

A Gen Z UX Designer’s Perspective on Social Media’s Real Impact

I was invited by UX Glasgow to be their first GenZ speaker, and give a talk on my Honours Project, and my related work in advocating for social media literacy. I also speak about how this influences my design practice.

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My educational initiative, Irrational Technology, takes my research with social media  one step further. I post bite-sized information and tips on tech literacy, write longer form essays exploring specific topics in more detail, and post long-form interviews with interesting people in the ethical technology space.

@irrational.technology
content collaboration

better digital spaces 

Through authentic storytelling and hands-on demonstrations, I help ethical tech platforms like Sublime reach conscious users seeking alternatives to mainstream social media. My approach drove 675+ saves on TikTok by focusing on quality engagement over viral metrics.

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web design | accesibility | usability testing

Creating a User-First Charity Website

UX Lead for a website redesign with the Scottish Tech Army, partnering with Fortune Works charity to create an accessible site for adults with learning disabilities, based on prior user research. The new website improves access to vital community services, and communicates the charities values & mission effectively.  

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DISCOVER

DEFINE

DEVELOP

DELIVER

UX DESIGN AND RESEARCH

Enhancing Internal Tools Through User-Centered Design 

Playing a pivotal role in a company-wide rebrand initiative, and enhancing UX methods within the tech delivery process. Enhancing internal tools created a more efficient process for funding approval & tech delivery.     

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DISCOVER

DEFINE

DEVELOP

DELIVER

DESIGN THINKING & SERVICE DESIGN

BRIDGING EDUCATION & INDUSTRY

Creating a platform that helps Digital Media and Interaction Design students understand their future career path and make steps towards their aspirations. Improves access to career resources & empowers students to take the first step in their careers.  

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DISCOVER

DEFINE

DEVELOP

DELIVER

BRANDING & UX DESIGN

Making Exercise Accessible During Remote Work

Supporting a local pilates instructor in launching a mobile app that advocates a less sedentary lifestyle for those who work from home. Worked with a team of developers to make tech expertise accesible to the local community, empowering them to take the next step in their buisness journey.   

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2024
‍

In September 2024, I spoke at a UX Glasgow event, speaking about "Engagement vs. Autonomy: A Gen Z UX Designer's Perspective on Social Media's Real Impact"
In January 2024 I began my Tiktok & Substack newsletter advocating for ethical social media, which you can see here
In April 2024 I started my role as a full-time Digital & Communications Executive at Sano Pizza
From March - October 2024, I completed a voluntary project as UX Design Lead, designing a website for Fortune Works, a charity based in Glasgow, through Scottish Tech Army, which you can see which you can see here 


2023
‍

In November 2023, I started doing Social Media Management for Sano Pizza, covering Instagram, Tiktok, and several email newsletters
In July 2023, I spoke at the D&AD New Blood Festival, as part of a panel on 'Igniting your Creative Career'
In June 2023 I spoke at the YMS Conference, as part of a panel on attracting and retaining GenZ Talent
In May 2023, I finished my final year university project on social media literacy, which you can see here
Panel interview

D&ad 2023: ignite your creative career 

I participated in a panel  'Igniting your Creative Career' at D&AD New Blood Festival. We discussed how to secure internships and balance work and studies. It was a great opportunity for me to share my experience of breaking into the industry.

Unibeez invited me to speak on this panel as an ambassador for their brand. I used Unibeez throughout my time at university and, by sharing my story on this panel, effectively encouraged people to sign up.

Watch Panel Interview


2022
‍

In Summer 2022 (June-August), I went down to London with Saltire Scholars, to complete a UX Internship at GSK.
In May 2022, I designed and developed an improved website for Sano Pizza
In March 2022, I got a part-time role as Web and Product Designer at Reuser, creating website improvements and prototypes.
In January 2022, I was part of a team that designed a mobile app for a Pilates instructor


2020/21
‍

In August 2021, I completed a 4-week UI brief with Sky, exploring new screen sharing features for the SkyGo app
In June 2021, I completed a 4-week UX Internship at travel start-up, creating prototypes and branding improvements
In Autumn 2020, I completed a module on ‘Practical Interaction Design,’ and discovered my passion for UX & Interaction Design.
In February 2021, I put together my first portfolio, signed up for the Unibeez platform, and got a week's work helping at a UX Design studio, Deeson