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

I led a comprehensive website redesign project for a multi-location restaurant, employing iterative design techniques and user-centric solutions. By practicing data-driven decision-making, I transformed complex business requirements into an engaging user experience that effectively elevated brand storytelling and enhanced usability.

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UX Strategy | digital marketing | social media

a ux approach to Hospitality marketing

In my role at Sano, I leveraged my understanding digital interactions to directly enhance our digital presence, resulting in a remarkable 150% increase in customer engagement within the first three months. This hands-on approach proved the value of tailored digital strategies.

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DISCOVER

DEFINE

DEVELOP

DELIVER

DESIGN THINKING, SERVICE DESIGN, UX DESIGN

Improving Teen Experiences of Social Media

Recognizing the challenges teenagers face on social media, I developed a teacher-led, digitally-enabled program focused on social media literacy. This hands-on curriculum empowers teens with the skills needed to navigate social media design critically and make informed online choices.

Design Case StudyParent & Teacher Guide
presentation & talk

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

As the first Gen Z speaker invited by UX Glasgow, I presented my Honours Project, showcasing my advocacy for social media literacy and its influence on my design work. This engagement highlights my commitment to promoting essential digital skills.

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Through my educational initiative, Irrational Technology, I actively encourage design literacy, publish more in-depth essays on specific topics, and long-form interviews with influential figures in ethical technology. This initiative encourages knowledge and facilitates community dialogue around the impact of the design of technology.

@irrational.technology
content collaboration

better digital spaces 

Through authentic storytelling and hands-on demonstrations, I help ethical tech platforms like Sublime reach conscious users. 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

In my role as UX Lead for a website redesign with the Scottish Tech Army, I partnered with Fortune Works charity to create an accessible platform for adults with learning disabilities. Based on previous user research, I drove the project, enhancing access to crucial community services while effectively communicating the charity's mission.

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DISCOVER

DEFINE

DEVELOP

DELIVER

UX DESIGN AND RESEARCH

Enhancing Internal Tools Through User-Centered Design 

I designed a platform for Digital Media and Interaction Design students to better understand their career paths and take actionable steps toward their aspirations. By improving access to vital career resources, I empowered students to confidently embark on their professional journeys.  

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DISCOVER

DEFINE

DEVELOP

DELIVER

DESIGN THINKING & SERVICE DESIGN

BRIDGING EDUCATION & INDUSTRY

I supported a local pilates instructor in launching a mobile app that promotes an active lifestyle for remote workers. Working collaboratively with developers, I ensured that tech expertise was accessible to the local community, empowering them to take significant strides in their business endeavors.  

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DISCOVER

DEFINE

DEVELOP

DELIVER

BRANDING & UX DESIGN

Making Exercise Accessible During Remote Work

I supported a local pilates instructor in launching a mobile app that promotes an active lifestyle for remote workers. Working collaboratively with developers, I ensured that tech expertise was accessible to the local community, empowering them to take significant strides in their business endeavors.   

See Case Study


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

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
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


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