Hi, I'm Diana Chalakova!

I'm a product designer with 3+ years of experience spanning digital, analog, and hybrid digital-physical design, with a focus on AI-driven systems and human-computer interaction. I hold an MFA in Design and Technology from the Parsons School of Design with Departmental Honors, and a BA in Psychology from the University of Washington.

I've led and contributed to work at the Boston Museum of Science, engineering laboratories, and building AI systems at Cornell Tech and the Parsons School of Design. I bring both hands-on technical fluency and rigorous research methods to complex design challenges and believe the best experiences are built when data, empathy, and craft work together.

I use AI throughout my workflow to extend what's possible, explore directions, and prototype faster. I've always excelled at writing, which has been a massive boon to writing prompts and engaging tactfully with AI agents.

Outside of class and work, I enjoy photography, painting, and have been training for a half-marathon!

Education

MFA, Design and Technology
Parsons School of Design
BA, Psychology · Minor in Informatics
University of Washington
Certificate, Human-Computer Interaction for User Experience Design
Massachusetts Institute
of Technology

Experience

Lead UX Designer
Parsons School of Design
UX/UI Design Intern
Sensors, Energy & Automation Laboratory
Lead Interaction Designer (via Parsons)
Museum of Science
Human-Computer Interaction Design Intern
Cornell Tech
Founding UX Designer
Atlas
Product Design Lead
Design for America
UX/UI Design Intern
Arc Security

Languages

English (Native), Bulgarian (Fluent), French (Working)

Made with Claude Design + Code. Diana Chalakova 2026 All Rights Reserved
Diana Chalakova, holding a compact camera in a mirror