I'm Álvar Arranz, a Spanish UX Designer living in San Diego, CA.

I skipped the straight-to-college path and jumped headfirst into making things. My early roles pulled me into the technical side of digital product development, where I learned how things work from the inside out. That practical foundation gave me an edge and still shapes how I design today.

With 22 years of experience and a Design degree from the University of Barcelona, I’ve worked in startups, global companies, agencies, and as a freelancer. I’ve also lived in Burgos, Madrid, Austin, Kansas City, and San Diego—each place adding new perspectives on design and collaboration.

Every project has been a new lesson: building from scratch, navigating tight deadlines, pivoting, and solving problems in ways that scale.

Outside of design, I’m all about soccer—whether I’m coaching (-> check out my website) or cheering for Burgos CF. I recharge by spending time with family, practicing yoga, exploring nature, or traveling the world.

Education

BA Design
Universidad de Barcelona

Skills

Core
Visual Design
Prototyping

Research & validation
Qualitative
Quantitative

Strategic
Design Process
Product Strategy
Storytelling

Soft
Strategic Communication
Collaborative Leadership
Analytical Problem-Solving
Agility and Adaptability

Experience

TRACTOR SUPPLY
Senior UX Designer
2024 - Currently

PETCO
Senior Product Designer
2019 - 2024

Product Designer
& Lead Front-End Designer
2017 - 2019

PETCOACH
Senior Product Designer
2014- 2017

REDBILITY
Front-End Designer
2013-2014

FREELANCE
Visual Designer
& Full-stack Developer
2010-2013

SOFTECA INTERNET
Visual Designer
2008-2010

CSA
Visual Designer
& Full-stack Developer
2003-2008

INDEX
Front-End Designer
2002-2003

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication — LdV