About me
Hey ✌️, I'm Nathan Van Hesteren, a lead product designer with 10 years of experience.
Since 2024, I’ve been Lead Product Designer at Noon Academy, where we’re rethinking what school can be. Our mission is to build a radical new model for hybrid education across Saudi Arabia, from classroom infrastructure to student apps, and I lead design for the products making it real.
Before Noon, I was Lead Designer at Mote, an award-winning EdTech startup, where I helped scale our tools to millions of users and launched new AI-powered products. Earlier, at Daydot, I led design across global brands including The Wall Street Journal, Zipcar, and McAfee.
With over a decade in design, my focus is on building products that transform how people learn, connect, and grow.
Noon Academy
2024-Present
Mote
2021-2024
Daydot
2016-2021
Geonomics
2015-2016
Geo24 UK
2014-2015
Silverleaf
2013-2014
He is unicorn-like in being able to walk the walk of multiple UX disciplines, from user research, information architecture to visual design. He has introduced discipline, process and rigour to the design of both our products. Throughout our collaboration, he has demonstrated real empathy and pragmatism working with engineers… while never forgetting to champion the needs of our users.
Since joining our team, he has seized every opportunity to raise the quality of our product UI and UX, and overseen major improvements in our brand marketing. Education software has inherent complexities related to different personas (students, teachers, admins), and Nathan has systematically solved complex UX problems to address these persona needs.
Nathan leveraged data to validate his designs and ensure they met customer needs, and his thorough user testing and validation processes gave him a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of our customers. This combination of technical proficiency and customer empathy allowed Nathan to bring a fresh and innovative perspective to product ideation and design, resulting in new product initiatives that set Mote apart from its competitors.
Led by a deep knowledge of UI/UX principles he is both a strategic and creative force behind the innovative solutions we offer our clients. He's a strong advocate for research-driven design decisions and reminds us of the importance behind the 'why' of a vision, not just the 'what'.
As a manager, he has a rare talent for getting the best out of people through a highly personable approach and a commitment to transparent management decision making. He understands how creative people operate, and can help them channel their energies both towards their own development and that of the company as a whole.
When I'm not working, I like to make sure my mind stays healthy and happy. That's why, when I'm not online, you'll find me hanging out with my toddler, or running our footy team Sporting Club de Cafe.
