Design Diaries with Silvia Valls
Welcome to Design Diaries: our way of spotlighting the thinkers and makers behind Preply’s design experience. In our first edition, we’re catching up with Silvia, Senior Product Designer. She’s behind some of the first magical moments learners experience on Preply. In this interview, Silvia shares how she approaches problem-solving, what keeps her creatively engaged, and the lessons that continue to shape her creative lens.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your path to Preply.
I joined Preply over a year ago and currently work within the activation squad. My role focuses on ensuring learners have a smooth, motivating experience from their very first interaction with Preply. Before this, I worked at several product companies (Bumble, N26), exploring various facets of design, from user research to UI, always with a passion for creating meaningful, user-focused experiences.
2. What’s your favorite thing about being a designer at Preply?
What really sets Preply apart is the level of collaboration across teams. As a designer, I’m not just delivering mockups, I’m involved from ideation through delivery and beyond. I work closely with product managers, engineers and researchers to ensure we’re aligned on the problem we’re solving 🤝
There’s a genuine culture of feedback and iteration here that helps us push the craft forward. Also, the impact of our work is tangible. Every experiment or feature we ship can be seen in how learners engage with the product.
3. What’s been a project you’re really proud of?
The one that stands out is the new subscription flow we launched. It was a true cross-functional effort that started with customer insights and data analysis. We ideated, prototyped, tested, and iterated until we had something that really worked. And the results were great! Not just in terms of conversion, but in feedback from learners who felt more clarity and motivation to start their journey.
4. Which Preply principle resonates with you most and how do you live it?
Definitely “Keep Perfecting.” Design is never done — we’re always iterating. At Preply, there’s this mindset that even if something works, we can still make it better. I love that I have the space to question, tweak, and improve even after a launch. It’s part of our culture to reflect, learn, and keep going. And it’s not just about the work — we also apply it to how we collaborate and grow as a team.
5. What’s something you’ve learned recently that made you feel more confident/efficient at your craft?
Honestly, so much. One of the biggest shifts has been in how I approach problem-solving. There’s a real emphasis on going deeper, understanding the “why” behind a challenge, asking thoughtful questions, and avoiding the rush to quick solutions. That mindset has really elevated how I think and work.
6. What advice would you give to someone joining the design team?
Be curious and don’t be afraid to speak up. Preply is a place where your ideas genuinely matter. The team is incredibly open, collaborative, and welcoming, so if you’re someone who loves to learn and isn’t shy about asking questions or sharing thoughts, you’ll fit right in.
Also, be ready to take real ownership. We work in autonomous squads, which means you’ll have plenty of space to drive your work forward, but that also comes with responsibility. You’re trusted to make decisions, contribute strategically, and shape the direction of your squad.
7. How do you stay inspired and continue growing as a designer?
Inspiration comes from all over — not just from what I do day to day, but also from the world around me. I stay active in design communities, attend workshops, and keep an eye on what’s new and exciting in the field. At Preply, we’re given the space to keep learning and improving, which makes a big difference. On top of that, I’m lucky to work with people who think in completely different ways than I do. Those unexpected viewpoints often spark the best ideas and keep me on my toes creatively.
8. What’s something about Preply’s culture that surprised you?
Definitely how global it feels (in the best way). You collaborate with teammates from so many different countries and backgrounds, and each person brings their own perspective. That kind of diversity creates a really rich environment for creativity, learning, and innovation.
Also, I didn’t expect how much we laugh 😁 People here are deeply committed and work hard, but there’s also a great sense of humor and lightness. It makes the day-to-day genuinely enjoyable 💕
Feeling inspired by Silvia’s journey at Preply? We’re looking for thoughtful makers and bold problem-solvers. If you’ve got a sharp eye, a growth mindset, and a “Can-Do” spirit, you’ll fit right in.
👉🏽 Check out our open roles — your next design chapter might start here!
