My Emergn journey: Mirija’s insights as a Senior Product Designer
Meet Marija Silinska, Senior Product Designer at Emergn. With a background in design, technology, and education, Marija has built a career at the intersection of creativity and problem-solving. Today, she works closely with clients and internal teams to design meaningful digital products and is currently exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance product design and everyday work across the organization.
Discover Marija’s professional journey, her perspective on AI-driven design, and how curiosity continues to shape her work at Emergn.
Tell us a bit about your backstory and how you got started
Creativity has always been a big part of my life. I started out studying graphic and computer design and later moved into management information systems (Master’s degree), which naturally pulled me closer to IT.
When I first started working, UX design wasn’t really a “thing” yet. At least not as a clearly defined role. Back then, it was called “User-friendly GUI”. I kind of grew into it as the industry evolved, learning along the way and adapting to new tools, technologies, and user needs. Teaching also became an important part of my journey. I studied design pedagogy, taught Computer graphics design at Liepaja University, and UX Design at Riga Coding school for several years. Teaching has always helped me better understand my own work.
I’ve been in the industry since 2002, so I’ve seen a lot of change. Back then, there were no clear UX career paths or structured education programs. Now, UX is a well-established field and it’s still changing all the time, which I find fascinating.
What keeps me motivated is that constant learning. Technology never stands still, and with every change comes a new challenge and a new opportunity to grow.
What’s your role at Emergn, and how long have you been with the company?
I work as a Senior Product Designer, which means I collaborate with both clients and internal teams on digital products. My work sits somewhere between research, design, and strategy. The goal is always the same – to create solutions that look good, but more importantly, actually work for users.
Lately, I’ve also been involved in an internal AI initiative. I’m exploring how AI can support Emergn employees in practical, responsible ways, focusing on real value rather than hype.
How did you come across Emergn, and why did you decide to join us?
I was approached on LinkedIn at a time when I was thinking about returning to a previous role. Emergn immediately caught my attention because it’s an international company working with clients from different countries and industries, including the public sector.
Remote work was definitely a plus, as was the strong focus on learning and development. Being part of meaningful initiatives mattered to me too.
What is it like working at Emergn?
One thing that really surprised me was how strong the company culture feels, even though we often work remotely. It’s genuinely open, collaborative, and supportive.
I also really appreciate how The Emerging Way principles are actually lived, not just written down somewhere. People understand them, speak the same language, and apply the same approach when working with clients and with each other. That shared understanding makes collaboration smoother and more effective.
Looking back, I can’t imagine working in a field that doesn’t change. Technology, design, and user expectations are constantly evolving, and that’s what makes the work interesting. At Emergn, I feel like I have the space to keep learning, experimenting, and growing, both professionally and personally.
Tell us about the work you’re most proud of
Right now, I’m especially proud of the work I’ve been doing as part of Emergn’s AI research initiative (Initiated by Product Design Practice in collaboration with AI Lab). Together with colleagues from Product Design Practice, I’ve been interviewing practice leads, testing AI tools, and helping shape internal solutions that support learning, productivity, and collaboration.
One of the most interesting parts has been working on an AI-powered bot that brings together insights from these interviews and helps teams explore shared challenges and opportunities across practices. For me, it’s important that AI isn’t introduced just because it’s trendy but because it genuinely helps people do their work better.
Outside of work, what’s one thing people should know about you?
Creativity doesn’t stop when work ends. Outside of work, I love painting portraits using different techniques (pastels, pencils, oil paints) and photography, especially portrait photoshoots – so I keep focusing on humans, same as UX. I also enjoy knitting and crocheting projects inspired by fashion designers, as they help me slow down and unwind.
These creative hobbies help me stay balanced and definitely influence how I think and work as a designer.
What final advice would you give someone looking to join Emergn?
Stay curious and don’t be afraid to try things out. I think it’s helpful to see your career as a journey, not a fixed plan.
It’s also worth looking beyond your immediate role. Sometimes, combining skills from completely different areas can lead to something unexpected and exciting.
And finally – especially if you work remotely – don’t forget to step outside, get some fresh air, and take care of your balance.
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