Öykü Topaloğlu

🏰 Currently in Izmir, Turkiye

Öykü Topaloğlu
🏰 Currently in Izmir, Turkiye
💌 [email protected]

Professional Summary

Product Designer and Front-End Developer with background in psychology applied to user-centered product design.

Currently leading design and development for CyberSound, a TÜBİTAK-funded audio engineering education platform at Bilkent Cyberpark, and SoundBoost AI's product suite serving 35,000+ users.

Leverage understanding of behavioral psychology, learning theory, and user motivation to create intuitive, engaging experiences. Specialized in translating complex technical concepts into accessible user interfaces, particularly in audio and music technology products.

Experience

Product Designer & Front-End Developer @SoundBoost AI

Feb 2023 - Present

Established complete brand identity system from inception including color palette, typography, 100+ custom icons, and illustration library used across all company products and marketing channels
Designed and developed cross-platform product serving 32,000+ users across web (React/Next.js) and iOS (React Native/Expo)
Web platform: Built landing page, pricing, dashboard, navigation, and multiple integrated tools (Loudness Penalty, LUFS meter with custom iconography, Metadata Editor with bug fixes and UX redesign, Audio Converter built from scratch)
Redesigned landing page resulting in 10% increase in signup conversion rate
iOS mobile app: Designed complete UI/UX for all screens across iPhone and iPad, refined front-end styling and responsiveness, collaborated with development team on implementation (launched Aug 2024)
Created App Store marketing presence and localized promotional assets for 30 languages
Launched product that ranked #4 Product of the Day on Product Hunt (Feb 2024)
Self-taught mobile and web development through intensive certificate program (Nov 2023-Feb 2024), transitioning from design-only to full-stack product development role
Lead influencer partnership outreach, video production, social media strategy, and email campaign design
Work in React, Next.js, React Native, Expo, and Tailwind CSS codebase collaboratively with engineering team

Product Designer & Front-End Developer @SoundBoost Shoots

July 2024 - Present

Launched complete standalone product as sole designer and developer - AI-powered photo and video generation platform for musicians
Designed and built entire product: UI/UX, brand identity, custom icon system, marketing website, and front-end implementation using React and Next.js
Product features include AI-generated professional portraits, album cover design tool, and animated visual generation
Grew product to 3,000+ users organically with minimal marketing investment
Delivered end-to-end product ownership from initial concept through production deployment

Portfolio Projects & Front-End Development Training @Personal

Nov 2023 - Present

Completed intensive Front-End Development Certificate Program at Kadir Has University while working full-time
topaloglu.art: Complete portfolio website with custom JavaScript animations (interactive effects, responsive design) - hardcoded from scratch
Skillsweeper: Minesweeper-inspired game for presenting qualifications interactively
Interview Dress-Up: Interactive game themed around job preparation
Technologies: HTML, CSS, vanilla JavaScript, interactive animations, game logic

Freelance Artist & Designer

Mar 2019 - Feb 2023

Worked as tattoo artist and digital illustrator, developing technical precision, artistic skills, and client collaboration capabilities
Completed freelance design projects including album cover artwork and custom digital illustrations
Pursued extensive professional development through online coursework in UI/UX design, front-end development, digital marketing, and project management
Built diverse creative skillset while clarifying long-term career direction in digital product design

Writer @PsiNossa Psychology Journal

Mar 2018 - Mar 2019

Researched and wrote 12 original psychology articles for monthly publication
Conducted literature reviews and synthesized academic research
Edited and reviewed journal content for clarity and publication readiness

Corporate Communication Assistant @Kadir Has University

Sep 2014 - Sep 2018 • Work-study position during studies

Active scholarship student supporting university communications and event coordination
Managed promotional events, marketing activities, and exhibition logistics for Gallery KHAS and Rezan Has Museum
Balanced full-time academic responsibilities with professional work commitments

Technical Skills

Design & Prototyping: Figma, Procreate, Photoshop

Front-End Development: React, Next.js, React Native, Expo, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Tailwind CSS

AI Integration: OpenAI (GPT, Sora), Google Gemini

Development Tools: Cursor, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot

Creative AI Tools: Stable Diffusion, MidJourney, ComfyUI, Suno, Udio, ElevenLabs

Video Production: CapCut

UX Research & Psychology: User research methodologies, behavioral psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, qualitative and quantitative research methods

Specialized: Design systems, icon design, illustration

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Kadir Has University • Faculty of Economics, Administrative, and Social Sciences GPA: 3.20/4.0 • 2014-2018

Front-End Development Certificate Program Kadir Has University Nov 2023 - Feb 2024

Languages

🇹🇷 Turkish (Native)

🇬🇧 English (Advanced)

🇪🇸 Spanish (Intermediate)

Additional Information

Background spans traditional artistry (tattoo art, illustration) and digital product design. Psychology foundation informs user-centered design approach with emphasis on understanding user behavior, motivation, and accessibility needs. Passionate about creating delightful, functional experiences at the intersection of design and technology.