Hi, I’m Mugs
Hi, I’m Mugunthan Balakrishnan (pronounced - Moon-then), but most people call me Mugs (shrunk to the first three letters of my name). I lead Mugs Studio, where I help public sector and not-for-profit organisations create digital products that are practical, user-friendly, and designed with people in mind. I spent 15 years in software development before focusing on UI/UX. I have dedicated over a decade to assisting teams in transforming complex problems into clear, user-friendly solutions.
I’ve worked extensively across the public and not-for-profit sectors, contributing to digital initiatives for Life Saving Victoria, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), and the Department of Health. These experiences have shaped my focus on accessibility, clarity, and community impact—especially in services that support vulnerable or diverse populations.
I’m based in Melbourne, Australia, and work with clients locally and worldwide.
From journey maps to measurable outcomes
Ready to see measurable improvements?
Design backed by strategy
Rather than just making things look good, I blend strategic tools like journey maps, user flows, and iterative testing to create intuitive, goal-driven products. For example, my UI/UX Consulting service digs deep into diagnosing your digital product—auditing user flows, mapping out customer journeys, and identifying friction points that might be holding you back. Every design decision is validated by direct user feedback and real-world data.
Empathy at the Core:
Persona-building and user interviews ensure that every change is centered on real user needs.
Practical Execution:
Rapid prototyping and agile collaboration streamline development, cutting costs and boosting adoption.
Worked alongside
Logos reflect past or current contract work (including third-party). No affiliation or endorsement implied.
Collaborating
When we work together, you’ll experience how a data-informed approach to design leads to smarter decisions and impactful outcomes. Based in Melbourne, Australia, my consultancy is designed for a global audience—proving that good design truly knows no boundaries. My UI/UX Consultancy service helps uncover friction points, improve usability, and align digital experiences with real user needs and business goals.
Global Flexibility
I’m available to consult remotely or in-person, adapting to your unique needs.
User-Focused Design
From deep-dive user research to agile design sprints, every step is engineered to drive measurable results.
Got questions about collaborating? We’ve got answers.
Milestones
Mugs Studio is more than just a consultancy—it’s a reflection of my personal dedication to user-focused design and meaningful outcomes. Whether you aim to improve service accessibility, engage communities more effectively, or simplify complex digital processes, I’m here to help make it happen.