Design. Innovate. Lead.

Hi, I’m Maharis Azman – a design leader driven by innovation and purpose.

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Good Design, Better Business

Designing with Creativity, Leading with Purpose

About

With over 20 years in the design industry, I’ve led teams to create digital experiences that not only resonate but also drive meaningful results. As a Creative Director and Head of Design, my focus has been on blending creativity with strategic intent, shaping a culture of innovation that pushes the boundaries of what design can achieve. I believe that good design is good business—it’s the key to driving both user satisfaction and business success.

Every creative decision I make serves a larger goal, whether it’s enhancing user experience, mentoring the next generation of talent, or ensuring our solutions are inclusive and impactful. My passion lies in transforming bold ideas into purposeful outcomes that make a real difference.

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Maharis (Ari) Azman
Kuala Lumpur, MY

Proud to Work With

Recognized for Excellence

APPIES Malaysia 1 Gold

Marketing Excellence Awards 1 Gold 1 Silver

ADFEST 3 Bronze 5 Finalist

Spikes Asia 1 Shortlist

Kancil Awards 5 Silver 6 Bronze

Effie Awards 2 Silver 1 Bronze

Webby Awards 1 Nominee

Campaign Asia DMA 1 Silver

Work

Strategic Design for Business Growth

I create design solutions that drive business success. By blending creativity with strategy, I help businesses unlock new opportunities and meet evolving customer needs. Explore my work to see how design can fuel your growth.

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Inside The Makmal

Motto: Make Things Better

Find out how things work so you can design better ones.

In the industrial world, UX isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the difference between safety and disaster. When we skip good design, we gamble with human lives.

Maharis on UX Design & Industrial Workplace Safety

Talk: UX Design & Industrial Workplace Safety

Had the honor of discussing the pivotal role of UX in creating safer industrial workplaces at PETRONAS Digital Day 2023 @ Bintulu, Sarawak #PDD2023. Design with purpose, design for safety!

Screenshot of KelasDemokrasi.com website

Project: Kelas Demokrasi

We collaborated with #KelasDemokrasi, Fahmi Reza’s (@kuasasiswa) initiative, to create a platform that sparks youth interest and promotes unbiased political awareness in Malaysia.

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Work with us: Makmal AI

We’re experimenting with Generative AI to supercharge creativity and streamline design. Smarter workflows, faster results, and endless possibilities. Ready to see what AI can do for you?

Let’s talk!

Throwback: Wall of Mischief

As an art director with a history of technological mischief, this collection highlights my work with leading brands, merging creativity and technology to craft bold, innovative marketing experiences.

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Throwback: Old Phones Save Cars (OPSC)

In 2017, we worked on OPSC, a project that transformed unused smartphones into affordable car security systems. This DIY kit helped car owners track their vehicles, receive alerts, and improve security without breaking the bank. A simple, smart, and sustainable solution for everyday protection.

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Work with us: Makmal Commerce

We create custom e-commerce sites that not only connect with your customers but turn visitors into buyers. Let’s build a solution that drives growth and scales your business. Ready to boost conversions?

Let’s talk!

Stay experimental, stay curious, keep learning.

Maharis on The Art of Innovation

Commerce is anywhere your customers happen to be.

Maharis on Creative Commerce

Project: Zero Waste Ramadan Food Bazaar

Case study for “HCCF’s Ramadan dan Rakan-Rakan,” a 2020 project launched during the first MCO lockdown. We seized the moment to bring food sustainability into the Ramadan Bazaar experience.

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Throwback: Maybank2u

Back in 2008, we reimagined Maybank2u, Malaysia's top online banking platform. As design lead, I guided the project with a focus on user research, prioritizing usability, accessibility, and scalability. It was a forward-thinking approach for the time, and the fact that "classic mode" remains in use today speaks to its lasting impact.

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Project: EnviroTrack

Air and water pollution remain ongoing challenges. Monitoring ambient quality in industrial areas isn’t easy—but what if it could be? This research paper, prepared for the Department of Environment, is a collaboration with Thunderworks Automation aimed at exploring innovative solutions for more effective monitoring.

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Whatsoever you do, do with all your heart.

Maharis

#MakeThingsBetter

Articles

Insights on Design, Innovation, and Leadership

Three Ways AI Improves UX for All

Accessibility

AI is expected to greatly improve UX in the future by personalizing, anticipating user needs, enabling new interactions, and making the UX more efficient

2 March 2023