I build interfaces.
Lately that means screens and prompts.
Melbourne → Berlin → Amsterdam → Melbourne
I came to tech sideways and I think that's why I build differently.
Self-taught. Non-linear. Currently building and learning AI in public.
Hi, I’m Mel Jones
In 2018 a conversation about tech diversity sparked a career change. I remembered loving CSS from high school. I found an intro JavaScript workshop online and was immediately hooked.
Self-taught via FreeCodeCamp. Melbourne → Berlin → Amsterdam → Melbourne. Retail operations to developer roles at HYRE and SEA-WATCH to ops and systems at OTH. Non-traditional path. Different perspective.
I see where things break and where people get stuck. Currently building and learning AI in public. Looking for 3–4 days a week with a scaling startup that wants someone across interfaces, systems, and ops.
I build things for people who get left out.
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Interface: React, Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Accessibility (WCAG), Component Architecture, Figma
Systems: Airtable (automations, multi-table architecture, interfaces), Apollo.io, Claude Code
Instruction design: Prompt engineering, agent specification, AI-assisted development
Other: Git, Python -
Many Lives. One Throughline.
Backpacker. Berliner. Bartender. Team leader. Developer. Volunteer. Learner. Always a dancer.
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Accessible, inclusive systems.
Teams that feel safe.
Building things that actually help people.
WORK
On The House (Free period products funded by ads) 2026, Melbourne
Joined a fast-scaling startup mid-rollout. Built a four-table Airtable system with automations, contractor interfaces, and venue forms supporting the national launch of 50 machines across QLD, NSW and VIC. Operations, systems design, and product thinking in one role.
HYRE (HR Tech Startup) 2021-2022, Berlin
Led frontend at an HR Tech startup. Expanded platform from iOS-only to cross-platform using existing Firebase backend. Reduced development time through reusable component architecture. Ran weekly office hours and created self-serve guides for non-technical teams.
SEA-WATCH (Humanitarian NGO) 2020-2023 Berlin
Shipped 3 public-facing websites for a humanitarian NGO across the EU. Cut volunteer onboarding from weeks to 20 minutes by treating knowledge transfer as a product problem.
In the Studio
KindNet (MLAI eSafety Hackathon) Dec-2025, Stone & Chalk Melbourne
An AI-powered tool that teaches kids aged 10–13 to communicate safely online — not by blocking, but by showing them why in real time. Led a team of 5 strangers across a 3-week deadline, presented live in the finals. Judges didn't pick us. We were the audience favourite.
Oolong — In progress github.com/MoodyBones/goodsomeday
Steep — In progress github.com/MoodyBones/meljonesai
Comms Coach — In progress, started April 2026
Wonky Old Stuff That's Too Cute To Trash
moodybones - My 2019 portfolio when I was self-learning web development. I used it land junior frontend developer interviews.