I am currently an interaction designer and managing director at envis precisely in Munich, and this job has my face on it.
What would be possible if we weren't beholden to shareholders or business analysts, but only to our users? Mozilla is the living and breathing answer to this question. I mean, how awesome is that!?
I like my current job as UX designer and managing director at my own design studio. But working on Firefox is a different kind of beast. Creating software that improves the lives of half a billion people is both exciting and scary. Mostly exciting though.
The web is part of my life and Firefox is my window to the web. By making firefox better, I'll directly improve my life along with the lives of millions of others. Everyone wins!
I cross the borders of disciplines. So far I have worked on apps, websites, installations, embedded systems and exhibitions. This gives me a wide field of experience to build upon. Because innovation doesn’t happen by getting comfortable inside a box.
This isn't any job to me. Leaving my own company was not an easy decision. I am prepared to pour my heart and soul into the advancement of Firefox, Mozilla and the web.
Code is part of my code.
My heart belongs to design, but my hands itch to write code. It is my weapon of choice for prototyping – because in software design, nothing beats reality. In addition, being able to write and understand code makes it much easier to work with developers.
Hell, even this page is on Github!
I get real. Let’s face it, ideas are worthless. The user doesn’t experience an idea, he experiences what is made of an idea. Creating tangible results is not the end of my process – it is the essence of my work.
To boldly go… No one told me to start my own company or to be the first interaction designer at BMWs advanced design studio. I don't ask for the permission to do great work.
I could write about how I have approached projects in the past and try to explain my process. But showing beats telling. That’s why I took on the task of redesigning a feature of Firefox that I felt needed some work.
If you are interested in other projects, please have a look at the portfolio of my company envis precisely. I was involved in almost every project shown there. I’m especially proud of Mereko, Bilbaoo and Skoobe.
envis precisely, Munich
2009–present
#TeamLead #SeniorUX #Entrepreneur
What I did
Leading a team of 2-6 people, I have delivered projects ranging from mobile apps over desktop software all the way to interactive installations. Check them out on our portfolio!
What I learned
Design isn't about devices, it’s about people. And no matter whether the software you’re building is running on a phone, a desktop, or on some custom hardware in an installation - there’s always a human being at the other end of that interface.
HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd
2009–present
#Teacher
What I did
Teaching design basics, interface design and creative programming at one of Europe's most renown universities of design.
What I learned
Teaching is the most elaborate form of learning. Talking to curious students challenges my views and pushes me to refine and sometimes rethink my argumentation.
envis precisely, Munich
2010–present
#UXforDevelopers #CodeForDesigners
What I did
I helped developers learn user centered design processes and guided designers through their first steps in coding.
What I learned
Building understanding is the best form of persuasion. It is surprising what you can bring out of people when they start to believe in a goal.
BMW Group, Munich
2008–2009
#PhysicalInteraction #ConceptCars
What I did
I was the first interaction designer at BMWs Advanced Design Studio. This is the place where they make internal concept cars that shape the vision for future BMW products. I heavily focused on creating a new kind of 3D display and interaction concept. The Interface in BMWs fully electric Vision Efficient Dynamics Showcar is based on my work.
What I learned
Talk is cheap. And the bigger the company, the less likely you are heard. But actually creating prototypes and letting people experience the magic can unite a team and go a long way.
FH Joanneum, Graz
2005–2008, graduated with honors
#WorkHardPlayHard
What I did
My education allowed me to dip into many areas like communication design, motion design or type design. In the end I specialized in user interface design, because I felt that it was going to have the most relevance in the future.
What I learned
Realized that you don't have to ask for the permission to do great work. Going beyond the standard always pays off.
Alright, Mozilla. I already know you, now you know me too.
