New addition to UX&I: Hannes Musekamp joins as senior UX consultant

From computer scientist to senior UX consultant: Hannes, tell us about your career path

My computer science studies were exciting, but I’ve always been more passionate about developing good interfaces than about algorithms. Even back in high school and college, I experimented a lot with Photoshop and other design programs, for example, designing websites. So it was clear to me that I wanted to incorporate the creative aspect into my career. In short, it’s the blend of design, people, and technology that fascinates me. My first job as a user interface designer at a large medical technology company was exactly the right start. I enjoy working with people and for people. I was able to do that back then, and it’s been a constant throughout my career, from roles as a team manager to my current position as a Senior UX consultant at UX&I. Even though that might sound planned, it wasn’t. I simply followed my gut. That’s exactly what happened again recently when we were looking for participants for our internal mentoring program. So now I’ll be a mentor too, a role I’m really looking forward to.

What exactly do you do as a senior UX consultant?

My job has many facets that vary depending on the specific needs of our clients. That’s why listening is the most important thing in my profession. You can’t work as a UX consultant without enjoying communication and interacting with people. In that regard, by the way, I’m still a few steps ahead of artificial intelligence, and I don’t think AI can catch up to me in this area. I imagine conflict resolution via AI would be difficult. But of course, there are areas where AI can support us, such as in creating interview guides or developing persona descriptions. My goal as an UX consultant is to empower clients to drive digital transformation with a user-centered approach. Even though the terms “user experience” and “user interface” are now familiar to many, I often observe only a low level of UX maturity in companies. Statements like “Just make it look nice” or “We know our users, we don’t need to ask them” aren’t nearly as rare as one might think.

Would you say that UX and UI aren’t given enough priority in companies?

You can’t make a blanket statement about this, because while the introduction of the iPhone 17 years ago and the rise of digital products and devices have raised awareness of user experience, many companies definitely have some catching up to do. A 2018 study by a management consulting firm shows that companies that invest in design and user-centered approaches generate more revenue and achieve higher returns for shareholders. The potential for growth thanks to good (UX) design is enormous in both product- and service-based sectors. The study also shows that over 40 percent of the companies surveyed do not speak with their users during the development process. And over 50 percent of the companies surveyed stated that they have no strategy for evaluating or aligning the output of a design team. Even today, I still get the impression that the numbers haven’t improved significantly. But that’s exactly why we UX and UI professionals are here.

What do you particularly appreciate about UX&I?

At UX&I, I can directly address the challenge of companies’ lack of UX maturity and empower teams to deliver measurable product improvements for their users. I particularly appreciate that at UX&I, I can work independently on behalf of my clients. Internal approval processes are streamlined, and workflows are fast. I work from home in Lübeck a lot, but I always feel like I’m part of a very experienced and competent team that’s open to collaboration. The balance between autonomy and teamwork is just right.

You like to be creative in your free time. What helps you balance out your screen time?

I find my work-life balance in music, especially in singing and playing the guitar. At first, it took some effort to use my own voice, but my voice teacher supports me with technical exercises and vocal training. I’ve also discovered woodworking. It’s totally relaxing for me to create something with my hands. And wood is a very special material. Right now, I’m exploring kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique. By cutting and assembling fine wooden strips, you can create delicate, geometric, and sturdy patterns, all without glue or nails. We’ll see when my first panel is finished. But as they say, the journey is the destination.

Read more about Hannes Musekamp here.