Another addition to the UX&I team: Marc Timmalog joins as a senior UX/UI designer

Marc, how did you go from nearly becoming a computer scientist and working briefly in advertising to becoming a full-fledged UX designer?

It all started with my degree in “Mobile Media,” basically computer science with a fancy name, focused on mobile devices. My brother was always my biggest coding role model, and I wanted to give it a try, too. But my coding skills were abysmal. After four semesters, I hit the reset button and asked myself: What do I really enjoy doing? What comes easily to me? The answer: design and aesthetics. I’d always done graffiti or made stencils for my first big love. So I started an apprenticeship followed by a dual degree program in media design. 

While I was in college, I worked at a healthcare advertising agency. But I wanted to solve even more real-world problems for people, in a way that was different from advertising. I started at a Berlin-based startup, where I had my first encounter with digital products. I knew that was the future. But the work culture there was still too sales-oriented for me; I really wanted to work on the product itself and make it better. So I moved to a service design studio. There, I primarily supported Deutsche Bahn and TUI in driving digital innovation forward. 

What appeals to you about UI design?

I believe UX and UI are the areas of design where you can really make a difference, where you have the greatest leverage. My heart still beats for classic graphic design; I just don’t think posters have quite as much impact. I also enjoy motion design and film. But I want to create even greater value. I like to stick to Dieter Rahms’ design principles: Design is invisible and doesn’t take center stage. Functionality comes before the brand. Design is honest and serves its purpose. 

Which current design trends are relevant to you?

I find organic design very exciting for our field. The shift away from glossy aesthetics toward nature and imperfection. UI design can sometimes be very tech-heavy, but perhaps what people are missing in the digital world is precisely that imperfection. Another important trend is environment-centered design. We shouldn’t just focus on users, but on people as part of the bigger picture. This aligns with UX&I’s purpose: “Empower people to shape technology for the benefit of humans.” This benefit isn’t limited to users’ wishes; it affects the entire world we live in and help shape. I’d like to play a bit of a “nature police” role here and question the impact our work has. I’m sometimes an idealist. It’s important to me that companies are design-oriented, but also keep a close eye on where we, as humanity, want to go. Especially in Berlin, I find the green startup scene very inspiring.

Why are people looking forward to working with you? How do you see your role as a UX/UI designer at UX&I?

What I like best is when the group cracks jokes and there’s a relaxed atmosphere. I think I contribute to that, too. My parents raised me well, which means, for example, that I respect others’ time. And, it’s almost a bit of an obsession, I’m very careful not to get on anyone’s nerves.  

As for my role, I want to become a master of my craft and be the go-to person for design. That’s where I want to be. But I don’t want to focus solely on my profession; I want to keep an eye on the big picture and be involved in the entire process as much as possible. This is where the tension between UX and UI design comes into play. The UI contributes a lot to the user experience, and I’m interested in both. I think the two should go hand in hand. In general, I’d like to continue developing my skills in many areas. In my free time, I’m currently learning how to do a handstand.