I love exploring human behavior and creating products that are not only delightful but also intuitive and engaging.
My approach focuses on merging technology with human needs, ensuring that every product serves a real purpose while offering a seamless user experience.
As a UX Design Lead, I create strategic experiences that inspire, engage, and delight. Throughout my experience as a designer, I've had the pleasure of working with many talented and passionate people, striving for a shared goal in creating the best experience for end customer and also clients.
Caring about sustainability and longevity, I strive to create functional and valuable experiences that leave a positive impact on people and the environment. Besides philosophizing about the impact of digitalization on our culture and society, I am equally avid in building prototypes to turn conceived ideas into tangible experiences.
With passion I pass on my knowledge to future generations and teach in the field of interaction, interface, and information visualisation design. When I'm not teaching or designing, I'll love spending time on my side projects.
2018/01 – present
Lead UX Designer
Star, Munich, Germany
Creating impactful digital experiences from concept to execution, with a focus on research, consulting, storytelling, UX, UI, and interaction design. I lead cross-functional teams, plan and manage client-facing projects, and facilitate workshops to align design strategies with business goals. As part of the Star Munich leadership team, I also recruit, mentor, and shape the agency's design culture.
2020/02 – 2021/10
Senior UX Designer
Star, Munich, Germany
Led major design initiatives, collaborating with clients to define strategies and ensure seamless execution from concept to product launch. Played a key role in facilitating design workshops and refining processes to align with user needs and business goals.
2018/01 – 2020/02
UX Designer
Star, Munich, Germany
Led major design initiatives, collaborating with clients to define strategies and ensure seamless execution from concept to product launch. Played a key role in facilitating design workshops and refining processes to align with user needs and business goals.
2017/02 – 2017/12
UX/UI Designer
AutoScout24, Munich, Germany
Responsible for UX/UI design in an agile development environment for Europe's largest online automotive portal. Led projects from insight creation through prototyping to implementation, delivering user-friendly interfaces for Android and web platforms.
2015/01 – 2017/01
Interaction Designer
PwC Germany (formerly IXDS), Berlin & Munich, Germany
Worked on a broad range of user interfaces, focusing on embedded UIs and service design. Conducted extensive research and workshops to refine concepts and ensure the successful implementation of user-centered designs in various industries.
2014/10 – present
Lecturer
Hochschule für Gestaltung / University of Applied Science, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
Teaching user experience and digital product design, covering the entire design process from problem definition to high-fidelity prototyping. I guide students through scientific discourse on the impact of digitalization on society and supervise interactive information visualization projects.
2011/08 – 2012/02
Internship as Interaction Designer
Tangible Interaction Research – Institute for Applied Research Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
Conducted research and prototyping in the field of thermal displays and interfaces. Focused on expanding user interface capabilities by integrating haptic feedback for more precise and immersive interactions.
2012 – present
Freelance Designer
Working closely with cliens and partners on interactive media exhibitions, media installations and branding projects. I also consult on website projects for one of the world's leading accounting, tax and business advisory firms. I've also done website redesign projects for non-profit organisations and registered associations, delivering impactful and user-friendly digital solutions.
2013/03 – 2014/07
Master of Arts – Communication Planning and Design
The program combined scientific, technical, and social aspects of design to create innovative solutions that addressed cultural, technical, and economic challenges. It emphasized interdisciplinary research and the development of sustainable and socially impactful design strategies.
ECTS achieved: 90 ECTS
Topic of the Master's thesis: TESS – Air Traffic Controller Workplace (Grade: 1.3)
Overall grade: 1.2 (very good)
2009/10 – 2013/02
Bachelor of Arts – Interaction Design
The program focused on the development of user-centered digital products and services. It integrated design with psychology, mechanical engineering, and computer science to create intuitive and functional interfaces. Projects ranged from application design and interface systems to invention design, with an emphasis on addressing real-world challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.
ECTS achieved: 210 ECTS
Topic of the Bachelor's thesis: TESS – Air Traffic Controller Workplace (Grade: 1.3)
Overall grade: 1.3 (very good)
2005/09 – 2008/07
A-Level – Design and Media Technology
Technical High School Aalen, Germany
The program provided in-depth knowledge in both design and media production, with an emphasis on two-dimensional design, typography, corporate identity, screendesign, and product creation. Practical projects integrated digital and print media, helping students develop technical and creative skills for various media formats.
2020
#WirVsVirus Hackathon – 1st Place Category: Tracking Apps
Awarded for the Gretel corona tracking app, recognized at the #WirVsVirus Hackathon, an initiative by the German government to crowdsource innovative solutions to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The hackathon brought together over 28,000 participants, making it one of the largest of its kind.
2014
Zukunftspreis Kommunikation DVPT e.V. — 1st Place Category: Privacy
Awarded for the master's project MNEMO, which focused on future communication forms. The award, under the patronage of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, honors innovative concepts and visions for future communication.
2014
Elevator Pitch BW — 5th Place & Audience Favorite
Awarded for the SERIKAT project at the Regional Cup Ostwürttemberg in the Elevator Pitch BW competition, organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour, and Housing of Baden-Württemberg. The project was named the audience favorite.
2014
Hochschulpreis Sparkassenstiftung Ostalb – Nominee
Nominated for the master's thesis MNEMO, which was selected by the supervising professor. The Sparkassenstiftung Hochschulpreis highlights exceptional academic achievements within the Ostalb region
2014
German Design Award – Nominee
Nominated for the Moving Types – Lettern in Bewegung exhibition, which was praised for its innovative use of multimedia and its ability to present complex information in an engaging and interactive format. The German Design Award is an international premium prize by the Rat für Formgebung, recognizing innovative products and projects that set new standards in the German and international design landscap.
2013
iF Communication Design Award – Category: Corporate Architecture
Awarded for the Moving Types – Lettern in Bewegung exhibition, which combined innovative multimedia content with an engaging, interactive exhibition design. The project was praised for its seamless integration of digital and physical spaces to enhance visitor experiences.
2013
Red Dot Award – Communication Design – Category: Exhibition
Awarded for the Moving Types – Letters in Motion exhibition, recognized for its outstanding design quality. The exhibition used innovative multimedia content to create a dynamic and interactive experience for visitors, setting a benchmark in communication design.
2013
Hochschulpreis Sparkassenstiftung Ostalb – Nominee
Nominated for the bachelor's thesis TESS, which was selected by the supervising professor. The Sparkassenstiftung Hochschulpreis highlights exceptional academic achievements within the Ostalb region
2013
Zukunftspreis Kommunikation DVPT e.V. — 7th Place
Awarded for the bachelor's project TESS – Air Traffic Controller Workplace. The Zukunftspreis Kommunikation is an innovation competition that highlights forward-thinking and visionary ideas.
2013
Designpreis Rheinland-Pfalz – Category: Communication in Space
Awarded for the exhibition Moving Types – Lettern in Bewegung. It stood out for its integral concept, which supported collaborative exploration. Through intuitive digital features, the exhibition created a shared experience for visitors, making complex content engaging and educational.
2012
Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes — Nomination scholarship
Nominated by the University for the selection seminar in the Design/Art/Film category of the Studienstiftung, Germany's largest scholarship foundation for gifted students.
2011
Karl-Gerstner-Preis Nominee
Nominated by a faculty committee for outstanding achievements in design fundamentals. The award, named after renowned Swiss designer Karl Gerstner, honors excellence in foundational design principles and methodology
2012/04
Luminale 2012 - Media Facade: Moving Types - Lettern in Bewegung
A media facade installation at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, where visitors could interact with the display using SMS, making the facade "dance." The project was a collaboration between the Zentrum Zeitbasierte Gestaltung (Z ZG), FH Mainz, and Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd.
2011
City Competition for Design of "Unterführung Bahnhof" at Landesgartenschau Schwäbisch Gmünd — Finalist
Collaboration with Richter lt. and Klaus Marek from Preiswerk Marek Architekten GmbH, along with Jule Waibel and Anna Hornberger.
2024/03
"AI's role in strategic storytelling: from concept to creation"
Star Connects Meetup, Star Space, Munich
A hands-on session exploring how AI can streamline the process of strategic storytelling for designers. The talk introduced a framework for creating concise, visually engaging narratives with AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Runway, aimed at improving communication of product visions to stakeholders and end users. Co-presented with Thomas Helmer.
2018/04
"Trends im digitalen Produktdesign – Eine neue Generation von kollaborativen Tools"
Kreativforum Ostwürttemberg, Aalen
Explored the role of digital collaboration tools in the creative process, focusing on trends like real-time collaboration, version control, and knowledge transfer to enhance digital product design.
2021/06
"GUI - Graphical User Interface Design"
Master's students in User Experience Design, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt
An overview of GUI evolution, principles, and future trends, including the potential for "No UI" design. The talk highlighted how GUIs have shaped user interaction and discussed emerging interface technologies that may redefine our digital experiences.
2021
Jury – Pitch dein Ding
Jury member for a student funding competition at HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Since 2021
Jury – HfG Go StartUp Initiative
Jury member identifying startup potential in student projects.
2020 - 2023
Co-Communication Lead – Volt München
Responsible for external communication of Volt Munich.
2017
HfG-Alumni Slack Network
Co-founder of the HfG alumni network.
2017
Expert Interview – Master's Thesis on Typography in IoT
Interviewed by student Marlene Arnold for her master's thesis on "The Role of Typography in the Internet of Things."
2010 - 2017
Festkomitee (festival committee)
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
Organized extracurricular activities for student networking.
2010 - 2011, 2013 - 2014
Senate & Study Commission Member
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
Elected student representative in HfG committees.
2010 - 2014
AStA Member
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
Active member of the General Student Committee AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss).
2010 - 2014
Admissions Committee Member
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
Served on the Artistic Aptitude Assessment Committee for applicants to the Bachelor's programme.
2010 - 2013
Student Ambassador
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
Vorstellung des Studienangebots der HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd am Technischen Gymnasium Aalen, zur Rekrutierung von Bewerberinnen.
2013
Appointment committee
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
Member of the appointment committee for the W2 professorship in Interaction Design.
2012 - 2013
FORMAT editorial team
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
Member of the editorial team of the HfG design magazine "FORMAT".
Founder and Member of UX Research Munich
Organizes a Meetup group for UX and user research professionals in Munich, providing a platform for knowledge exchange through talks and case studies.
Member of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Designtheorie und -forschung (DGTF)
Engages in a network that promotes design theory and research in German-speaking countries, fostering discussions on design's role in society.
Member of Interaction Design Association (IxDA)
Involved in a global network dedicated to advancing interaction design, connecting over 120,000 members across local chapters worldwide.
Member of zz g (Zentrum Zeitbasierte Gestaltung)
Part of a collaborative research and development center at FH Mainz and HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd, focused on experimental and applied design in communication, animation, and interactive media.
Member of Volt Europa and Volt Deutschland
Active in the national chapter of Volt Deutschland, part of the pan-European political movement Volt Europa, which promotes cross-border collaboration and progressive policies across Europe.
Accell Group N.V. Heerenveen, Netherlands
NEC Corporation Minato, Tokio, Japan
E.ON SE Essen, Germany
FLSmidth & Co. A/S Copenhagen, Denmark
Teufel GmbH Berlin, Germany
Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH Aalen, Germany
Schindler Aufzüge AG Ebikon, Swiss
Deutsche Lufthansa AG Frankfurt, Germany
BMW Group Munich, Germany
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG Stuttgart, Germany
BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Munich, Germany
"NIO × Star: Building Next-Gen Infotainment from Zero"
Motor Fan illustrated Vol.209, 15.02.2024
An interview with Dominik Witzke and Manuel Gattinger, members of the Star team, about their design work on NIO's infotainment system, NIO OS. The article covers the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) design approach, challenges and innovations in creating a user-centric experience for NIO's iF Design Award-winning ES8/ES6 models.
"So helfen digitale Tools bei der Arbeit"
Schwäbische Post, 08.05.2018
The article discusses how digital tools can facilitate daily work routines. Three experts explain in the Villa Stützel how digitalization can ease office tasks, highlighting the benefits of digital work tools in both internal and external coordination processes.
"Daten mit Emotionen verknüpfen"
Schwäbische Post, 28.01.2015
The article features Dominik Witzke, who discusses the integration of data and emotions in design. He emphasizes the importance of emotional engagement in user experience and shares insights on how emotional design can create meaningful interactions between users and products.
"MNEMO – Momentaufnahme durch Emotion"
FORMAT, Issue 14, 2014
This article presents my Masters thesis, MNEMO. It explores an innovative approach to capturing and reliving memories through emotion-driven photography, integrating insights from cognitive science with photography and interaction design.
"WeVsVirus: Projekte von der HfG"
FORMAT, 2020
Article covering projects developed by students from HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd for the #WirVsVirus hackathon. Highlights include innovative solutions addressing COVID-19 challenges, with a special mention of Gretel, an award-winning tracking app project focused on supporting public health efforts during the pandemic.
"Ostalb-Oscars für starke Arbeiten"
Schwäbische Post, 26.01.2015
Article about the award ceremony organised by the Sparkassenstiftung Ostalb to honour outstanding student projects in the fields of engineering, design and social sciences.
Schwäbische Post, 02.10.2013
The article discusses the role of training ambassadors who, by speaking the same language as students, provide career guidance on an equal footing. This initiative, launched at the end of 2015, aims to facilitate direct communication between students and professionals, enhancing the effectiveness of vocational orientation.
"TESS – Fluglotsenarbeitsplatz"
FORMAT, Issue 11, 2012
This article presents my bachelor project, TESS: a Tangible E-Ink Strip System designed to enhance air traffic control workstations. It improves internal communication and interaction through a tactile interface, integrating digital tools to assist controllers in managing complex flight operations.