Simon Kuzmanović

One book that has profoundly impacted my professional outlook is "The Power of Moments" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. This book explores how brief, memorable experiences can have a lasting impact on people and organizations. As a Senior Product Designer, I found its insights invaluable in understanding how to create meaningful and impactful user experiences. The idea that every touchpoint can be an opportunity to create a powerful moment has deeply influenced my approach to UX and UI design, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and empathy in my work.

My favorite way to unwind after a challenging day is by taking long walks with my wife and baby boy along the Danube River. These walks provide a perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and spend quality time with my family. It's a simple yet rejuvenating activity that helps me clear my mind and reconnect with what's most important.

I stay motivated and inspired in my work by staying on top of design trends and actively following design networks. Keeping abreast of the latest developments helps me remain innovative and adaptable in my designs. Engaging with a community of fellow designers provides valuable insights, feedback, and inspiration, fueling my creativity and passion for design. This continuous learning and networking process ensure that I stay motivated to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of my craft.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with notable clients and brands, including Job.com, Holycode, Aktiia, netiva GmbH, Knip AG, Razor Communications, and McCann Erickson Belgrade. These experiences have allowed me to contribute to a diverse range of projects, from designing corporate identities and logos to developing comprehensive UX/UI solutions for innovative tech companies. Each collaboration has enriched my expertise and reinforced my commitment to creating user-centered designs that resonate and deliver impact.

The advice I received that has significantly shaped my career is to understand that successful designers aren't always the most talented designers. This taught me the importance of not only honing my design skills but also developing strong communication, collaboration, and business acumen. Success in design often hinges on the ability to understand and meet client needs effectively, manage projects efficiently, and build lasting relationships. This advice has encouraged me to focus on a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond technical proficiency.

Teamwork to me means collaboration, communication, and mutual support among team members to achieve common goals effectively and efficiently. It involves leveraging individual strengths, respecting diverse perspectives, and working together cohesively towards shared success. One memorable experience of teamwork was during a project where we had a tight deadline and a complex set of requirements to meet. Each team member brought unique skills and insights to the table. We divided tasks based on expertise and regularly communicated progress and challenges. Despite the pressure, everyone remained supportive and willing to help each other out. Through effective coordination and a shared commitment to excellence, we not only met the deadline but also delivered a solution that exceeded client expectations. This experience highlighted the power of teamwork in achieving remarkable outcomes that would have been challenging individually.

An unexpected talent I possess is the ability to "steal like an artist." This concept, inspired by Austin Kleon's book, involves drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources and creatively remixing them to produce something unique. In my design work, I integrate elements from diverse fields and ideas, transforming them into innovative UX/UI solutions. This approach not only fuels my creativity but also ensures that my designs are fresh, relevant, and deeply resonant with users

If I could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, it would be Dieter Rams. Dieter Rams is a legendary industrial designer known for his ten principles of good design and his work with Braun and Vitsoe. I admire his minimalist approach and his emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and sustainability in design. Dinner with him would be a fascinating opportunity to discuss his design philosophy, learn from his experiences, and gain insights into the evolution of design principles over the decades.