Hi, it’s Ufuk.
I am a multi-disciplinary designer and strategic thinker with a passion for integrating digital technology with physical objects and spaces - helping brands create strong human connections through emotionally charged experiences.
I am happy you stopped by.
Oh, the things I do
My approach to a design problem is holistic, studying its relation to other elements in the ecosystem and its contribution to the bigger picture.
Design
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Concept development makes my heart dance. One of my favorite parts of what I do is imagining future scenarios at the intersection of technology, user needs, and business goals.
Some of my concepts are either realized or on their way to realization at a global scale with the largest hotel company of the world, the largest beverage company of the world, and the largest financial institution of the world.
Things I do: Concept sketches, high-resolution visualization, concept deck with research annotations.
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I started my career in physical design world and later transitioned into experiences that span across physical and digital touch points.
Highlights include branch experience for the largest bank in Peru, hotel experience of the future for Marriott International, and a digital ecosystem for a future physical product for Coca-Cola.
Things I do: UX/UI, design research, user personas and journey mapping, wireframes, experience playbook, high/low fidelity digital and physical prototypes, visual design, interaction models.
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Most of my work has elements of a small or large-scale physical interactions. I love designing spaces where people can immerse themselves and activate their multiple senses.
Highlights include launch event for Google, innovation lab for Starwood Hotels, technology-assisted accessible hotel room.
Things I do: Sketches, 3D models, photorealistic renders, mockups and prototypes, material and production drawings.
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Many projects I worked on required the orchestration of multiple design disciplines to ensure a cohesive user experience. I try to understand and speak the language of various disciplines so I can collaborate on details while keeping an eye on the big picture.
Highlights include a mobile platform, hotel room of the future, and a digital/physical interaction platform.
Strategy & Innovation
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Depending on the project, I worked individually or collaborated with research teams to gain insights and emphatize with users.
Highlights include landscape and opportunity areas for Coca-Cola, on-field user testing for BCP, quantitative research for JPMorgan Chase and qualitative interviews for Marriott International.
Things I do: Stakeholder & user interviews, trendscraping, industry and analogs research, observation and evaluation reports, UX analysis, user testing and surveys.
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I have run design thinking workshops with creatives, stakeholders, and technical minds of every level in Silicon Valley, New York and London.
My approach to creating these collaborative experiences is to stay away from traditional exercises and keep minds stimulated by custom-creating each session according to the team and goals of a particular project.Things I do: Preparation research, goal setting, design, facilitation, and synthesis of the workshop.
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Neuroaesthetics studies how proximity to arts and design measurably affects humans’ emotions, physical and mental well being.
During my time at Frog Design, I developed a framework to inform designers and potential clients about Neuroaesthetics and find ways to integrate its principles into our design and business development processes.
Things I do: Neuroaesthetics presentation and training, Design Feeling Workshops
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I have been a champion of design-driven innovation within the organizations I participated. I always kept abreast of systems and frameworks to promote innovation and design thinking across various parts of these organizations.
Highlights: Design Ethos for Marriott International, Corporate X Startup panel at TechFestival Copenhagen.
And the brands I’ve done them for
Throughout my career I worked in agency, startup, corporate and consultancy settings. Most recently at frog Design's New York studio, I got to combine creativity with strategic thinking for companies across many industries. Below are some brands I've had the opportunity to design and think for.
My work
I feel lucky to have worked on amazing projects with some of the brightest minds.
RetailX
JPMorgan
Imagining what the physical store becomes when the commerce is everything, everywhere, all the time.
IoT Guestroom of the Future
Marriott International
Travel experience of future through the connected hotel room and its
digital ecosystem.
Credit Card Shopping
JPM Chase
Reimagining Chase’s credit card shopping experience to be more intuitive, informational, and story-driven.
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Thoughts on humans, design, and technology
I am fascinated by how fast technology is becoming more integrated to our lives. As a designer, I'm excited to play the role of a connector between present and future, analog and digital, human and tech.
Below are some of my thoughts on subjects that inspire me.
Mentorship
I volunteer a few mentorship hours every week, available through ADPList for design students, young designers, or anybody who can benefit from learning about my experience and process.
If that’s you, I would love to meet!
Signature wall
Say something so I know you were here... A quick hello, an idea, a business inquiry, or a poem?