Software development has become such a buzzword in mainstream media and everyday communication that people now take this term for granted. Unless they’ve tried it themselves, non-tech guys might think everybody can learn it easily.
In fact, building software products requires a lot of sweat and commitment, because it consists of several fields of work, requires different types of business professionals, and demands detailed planning.
User experience design (UX) is a vital part of every softdev project. UX designers take part in software or mobile app development from day one – they’re the ones who put on end users’ shoes (metaphorically) and make the face of the software as smooth and as possible. Properly designed interfaces and logically set user steps can drastically increase conversion rates and improve consumers’ satisfaction with the product and brand in question. That’s why UX matters so much.
Therefore, we’ve reached out to our seasoned UX designer Viktorija Simonoska.
Viktorija has been pivotal in shaping the user experience for several key projects at BrightMarbles, showcasing her expertise and the critical role of UX in software development. Notably, she played a central role in designing a major health and wellness platform, which underscored the direct correlation between effective UX and business success.
While specific details of her ongoing projects are confidential, Viktorija is currently focused on developing a user-centric interface for an educational platform tailored for new parents. This platform is designed to offer essential support and resources, promising to make a significant impact on their parenting journey.
Let’s now learn more about her tasks in the projects BrightMarbles Group takes part in and ask her a few questions about the current trends in UX and her career path so far.
Q: Hi, Viktorija. Thank you for the time you’ve allocated to this interview. How are you and what are you working on at the moment?
A: Hi Pavle! Thank you for the question, I’m doing great! At the moment, I am working on an educational/parental Q&A platform and at the same time, to my great pleasure, I am part of a very interesting and big project which is in the initial phase, but for now, we will keep it a secret.
Q: How long have you been a UX designer?
A: Almost 5 years now.
Q: Great! For your age, that’s a significant achievement. Have you always been in the IT industry?
A: Well, yes and no. My first ever job was selling laptops and smartphones at an IT store. Up until then, I thought that expensive computers were only used for playing the newest video games, or that is why I always wanted one. But turns out there are other pretty cool things you can do with them.
Q: Is user experience (UX) something you’ve been doing from your baby steps in the field of design?
A: No, it’s not. I started as a graphic designer but quickly switched lanes. My guiding thought while designing anything was always how will this be perceived? Although I was only working on how something will look, I couldn’t stop thinking about how it will work. So, you can indeed say that UX was always part of my journey, even when I didn’t know what exactly UX was.
Q: When you compare your previous experiences to the one at BMGH, what are some similarities and what is different?
A: At BMHG, similar to my previous experiences, I aim and focus strongly on user-centered principles. Discovering what the user needs through research and providing them with their perfect fit-design.
I am really grateful that at Bright Marbles I have the freedom to express myself and a steady supply of exciting challenges to overcome.
Q: How about some current projects you’re working on? Anything interesting to the eye of the public?
A: Definitely! Not sure if I can say who, but someone is getting a brand new website! The process is very exciting, and I think it’s going to be available for the public eye too very soon. Stay tuned everyone.
Q: When it comes to core UX design tasks when you’re working on a new product with developers, how would you describe the biggest challenges? Generally speaking, and perhaps on some practical digital products.
A: The main challenge when working with developers on new product designs is making sure that our user experience vision translates smoothly into the final digital product. This means effectively communicating our design goals, adapting to technical constraints, and staying focused on what’s best for the user. Practical challenges include balancing design adjustments with development timelines and resources.
Q: How does the growth of AI influence the current state of design? Are there more benefits or more challenges, perhaps even threats to human designers?
A: Everything changes and evolves, a pretty normal thing, especially when it comes to technology. We’ve always been afraid of the unknown, but the unknown has always been the thing that inspired us the most. AI is the unknown at the moment, for some it may be scary, but I think it’s a super cool tool. First there was a brush, and now there is a prompt.
Or to quote one famous Macedonian designer: “Don’t think of AI as a competitor, but rather as a partner helping you achieve your goals.”
Q: Looking at the time ahead, is UX design something you’d like to stick with in the foreseeable future or would you like to make a career switch at some point? In other words, what do you love most about UX?
A: What I love most about UX is the dynamic problem-solving process it involves. From asking the right questions in user research to creatively designing interfaces and rigorously testing hypotheses, I enjoy connecting the dots between user behaviors and product optimization.
Human behavior is endlessly fascinating to me, and being able to create usable, enjoyable products that meet real needs is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about making products; it’s about improving people’s lives with easy-to-use and meaningful experiences. Or to answer your question more directly: Yes, UX is where I see myself for the foreseeable future.
Q: As you may have noticed (we hope you have), BM fervently advocates equality and inclusion, especially regarding women in tech. What’s your stance on the position of women in the IT field? Can you tell us a bit more from your own experience, how was your road to success in this niche?
A: I’ve definitely noticed and I’m genuinely proud to be part of this exceptional team! I strongly believe in the importance of fair opportunities and rights for everyone. It’s inspiring to witness more and more women being encouraged to step into the IT industry, which was once predominantly seen as a “men’s world.”
In my experience, I’ve had (and still have) the privilege of working with extraordinary individuals who were clearly raised with the right values. So, the only thing left for me was to persevere and work hard.
Q: Kudos for referring to that wonderful James Brown’s song! How about Viktorija outside work? What makes you happy, what fuel drives your engine?
A: As someone who lives by the water (Ohrid, Macedonia) I absolutely love spending my time lakeside with a cup of coffee whenever I can. In my free time, I enjoy reading Japanese manga, crafting things from clay, and feeding swans and street dogs.
But what really drives my engine is baking cakes! I’m overjoyed while decorating them, but I make sure they taste as good as they look.
Q: How do your hobbies influence your approach to UX design? Do you find that they enhance your creativity or problem-solving skills in your professional projects?
A: Absolutely, my hobbies enhance my ability to think laterally, which is essential in UX design. Also, they’re a fantastic way to decompress and clear my mind, which in turn makes me more effective when I return to work. They remind me to see the beauty in simplicity and the importance of a user-centered approach in design—ensuring that the final product is not only functional but also delightful. It’s all about creating experiences that are enjoyable and easy to use, whether it’s a piece of art or a software application.
About Viktorija
Viktorija Simonoska is an in-house UX designer at BrightMarbles Group. One of the youngest Mibsters in general, she’s brought a unique standpoint to our design team.
Having already worked on several ground-breaking projects, Viktorija has become an irreplaceable part of our company. When she’s not sketching, drawing, and implementing user-friendly features, she bakes cakes.