A Humble Tale of Growth and Impact
Once upon a time in the bustling city of Newcastle upon Tyne, I, Julian Oczkowski, found my calling in the world of Product Design. Over the past two decades, I have embarked on a remarkable journey, driven by a passion for solving complex challenges in building canvas app with multiplayer collaboration capabilities in mind. This is my story of growth, exploration, and the quiet impact I have made on the world of design.
Chapter 1: The Spark of Inspiration
My fascination with design began in the nineties when I discovered Autodesk 3D Studio software. The software ignited a spark within me that would guide me throughout my life, inspiring me to constantly hone my skills and expertise in the field. As I delved deeper into the world of design, I realized the importance of understanding the bigger picture and breaking down complex problems into their fundamental components.
Chapter 2: Embracing New Opportunities
My career took me through a winding path, from working as a contractor for renowned companies like Adobe, IBM, and Danone, to leading design projects in various roles. In each role, I approached my work with humility and curiosity, eager to learn from my colleagues and apply my skills to create engaging and intuitive web and mobile experiences for our clients.
Chapter 3: The Trimble Adventure
In 2019, I embarked on a new adventure at Trimble, taking on the role of Lead Product Designer for one of the major 3D canvas applications for this global technology company that provides hardware, software, and services for a range of industries.
This opportunity allowed me to redefine workflows and embrace the XaaS approach to deliver a wide range of 2D and 3D solutions. I was fortunate enough to spearhead initiatives such as the delivery of modern file management services and automated invoice handling services using AI and Machine Learning, among many others.
At Trimble, I created artifacts that contributed to the future of design, including wireframes, conceptual diagrams, task flows, storyboards, prototypes, and documentation. I collaborated with cross-functional teams, striving to share my vision and enthusiasm for innovation, while always remaining open to feedback and learning from others.
Chapter 4: Growing as a Leader
As my career progressed, I stepped into a leadership role, guiding and mentoring a team of talented product designers. I went beyond just designing and focused on breaking down organizational silos and collaboratively solving complex design challenges.
I understood the importance of involving my team in user interviews, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of our users' needs, and learning from their unique perspectives.
Chapter 5: The Lifelong Learner
Throughout my journey, I have always been eager to learn and grow. From obtaining various current certifications in project management and interaction design to exploring cognitive psychology, I constantly seek to expand my skills and knowledge. My thirst for learning drives me to explore emerging trends and technologies, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of the world of design.
An Ongoing Story
My tale is one of passion, growth, and the quiet impact I have made on the world of Product Design. As I continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in my field, my story remains an ever-evolving testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and a humble approach to innovation.