Insights into the work of UX/UI designer Katharina
What makes design good and how do you get to the heart of complex technical solutions, so that they are accessible to everyone? Our UX/UI designer Katharina gives an insight into her work at Conntac. Between creative diversity, empathy for users and timeless design principles that last for decades.
Getting started with Conntac
Before Katharina joined Conntac, she was a founder in the VR and AR sector herself. But as with many others, the pandemic has changed her career plans unexpectedly. Previous contacts at the university and in the start-up scene led to the initial exchange — and her start at Conntac.
Today, as a UX/UI designer, she designs, among other things, our app, web platforms and dashboards — in particular the Entry Dashboard including the Knowledgebase. Her tasks range from user-friendly interfaces to video production to 3D design and photography. Katharina says:
“I can contribute my creativity to very different areas. That makes my work incredibly exciting. ”
User centricity starts with empathy
For Katharina, user-centered design means one thing in particular: Understand first, and then design.
“Before I start designing something, I try to precisely understand the user's task. What does the person want to achieve? What are its expectations of the surface?“
The concept of mental models — in other words, the idea of how something should work is important. A good example:
“An elderly woman stepped on her computer mouse because she thought it was a foot pedal — like a sewing machine. It is precisely such mental models that influence how people deal with technology.”
Design is more than aesthetics
Katharina is strongly influenced by principles such as “Form follows function” . For her, design is not an end in itself, but a means of making complex content understandable. She finds inspiration, for example, in Dieter Rams, whose 10 theses for good design have been valid for decades:
“Good design is honest, durable, as little design as possible — and above all: It makes products really useful.”
Between demands and reality: challenges in everyday life
At Conntac, design never happens in a vacuum. Technical restrictions and timelines influence the design process. But it is precisely here that you can see how closely design and development work together:
“For us, it is never about who is right. Together, we consider how we can achieve the best result — technically feasible, user-friendly and aesthetically.”
Feedback as part of the process
Whether it's app store reviews or marketing campaign performance, the team regularly analyses feedback to further develop the products. A/B testing and user feedback are continuously incorporated into optimization.
“We never dwell on one thing, but are constantly evolving.”
Which projects are you particularly proud of?
Katharina's answer comes without hesitation: the Entry Dashboard. Her first major web project, in which she was able to design the entire design process herself — from the first process diagram to the final interface.
“It was very challenging because the backend system is pretty complex and technically demanding. But that was exactly what made it exciting and I've learned a lot from it.”
Design trends that are currently affecting Conntac
- Accessibility: “It affects a lot more people than you think — over 30% of Germans have some kind of restriction. ”
- Sustainability: Reducing loading times, avoiding unnecessary processes to save resources.
- AI in the design process: Tools can accelerate creativity, but they must be used responsibly.
Katharina finds these topics exciting and can well imagine advancing them further at Conntac.
A team that really works together
What makes working at Conntac special? An environment in which everyone can contribute their strengths.
“We have a diverse team in which everyone can develop their strengths. It is not about being perfect, but about actively helping to shape it. If you want to contribute your skills and make a difference — this is the right place for you.”
This commitment is reflected in our solutions: individually thought out, designed with care and always focused on the needs of users.
