UI/UX Designer Ahmed Adel Says He Wished He Had Invested in Ergonomics

Welcome to HackerNoon’s Designing the Future Interview series.

Answer the questions below as best you can (P.S.: longer answers make for a more engaging read). Once you’re done, hit submit, and our editors will review your responses within three days.

We’re thrilled to have you share your journey with us!

1. Describe your current role and tell us what you like most about it.

As a Senior UI/UX Designer and Design Lead at Edgy Labs, I focus on creating data-driven, high-performing experiences tailored for enterprise-level SEO strategies. I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, strategists, and content experts, to design interfaces that enhance usability, engagement, and conversion rates.

2. How did you get into UI/UX design?

I have a degree in Science and Engineering, and I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of simplifying complexity—creating intuitive solutions for challenging issues. My background required some experience in art and design principles, which gave me a strong foundation, but what truly led me to UI/UX was realizing just how many complex systems could be made easier, faster, and more user-friendly with the right design approach OFC.

In 2019, I joined a startup to help refine their UX processes and UI design. Since I already had design skills, the transition felt natural. It didn’t take long for me to realize how well I fit into this field—and more importantly, how much I enjoyed it. From that point on, I knew UI/UX was where I wanted to grow and make an impact.

3. What’s a design project you’re especially proud of, and why?

High-impact UX revamp for a Fortune 100 client (Toyota) with massive improvements in reducing reaction and driving more traffic.

4. Tell us about a popular design trend you love (or hate)

I appreciate the principles of Minimalism and Zero Interface Design, particularly when combined with dark mode. This approach not only enhances usability by reducing eye strain and improving readability in low-light environments but also aligns with sustainable design practices. Implementing dark mode can lead to energy-efficient interfaces, as darker screens consume less power, especially on OLED and AMOLED displays

5. How do you balance creativity and user-friendliness in your projects?

Simply define the limits first by understanding your users and defining clear objectives based on the business/project needs. That way, you prioritize user-centered design, and through the correct design process and iteration, you can deliver the sweet spot between creating new things while remaining user- and business-friendly. that is what works for me :D

6. What’s your favorite tool in your design toolkit, and why?

That’s Figma! It has helped me illustrate, design, and build my prototypes seamlessly. I also love Figma Jam for team collaboration as it makes brainstorming and working together so much easier.

7. Can you describe your design process, start to finish?

I follow a user-centered, data-driven, and iterative design process—research, ideation, prototyping, testing, implementation, and optimization

8. What’s the biggest mistake you made early in your career, and how did it affect your journey?

Nothing major comes to mind as a BIG MISTAKE!!!, but I wish I had invested more in ergonomics, especially since this job involves long screen hours, which can impact health and wellness.

9. What advice would you give to a designer at the beginning of their Journey?

Focus on fundamentals first, psychology, design principles, and problem-solving, Design tools are the key. The field is more competitive than it was six years ago for sure, but someone with a strong foundation and a portfolio that showcases their skills will always stand out.

10. On a lighter note, what's your least favorite font and why?

Haha, it’s gotta be the comic sense

That’s all!

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