An Interesting Ride So Far ...
After receiving my first degree in Computer Science back in Germany, I started working as an Interactive Developer at one of Germany's leading interactive agency. I then managed to get closer to the action by moving to San Francisco, working for pioneering web agencies like Vivid Studios and Modem Media as a Software Architect and Technology Manager. This was followed by a move to New York, co-leading the technology team at Grey Interactive.
I then decided to focus on my passion for design, and obtained a Master's Degree in Industrial Design at the Pratt Institute, New York. I was able to work for some great companies like West Elm and world-class designers including Ron Gilad and Stephen Burks. Another highlight was working as employee #3 for Poppin, a design-focused office supplies startup: Starting as a Furniture Designer, I had the opportunity to take on increasing responsibilities and help grow the company from zero to a full product assortment. This included living and working in China for one year, while managing our small office in Shanghai.
After that, it was time to bring together my experiences and interests across design, technology, and business. I joined Moment, a design consultancy in New York City, as a UX Designer. I later moved back to San Francisco, to work as Director of UX for Insightly, a CRM for small to medium businesses. This was followed by working for several years as Head of Design for Storyhunter (now called Glimmer), a creative marketplace and collaboration platform. Since March 2022, I am leading all design work at Buffer as Senior Design Manager.
No matter what medium, I continue to love creating simple and elegant solutions to complex challenges and problems.
Other Projects
- martin-konrad.com - My Industrial Design work
- twomemotions.com - My photography
- methodmethod.com - A curated list of UX resources (No longer maintained)
Selected Writing
- The Details Are Not The Details - On the importance of getting the details right
- Clothes, Remixes, and Happy Accidents - Why to explore ideas on paper or screen, and not just in your head
- Materials And Manufacturers - Background story on one of my side projects