Interview with Christian Omenogor

Christian Omenogor ("CO") interviewed on Friday, 6 June.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

CO : I have over 4 years of experience as a designer, specializing in user experience (UX), digital accessibility, and human-computer interaction. I hold a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Professionally, I’ve led projects at different organizations, where I designed user-friendly automotive digital solutions, and I currently serve as a Digital Accessibility Specialist, where I ensure that the company's digital platforms are accessible to users of all abilities. My work has been recognized internationally, including a Silver A' Design Award in Mobile Technologies for my wellness app, Restful.

How did you become a designer?

CO : My journey into design started with fashion design and evolved into a fascination for problem-solving and aesthetics. I became intrigued by how things worked and how they could work better for people. I studied Information Management Technology as an undergraduate and later transitioned into design through my passion for creating intuitive and human-centered solutions. The desire to create something that people could use, inspired me to fuse technology with empathy through UX design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

CO : My design priorities center around accessibility, usability, and emotional connection. I begin every project with user research–very important, followed by wireframing, prototyping, and iterative testing. I rely heavily on Figma for digital workflows, but I also sketch ideas on paper to better understand layout relationships. Regardless of the medium, the guiding principle is always inclusivity and user empowerment.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

CO : Designing evokes a deep sense of curiosity and purpose. I often feel excitement at the research stage–getting to understand user better, and fulfillment when users tell me how a design positively impacted their experience. The process is sometimes challenging, but seeing a product solve a real problem brings immense joy. It's more than just aesthetics; it’s about human impact.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

CO : I would say my multicultural upbringing, educational background in HCI, and experience as a mentor have all shaped me. Non-design skills like empathy and strategic thinking have allowed me to collaborate effectively and understand user pain points beyond the surface. Working in diverse settings has helped me see technology not just as a tool, but as a bridge to equity.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

CO : My growth path is focused towards health tech and inclusive design. I plan to launch a digital health lab focused on accessible solutions for underrepresented communities. My dream project is to create a unified, voice-activated healthcare platform that supports patients with cognitive and physical impairments. I want to be remembered as a designer who made health technology more human.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

CO : Start with empathy and curiosity. Focus less on tools and more on understanding people. One of the best pieces of advice I received was, "Design for inclusion, not perfection." Learn continuously, seek feedback often, and never underestimate the power of storytelling in your design presentations.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

CO : Good design solves a problem first and looks great second. Avoid the trap of designing only for trends. Instead, design with timeless principles. Collaborate, document your process, and always advocate for accessibility, even when it isn’t popular.

What is your day to day look like?

CO : I would answer this in context of my work routine. My day starts with reviewing accessibility compliance metrics and ongoing design sprints. I work with designers, developers, researchers to ensure designs meet WCAG standards. The highlight of my day is accessibility evaluation. I also dedicate time daily to learning and training.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

CO : I stay updated through platforms like UX Collective, Smashing Magazine, watching latest video and/or attending global conferences. While I acknowledge trends, I don’t chase them. Instead, I focus on creating adaptive, responsive designs that can stand the test of time. Trends inspire, but purpose drives my work.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

CO : Good design is invisible but intuitive. It is accessible, scalable, and solves a real user problem. If users can complete tasks with ease and feel good doing so, then the design is successful. I also use analytics, feedback loops, and usability benchmarks as validation.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

CO : Great question. A design is never truly done, but it is ready when user testing consistently yields positive results and all accessibility criteria are met. I document rationale for design decisions and leave room for future iterations, but there is a clear point where the solution is usable, accessible, and deployable.

What is your biggest design work?

CO : For now, Restful is by far my most significant design work. It's a meditation and sleep wellness app that integrates behavioral psychology and accessibility-first UX. It won the Silver A' Design Award in Mobile Technologies and has impacted thousands of users, especially families with neurodivergent children. Designing Restful reaffirmed my mission to make digital health inclusive.

Who is your favourite designer?

CO : Well, I don't really have much of them but i would definitely say Dieter Rams for his timeless principles, and Don Norman for his contribution to user-centered design. I also admire Kat Holmes for her work in inclusive design and accessibility.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

CO : I am from Africa, and our culture teaches resourcefulness and empathy. I often draw design inspiration from background, which influence how I approach visual storytelling. Music is part of my creative process, especially instrumentals.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

CO : My work culture values collaboration, clarity, and empathy. I lead with empathy, whether mentoring or managing projects. I prefer flat hierarchies and inclusive spaces where every voice matters. When designing or collaborating, I look for people who are curious and care deeply about user outcomes.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

CO : I mentor young designers and volunteer for design events. I also assist with accessibility audits for nonprofit websites and support digital equity initiatives. For me, giving back through design is not optional; it’s essential.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

CO : Winning the Silver A' Design Award was transformative. First, it provided international validation for my design principles. Second, it expanded my professional network with global innovators. Third, it sparked interest in my work from healthcare and wellness organizations. Design awards like A' Design don’t just celebrate design, they elevate your career and mission.

Christian Omenogor Profile