About me
I am currently leading the Department of Innovation & Design at iMes Solutions GmbH where I am shaping the future of MES Software solutions in the automation industry. My approach evolves around fostering a culture of dialogue, creativity, knowledge sharing, and open communication, empowering teams to drive cutting-edge software solutions. Besides that, I am enthusiastic researcher in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in which I have recently obtained my doctoral degree at the Eindhoven University of Technology.
I have a broad background including Computer Science, Industrial Design, and Electrical Engineering and my current interests lie in modern leadership, strategic product design & development, UX design, and the research area of collaborative, interactive systems in the automotive and industry 4.0 area. Broadly, I am interested in the fields of interactive systems, user-centered design, software architecture, cloud computing, user experience design, and user interface design. Moreover, as a leader, I am passionate about nurturing a culture of dialogue, creating an environment where collaboration and open communication thrive. My broad and diverse background enables me to do what I absolutely love: combining my research and technology knowledge to empower individuals to explore their creativity and drive, fostering technical innovations within a team - driving industry projects towards more efficient and effective workflows while enhancing employees' experience and satisfaction.
I earned my master’s degree in Human-Centered Computing from the University of Applied Science Upper-Austria in 2019, and my BSc in Information Technology from Salzburg University of Applied Science in 2017. In 2017 I received the Engineering Degree (Ing.) from WKO Upper-Austria. Besides my studies, I worked as a software and electrical engineer. I collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop customized software solutions for optimizing logistics and distribution processes by means of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs).
Professional Appointments
DEPARTMENT HEAD - INNOVATION & DESIGN (since 10/2023)
As Head of Innovation & Design, I am at the forefront of revolutionising MES software solutions in the automation industry. My role is characterised by a commitment to cultivating a culture of dialogue, creativity and knowledge sharing, fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge software solutions. At the heart of my role is the strategic design and development of our products, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and market needs. I lead the team to create remarkable user experiences, resulting in software solutions that increase user engagement, satisfaction and productivity. My role extends to bridging the gap between design and development, supporting the translation of design concepts into user interface implementations, with a focus on web applications. I also prioritise knowledge transfer between team members to improve the employee experience and drive innovation. Through inspirational leadership, I aim to foster a collaborative and open communication culture, empowering individuals to explore their creativity and drive, thereby fostering both technical innovation and psychological safety within the team.
UI/UX DESIGNER, FRONTEND-DEVELOPER & TEAM LEAD (10/2019 - 09/2023)
I am at the forefront of designing and developing end-user experiences while providing visionary leadership. With a keen eye for aesthetics and usability, I deliver user interfaces that seamlessly merge form and function. With my designs, I elevate user engagement, satisfaction, and productivity. With a deep technical understanding and expertise, I seamlessly translate design concepts into platform-independent frontend implementations. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I bridge the gap between design and development. Placing users at the core of design decisions, I craft interfaces that resonate with users’ needs and expectations. Leveraging my technical and design insights, I develop strategies that not only elevate user experiences but also align with customers’ business goals. Nurturing a culture of collaboration and technical excellence, I foster a culture of collaboration, sparking creativity and technical excellence. Conducting brainstorming sessions, pair programming sessions, and mentoring designers and developers, I nurture a cross-disciplinary team that thrives on innovation.
SOFTWARE ARCHITECT & PROJECT MANAGER (10/2017 - 10/2019)
I orchestrated projects that seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technologies, transforming ideas into remarkable realities. I've led a diverse team through intricate C# and SQL landscapes. Partnering closely with Product Owners and stakeholders, I've orchestrated seamless project lifecycles. Designing scalable microservice architectures has been my forte. Leveraging cloud computing prowess, I've architected solutions that transcend traditional boundaries and empower businesses to thrive. As a user interface designer, I crafted intuitive web-based applications that captivated users and enriched experiences. My designs harmonize aesthetics and functionality, enhancing UX and resonating with end users. Elaborating on customer requirements, I've been a driving force in shaping software solutions that meet and exceed expectations. I understand that the foundation of innovation lies in understanding the unique needs of both users and business clients. Strategically planning and executing automation solutions, I optimized workflows and elevated operational efficiency. I've balanced scope, resources, and timelines. My strategic planning and meticulous execution have consistently delivered successful outcomes and delighted clients
PHD CANDIDATE (10/2019 - 07/2023)
Department of Industrial Design | Systemic Change Group
Cum Laude Graduate after 3.5 years of intensive research (20 June 2023). Thesis topic: Social Control Experience Design: A Cross-Domain Investigation on Media. (funded by ruwido austria GmbH).
STUDENT PROJECT COACH (10/2019 - 09/2023)
Department of Industrial Design | Systemic Change Group
As a Student Project Coach, I had the privilege of guiding and mentoring students in both individual and group projects across bachelor's and master's levels. My role involved providing tailored coaching and support to empower students while simultaneously nurturing their growth as effective collaborators and future researchers in the fields of future mobility and smart home system design.
PhD COUNCIL MEMBER (09/2022 - 09/2023) - Voluntary
PhD Policy and Advice Advocate | Treasurer | Department of Industrial Design
As a member of the PhD Council at Industrial Design, I encompassed both shaping PhD policies and providing essential financial stewardship. In this multifaceted position, my contributions included: Advocated for the interests of fellow PhD candidates by actively participating in discussions and decision-making processes related to policies, programs, and initiatives. Demonstrated financial insight by assuming the role of Treasurer, overseeing budget management, financial planning, and expenditure tracking for council activities and events.
SENIOR PhD AMBASSADOR (09/2022 - 09/2023) - Voluntary
In my role as a Senior PhD Ambassador, I greet and mentor incoming PhD students on their profound academic expedition. In this capacity, I introduce them to the dynamic landscape of research, academia, and campus life, ensuring a smooth integration into the vibrant tapestry of our university community.
TEACHING ASSISTANT (10/2019 - 12/2019)
User-Centered Design | Department of Industrial Design
As a Teaching Assistant in User-Centered Design, I guided students through the principles and practices of creating user-centric experiences. In this dynamic role, I collaborated closely with both students and professors to cultivate a rich learning environment and empower the next generation of UI/UX designers.
USER EXPERIENCE RESEARCHER (10/2019 - 09/2023)
Interactive media systems and smart home products
Thriving at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and human-centric design, I've had the privilege of contributing to the world of consumer media and input devices. As a User Experience Researcher at ruwido, my journey has been a captivating blend of state-of-the-art development, user testing, and UX design, with a focus on creating unforgettable living room and smart home experiences.
THESIS RESEARCHER - AUTOMOTIVE UIs & PASSENGER EXPERIENCE (09/2018 - 06/2019)
Automotive user experience research
Diving into the exciting realm of automotive technology, I've been a Thesis Researcher at ruwido, dedicated to enhancing automotive User Interfaces (UIs) and passenger experiences. A paper out of my thesis work was published at the Automotive UI Conference 2019 in Utrecht.
SOFTWARE AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (09/2014 - 09/2017)
Production automation, robotics, AGVs, customized software solutions
Rquirement engineer, software engineer as well as commissioning engineer in the field of industry 4.0 with a focus on logistics & distribution, production automation, and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs).
[C#, Java, SQL, HTML/CSS/JS, Beckhoff TwinCat2/3, Siemens S7]
Volunteering
Education
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - PhD
Industrial Design | Human-Computer Interaction
Thesis: Social Control Experience Design: A Cross-Domain Investigation on Media