About me

Product UX/UI Designer with background in Creative Direction

01 My story

I'm a full-cycle Product Designer (and Creative Director) skilled in turning complex challenges into user-friendly digital products that convert users into customers.

After earning my computer science degree, I didn't follow the typical tech path. Instead, I ventured into the publishing world, founding and leading a tech review magazine as the editor-in-chief. This was my first dive into the world of design and layout.


After that, I co-founded Maximorum, a creative communications agency, honing my skills in graphic design, creativity, marketing and collaboration. As a Creative Director and hands-on Art Director, I bridged tech expertise with holistic creative vision, attracting heavyweight clients Intel, Samsung, Danone, Fiat, and many others. As the digital landscape unfolded, we broadened our services, focusing on creating and refining the UI and UX for an array of web projects for most of our clients.


Over time, my team and I expanded our focus beyond merely creating websites and landing pages. In my role as a Sr. Product Designer, I took ownership of complex, end-to-end digital projects, guiding them from the initial concept to the final touches. This involved not only the creation but also the ongoing maintenance and evolution of digital products across both B2B and B2C sectors, including web and mobile platforms.


Working on a variety of products of different types, scales, and domains was not only a challenging and exciting experience but also solidified my role and skills as a Product Designer, the mastermind behind various digital solutions.


Domains I worked for:

🏥 Healthcare, 🛍️ Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), 🏭 Manufacturing, 🛒 Online Retail & E-commerce, 🚗 Automotive, ❤️ Nonprofit & Charity, 💎 Luxury Goods, 💻 Software as a Service (SaaS), 📢 Marketing & Advertising Services, 📺 Streaming Services, ⚖️ Legal Services, 🗞️ News & Media.


🙌 Passionate about Design Systems, Accessibility and Inclusive UX, No-Code solutions, Generative AI, and AI-driven automation.

🤗 Husband, dad to an amazing son, and human to a little maltipoo. 🐾

15+ years

in the industry

50+

satisfied corporate clients

5+ years

of client retention in average

4x

conversions achieved (up to)

50+

digital products from scratch

40+

brand identities launched

02 Explore my 6C's

6

С

Maturity is not solely a product of experience, but rather the willingness to learn and grow from it.

1/6 Conscientiousness

For me, being conscientious is more than just getting things done. It's about really caring for what I work on, to see the bigger picture, someone calls it product thinking. Also, I tend to follow the "10% rule", which means putting in some extra bit of effort, more than what's expected. This isn't about inventing more work for myself or my team. It's about making sure I'm not just finishing tasks but making things I approach as a designer stand out and have an impact.

The rule: "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” (Jimmy Johnson)

2/6 Critical thinking

This minimizes the risk of heading in the wrong direction. No doubt, user research is incredibly important, but what if users' feedback is skewed (e.g. Hawthorne effect), stakeholders' confidence can be compromised, or the chosen framework doesn't fit the purpose? Furthermore, it's crucial not just to rely on the usual W-questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why) but also to include 'How?' for a quick feasibility assessment.

The rule: All that glitters is not always gold.

3/6 Curiosity

A true designer's mind is driven by curiosity and openness to experiment. As a product designer, my curiosity goes beyond just observation. It fuels my desire to understand users deeply and keeps me updated with the latest trends. The blend of curiosity and openness also leads me to constantly seek new knowledge through articles, books, newsletters, and updates – as a vital way to shape a personal approach to design.

The rule: Curiosity didn't kill the cat. Ignorance did.

4/6 Communication

In design, the act of asking questions is fundamental. Over the years, I've developed a habit of asking numerous questions. When dealing with marketers or stakeholders, having a list of questions ready helps clear up any confusion before it starts. It's much better to ask questions upfront than to have to redo work later. Reducing ambiguity from the beginning ensures that the final designs align closely with the project's objectives.

The rule: Questions are answers.

5/6 Consideration

Designers are problem solvers, and it's a terrible misstep to lean only on personal assumptions and perspectives. We need to embrace the user's needs, align with the business's objectives, and value the insights of technical experts. This careful approach helps me eliminate biases, overlooks, and self-centeredness in my work, ensuring that design solutions are well-rounded, effective, and built collaboratively.

The rule: Try someone else's shoes.

6/6 Collaboration

It might sound cliché, but fairness and respect are essential in any team setting. As a team leader, I focus on giving constructive feedback, steering clear of criticism or pressure. In my role as a senior product designer, I'm open to feedback that can refine my work and help me see different viewpoints. Being receptive to diverse ideas is key, especially in cross-functional teams. However, it's equally important to keep the project moving forward. We need to balance our openness with the need to progress, ensuring we don't get stuck in endless discussions about alignment.

The rule: "Ordinary people make extraordinary products." (Marty Cagan)

How I Work

01

Research & Understand

I start by understanding the purpose of the design and its intended audience. I gather information about the audience, business context, and constraints. Additionally, I consider current trends, the competitive landscape, and relevant references.

02

Conceptualize & Plan

I generate ideas and draft initial concepts while maintaining creative freedom. I create a roadmap that outlines the tools, techniques, and timeline for execution.

03

Create & Develop

I design the solution by transforming rough ideas into more refined and detailed designs. I incorporate feedback by collaborating with stakeholders to ensure alignment with goals.

04

Refine & Deliver

I test and polish the design by reviewing it for quality, consistency, and alignment with the brief, making adjustments based on feedback. I present and finalize the design by packaging it in its final format, ready for hand-off, delivery, or implementation.

Writing

Want to dive deeper into my thinking? Check out the articles I’ve written.

I’d love to hear from you.

Schedule an online call, drop me a message, or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Looking forward to it!

© Oleg Safranov. All rights reserved.

I’d love to hear from you.

Schedule an online call, drop me a message, or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Looking forward to it!

© Oleg Safranov. All rights reserved.