As 2024 comes to a close and we step into a new year, there’s no better time to embrace renewal. I’ve been planning to create a platform to showcase my journey and background for quite some time. However, throughout my 14 years in the design industry, I struggled to find a space where I could fully capture the breadth of my experience.

Initially, I built a personal site with Framer, adding just a select few projects. But my journey has been far richer than that. Beyond the projects listed, I wanted to share insights into the companies I’ve worked for, the side projects I’ve been passionate about, and the events I’ve been a part of.

This led me to transition to read.cv, where I could dive deeper into each of these areas. With this change, I’m now able to convey my experiences more accurately, offering a current, comprehensive page where you can follow my latest work and reflections. If you want to get to know me better, this is now the place to start.

Stay tuned, and as always, stay pixel-perfect.

Reflecting and Refreshing for the New Year

there’s no better time to embrace renewal

Assoc. Design Director

I completed the Visual Communication Design (VCD) program at Bilgi University. The core curriculum focused on developing foundational approaches across all design fields, providing 101-level experiences in various disciplines.

The best part was gaining proficiency in multiple design areas—such as video, photography, basic software, and animation—rather than specializing in just one field. This program also gave me the chance to receive the same education as many renowned designers.

The Venus application is a platform where site administrators, homeowners, and short-term tenants can track all site activities and facilitate on-site communication.

The application allows users to monitor events, request services, and engage in conversations with neighbors.

Venus App

BetBull is a social gambling app where users can create live betting slips on football matches, allowing them to socialize in real-time and share their own betting slips. My role was to bring ideas to life before they reached the development stage, transforming concepts into reality.

After designing the interface, I tested the experience through live prototypes to see how the ideas worked in practice, enabling clearer communication with the development team through prototypes.

Additionally, I created various motion projects, such as logo animations and marketing videos.

Gambling App

I worked to Buuk for a project focused on creating a book rental application, where my role involved adapting the website for mobile application use. I worked on various aspects, including UI design, logo animation, and establishing different components and flows for the app.

I managed the application’s development processes, and through prototyping and motion design touches, I improved communication between the design and development teams, making the design and development stages smoother and more cohesive.

Buuk App

Tapdaa tasked us with creating an innovative website and QR menu system designed to modernize the dining experience. Tapdaa, a company at the intersection of technology and hospitality, aims to simplify and enhance restaurant interactions through digital solutions.

My role was to make all design decisions and establish the product identity. I crafted a cohesive experience design for the website and product pages, collaborating with Şafak Otur to adapt it effectively in the development process.

Tapdaa

We developed a mobile app designed to help users remember where they parked and to easily track the parking duration, location, and cost. The app features a widget that lets users conveniently monitor their parking details, including location, time, and cost, directly on their phone’s home screen.

I led the product concept and design process, collaborating with Erol Kaftanoğlu and the developer team to bring this idea to life.

Tinywall

At a Google Developer Groups Istanbul event, we presented with Orçun Kılıç, discussing ways for designers and developers to improve design approval processes.

We covered the necessary steps to ensure that a design, once completed, can be used effectively by end users and achieve its intended success.

Verification & Validation

I collaborated with Techcareer.net to conduct two design bootcamp events. This four-week training attracted over 2,000 applicants, with sessions carried out for a selected group of 60 participants.

The primary focus of the training was to explore designer approaches, problem-solving, process management, and design perspectives. Following this, we conducted test case studies based on a sample project.

UX/UI Bootcamp

I was a guest speaker at an event organized by -99 Design Studio, held at The Circle Space. We discussed our approaches to design problems across different disciplines, and the event was mostly structured as a Q&A session.

minus99ds

Together with our design community and the GDG team, we organized an event at Kollektif House. This gathering brought designers and developers together, featuring various speakers on stage.

Both groups had the chance to connect, and at the end of the event, we held an open microphone session where participants discussed common challenges.

Merge w/GDG

At the Istanbul GDG DevFest events, we presented to designers and developers on how people psychologically approach and emotionally analyze design.

We discussed how understanding these psychological principles helps create more effective user interfaces by aligning with users’ perceptions and emotions.

Usable Psychology for User Interfaces

As a team, we addressed the design needs of clients in both the UK and Turkey. Rather than focusing on a single domain, we developed products tailored to various materials and platforms based on specific requirements.

We worked on sustainable designs for end users and brand identity across branding, websites, and mobile applications.

Product Designer

My main responsibility was designing user flows and experiences through prototypes, using Hi-Fi wireframes to identify the best approaches before development.

I also crafted tailored experiences for the gambling industry to boost user engagement and create a shared environment within the app.

I developed web, mobile, and product interfaces for clients like Arçelik, Grundig, and Koç Holding, across various platforms and devices, including unique interfaces like oven screens.

Using SHERPA’s SHERPATH methodology, I contributed to creating innovative, user-centered digital experiences.

UX / Product Designer

Lead and manage the design team, fostering growth and ensuring effective communication. Oversee product design requirements, delivering high-quality solutions.

I work on improving the design journeys of leading clients in the aviation and e-commerce sectors.

Kahve Dünyası, Frink, BRIFIC, A101, Vodafone

I led a team of five designers, focusing on innovative solutions for the HoReCa industry, particularly POS systems and management tools.

I organized the design process, oversaw technical developments, and ensured our solutions aligned with client needs for impactful results.

Arda Arıcan 🇵🇹

2024