Resume

I am Nikolay Nikolov, a multidisciplinary UX/UI designer with a passion for innovation and human-centered design.

Aside from my love for design, I'm exploring the world of art, whipping up delicious meals, embracing the future of AI, advocating for zero waste, supporting upcycling to give old items new life, and passionate about an intercultural exchange, experiencing new cultures amazes me.

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Latest work experience

I have been involved in a wide rage of fascinating and complex projects over the past few years. Several UX design strategies were employed by me. While working with developers and project managers, I've also led client workshops and provided objective advice on the UX process. In addition, I applied the whole spectrum of UI design.

Working with Nikolay is a pleasure. In addition to having a wealth of specialized knowledge, he also has excellent social skills and great product ideas.

— Markus Siebeneicher, UX-Solution Architect
06/2019 - today · Consulteer AG, Zurich

Senior UX/UI Designer

My focus is on creating optimal user experiences using design methods and interaction design principles. I specialize in creating global digital corporate identities, developing UI style guides and complex design systems, and providing diverse UX design solutions for fully responsive web and mobile design. My expertise includes designing Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), web applications, and digital portals within the B2B sect or, specifically in the areas of Industry 4.0, e-commerce, and finance.

I use various UX design methods such as user research, prototyping, and usability testing to oversee the entire UX process for digital projects in collaboration with developers and project managers to ensure a seamless user experience.

5 Most used Software skills
  • Abstract
  • Adobe XD
  • Figma
  • Miro
  • Sketch
07/2018 – 04/2019 · LST AG, Lucerne

Interaction Designer And Visual Concepter

I brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the planning and visual conception of internet projects in various industries, including real estate, finance, pharmacy, logistics, interior design, and more. My focus was on creating design concepts that were visually appealing and user-friendly, utilizing my skills in game design, graphic design, information architecture, prototyping, research, screen design, typo3 editor, UI style guides, usability, web design, and wireframe development. I also provided ongoing maintenance and further development for existing client projects, ensuring that their online presence remained up-to-date and effective.

5 Most used Software skills
  • Adobe CC
  • Keyshot
  • Marvel
  • Sketch
  • Typo3
04/2015 – 01/2017 · Seven Media Systems Ltd., Cologne (Germany)
Visual Designer and Design Manager

I specialized in optimizing online presences and driving online sales through strategic branding and project management. I worked closely with stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive brand strategy for a variety of products.

My expertise included project organization and planning, as well as taking on project management responsibilities. In addition, I could independently design texts, presentations, and images for online sales and marketing purposes, including social media and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. My skill set also included implementing and maintaining design templates, website creation, and high-quality 3D renderings for web and packaging design.

5 Most used Software skills
  • Adobe CC
  • KeyShot
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Rhinoceros 3D
  • Wix
Qualification

Qualification

With expertise in design conception, user experience, visual design, project management, and development, I am proud to hold a certificate in human-centered design.

Certificate

With the «UXQB® Certified Professional for User Experience and Foundation (CPUX-F)» certification, I demonstrate knowledge of the basic definition and concepts of Usability and User Experience.

Show Nikolay`s Certificate (PDF)
competence
  • Definitions, concepts and guidelines
  • Producing design solutions
  • Specifying the user requirements
  • The human-centred design process
  • Understanding and specifying the context of use
  • Usability inspections and user surveys
  • Usability tests
Expertise

Accessibility, Agile Scrum, CI & CD, Design and Project Management, Design Concept, Design System, Graphic and Web, Information Architecture, Interface Design, Look and Feel, Management Presentations, Mockups, Persona, PM Communication, Product Staging, Prototyping, Research, SAFe, Dev Specs, Style Guide, User Journey Map, UX, Wireframe.

Show me related projects
Most Used Skills
  • UI, Interaction Logic, Design System
    5.0
  • UX, User Research, Human-Centred Design
    4.0
  • Design and Project Management
    4.0
Software skills

Application skills in business and office, cloud-based collaboration, design workflow management, fully dynamic cloud-based CMS, issue tracking and project management, layout and page design, low-fidelity wireframing, online collaborative whiteboard platform, vector graphics editor for digital design, vector-based UI/UX design, visual website editor, workplace communication.

Show me related projects
Most Used Tools competence
  • Adobe XD, Balsamiq, Excel, Figma, Miro, PowerPoint, Sketch, Webflow
    5.0
  • Abstract, Asana, Jira, Slack, YouTrack
    5.0
  • CSS, HTML
    2.0
Education study

Education

I studied "Integrated Design" at the Cologne International School of Design in Germany. The Bachelor Degree Program there integrates different design and scientific approaches from several design areas and design-related disciplines.
The study programme is characterized by an integrated, intercultural and interdisciplinary environment in which theory and practice-oriented design processes are complemented by a range of experimental and research-oriented elements.

09/2008 – 09/2014 · Köln International School of Design at the UAS Cologne (Germany)
Integrated Design (B.A.) with focus on design concept, production technologies, design and ecology

In a flexible study structure of eight semesters, I gained extensive methodology skills from at least twelve areas of expertise as well as other design, analytical and conceptual specialist knowledge. Thus, I systematically began to understand and use the diversity of design. The areas of expertise are the basis for an interdisciplinary and project-oriented design program, in which I was able to develop my individual main focuses.

In addition to the projects, seminars, lectures, courses, working groups, workshop introductions, and a mentoring program complete the studies.

5 individual focus areas
  • Design and Ecology
  • Design Theory and Research
  • Interaction and Interface Design
  • Production Technologies
  • Service Design
Bachelor theses

Bachelor Theses

To graduate from KISD, three academic theses are to be written in two teaching and research areas of your choice - a »Final Thesis« and two »Proposals«.

My theses comprehensively reflects the integrative and interdisciplinary skills I acquired during my studies. The "Final Thesis" consists of an independent written elaboration and a design work related to it and includes a draft in addition to a scientifically reflected basis. The developed "Proposals" form the conceptual basis for the "Final Thesis".  All papers are printed, presented and defended in a colloquium.

Final Thesis · production technologies · 2014

"Weniger is(s)t besser" (Eating less is better – Design concepts for avoiding food waste in the catering industry)

project image
Image by Rachel Claire pexels.com

Throwing food away without a second thought, wasting resources needlessly without feeling guilty, producing and consuming more than necessary - welcome to the twenty-first century.

The throwaway and consumer society of the twenty-first century, as well as the industrial food supply system, which ensures the devaluation of food, could be the causes of many eaters' lack of appreciation for food. Nonetheless, we cannot afford to waste so much food, both morally and environmentally.

The purpose of this paper is to create design-related methods, concepts, and ideas for the restaurant industry in order to reduce or eliminate unnecessary wasting and throwing away of otherwise edible food.

Read thesis in German (PDF)
Subtopic 1 · Design and Ecology · 2013

"Organismen, die Kunststoff zersetzen." (Plastic-Decomposing Organisms)

project image
The Microbial Home by Philips Design

Some things decay quickly, while others last for centuries. It is loved and praised by designers, industry, and by consumers because it is cheap, versatile, malleable, and resistant to weathering or bacteria. However, these characteristic properties of plastic become an environmental problem. Most types of plastic are not biodegradable and decompose only very slowly. As a result, significant amounts of plastic waste are generated worldwide.
While researchers and museum curators are working together to find a way to preserve plastic crumbling contemporary documents, designs, and art objects for posterity, at the same time the uncontrolled decay in the environment is becoming a real threat to nature, the oceans, and all living things. The purpose of this paper is to explore natural ways to eliminate plastic and plastic waste without consequences for the environment.

Read subtopic in German (PDF)
Subtopic 2 · production technologies · 2013

"BioBricks - neuartige Legosteine" (BioBricks - new types of Lego bricks)

project image
The Bio-Ligh by Philips Design

A new scientific revolution is underway. In the area of synthetic biology, new techniques are developing that allow the development of entirely unique types of life. Through genetic modification, life forms can far exceed the capabilities of natural organisms. They can be used, for example, to produce light, fuels, or medicines. One of these new processes is based on so-called "BioBricks." This involves isolating fragments or genes with precisely defined functions from the DNA of living species and using them to produce standardized components that can be interchanged like Lego bricks. These DNA building blocks are called BioBricks.

An entire industry has specialized in the production of reprogrammed microorganisms that have been genetically modified with such BioBricks. There are now at least 5000 reprogrammed microorganisms. Many bioengineers currently participate in a competition called "iGEm" that encourages the development of new, artificial species and, consequently, their expansion. Engineers work with living matter to create completely new and useful life themselves, and designers want to use it to break new ground. Synthetic genes are already being traded diligently. You can buy them on the internet at reasonable prices.

The purpose of this work is to explore the application areas of synthetic biology and what it could mean for everyday life.

Read subtopic in German (PDF)
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get in touch

Get in touch!

Do you want to talk about a project, work together, or simply say hello? Feel free to email me at contact@nikolaynikolov.ch. I'd love to hear from you!