Journey Through Samsung R&D - and creating the UX UI Flow for Apps
16 - Years ago
Landing the Samsung Job: An Unexpected Turn
On the day of the interview at Samsung, a mix of curiosity and modest expectations filled the air. The interview process turned out to be a marathon of enlightening one-on-one meetings. The most surprising moment was realizing the first interviewer was the Vice President of Research and Development. With no new work to present, I reluctantly showcased the “KF-DOOMed” trailer, fearing its unconventional nature might be a deal breaker.
A Surprising Response and a Career Milestone
Contrary to my fears, the vice president found the trailer's creativity and quirkiness impressive, commenting, “If you can do that much with 3-D models and video games, you’re going to find it easy here.” This unexpected approval marked a pivotal moment in my career. I left the Samsung office that day, not just with an enriching experience but also with my first full-time job offer as a 'User Interface and Hardware Designer.'
Shaping the Samsung Galaxy
My initial project at Samsung was groundbreaking – developing the now-famous Samsung Galaxy phone. Tasked with the 3D modeling and animation of the phone, I was at the forefront of mobile technology innovation. This project was more than a mere assignment; it was a chance to influence the future of smartphones, blending my diverse skills in a role that would profoundly shape my career.
From Concept to Reality: Shaping the Samsung Galaxy Experience
At Samsung, my primary project was the Galaxy phone, a task that utilized my comprehensive design skills. Beyond just 3D modeling the phone, I was deeply involved in the user interface design for various embedded and downloadable applications. These apps were essential to the Galaxy experience, requiring a blend of creativity and technical expertise.
Pioneering User Experience and Interface Design
The challenge of not only designing the hardware but also defining the user experience for a global audience was exhilarating. My role encompassed a wide range of responsibilities - from editing Photoshop files to animating models and ensuring every aspect of the phone aligned with our vision. My work was pivotal in bridging user experience with user interface design, drawing from my video game level design background to create intuitive and engaging interfaces.
A Trailer that Symbolizes a Journey
Our work led to the creation of a promotional trailer for the Samsung Galaxy phone, blending hardware and software seamlessly. This experience at Samsung was more than just product development; it was about crafting an experience that connected imagination with reality, turning innovative ideas into tangible experiences for users worldwide.
Yup, that’s me in the middle.
Bridging Dreams and Reality at Samsung
At Samsung, my role transcended mere product development; it involved crafting experiences that resonated with a global audience. This period was a revelation, highlighting the profound impact of my work in merging imagination with tangible user experiences.
Embracing the Challenges of Pioneering UX
During my tenure, I began to emphasize the importance of User Experience (UX) design, a field still burgeoning at the time. Despite its crucial role in product development, my advocacy for UX encountered resistance within the company. This challenge underscored the need for a paradigm shift in how user-centric design was perceived and integrated within Samsung’s innovation framework.
Cover flow back then.
But is it any good? Why does it have a strange vibe?
Navigating Corporate Dynamics at Samsung
My efforts to integrate UX design at Samsung revealed the clash between innovation and established norms. Despite the clear benefits, my advocacy for UX was perceived as a deviation, creating tensions, particularly with the product manager. This resistance culminated in my dismissal, underscoring the challenges of introducing change in a rigid corporate environment.
A Forced Move and Its Aftermath
The situation escalated with a directive to relocate to San Jose, closer to the Samsung office. Obligingly, I moved, only to face an abrupt termination about a month and a half later. This move, in retrospect, seemed more like a setup, a corporate maneuver to facilitate my exit. The experience was a jarring lesson in trusting my instincts and recognizing the undercurrents of corporate politics.
Embracing New Beginnings
My departure from Samsung, while painful, marked the start of a new chapter. It was a period of introspection and growth, opening doors to opportunities where I could further explore and apply UX principles without constraints. This phase of my career was not just about recovering from a setback but about rediscovering my professional passions and aligning them with environments that valued innovation and change.