Name: Laura Schipien
Company Role: UX /UI Designer
Favourite Quote: “Everything alters me, but nothing changes me.” - Salvador Dali

What is something other professionals have to deal with in your industry that you want to fix?

Many designers, no matter if UX/UI industrial design or whatever type of design, end up in a struggle to bridge design and development/engineering. At Perigee I find we overcome these barriers just by everyone showing a certain interest for the other side and not falling back on clichées. We don’t just do our individual parts but work collaboratively, which is what I enjoy the most. Everybody shows respect for the other ones work.

What do you do at Perigee?

Being one of Perigee’s first employees means I’ve done a lot of things. From speccing up initial goals all the way to marketing materials and supporting our users - both for Seven and Cycles. As Perigee grew my work became more focused, but I still enjoy being involved in the full design process for all our apps. My job includes speccing upcoming projects, sketching up initial wireframes (by hand), creating hi-fi mockups and prototypes and creating dev specs, assets and all that goes with it. Every step of the design process has something exciting to it, which I love.

What’s your story?

I always had an interest for creative things and to turn my passion into something that would also be useful and not just art. I decided to do an Industrial Design Bachelor in Germany, where I’m from. During my studies I developed a deeper interest for digital products and interactions, but also a bit of a need for adventure. Therefore, I moved to Malmö in 2013 and did my Masters in Interaction Design. I started working for Perigee as a UX/UI designer back in 2015. It’s not always easy to find your path. I’m lucky to say that I’ve loved app design ever since I started, because it gives me a broad opportunity to express myself, learn and be useful to other people.

Your top 3 favorite podcasts/books?

I think NPR is doing a good job! I’ve probably listened to all “Hidden Brain” and “Ted Radio Hour” podcasts. But, I love all kinds of informative, interesting, documentary-like podcasts and shows.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Ahhh… if my day had 48 hours 😄 After using brain power all day, I like to be outside after work and be physically active… but hey a little nap in the sun by the ocean never harmed anyone either. Otherwise, I’m into speedskating, cycling and my motorbike at the moment. Guess I prefer speed over meditation! I do get a lot of energy from exploring new things though and have tried many things both on the creative and action-filled side: singing, playing piano, sketching … to yoga, water-skiing, windsurfing, longboarding, skiing, gym classes...you name it. You don’t develop if you never try something different.

What are you passionate about?

I really like testing out new apps, seeing their potential and how their developers solve issues. I’ve also always liked to learn new languages, try out new sports, meet new people and the classic, travel to new places (isn’t everything that’s new really exciting?!). What I learned from all this though is that it gets even more exciting when you fall for something and get really good at it :)

How do you think your colleagues would describe you?

I see myself as an introvert with a lot of happiness to share, but I think my colleagues would describe this as extrovert, haha! I seriously need time for myself, but that doesn’t have to mean people don’t need to know I’m here! From what people reported it gets noticeably more quiet in the office when I’m gone, and not just because the music stops playing :D

What would be your personal motto?

Never stop working on yourself :)

What has been your favorite project at Perigee?

We call it the half-day steam session. Redesigning a whole app with basic wireframes in pretty much half a day, but of course until a full redesign for an entire app is done some months can pass. I also loved creating all those illustrations throughout the years like achievements, moods, instructor faces etc. It made me happy to create them, and I hope you love them too.

What skill(s) have you developed while working at Perigee?

Ohhh wow… all of them! No but seriously, I think studying gives you a basic understanding but real work-life teaches you so much. It always needs a bit of talent and personal interest, but putting that into work every day for 8 hours really helps mastering your skills. But the sky has no limits… like I said earlier “Never stop working on yourself”, so I always know what I can get better at. This goes for professional skills, personal character and life in general.

Like what you heard? Want to work with Laura? Check out our latest designer positions: https://careers.perigee.se/

Check out our previous Employee Spotlights!
Jonathan Hagberg
Martin Knight
Gemma Lamont