Since 2010 I’ve been the Team Lead and part time designer for the Mobile Team at Automattic. My role changed a bit over time and while I learned a lot, after three years it was time for a change.
A week ago I took on the role as designer on the Data team. The Data team is working on things like the Stats panel, Notifications, and sharing options. For me, this means thinking about ways to make publishers and readers alike happier whenever they come back to WordPress.com.
My passion for creating thought-through experiences through pixel perfect design was the reason I got into the web design business in the first place. First with a small web studio, then as the co-founder of IntenseDebate. After TechStars and getting acquired by Automattic in 2008, I spent another two years focusing on the design aspects of IntenseDebate and other services around WordPress.com.
Working with the Mobile folks at Automattic is one of the most challenging and fun experiences I’ve ever had. They’re all great guys, and very good at what they do. I found myself spending all my time thinking about ways we could improve on the mobile WordPress experience as well as how to make the team function the best it could.
I realized not long ago that I was so caught up in the mobile side of WordPress that I stopped having ideas and streaks of inspiration for other sides of what Automattic does, and where the industry is heading at large. Sure, I’ve been opinionated and very vocal about things like front-end editing, having a great onboarding experience, or about the need to figure out how to to give readers better content — just to name a few. But it’s about staying ahead of the curve. Very rarely did I have a “Heureka!” moment.
Maybe I should soak in the tub more often.
The last few days I hung out with the lead of the Data team, Martin Remy, in Copenhagen, Denmark. We ended up walking around the city and hanging out in cafes while talking about the state of things. Both within the team and WordPress.com at large. Being the “new” guy I was glad I was able to provide some perspective on past decisions and brainstorm about the future.
I can’t wait to get to work on some of the things we discussed.
I’ve been with Automattic for 5 ½ years now, and I’m still growing as a person. I’m still challenged and allowed to try new things. It’s a great place to be.
If you think you have what it takes, we want you to join us.