Q: Welcome to Madaster, Daan! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to a career in UX and UI design?
A: When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming an architect. My father worked in construction and often took me to construction sites, which sparked my fascination with buildings and design. Later, during my studies, I had to fill a gap year and decided to try interactive design because some of my friends were doing it. The timing couldn’t have been better—this was around the time the iPhone was released, opening an entirely new world of app design. I became captivated and decided to dive fully into the field of UX and UI design.
Q: You mentioned wanting to be an architect when you were younger. How does that early interest in architecture influence your approach to UX design today?
A: Although the two fields are quite different, there are parallels. For instance, minimalism in architecture—removing unnecessary elements and focusing on functionality—also applies to digital design. The principle of “removing the noise” to create clarity and purpose is something I draw from architecture and incorporate into my work in UX/UI design.
Q: What drew you to Madaster, and how do you see UX and UI contributing to our mission of creating a circular built environment?
A: The construction industry has always held a special place in my heart because of my childhood experiences. Working at Madaster allows me to merge my passion for UX design with the world of architecture and construction. There’s also immense potential to make the platform more user-friendly, which can drive global adoption of sustainable construction practices. My goal is to remove barriers, so people have no excuse not to choose sustainability.
Q: What aspects of UX design do you find most exciting, particularly in the context of making complex data accessible and actionable?
A: What excites me most is observing user behavior—especially when it deviates from what you expected—and then solving those challenges with simple, effective solutions. Even when working with complex data, simplicity is key. “Less is more” applies to UX and UI elements, just as it does in architecture. If a solution succeeds in user testing, it gives me a burst of energy that can keep me motivated for the rest of the day!
Q: As you start your journey with Madaster, what are your main goals or hopes for the impact you can make here?
A: In the short term, my focus is on identifying and implementing quick wins—small changes to the current platform that can make a big difference for users. Long term, I aim to make the Madaster tool as simple and intuitive as possible while also giving it a unique and recognizable design identity.
UX / UI designer
