**In the design process, time is one of the most valuable resources—and often, much of it is lost in activities that don’t truly advance the project. One common pitfall is spending too much time trying to convince stakeholders or team members with static design images.**

**While these visuals can be useful, they often lack the depth needed to communicate how a design will actually function in a real environment. This is where prototyping becomes indispensable.**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FaTQ7wOyUKBOkTFDMHyD23gXrUJM2%2FXWsopbuMF7N4FdnFACYL%2F00c09f27-4ab1-41fc-a67f-a8488e8c2edc.jpg?alt=media&token=87119fb6-df16-4802-b6de-6e179c3f4d06","id":"00c09f27-4ab1-41fc-a67f-a8488e8c2edc","width":4032,"height":3024,"filename":"WOhqI6zM.jpeg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FaTQ7wOyUKBOkTFDMHyD23gXrUJM2%2FXWsopbuMF7N4FdnFACYL%2F6f833137-ce60-41b1-a853-949a7b9a99c3.jpg?alt=media&token=fe13c2cd-b172-4e41-bf62-87a60a4bcf26","id":"6f833137-ce60-41b1-a853-949a7b9a99c3","width":4032,"height":3024,"filename":"-I9npfF0.jpeg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

The foundation of any great design is the **idea** behind it. Without a solid, well-thought-out concept, no amount of design effort will produce effective results. A strong idea is the core that drives the design forward, giving it purpose and direction. However, the viability of an idea is difficult to gauge without testing it in a way that goes beyond static images or slides.

A working prototype, especially one created before moving into full development, provides clarity and confidence in the concept. Prototyping allows designers and stakeholders to experience the product more tangibly, observing how interactions, transitions, and animations will look and feel. This approach not only saves time by uncovering any flaws or gaps early on but also improves communication, as it shows rather than tells.

Static images often fall short in conveying the essence of a dynamic product. In contrast, a prototype brings life to the design, making it easier to communicate complex interactions to both clients and development teams. With a functional prototype, the need to explain nuanced details—like how a transition should animate or how elements should respond to user interactions—is greatly reduced. Instead, the design can be experienced directly, leaving little room for misinterpretation.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FaTQ7wOyUKBOkTFDMHyD23gXrUJM2%2FXWsopbuMF7N4FdnFACYL%2Fcf242294-adb4-4911-ba38-10cad4088ea8.mp4?alt=media&token=53e48951-9a09-4f53-a426-0f18eb30c014","id":"cf242294-adb4-4911-ba38-10cad4088ea8","width":1600,"height":1200,"filename":"cartloop-popupmaker.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FaTQ7wOyUKBOkTFDMHyD23gXrUJM2%2FXWsopbuMF7N4FdnFACYL%2F7dea184c-4074-4ffc-a8e6-8081fc001c1c.mp4?alt=media&token=3bc7e620-eddd-4187-bc64-1d6f27cfa0bb","id":"7dea184c-4074-4ffc-a8e6-8081fc001c1c","width":375,"height":812,"filename":"bet-receipt.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FaTQ7wOyUKBOkTFDMHyD23gXrUJM2%2FXWsopbuMF7N4FdnFACYL%2F8e779d8a-337e-4d01-ab2f-989fd15b9b6d.mp4?alt=media&token=cfbb66b5-db28-4f53-8bc2-27cac75f5e55","id":"8e779d8a-337e-4d01-ab2f-989fd15b9b6d","width":800,"height":600,"filename":"monzo.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FaTQ7wOyUKBOkTFDMHyD23gXrUJM2%2FXWsopbuMF7N4FdnFACYL%2F033afd10-980b-4693-b9f2-5f57db62b32c.mov?alt=media&token=5e53d852-81dd-47d8-9ce0-66d7a3f2d281","id":"033afd10-980b-4693-b9f2-5f57db62b32c","width":640,"height":1136,"filename":"3 steps with 3 progress bars.mov","type":"video/quicktime","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

From my experience, **[Principle](https://principleformac.com)** has been one of the most practical tools for rapid prototyping. It allows me to quickly build interactive prototypes that illustrate the flow and functionality of an idea, helping to bridge the gap between static visuals and the final product. By adopting this approach, I’ve found that not only is time saved, but the entire team is more aligned with a shared understanding of the design’s potential.

In sum, focusing on the idea and using prototyping effectively can help reduce unnecessary time loss in design projects. It brings clarity, improves team communication, and ultimately leads to a better product.

*Stay pixel-perfect.*

Design Efficiency: The Power of Prototyping

**As 2024 comes to a close and we step into a new year, there’s no better time to embrace renewal. I’ve been planning to create a platform to showcase my journey and background for quite some time. However, throughout my 14 years in the design industry, I struggled to find a space where I could fully capture the breadth of my experience.**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FaTQ7wOyUKBOkTFDMHyD23gXrUJM2%2Frefreshing-2025%2F41b5a268-661c-4da9-9f1a-51b4cdff96bb.jpg?alt=media&token=3625b899-e1fb-4a49-9514-6c6076b9618c","id":"41b5a268-661c-4da9-9f1a-51b4cdff96bb","width":576,"height":448,"filename":"Firefly celebrating a new year in pub with friends cheers 31595.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Initially, I built a personal site with Framer, adding just a select few projects. But my journey has been far richer than that. Beyond the projects listed, I wanted to share insights into the companies I’ve worked for, the side projects I’ve been passionate about, and the events I’ve been a part of.

This led me to transition to read.cv, where I could dive deeper into each of these areas. With this change, I’m now able to convey my experiences more accurately, offering a current, comprehensive page where you can follow my latest work and reflections. If you want to get to know me better, this is now the place to start.

*Stay tuned, and as always, stay pixel-perfect.*

Reflecting and Refreshing for the New Year

Assoc. Design Director

I completed the Visual Communication Design (VCD) program at Bilgi University. The core curriculum focused on developing foundational approaches across all design fields, providing 101-level experiences in various disciplines.

The best part was gaining proficiency in multiple design areas—such as video, photography, basic software, and animation—rather than specializing in just one field. This program also gave me the chance to receive the same education as many renowned designers.

The Venus application is a platform where site administrators, homeowners, and short-term tenants can track all site activities and facilitate on-site communication.

The application allows users to monitor events, request services, and engage in conversations with neighbors.

Venus App

BetBull is a social gambling app where users can create live betting slips on football matches, allowing them to socialize in real-time and share their own betting slips. My role was to bring ideas to life before they reached the development stage, transforming concepts into reality.

After designing the interface, I tested the experience through live prototypes to see how the ideas worked in practice, enabling clearer communication with the development team through prototypes.

Additionally, I created various motion projects, such as logo animations and marketing videos.

Gambling App

I worked to Buuk for a project focused on creating a book rental application, where my role involved adapting the website for mobile application use. I worked on various aspects, including UI design, logo animation, and establishing different components and flows for the app.

I managed the application’s development processes, and through prototyping and motion design touches, I improved communication between the design and development teams, making the design and development stages smoother and more cohesive.

Buuk App

Tapdaa tasked us with creating an innovative website and QR menu system designed to modernize the dining experience. Tapdaa, a company at the intersection of technology and hospitality, aims to simplify and enhance restaurant interactions through digital solutions.

My role was to make all design decisions and establish the product identity. I crafted a cohesive experience design for the website and product pages, collaborating with Şafak Otur to adapt it effectively in the development process.

Tapdaa

We developed a mobile app designed to help users remember where they parked and to easily track the parking duration, location, and cost. The app features a widget that lets users conveniently monitor their parking details, including location, time, and cost, directly on their phone’s home screen.

I led the product concept and design process, collaborating with Erol Kaftanoğlu and the developer team to bring this idea to life.

Tinywall

At a Google Developer Groups Istanbul event, we presented with Orçun Kılıç, discussing ways for designers and developers to improve design approval processes.

We covered the necessary steps to ensure that a design, once completed, can be used effectively by end users and achieve its intended success.

Verification & Validation

I collaborated with Techcareer.net to conduct two design bootcamp events. This four-week training attracted over 2,000 applicants, with sessions carried out for a selected group of 60 participants.

The primary focus of the training was to explore designer approaches, problem-solving, process management, and design perspectives. Following this, we conducted test case studies based on a sample project.

UX/UI Bootcamp

I was a guest speaker at an event organized by -99 Design Studio, held at The Circle Space. We discussed our approaches to design problems across different disciplines, and the event was mostly structured as a Q&A session.

minus99ds

Together with our design community and the GDG team, we organized an event at Kollektif House. This gathering brought designers and developers together, featuring various speakers on stage.

Both groups had the chance to connect, and at the end of the event, we held an open microphone session where participants discussed common challenges.

Merge w/GDG

At the Istanbul GDG DevFest events, we presented to designers and developers on how people psychologically approach and emotionally analyze design.

We discussed how understanding these psychological principles helps create more effective user interfaces by aligning with users’ perceptions and emotions.

Usable Psychology for User Interfaces

As a team, we addressed the design needs of clients in both the UK and Turkey. Rather than focusing on a single domain, we developed products tailored to various materials and platforms based on specific requirements.

We worked on sustainable designs for end users and brand identity across branding, websites, and mobile applications.

Product Designer

My main responsibility was designing user flows and experiences through prototypes, using Hi-Fi wireframes to identify the best approaches before development.

I also crafted tailored experiences for the gambling industry to boost user engagement and create a shared environment within the app.

I developed web, mobile, and product interfaces for clients like Arçelik, Grundig, and Koç Holding, across various platforms and devices, including unique interfaces like oven screens.

Using SHERPA’s SHERPATH methodology, I contributed to creating innovative, user-centered digital experiences.

UX / Product Designer

Lead and manage the design team, fostering growth and ensuring effective communication. Oversee product design requirements, delivering high-quality solutions.

I work on improving the design journeys of leading clients in the aviation and e-commerce sectors.

Kahve Dünyası, Frink, BRIFIC, A101, Vodafone

I led a team of five designers, focusing on innovative solutions for the HoReCa industry, particularly POS systems and management tools.

I organized the design process, oversaw technical developments, and ensured our solutions aligned with client needs for impactful results.

Arda Arıcan 🇵🇹

2024