Behind the Screens: Alexander Budde

‍What’s your education?

The relevant parts of my education are five years at the design department of Cologne’s University for Applied Sciences (today: KISD). Back then it was Germany’s first multidisciplinary design program and the first place you could study Service Design. I could claim that I was there when Service Design was born, although I focused more on other areas. It was around the turn of the century, so digital things were all the rage. Later, I studied at the Media Lab at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki.

What kind of work tasks are your favorites?

I’m quite a visual person. Although solving design problems at a general level is the core of all, I always enjoy when there’s an element of visual communication. I love to find simple and elegant solutions to complex problems. Hitting the mark with the good old maxime of “less is more” can bring me joy.

What do you love most about your job?

Besides the occasional trance-like state when focusing on something, it’s the people I get to deal with. Whether it’s colleagues or clients. I hate working in isolation, so I’m still a bit sad that some people are mentally still in lockdown mode and prefer to work by themselves, although I understand that it’s also seen as additional freedom. Working as a consultant brings a great variety of work and a constant flow of new people. That’s at least one thing I do enjoy.

What inspired you to join the team here?

I got dragged into it. But I don’t regret it.

What tips or advice would you give someone starting a new job?

Ask questions. Many questions.

I love to find simple and elegant solutions to complex problems.

What would your perfect weekend look like?

Sleeping in, spending time with people I love.

What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

If I told you, I had to kill you.

What are you passionate about?

I love hiking. Being off grid in the barren North is something like. I also enjoy combining that with landscape photography.  Unfortunately, I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like to. And music. I’m not gifted myself, but it’s essential and I always find it strange when people don’t care for it. They need help!

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Oh, that’s difficult to say. Maybe this – because it’s so recent – I saw one of my favourites bands live. The Smashing Pumpkins.

How would your best friend describe you in three words?

He just wrote to me the other day “You’re such a Mensch”. I let you read into it.

If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?

I’m not a Marvel fan.

‍

Alex brings curiosity, clarity, and a touch of dry humour into every project. We’re lucky to have him on our team <3

In addition to dozens of client cases Alex is the mastermind behind our digitalist.fi identity!

‍