Empowering designers to create extraordinary experiences is at the core of what we do at Creatie. In our Designer Spotlight series, we celebrate the talented individuals who embody this vision. These designers inspire us with their creativity, passion, and willingness to embrace new technologies like AI to push the boundaries of design.

In this inaugural edition of our Designer Spotlight series, we're thrilled to introduce Guillem Bruix, a talented designer and indie developer who has been making waves in the design world for over a decade. With a passion for crafting end-to-end solutions, Guillem's journey is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and embracing new technologies.

The Journey of a Product Maker

Guillem's foray into the world of design began in Barcelona, where he started his career at a startup. Over the years, he has worked on various projects, including designing tools for Zyncro, a social media platform for enterprises, and creating mobile apps for notable companies like 8x8 and N26. However, it was his recent transition to becoming an indie developer that truly ignited his passion for the entire product creation process.

"I would call myself a product maker," Guillem shares. "I enjoy the end-to-end process, from ideation to creation. Empathizing with users, developing solutions little by little, and polishing the final product brings me immense satisfaction."

Guillem's journey has also led him to explore the world of coding, bridging the gap between design and technical solutions. While he admits he's not a coding expert yet, engaging different parts of his brain through design and coding has become an exciting and rewarding experience for him.

Memorable Projects and Fulfilling Moments

When asked about his most memorable project, Guillem's eyes light up as he describes creating Neu Ski Resorts, a spatial app for the Apple Vision Pro, for skiers to choose their ideal skiing resorts. "It was a challenging creation process, but also incredibly exciting," he explains. "With Vision OS, users can experience the skiing resorts virtually before making their selection. It's something new that not many others are making, and I'm thrilled to have released the app."

Guillem's dedication and hard work paid off, as he managed to complete the entire project, from ideation to publishing, in just two months. His app has already garnered over 500 dedicated users and received glowing reviews.

Guillem combining his passions for skiing and techology to create Neu Ski Resorts. Source: Vimeo

While the design process comes with its share of challenges, such as conducting user research and organizing meetings, Guillem finds immense fulfillment in the technical aspects of design, like building design systems, designing UIs, and setting up tokens. "Once the product is released and people are using it, it's an incredible feeling," he beams.

Design Philosophy and Creative Process

At the core of Guillem's design philosophy lies a deep empathy for users and a drive to solve their problems. "The starting point is always understanding the users' pain points," he explains. "The solution to these problems will always be the end goal of the design and creation process."

Guillem's creative process is fluid and adaptable, depending on the context. When designing for a company, he follows a clear framework to solve specific problems. However, when working solo, he enjoys more flexibility. "I start with a personal problem, like not having the right tool to find the perfect ski resort," he shares. "Then, I validate the pain points by interviewing others to see if they face similar issues."

While not rigidly following methodologies, Guillem finds frameworks like the double diamond method to be helpful visual guides in selecting the right features and discarding others. He starts with core features, creates prototypes, tests them with users, and iterates based on feedback. "Often, users surprise me by using the product in unexpected ways," he chuckles.

Guillem used the double diamond method to create Neu Skit Resorts. Source: Guillem's website

Embracing the Future of Design

Guillem is energized by the current landscape of the design industry, particularly the advancements in AR/VR and AI. "It's such an interesting time, with so many new technologies to explore," he enthuses. "I love experimenting with AI and seeing how it can enhance the design process and user experience."

Looking ahead, Guillem believes that designers who are open to new technologies and have a passion for trying new things will thrive. "If you have fun in design and spend more time honing your craft, you'll gain valuable experience and stand out from others," he advises aspiring designers.

In addition to his VisionOS app, Neu Ski Resorts, Guillem also created Rocket Folio, a crypto portfolio app. You can also find his wonderful templates for iOS apps on the Creatie community.

Beyond Design: Finding Joy and Inspiration

When he's not immersed in the world of design, Guillem finds joy and inspiration in the great outdoors. Whether it's skiing, hiking with his dog and wife, or simply spending time with family and friends, he cherishes the amazing weather and natural beauty of Barcelona.

Guillem with his wonderful family

Guillem Bruix's journey is a shining example of how passion, creativity, and embracing new technologies can lead to remarkable achievements in the world of design. His dedication to crafting end-to-end solutions and empathizing with users is an inspiration to designers everywhere. We can't wait to see what innovative projects Guillem will bring to life next!