Nouhou Basekonda, Product Designer

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Nouhou joined &us as a Junior Designer in his first full-time role since finishing his MA. He is already working on big client projects and solving complex challenges, and is increasingly taking the lead both with client work and internal initiatives.

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What’s your work background?

Well, I studied Information Technology at uni before I did a Master’s in Human Computer Interaction Design. Then, to gain some real-world experience, I did some freelance work before landing at &us.

Why did you choose to come and work at &us?

Well, this is my first real full-time job and what stuck out to me when I was interviewing was how human &us came across compared to other companies. My first interactions with the people I met during the interview process was a breath of fresh air. Outside of being awesome people, everyone was just so knowledgeable which led me to believe this was the right place for me to grow as a designer.

What does your morning routine look like?

I’m usually up by about 7:00 and once I get out of bed I usually do some form of exercise whether it’s a stretch, a walk or some pushups. Always with some music playing. 

Then I hop in the shower, have breakfast and catch up on a podcast or the news before I start my day at 8:30, where I check for messages and think about my tasks for the day.

What does an average working day have in store for you?

There would usually be a standup to talk about the previous day and the day ahead. Most of the time I’ll either be doing some form of research, preparing/conducting a user interview or working on a design.

But honestly, it depends on the project and the phase it’s in.

What’s the best thing about your job?  

It’s also great being surrounded by really smart and fun people who all have unique skill sets and personalities. 

It’s also a great feeling when the work you produce is well-received by clients and by peers because you never really know what they’ll think as you’re making it.

How has your work day changed in the last year: What new things will you be keeping? And what can’t you wait to go back to?

I tend to focus better when working in a quiet space, which WFH has helped with a lot. However, I do miss the spontaneous conversations and trips to coffee shops that can be great pivots away from work.

Predictions for the next year? What will clients want most of in the next 12-24 months?


I think the past two years have taught us a lot about attitudes towards our working habits and whether or not it needs to evolve beyond the pandemic. From a client perspective, I think they’ll want to better understand how employees are working from home and the steps they can take to optimise the WFH experience.

What is the most random thing on your desk?


My Bluetooth speaker.
  

Who was your last email from?

It was an invite to a meeting.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

“See things through”
  

What did you want to be when you ‘grew up’?

I wanted to play for Arsenal alongside my childhood sports idol Patrick Vieira. Other than that I always knew I wanted to do something creative.

How do you relax outside of work?

I watch a TON of sports. Football and Formula 1 are my weekly go-to’s. I’m also an avid gamer and movie/TV show watcher. Always looking for something new to play or watch.

Outside of that, I cycle at least 2-3 times a week which I find super-relaxing. And spending time with friends is always great.

What would be your super power if you had one?

Magic/Sorcery. Basically whatever Doctor Strange has.

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