About me.
Ghassan Zakaria
Why I'm Passionate about Product Design.
With over a decade of experience in the field of Information Technology, my journey into product design has been shaped by a profound fascination with the impact of digital and non-digital products on users' lives. Whether a product brings joy, simplifies daily routines, or presents challenges, I've been drawn to understanding the user experience.
My venture into design might trace back to my childhood in the late '90s and early 2000s, where I found joy in creating websites on GeoCities. The introduction to Photoshop fueled my excitement as I realized that my creations could be shared worldwide.
Fast forward to 2014, during my time at NAB, where I rode the wave of digital transformation, contributing to web portals and the bank's initial mobile apps. The dynamic interaction with customers, their feedback, criticisms, and praises, rekindled my love for creating solutions. Inspired by user problems, I taught myself tools like Balsamiq, Sketch App, Invision, and Marvel to craft designs that aimed to address real-world issues.
Fun things about me.
Beyond the world of design and technology, I proudly wear the badges of a foodie and coffee enthusiast. Weekends and post-work moments are reserved for exploring Melbourne's vibrant food scene with friends.
While I used to be a fervent soccer player, dedicating four or five days a week to the sport, my passion has shifted focus in recent years. Travel, another significant aspect of my life, has taken me to 19 countries, offering diverse experiences from sightseeing in ancient Middle Eastern places to adventure holidays like Muay Thai training camps in Asia.
The COVID-19 lockdowns provided an unexpected opportunity to channel my energy into co-founding a startup called HomeBite with a friend. This venture, marked by full ownership of business operations, design, and tech stack, stood in stark contrast to my experiences in established organizations, adding a new dimension to my professional journey. As the world gradually opens up post-pandemic, I eagerly anticipate the chance to resume my travels and continue the exploration of design and innovation.
Design Tools / Platform I’ve used:
Pencil & paper
Sketch app
Figma
Axure
Balsamiq
Adobe Photoshop
Invision
Zeplin
Marvel
Askable
Miro