An Introduction to our new digital design wibbler – Peter

Hello

My name’s Peter and I’m the newest digital designer joining the Wibble team.  So technically, I’m a Wibbler now! It’s been six weeks since I started in April and time has flown by. I’ll start by sharing a bit about myself.

I’m from Carrickfergus, a seaside town, it’s a nice place to live.  It’s great for walking and exploring, though it can be a bit rainy or windy sometimes. I have nearly a decade of experience working in a multidisciplinary agency and specialise in UX/UI strategy and design. I’m pretty experienced in translating complex brand requirements into modern online identities.

I originally wanted to be a graphic designer. I started my design journey on an old Compaq computer with a bootleg copy of Photoshop 7.0, determined to be a graphic designer. However, when I discovered my love for technology and design, I quickly fell into the world of web design and haven’t looked back since. I still dabble in the odd bit of graphic and print design.

Adapting to the new role

Starting a new workplace brings its usual worries: fitting in, adjusting to a different work style and feeling like the right person for the job.  However, from day one at Wibble, these concerns were quickly dispelled.  In my short time here, I’ve learned so much about new design systems internal processes and innovative project approaches.  One standout aspect is Wibble’s direction, focus and their process for web design & development.  The teams openness, coupled with the teams’ friendliness, professionalism and passion for success, really sets Wibble apart. Ultimately, we all share the same goal: deciding where our next coffee should be from.

Learning a new design system

From the outset, Wibble has been a learning experience, particularly adopting the new internal design system. This has fundamentally altered my perspective on website architecture.

By my second day, I had somewhat grasped the new design system, which completely shifted my usual website design approach.  Now, I’m working towards a more disciplined systemic approach, making the build process more efficient. This is great for someone who values structure in their design process.  This translated into my first few weeks of work. Moving one of the websites from XD to Figma was a fantastic task that provided me with a solid understanding of the design process and system.  It boosted my confidence and the team quickly trusted me to begin working on client projects.  Six weeks in, I’ve been involved in a range of projects including home improvement, supply chain and medical services.  The variety in web projects is truly rewarding. 

In the web design team, Figma is our go-to tool. I’ve always considered myself an experienced user, but Dean’s prototyping has shown me just how deep the figma rabbit hole can go.  I have become that person who asks “how did you do that?”, whether it’s the use of variables or high-fidelity interactions. However, this collaborative environment between the web design and web development teams as a whole is one of the reasons why I’m enjoying the process so much.

Working in Cathedral Quarter

Let me start by saying the Cathedral Quarter offers a great mix of coffee and food options.  We have Established, Hjem, Trait, Bakari, and Flout, so you’re spoilt for choice when you’re in the office.  However, it can be a bit of a dilemma: “Where are we going for coffee today?” “What are you doing for lunch?” And let’s not forget the weekly dent in your wallet. (But we can gloss over that.) While not every workplace caters to foodies, Wibble certainly does. We even have a dedicated #food channel on Slack! Personally, I love a Flat White from Established and a croissant or vanilla slice from Bakari. Flout has become a real obsession in the office lately because it’s a two-minute walk and it’s amazing. It’s very convenient having all these places on our doorstep. But I’m also loving it.

Working in the cultural and creative hub of Belfast is fantastic. The lively atmosphere is always buzzing, and the walk into the office in the morning is a pleasure. Your morning walk isn’t just a commute through the cobbled streets. Navigating the smell of the fresh coffee and soaking in the culture clears my head before the working day.

Conclusion

The team at Wibble is truly a fantastic bunch of people and they’re all incredibly talented in their fields. I’m so glad I found Wibble; it’s a truly great place.

I’d been following Wibble on social media for a while when I discovered they were hiring.  On a whim, I messaged Paudie to find out more. My first month has been a real learning curve but I’ve enjoyed every moment. I’m excited for Wibble’s future and its growth. It’s amazing to see the agency’s potential and the direction it’s headed in. I’m looking forward to growing as a designer at Wibble and the opportunities that may come my way. I truly love working in this industry and hope to be here for a long time.

Learn more about our growing team at Wibble over on our meet the team page.