Joseph Stephen’s Product Design Odyssey

Joseph Stephen is a talented product designer with five years of experience. Currently the Lead Product Designer at Zendtrax, a logistics and technology company revolutionizing supply chain management in Africa, he’s dedicated to creating user-friendly, clean, and functional designs that meet user needs across web, mobile, and dashboard platforms.

Joseph Stephen

Here’s his interview with Daily Times Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria: What inspired you to pursue a career in product design, and what keeps you passionate about it?

Joseph Stephen: Growing up, I was always fascinated by how people interacted with technology. I loved exploring how a well-designed product could simplify a user’s life. My first exposure to design came through mobile apps—I would analyze why certain apps were easy to use while others weren’t. This curiosity sparked my journey into product design.

What keeps me passionate is the impact. As a product designer, you’re solving real problems. For instance, at Zendtrax, my designs contribute to making logistics operations smoother for businesses in Africa. Seeing your work make a tangible difference is incredibly fulfilling.

Daily Times Nigeria: Building a career in product design as a Gen Z can be challenging. What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Joseph Stephen: One of the biggest challenges was the lack of access to resources when I started. Back then, design tools and courses were either expensive or hard to find. I relied on free online resources and joined communities like Twitter design circles to learn from others.

Another challenge was proving my worth as a young designer in a competitive market. To overcome this, I focused on delivering quality work consistently. I built a strong portfolio that showcased my ability to create clean and functional designs. I also learned to communicate my ideas effectively, which helped me gain the trust of clients and colleagues.

Daily Times Nigeria: What makes a great product designer, and how can young Nigerians develop these qualities?

Joseph Stephen: A great product designer is someone who’s curious, empathetic, and detail-oriented. Curiosity drives you to learn continuously, empathy helps you understand the users’ needs, and attention to detail ensures your designs are functional and aesthetically pleasing.

young Nigerians, I recommend starting small. Design simple projects like a website or a mobile app and gradually take on more complex challenges. Invest in learning—there are many free resources available now. Lastly, seek feedback. Join local and online design communities where you can connect with others and improve your skills.

Daily Times Nigeria: Zendtrax operates in a specialized logistics niche. How do you ensure your designs align with the needs of such a unique industry?

Joseph Stephen: Designing for logistics requires a deep understanding of the pain points in the supply chain. At Zendtrax, we spend a lot of time engaging with our users—logistics managers, business owners, and drivers—to understand their challenges.

For example, many users struggle with tracking shipments or managing multiple orders efficiently. By breaking down these problems, we design solutions that are easy to use even for non-tech-savvy users. My approach is to simplify complexity while maintaining functionality. This way, our designs empower businesses without overwhelming them.

Daily Times Nigeria: What are some design trends or tools that have significantly impacted your work?

Joseph Stephen: Tools like Figma and Adobe XD have been game-changers. They make collaboration seamless, especially for remote teams. In terms of trends, I’ve seen a shift towards minimalist, user-centric designs. Users today want interfaces that are clean and intuitive without unnecessary distractions.

Another big trend is accessibility. Designing for inclusivity—considering people with disabilities or those in low-bandwidth environments—has become a priority. It’s not just about aesthetics anymore; it’s about making products functional for everyone.

Daily Times Nigeria: How do you balance creativity and functionality in your designs?

Joseph Stephen: Creativity and functionality go hand in hand. A design can look great, but if it doesn’t solve a user’s problem, it has failed. My approach is to start with functionality—understanding the user’s needs and the problem the product aims to solve. Once that foundation is solid, I focus on making the design visually appealing and engaging.

The key is to prioritize usability. For example, when designing dashboards, I ensure that key data points are easy to find, even if it means sacrificing some aesthetic elements. Striking this balance ensures the design is not only beautiful but also effective.

Daily Times Nigeria: What role has collaboration played in your success, and how do you work with other teams like engineers or marketers?

Joseph Stephen: Collaboration is at the heart of product design. No matter how good a design is, it can’t succeed in isolation. At Zendtrax, I work closely with engineers to ensure designs are technically feasible and marketers to align with the brand’s messaging.

One approach that’s worked for me is involving other teams early in the design process. Engineers, for example, can provide insights on technical constraints, while marketers can help ensure the design communicates effectively to the target audience. This alignment reduces friction down the line and results in a more cohesive product.

Daily Times Nigeria: You’ve achieved a lot in five years. What’s your next big goal as a designer?

Joseph Stephen: My next big goal is to mentor and empower upcoming designers, especially in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. I believe there’s immense talent here, but many lack guidance and resources.

On a personal level, I want to explore emerging technologies like AI and AR in design. These tools have the potential to revolutionize user experiences, and I’m excited to integrate them into my work to create innovative solutions.

Daily Times Nigeria: As someone shaping the future of design in Africa, what’s your vision for the industry?

Joseph Stephen: My vision is for Africa to become a global hub for design innovation. We have so much untapped talent here. If we can invest in education and create platforms that support designers, we’ll see more groundbreaking solutions coming from the continent.

At the same time, I believe in designs tailored to local needs. Africa has unique challenges, and our designers are best positioned to solve them. By creating products that work for us, we can set an example for the world.

Daily Times Nigeria: Finally, what advice do you have for young Nigerians aspiring to build a career in product design?

Joseph Stephen: First, focus on building a strong foundation. Learn the basics of design principles, tools, and user experience. Start with free or affordable courses online.

Second, practice consistently. Take on personal projects, redesign popular apps, or volunteer to help small businesses with their digital presence.

Third, network. Connect with other designers, join design communities, and attend industry events. Many opportunities come through relationships.

Finally, be patient. Building a career takes time. Keep improving your craft, and success will come.

Joseph Stephen’s journey proves that with curiosity, hard work, and a focus on solving real problems, young Nigerians can excel in product design and shape the future of technology.