Today, we’re delving into the world of product design & engineering – what place does this have on a cybersecurity podcast, I hear you think? Well, with the explosion of web applications in recent years there are some big questions being raised over development practices, secure access to the applications for users and of course the age old struggle of hiring a multi-disciplined team to design and build the product. Helping us get into this topic is Distology’s very own Martyn Roberts – the founder of Berlin-based boutique design & agency Squareball, who are now part of the Distology family as Distology Studios. Martyn, a Glasgow native with a passion for innovation and customer-centric work, embarked on a journey that combines his expertise in product design, engineering, and software systems. After studying product design and engineering with a strong emphasis on engineering, he pursued an MSc in software and systems, further expanding his knowledge. Martyn's career kick-started at prominent consultancies like Unisys, Atos, and C&W, where he quickly realized the lack of innovation and meaningful customer interaction in these sectors. Yearning for fulfillment and a sense of achievement, he decided to venture out on his own as a contractor, establishing valuable connections and gaining confidence in his abilities. It was during this period that he discovered the recruitment industry as his primary focus, directly engaging with clients and their customers, which proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience. As his client base evolved, he began building small, dedicated teams to cater to their specific needs, resulting in closer collaboration and more impactful solutions. Over the course of a decade, Martyn honed his skills in building custom applications, recognizing the pivotal role of UI/UX in delivering exceptional user experiences. In 2011, he made a pivotal move to Berlin, a city known for its vibrant and welcoming creative community. At that time, Berlin was at the forefront of the co-working scene, setting the stage for Martyn's team to thrive and collaborate with like-minded individuals. The city's creative energy also facilitated unique opportunities, such as hosting events in museum spaces, fostering an environment that encouraged unconventional ideas to flourish. In 2018, Martyn's expertise led him to explore the realm of identity and security, as the high-profile projects he undertook required the implementation of Auth0. This development further expanded his repertoire and solidified his position as an innovative force in the industry. Today, he continues to push the boundaries of technology, leveraging his multidisciplinary background and customer-focused approach to create transformative solutions. With a rich tapestry of experiences and a steadfast commitment to excellence, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to any discussion on innovation, customer-centricity, and the evolving landscape of technology. 🌟 Episode Discussion Points - Martyn’s background - From Glasgow to Berlin - Designing and engineering applications - methodologies, innovation teams and processes - The importance of UX in the design process - Tools which support the team in the design and engineering process - The benefits of being “agile” to teams and customers - How do smaller agencies take a secure approach to engineering? - The technology Martyn will be delving further into 🎙 Follow Our Guests Martyn Roberts - LinkedIn Lance Williams - LinkedIn 👇 Follow Distology Distology - LinkedIn Distology Studios - LinkedIn
