Meet Pavel Bukengolts

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pavel Bukengolts. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pavel below.

Pavel, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity is a muscle that needs constant exercise. I’ve found that stepping outside of my usual design work into hobbies like off-roading or cooking is the best way to keep it alive and thriving.
I’m constantly challenged to think on my feet when I’m out on the trail with my Jeep. Sometimes, the unpredictability of the terrain demands quick decision-making and creative problem-solving. Each trail is like a design project—no two are the same, and both require adaptability and innovative thinking. This experience feeds directly into my approach to design leadership, where I need to navigate complex challenges and find the best path forward.
Cooking, on the other hand, is my creative playground. There’s something magical about turning simple ingredients into a culinary experience. Whether I’m experimenting with a new recipe or perfecting a classic dish, I’m constantly learning about the importance of balance, timing, and presentation—skills that are just as essential in design. This culinary creativity sharpens my ability to craft user experiences that are not only functional but also delightful.
Engaging in these hobbies reminds me that creativity isn’t just a switch you can flip—it’s cultivated through diverse experiences and passions.
These activities keep my mind open, flexible, and always ready to approach design challenges with fresh perspectives.
Check out my blog at https://uxdesignlab.com/blog/ for references.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m all about making the digital world more user-friendly and accessible. In other words, I do User Experience Design—think of it like crafting that super comfy chair you never want to get out of, but for digital products. I create experiences that people love to use.

As an experienced UX designer, I help companies tackle their toughest design challenges using a mix of design thinking, accessibility expertise, and good old-fashioned creativity. What gets me excited about this work is the impact—even a small tweak in design can lead to big business growth and a much better experience for people. Seeing that happen is incredibly rewarding.

What’s special about what I do is that it’s not just about creating pretty pictures; it’s about connecting businesses with people by really understanding their needs. I’m big on empowering businesses to solve their own design problems, so a lot of what I do involves teaching and mentoring, not just handing over solutions. You know that saying, “Teach a man to fish…”? I’m all about giving folks the tools they need to succeed long after we’ve wrapped up a project.

Lately, I’ve been diving into emerging tech like Extended Reality (MR, AR, VR) and AI, exploring how they can create even more personalized and impactful user experiences. If you’re curious about how these technologies are shaping the future of design, or just want some fresh ideas, check out my blog at [UX Design Lab](https://uxdesignlab.com/blog).

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When I reflect on my journey, three things stand out as having the biggest impact: a hunger for knowledge, resilience, and empathy.

A hunger for knowledge has driven me to constantly explore and learn, whether it’s diving into new tech or understanding human behaviour. If you’re just starting out, stay curious and keep learning—explore topics that catch your interest, even if they seem outside your main focus. You never know where they might lead.

Resilience has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of the design world. Projects fail, ideas get rejected, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But every setback offers a lesson. My advice? Embrace challenges, learn from them, and keep moving forward.

Empathy is at the heart of good design. Understanding people’s needs, frustrations, and desires helps you create solutions that truly resonate. For those early in their careers, I’d say spend time developing empathy—talk to people, listen to their stories, and let that insight guide your work.

In short: feed your hunger for knowledge, build resilience, and always approach your work with empathy. These qualities will set you up for a rewarding career.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned that the best thing I can do is take a pause. Stepping back gives me the clarity I need to tackle things more effectively. Sometimes, I’ll go for a hike on a quiet trail, take my Jeep out for a spin (this is called “Jeep therapy”), or start cooking—anything that helps clear my mind and reset.

Something that works great for me is breaking things down into smaller, manageable tasks. I use tools like Miro to visualize my problems and help me think more clearly. Instead of focusing on the entire mountain of work ahead, I concentrate on the next step, and then the next. It’s amazing how much more doable everything feels when you take it one piece at a time.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s collaborating with a colleague or seeking advice from a mentor, sometimes just talking things through with someone else can lighten the load and offer a fresh perspective.

Lastly, I remind myself that it’s okay to take a break. We often feel guilty about stepping away, but rest is crucial for creativity and productivity. Permitting yourself to recharge isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart strategy for long-term success.

So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: to pause, break things down, ask for help, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.

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