Dr. Martin Ortlieb

I research the "future of work", specifically at Google and for its employees, by investigating the needs and wants of the changing workplace and work-tool requirements. We are especially looking at the changes brought about by the pandemic and how that can be a catalyst for change.

I develop new products for helping workers in the knowledge economy take advantage of the possibilities of Technology, Machine Learning and AI.

A brand-new role in Pre-Sales associated with the Insights-led Experience team, I build relationships to help C-Suite decision-makers to think about how office space can support their work culture goals, leading to successful client engagements and projects. I also portray the Customer Experience in new Learning & Innovation Center and collaborate with Product Development for Smart Furniture of the future, helping Steelcase to become more user-focused, agile and connected.

I was Google’s first UER in a non-English-speaking office growing Zurich UX from 4 to 70+, incl. 20 UERs in a variety of Product Areas. I led research on User-facing Privacy tools, which enabled numerous product launches from the Privacy Dashboard in 2009 to MyAccount in 2015. Ground-laying research into User Perceptions of Privacy & Sensitive Data saw impact in- and outside the company. We also researched foundational topics like Identity management, Creepiness, Privacy Panic, and Data Stewardship.

Independently scoping & executing research projects throughout the complete product lifecycle for S&P500 clients, often leading a team of junior researchers, I was involved in business development, client management and delivery, using a wide range of methodologies.

Responsible for product quality and user requirements in 5 European markets, my research outputs supported business decisions and strategic direction locally and globally. As part of UX Leadership, I also helped form a product development team in Europe growing from 5 to 40.

Qualitative, ethnographic & quantitative research in close interaction with UX Designers, Information Architects, Developers & Business analysts to create branding, structure, behaviour and usability solutions for high-profile websites, applications or services for Global 2000 Companies.

Thesis title: The West in the North: Identity, Work and Integration Among Northern Finnish Farmers https://books.google.ch/books/about/The_West_in_the_North_Identity_Work_and.html?id=DgsMcgAACAAJ

First class degree, graduating as top 3 student