Delivering impact and driving growth using UX design; a fresh new perspective

Nigeria’s tech scene has seen the rise of remarkable individuals who’ve made notable contributions on the global stage. One such figure is Oluwatobi Odu, a creative professional whose journey through the tech industry has been quite impressive. With a unique blend of growth expertise and a knack for user experience design, Odu has played a pivotal role in propelling Nigeria into the digital era.

Early Career: The Foundation

After successfully completing a two-year diploma program in application development, Oluwatobi Odu embarked on his professional journey. His first stop was at the marketing research firm TNS-RMS, which has since become part of Kantar. At TNS-RMS, Odu’s role as a data analyst provided valuable experience in data analysis and a deep insight into user behavior. 

It was during this period that he began to explore the realm of user research, a field that would later play a crucial role in shaping his career as a product designer.

Startup Journey: Exploring New Horizons

In 2012, Odu embarked on a new chapter, leaving TNS-RMS to join Startup Partners Africa (SPA), a venture capital firm focused on early-stage startups across Africa. At SPA, Odu took on the management of two e-commerce platforms: Sunglasses.com.ng and Glamour.com.ng. 

His time at SPA was a pivotal juncture in his career, offering him the chance to work on complex projects and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the African tech landscape. It was during this period that Odu’s passion for nurturing startups and assisting them in their journey to success began to take shape

Success with Startups: Shaping the Digital Landscape

Following his stint at SPA, Oluwatobi embarked on a series of fruitful endeavors with prominent startups including Jumia, Pulse Nigeria, Opay, BCM, and Helium Health. At each juncture, he lent his creative prowess to fuel growth and design user experiences that proved highly effective.

One standout achievement was his role at Pulse Nigeria, where Odu played a pivotal part in expanding the digital publishing brand across three different markets: Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. His work included crafting newsletters to enhance reader acquisition and retention. The brand’s success is evident, with over 100,000 newsletters distributed across these three countries.

His time at Opay was equally noteworthy. Odu made significant contributions to the design of the ORide app, a widely popular ride-hailing service in Nigeria. This app facilitated local motorcycle transportation, commonly referred to as Okada, providing a convenient mode of transportation for users.

Leading BetaSMS’s User Experience: A Transformative Role

Oluwatobi took on a pivotal role in steering the redesign efforts of the BetaSMS Bulk SMS marketing platform. His primary focus revolved around creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for the platform’s users.

Oluwatobi’s expertise and leadership played a crucial role in identifying and addressing user pain points within the Bulk SMS marketing platform. Leveraging this insight, his redesign of the platform was transformative, he made the platform’s services more accessible and user-friendly, thus driving the company’s growth, and further solidifying BetaSMS’s position as a dominant player in the Nigerian tech scene.

Commitment to Social Impact and Mentoring

Odu’s passion for technology extends beyond profit, focusing on utilizing technology for real-world problem-solving. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of tech professionals and actively engages on platforms like DesignLab and ADPlist. In this role, he empowers mentees by helping them discover and leverage their strengths, guides them through the intricacies of UX design, assists in enhancing their portfolios, and equips them with interview preparation skills, providing unwavering support in their growth and development.

Conclusion: Oluwatobi’s Perspective on the Digital Future

Oluwatobi Odu is a forward-thinking talent who is actively looking for ways to help shape the tech industry, not only in Nigeria but on a global scene. His dedication to ensuring that technology is accessible and inclusive serves as an inspiration to emerging tech enthusiasts. As we observe Oluwatobi’s ongoing journey, we eagerly await the promising accomplishments that lie ahead. In a world defined by innovation, Oluwatobi’s influence on the tech sector serves as a reminder of the endless potential offered by the digital age.