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Jiri Vasek
Head of Human Centered Design & UX @Konica Minolta - Applying Human Centered Design / UX, User / UX research, Service design thinking, and Human Factors to identify and design great products
Professional Background
Jiri Vasek is a seasoned professional in the realm of Human Centered Design and User Experience, currently serving as the Head of Human Centered Design and User Experience at Konica Minolta Europe. With over 15 years of experience in applying innovative design principles across a variety of industries—including automotive, aerospace, and information technology—Jiri is dedicated to enhancing the user experience of Konica Minolta's diverse product portfolio. His expertise lies in leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as natural language processing, semantic technologies, and video and image analysis to ensure that products meet the highest standards of usability and customer satisfaction.
Jiri's journey in the field of user experience has been marked by significant contributions at Konica Minolta, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the methodologies and practices that underpin the company's commitment to delivering excellent user experiences. His experience spans various roles, from being a Lead Human Centered Design Specialist to his current leadership position, showcasing his growth and evolution within the company.
Education and Achievements
Jiri's academic background is as impressive as his professional achievements. He holds multiple degrees that have provided him with a rich foundation in psychology and human factors. He completed a postgraduate course in Transportation Psychology, where he earned certification as a traffic psychologist from the University of Palackého in Olomouc. Furthering his education, he studied Human Factors at Wichita State University and obtained his PhD in Ergonomics from Charles University in Prague.
In addition to his doctoral studies, Jiri holds a master's degree in Psychology, where he excelled academically, earning a 'red diploma' for his outstanding performance from the University of Palackého in Olomouc. He also completed another master's degree in Social Politics from the University of Ostrava, reflecting his broad understanding of social dynamics and policies—an essential aspect of user-centered design.
His strong academic background complements his hands-on experience in the industry, making him a well-rounded expert in user experience and human psychology.
Organizations
Jiri's extensive career includes several prominent positions that underscore his commitment to human factors and design. He began his career in the aerospace sector, serving at Honeywell Aerospace in various capacities, from Cockpit Staff Scientist to Principal Human Factors Scientist. His tenure at Honeywell allowed him to hone his skills in advanced technology and human factors, where he contributed to research and development initiatives that improved cockpit interfaces and aviation safety.
Beyond Honeywell, Jiri has also made significant contributions to academia as a lecturer in Human Factors Engineering and Design at prominent institutions, including Palacký University Olomouc and Masaryk University in Brno. His role in education reflects his commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals in the field of human-centered design.
His leadership role at Konica Minolta Europe further exemplifies his ability to impact organizational practices. As the Head of Human Centered Design and UX, Jiri is at the forefront of integrating user experience insights into product development, ensuring that user needs are met through thoughtful design and innovative technology solutions.
