1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

Hi, my name is Jesper Tielbeke. I am an Art Director based in the Netherlands, working for a creative e-learning company based in London, BoxPlay. My role blends hands-on visual content creation with project management, and I act as a translator of our vision into our products.

2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a digital designer/artist?

I chose digital design for the opportunity to surprise and delight users. In a field often driven by theory, I aim to inject interesting and unexpected elements that stand out.

3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

Our company specializes in B2B e-learning, focusing on communication courses that aim to bridge the gap between IQ and EQ, such as Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and Negotiation. My role involves overseeing the visual aspects of products and managing creative projects.

4 What’s your favorite kind of digital design and why?

We are passionate about creating designs that go beyond functionality and aesthetics, incorporating elements of playfulness and unexpectedness to captivate users in unique ways.

5 To you, what makes a “good” design?

To me, a good design is intuitive and aesthetically pleasing, and above also communicates a message effectively. It should speak to the audience and serve its purpose effortlessly.

6 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

I would consider my style clean but quirky. I focus on creating designs that are not only visually impactful but also have a unique twist.

7 Tell us about your design process.

My design process is a collaborative journey, beginning with a learning-centric approach that evolves through design thinking and is ultimately driven by our company's overarching vision. This approach allows me to move from traditional e-learning models to creating visually driven and recognizable experiences similar to those found in leading entertainment platforms.

8 Where do you draw inspiration from?

I find inspiration in the free and creative approach of the publishing world and aim to bring this inventive spirit to digital design.

9 What current trends in digital design (or really anything digital related) are you most excited about?

I am excited about the growing importance of lifelong learning and how digital design can facilitate this ongoing educational journey.

10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 Vega Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

This award is a recognition of our team's hard work and commitment to transforming the world of learning, with exceptional digital design at the heart of this success.

11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 Vega Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

We entered this project to demonstrate how learning can extend beyond traditional methods, blending education with elements of entertainment. This demonstrates our commitment to redefining e-learning as an engaging and integral part of everyday life.

12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?

The challenge was to move away from traditional e-learning representation towards a more immersive, cinematic experience while maintaining educational functionality.

13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

Winning has boosted our team's morale and credibility in the industry, affirming our commitment to quality and innovation.

14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?

First, I value interdisciplinary collaboration across diverse teams, fostering unique innovations. Secondly, I am energized by the rapid evolution of the industry, constantly presenting new challenges and opportunities. Finally, the potential for creative exploration, especially in transforming the e-learning landscape, is immensely rewarding for us.

15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the digital industry?

Operating in the UK, we find a stable yet evolving landscape for e-learning, where there is a subtle interplay of creativity and technology. This setting provides us with a balanced environment to subtly push boundaries in e-learning, integrating creative designs practically and effectively.

16 Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?

We expect AI to become increasingly central to the digital world, offering new possibilities for interactive and personalized experiences.

17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring Vega Award submitter, what advice would you give them?

My advice is always to trust your instincts and aim to surprise you. Stepping outside the conventional rules can lead to unique and refreshing designs.

18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?

To enhance skills in digital design, Boxplay and I would recommend immersing yourself in diverse creative fields such as fine arts or architecture. Such exploration enriches our perspective, bringing innovative ideas and fresh approaches that elevate our digital work.

19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.

I find my best ideas often come when I'm not actively thinking about design, like on a quiet walk, or while cooking.

20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Very cliché, but Steve Jobs. His pursuit of excellence and the blend of technology and design continue to inspire me.

21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Stay true to your vision, be adaptable, and never stop learning.

22 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?

I would like to thank my team for their dedication and creativity. This award is a collective achievement.

WINNING ENTRY

2023
 
BoxPlay Website, BoxMedia - Vega Website Awards Winner

Entrant Company

BoxMedia

Category

Website & Mobile Sites - E-Learning

2023
 
BoxPlay Website, BoxMedia - Vega Website Awards Winner

Entrant Company

BoxMedia

Category

Website & Mobile Sites - Best Visual Design - Aesthetics

2021
 
The Great Calculus, BoxMedia - Vega Website Awards Winner

Entrant Company

BoxMedia

Category

Mobile Apps & Sites - Education

2021
 
The Pledge, BoxMedia - Vega Website Awards Winner
Accenture

Entrant Company

BoxMedia

Category

Video / Online Video (Single) - Motivational

2021
 
Mindset, BoxMedia - Vega Website Awards Winner
Accenture

Entrant Company

BoxMedia

Category

Social Campaign & Series - Corporate Communications