top of page
Ruben2021.png

Hello,
 

I'm Ruben Gaona Prada

Currently in Colombia.

Product & Interaction Designer / Educator
 

Printable Portfolio

Contact me
 

+57 319 463 0278

I am a  product design professional and educator with extensive international work and study experience. Throughout my design journey, the dynamic field of mobility has been a guiding force, shaping my focus and driving my passion. This commitment has led me to acquire a diverse skill set, actively engaging in projects spanning classic industrial design, design research, and UX/UI design.

My academic achievements and involvement in impactful projects have provided me with a wealth of international experiences. As a freelancer, I've worked remotely with clients and studios, and I've also been physically present in product development teams in the UK, Germany, and China. These experiences have not only been personally enriching but have also molded me into an adaptable individual, eager to learn and collaborate with diverse teams.

During my time in London, I played an important role in an entrepreneurship project that pioneered one of the first e-pedicabs in 2012. This venture exposed me to the intricacies of product design, from UX research to planning and overseeing series production in Yong Kang, China.

In 2019, alongside my MA studies in Germany, I had the privilege of being part of the esteemed design studio "Büro Staubach." This experience provided invaluable insights into the development of interior and exterior designs for railway vehicles and user interfaces, further enhancing my skills and understanding of the field.

 

Academic Pursuits.

After earning my degree as an industrial designer and accumulating significant professional experience, I set my sights on further academic pursuits. In pursuit of excellence, I applied to the Master of Arts program at Weißensee Kunshochschule Berlin, Germany. This program uniquely emphasized product design, with a fascinating focus on mobility.

In recognition of my academic and professional accomplishments, I was honored with a DAAD scholarship in 2017. This prestigious scholarship opened the doors for me to embark on a Master's program in product design at Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin.

My time at Weißensee was exceptionally enriching, offering a platform to refine my skills. Collaborating with the university's formidable alliances, I participated in workshops sponsored by renowned companies such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. These workshops provided opportunities to engage with esteemed researchers and designers, elevating my design concepts to new heights. I explored diverse areas, including robotics, interface design, surface design, and motion graphics.

Thanks to my academic performance, I was chosen to represent the university at an international design workshop in Tainan, Taiwan. It was an honor to receive the Innovative Design Award for a project that seamlessly blended digital tools with traditional industrial design.

Considering my overall achievements during my master's program, I was presented with the opportunity to undertake a project to qualify for the title of Meisterschüler. This prestigious title is reserved for outstanding students and MA graduates.

In 2022, I proudly earned the Meisterschüler title, marking my most recent achievement and signifying an artistic accomplishment at the Ph.D. level.

This accomplishment represents a significant goal in my academic journey and reflects my dedication to pushing the boundaries of creative excellence.

 

Current Professional Roles.

Back in Colombia, I've embraced diverse professional roles. As a freelancer, I contribute to the e-mobility research team at Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, serving as an assistant researcher. Simultaneously, I've assumed the role of a full-time associate instructor at the University El Bosque in Bogota.

In my capacity as an instructor, I lead various courses and workshops, leveraging my practical experiences to enrich the learning journey of both graduate and undergraduate students. I take pride in providing mentorship and guidance on final projects, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.

bottom of page