Life at CatalystOne: Solving big problems, together
To work in UX at CatalystOne is complex and challenging, but that’s exactly what makes it fun!”
Meet Mari Simensen, one of CatalystOne’s UX designers, who’s been shaping user experiences since November 2021. Her days are a mix of hybrid work, part cosy home office and part buzzing Oslo hub. The commute from her home in Asker to the office in Oslo is something that she secretly treasures. “It’s just me, the road, and my favourite podcasts on accessibility and complex product problems. No kids, no questions, just bliss!
She’s happiest when working with her team to turn big, messy problems into products that genuinely make life easier for users. Talking to customers, running workshops, or leading user tests. That’s where she finds her spark. And although her base is in Oslo, she’s no stranger to India, where she joins teammates for strategy sessions and workshops that bring clarity to complex goals and company vision. 🇮🇳
Before joining CatalystOne, Mari worked in e-commerce, something she now describes as “a bit too cynical and user-destructive.” Moving into HR tech felt like a breath of fresh air. She’s especially fascinated by the complexity of large systems and how every piece fits together. That curiosity came to life when she designed the information architecture in CatalystOne’s new navigation, creating a structure that not only improved user flow but also established a shared architectural framework for cross-team development. “It’s like piecing together a giant puzzle where every part matters,” she explains.
Mari’s proudest moments often revolve around collaboration, creating alignment, and bringing people together around a shared goal. “It’s all about clarity and connection,” she says. “When everyone moves in the same direction, the results truly create value.”
A fun fact: when she’s not designing, Mari is reviving her childhood passion for rhythmic gymnastics 🤸 with her old teammates, the same group of friends she grew up with. “We’ll see how it goes,” she laughs, “but it’s definitely a mix of nostalgia, laughter, and sore muscles.”
