Some designers focus on how things look. Others focus on how things work. Martin Tenovski does both, and does it in a way that feels natural, thoughtful, and quietly impactful.
Since joining as a UX/UI designer, Martin has grown into a leadership role that reflects not just his skills but also his way of thinking. He doesn’t chase trends—he listens, simplifies, and builds with intention. His redesign of the Rumble Advertising Center is a great example of that: a platform transformed not for the sake of change but to make it easier, faster, and better for the people using it every day.
In this interview, Martin shares how his design process has evolved, what stood out during a recent UX conference in Berlin, and how unexpected influences—from video games to woodworking—shape how he approaches digital design. It reflects growth, curiosity, and what it takes to create meaningful user experiences in a fast-moving world.
Background & Career Growth at Cosmic Development
I started at Cosmic Development as a UX/UI designer, where my primary focus was improving the overall platform experience. Over time, I had the opportunity to redesign the entire Rumble Advertising Center, a project that allowed me to refine user flows, modernize the interface, and create a more seamless experience. Now, as the design lead for this project, I oversee the platform’s evolution, ensuring that user experience remains at the forefront.
While I work directly on Rumble’s platform, Cosmic Development has been instrumental in my growth by providing a collaborative and supportive environment. The company supports employees through sponsorship of sports events, access to additional learning platforms, conference attendance, and flexibility in work, allowing me to work remotely at all times. This level of support has enabled me to refine my skills and confidently take on larger design challenges.
Key Insights from FOSS Backstage Berlin Conference
I attended FOSS Backstage in Berlin, a conference focused on open-source design, collaboration, and community-driven development. One of the key takeaways was the increasing importance of transparency in UX design—how open-source principles can be applied to make design decisions more accessible and inclusive. Discussions around ethical design, accessibility, and the role of AI in open-source projects were particularly insightful. The event reinforced the idea that good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building experiences that are functional, inclusive, and sustainable.
Design Process: Balancing User Needs with Visual Appeal
My design process starts with understanding the problem—this means researching user needs, analyzing data, and defining clear objectives. From there, I create wireframes and prototypes, focusing on usability before refining the visual aspects. Iteration is key, and user feedback plays a crucial role in shaping the final product. Balancing user needs with aesthetics comes down to prioritization—functionality always comes first, but a well-crafted UI enhances usability by guiding users intuitively through an interface.
How Gaming and Woodworking Influence UX Design
Gaming and woodworking both influence my design approach in unique ways. Gaming teaches me about interactive design, user engagement, and intuitive navigation, while woodworking reinforces the importance of precision, structure, and craftsmanship. Whether I’m building a chair or designing a digital interface, the process is similar—start with a strong foundation, refine the details, and ensure the final product is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Overcoming Design Challenges: Rumble Advertising Center Redesign
One of the biggest challenges was redesigning the Rumble Advertising Center while ensuring a smooth transition for existing users. Balancing major improvements with user familiarity required a careful approach. By conducting extensive user testing and iterating based on feedback, we managed to create a more intuitive and efficient platform without alienating long-time users. Now, hopefully, seeing the positive impact of that redesign will be a rewarding moment in my career.
Debunking UX/UI Design Misconceptions
A common misconception is that UX/UI design is just about making things “look nice.” When people ask what I do, instead of saying UX/UI design, I sometimes joke that I “draw things on a computer.” In reality, UX/UI design is about problem-solving—understanding user needs, improving usability, and ensuring that interfaces are intuitive and efficient. A good design isn’t just visually appealing; it’s functional, accessible, and enhances the overall user experience.
Martin doesn’t just lead through design—he leads by example. His story reminds us that when we invest in people, we don’t just create better products—we build stronger teams. If his journey sparked something in you, maybe it’s time to rethink how we approach design—whether it’s in the way we build platforms, support growth, or shape our own careers.