The Intersection of Art and Story: DJ Bowser’s Multi-Disciplinary Journey in Design Leadership

DJ Bowser On-Set-Creative-Directing Montevideo, Uruguay

Kendall Klien (KK): DJ, thank you for joining me today! Let’s dive right in—can you tell us about your background? Where are you from, and how did you become interested in design?

DJ Bowser (DJ): I’m thrilled to be here, Kendall! I grew up in a small town in Southern California, where diverse experiences were just a short drive away. Whether it was Disneyland, sporting events, concerts, or exploring Los Angeles, I was constantly surrounded by storytelling. Every moment—whether rooted in truth or fantasy—had something to say, and that shaped my love for narratives.

Pop culture became my education. A few high school design classes opened my eyes to how art could amplify a story and create emotional connections. That’s when it hit me—design isn’t just about visuals; it’s about crafting something that truly resonates with people. From then on, I was hooked.

KK: That’s such an inspiring start. What inspired you to pursue a career in UX design specifically?

DJ: My path was anything but traditional. While studying graphic design and advertising, I juggled an unpaid internship at TBWA\Chiat\Day and a job at the Apple Store. It was seven days a week—a relentless grind but also an incredible learning experience.

At TBWA\Chiat\Day, I learned to craft emotionally compelling stories, while at Apple, I observed firsthand how people interacted with technology. I wasn’t just selling products but witnessing how technology could solve problems, spark excitement, or sometimes fall short of expectations. These moments showed me the importance of the overall experience—from marketing to usage.

I didn’t even know UX design was a field at the time. I just knew I wanted to go beyond explaining how something worked. I also wanted to shape it. That realization crystallized when I worked at Apple designing for a product that didn’t yet exist: iPad. My time at Apple and creative agencies showed me how storytelling, empathy, and technology could combine to create impactful experiences.

DJ and his wife Lauren at Desert Trip in 2016

KK: How did those early experiences shape your approach to design today?

DJ: My early experiences taught me to stay endlessly curious. A movie, a piece of music, or even a fleeting interaction—each spark of curiosity expanded my perspective. Curiosity builds knowledge, fosters connection, and develops empathy, all essential for meaningful design.

But curiosity is only the first step. What you do with it makes the difference. Great design happens when you share insights, collaborate, and let the magic of diverse perspectives unfold. I incorporate that exchange of ideas into every project.

KK: Can you tell us about the most challenging product experience you’ve designed?

DJ: That would be my current work designing a financial ecosystem. It’s an entirely different arena than my past projects focused on consumer products and branding.

The challenge is to give customers a holistic view of their finances. Instead of isolated tools, we’re creating products that work together seamlessly. Staggered releases add complexity, so we must integrate new pieces without overwhelming users. Working in a highly regulated industry means every design decision must meet strict compliance standards.

This project has been a steep learning curve, but it’s also been an incredible opportunity to grow as a designer and leader. It’s pushed me to think differently, adapt quickly, and keep the customer at the center of everything.

KK: How do you balance gut intuition with data-driven design research?

DJ: It’s all about deeply understanding your audience. When you know their needs and behaviors, you can strike the right balance. I’ve learned to approach intuition not as pure subjectivity but as an informed perspective and to question data critically. Together, intuition and data create a more holistic, nuanced approach to design.

KK: What emerging trends in UX design are you most excited about?

DJ: Hyper-personalization in UX design excites me, especially when it integrates with flexible, adaptive UIs. It’s not just AI-driven personalization; it’s about creating experiences that feel intuitive and uniquely tailored to each user. The potential for this kind of connection is thrilling.

KK: How do you approach mentoring the next generation of designers?

DJ: I see mentoring as guiding someone up a mountain—not carrying them, but helping them reach the summit with empathy and tailored support. Whether it’s sharpening skills, broadening perspectives, or charting the following steps, I meet people where they are in their careers. I encourage them to ask “why” and embrace being the “dumbest person in the room” because that’s the best way to learn. At the same time, I believe in the power of radical candor—offering honest, constructive feedback that drives growth, not by tearing things down but by building a clear path forward.

DJ at Seven Magic Mountains in Nevada

KK: Can you share a project you’re particularly proud of?

DJ: The campaign for Powerbeats Pro stands out. It was an end-to-end storytelling experience that blended product truths, emotional resonance, and user experience. We highlighted features like wireless functionality and secure fit while showing how they solved real frustrations.

We grounded the narrative in perseverance, struggle, and triumph—universal themes that connected deeply with audiences. Seeing the impact reminded me that great work isn’t just about features or visuals—crafting an experience that feels personal, real, and inspiring.

KK: Finally, what keeps you passionate about UX design?

DJ: The constant evolution of technology and the endless opportunities it brings. Every new tool opens doors to tackle challenges in ways we couldn’t have imagined before. It’s always day one—there’s always something new to learn, explore, or create. The magic lies in connecting those stories to the human experience. UX design is about understanding people and developing resonating solutions, which keeps it meaningful and exciting year after year.

DJ Bowser — 2024

KK: DJ, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights. Your story is inspiring, and it’s been a pleasure having you here today.

DJ: Thank you, Kendall! Reflecting on the journey and sharing what keeps me passionate about design has been excellent.