Experienced Development Manager – strategic thinking, digital innovation management, and process improvement professional with strong project management skills and international experience. With over 20 years of experience in digital innovation, I have been at the forefront of technological advancements, from designing mobile phones in the mid-90s to leading digital transformations today.Specialities:*Strategic & Digital Innovation Management– Expertise in strategic planning and digital innovation management, driving sustainable growth and competitive advantage– Facilitating workshops and cross-functional teams to foster creative problem solving and digital transformation solutions– Stakeholder management and future management expertise, ensuring alignment and long-term success– Over two decades of experience identifying digital development opportunities, including process automation and improving operational efficiency through digital tools– Pioneered digital product design, starting with mobile phone development in the 1990s*Human-Centered Design & Service Design– Expert in developing digital business models and conducting market analysis– Utilising user-centered methods to conceptualise digitally enhanced customer-oriented services and products– Involved in digital service design projects over the past 20 years, including contributions to multi-channel customer service solutions and digital platforms*Project Management & International Experience– Comprehensive project responsibility (from initiation to completion), including digital transformation initiatives– Process optimisation and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle, with a focus on digital process improvements– Fluent in English, with experience working in multicultural and international environments– Skilled in integrating digital tools into project workflows, ensuring smooth adoption and efficient execution throughout my extensive career
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Development And Design LeadAtfos OyTurku, Fi
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Senior Specialist, Digital DevelopmentPrizztech Oy Oct 2024 - PresentPori, Satakunta, FinlandWorking on projects within the Robocoast EDIH initiatives to support and advance digitalisation for companies, focusing on innovative solutions in digital development. -
Development ManagerCraftmer Oy Mar 2024 - Oct 2024Lieto, Southwest Finland, FinlandLed DIGITAL CHANGE projects, focusing on system development, digital strategy, and e-commerce planning.Areas of responsibility include:– Developed and implemented a DIGITAL PRODUCT INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, evaluating off-the-shelf digital solutions and designing a custom system to streamline operations and meet the company’s specific needs.– Conducted a comprehensive DIGITAL BUSINESS ANALYSIS, identifying key DIGITAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES and assessing the need for an E-COMMERCE PLATFORM as part of the company’s digital change strategy.– Initiated a new E-COMMERCE PROJECT, currently in the tendering phase. Led the strategic planning process, including market research and competitor analysis, to select the best vendor for the implementation.– Improved order and production processes by applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies and best practices in DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT, focusing on digitising workflows, automating processes, and enhancing operational efficiency through advanced digital tools. -
Development SpecialistTieteentekijät Oct 2020 - Nov 2023Helsinki Metropolitan AreaFocused on enhancing customer experience and optimizing service processes by leveraging digital solutions.Areas of responsibility include:– Managed and developed outsourced services, improving service interactions, internal practices, and association activities through DIGITAL SOLUTIONS.– Led the implementation of a CRM SYSTEM for member services, leveraging digital tools and drawing from previous experience.– Oversaw a 1.5-year MEMBERSHIP REGISTRY RENEWAL project, covering procurement, system definition, budgeting, supplier competition, and DIGITAL SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION.– Enhanced MEMBER ENGAGEMENT through DATA-DRIVEN DIGITAL SERVICE DEVELOPMENT, strengthening the member experience throughout the membership period.– Focused on supporting volunteers, introducing DIGITAL PLATFORMS like Howspace to facilitate communication and exchange of experiences among members. -
Service & Ux DesignerInsinööriliitto | Union Of Professional Engineers In Finland Dec 2016 - Oct 2020Helsinki, Southern Finland, FinlandLed long-term projects focused on improving services throughout the membership lifecycle, with an emphasis on user-centred design, cross-functional collaboration, and enabling future DIGITAL SERVICE DEVELOPMENT.Areas of responsibility include:– Led a 2+ year SERVICE PORTFOLIO FOR MEMBERSHIP LIFECYCLE project, gathering member data and developing targeted services and processes. These efforts laid the foundation for DIGITAL SERVICE PLANNING and marketing strategies by improving data-driven decision-making.– Facilitated a cross-functional VISION GROUP AND WORKSHOPS using service design and futures research methods, exploring new DIGITAL SERVICES and ensuring alignment between stakeholder expectations and project goals.– Designed and implemented USER-CENTRED SERVICE DESIGN PROCESSES in collaboration with teams, supporting them in qualitative research, training, and event planning. Contributed to marketing and communication efforts by integrating member-centric perspectives and supporting the BRAND RENEWAL project, including digital elements like websites and services. -
AdvisorInsinööriliitto Il Jan 2013 - Nov 2016Helsinki, FinlandSpecialised in member engagement, SALES of memberships, and service development, addressing both current and future needs and delivering a customer experience that exceeds expectations in an INTERNATIONAL environment, with a focus on digital service enhancement.Key responsibilities:– Developed and implemented DIGITAL SERVICE PROCESSES that addressed the needs of members, particularly international members, improving the customer experience and creating more personalised, digitally enhanced member services.– Managed the planning and execution of multiple TRAINING sessions for groups of 20-30 participants annually, and contributed to the planning and execution of a large annual industry training event. Received particular praise for PARTICIPATIVE and effective training sessions, which incorporated digital elements to increase engagement.– Developed and sold memberships with a personalised approach, addressing the needs of members and potential members through one-on-one interactions.– Organised EVENTS and gatherings, serving a diverse and international membership base.– Gained strong understanding of various INDUSTRIES through my work, maintaining close interactions with professionals across different sectors.
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Mentor At Aalto Mentor Programme, The School Of Art And DesignAalto University Sep 2018 - Oct 2019Espoo -
Advisor, TrainerPrivate Sector Managers And Professionals Yty Ry (Now Experts And Supervisors Asia Ry) Oct 2007 - Jan 2013Helsinki, FinlandI developed and productised member services, managed industry-specific operations, trained members, and revamped the visual identity, with a focus on digital solutions for member services and the website.Key responsibilities:– DEVELOPMENT of member services, including maximising the use of data from the DIGITAL SYSTEM for member segmentation and improving DATA MANAGEMENT to optimise digital services for targeted communication.– PRODUCTISATION of member services, including creating new service packages and events that enhanced the member experience and increased membership appeal.– MANAGEMENT, involving industry-specific leadership, including contract management and coordinating team activities.– TRAINING, where I not only designed and implemented customised programmes but also personally trained members.– GRAPHIC DESIGN and creation of the visual identity, including designing the logo, brochures, document templates, membership cards, and website, with a focus on the organisation's digital presence.
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Industrial DesignerElcoteq Design Center Oy Aug 2002 - Oct 2007Salo, FinlandI served as an industrial design expert in an international project organisation, where I was responsible for project management in the implementation of UI design with subcontractors, ensuring it met customer requirements in a highly DIGITAL environment focused on mobile phone design.Key responsibilities:– PROJECT MANAGEMENT of UI design, ensuring customer requirements were met and coordinating with international subcontractors as part of a broader mobile phone design project, focusing on DIGITAL user interfaces and functionality.– UI DESIGN and UX DESIGN, including interface graphics and optimising usability for mobile devices in a DIGITAL environment.– PACKAGING DESIGN and GRAPHIC DESIGN, covering the visual appearance of products and ensuring packaging functionality to align with the product’s DIGITAL features.– CONCEPT DESIGN for both clients and sales support, developing innovative DIGITAL solutions and identifying new customer segments through mobile phone technologies.– MARKETING SUPPORT, such as styling engineers' presentations for sales and designing visual materials for both DIGITAL and print. -
Group ManagerBenefon Oyj Jan 2002 - Jul 2002Salo, FinlandI worked as the head of the user and user environment survey team in a highly DIGITAL and mobile-focused environment. The team was responsible for conceptualising new products for existing customers, identifying innovative ways to use mobile phones, and discovering new user segments. Our work included:– Conducting extensive USER RESEARCH to understand how customers interacted with mobile devices, identifying patterns and emerging needs in a digital context.– CONCEPTUALISING new mobile phone features and services based on digital user trends and the evolving mobile landscape.– Exploring new USER SEGMENTS by analysing user behaviour and emerging markets, which informed the development of digital products tailored to specific customer groups.– Collaborating closely with PRODUCT MARKETING to align our insights with the company's DIGITAL STRATEGY, producing detailed reports and materials that supported strategic decisions. -
Group ManagerBenefon Oyj Jan 2000 - Jul 2002Salo, FinlandI led a team primarily focused on UI design and specifications, covering the entire process from user group concepting to usability testing in a highly DIGITAL and mobile-focused environment. In addition, I managed the implementation of various EU and TEKES (Business Finland) development projects. Key responsibilities included:– UI DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS, where we developed detailed user interfaces and specifications for mobile phones, ensuring the design aligned with user needs and digital standards.– USER GROUP CONCEPTING, where we created detailed profiles of different user groups, identifying their needs and behaviours in the context of digital mobile technologies.– USABILITY TESTING, ensuring that new mobile phone features and services met the high standards of user experience, optimising for both functionality and digital interaction.– Oversight of EU AND TEKES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, managing their implementation from concept to execution, aligning with strategic digital goals and ensuring successful delivery of innovation projects.– Coordinating between different departments to integrate DIGITAL INNOVATIONS into product development, ensuring that user insights informed every stage of the mobile phone design process.
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Ui Designer, Usability SpecialistBenefon Oyj Jan 1996 - Dec 1999Salo, FinlandMy career began in the mobile phone industry, working in a highly DIGITAL environment. I created my own role within the company and focused on experimenting and developing user interface designs. Key responsibilities included:– USER INTERFACE DESIGN, where I developed new GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES for mobile phones at a time when most interfaces were still character-based.– Bringing a USER-ORIENTED AND USABILITY-FOCUSED mindset to Benefon's product development organisation, influencing the shift from character-based to graphical interfaces.– Experimenting with innovative UI CONCEPTS that contributed to the evolution of mobile phone interfaces, aligning with the digital transformation in the mobile industry.– Actively participating in PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of user interfaces in mobile devices.
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Internship TraineeMuototieto Oy Jun 1995 - Aug 1995Lahti, FinlandI worked for three months as an design intern in a design agency.
Ira Maaria Laitakari Education Details
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Project Management -
Business Management, General -
Specialist Qualification
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University Of Art And Design Helsinki - Taideteollinen Korkeakoulu - Konstindustriella HögskolanMa, Industrial Design -
Lab University Of Applied Sciences, Lahden MuotoiluinstituuttiBa Bachelor Of Arts
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Helsingin KuvataidelukioHigh School
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Graphic Design
Frequently Asked Questions about Ira Maaria Laitakari
What company does Ira Maaria Laitakari work for?
Ira Maaria Laitakari works for Atfos Oy
What is Ira Maaria Laitakari's role at the current company?
Ira Maaria Laitakari's current role is Development and Design Lead.
What schools did Ira Maaria Laitakari attend?
Ira Maaria Laitakari attended Aalto University Executive Education And Professional Development, Koulutuskeskus Salpaus, Koulutuskeskus Salpaus, University Of Art And Design Helsinki - Taideteollinen Korkeakoulu - Konstindustriella Högskolan, Lab University Of Applied Sciences, Lahden Muotoiluinstituutti, Helsingin Kuvataidelukio, Design Academy Eindhoven.
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