Meet Udi Waizer, the visionary founder of u.Design.2 and a trailblazing product designer known for his unique approach to design. Udi’s creative journey is fueled by a powerful blend of empathy, curiosity, and innovation, enabling him to tackle design challenges with fresh perspectives. His philosophy centers around understanding users on a deeper level, crafting solutions that not only solve problems but elevate the entire experience. Through his thoughtful approach, Udi redefines what it means to design with purpose, creating products that connect, inspire, and truly resonate with people.

A Path marked by bold Choices

Udi Waizer’s journey into design began with a vivid childhood memory that shaped his lifelong curiosity. At just four years old, Udi’s unyielding fascination with the world led him to an unforgettable encounter in a sandbox. He spotted a centipede and, driven by an innocent but intense curiosity, grabbed it. The centipede, perhaps feeling equally curious or threatened, retaliated with a painful bite. Despite the commotion and tears that ensued, Udi’s experience was less about the pain and more about the enchantment of the moment. Living in a close-knit kibbutz, where everyone knew each other, this event became a local spectacle. His parents, with his father as a doctor and his mother as a nurse, swiftly attended to him, further amplifying the sense of magic and wonder surrounding the incident. The bite and the subsequent attention it garnered sparked an early and profound interest in the intricacies of nature and life.

Udi’s father, to guide his son’s curiosity, drew a whimsical list of creatures to avoid, using paper and pencil in a time before the internet. This colorful list was more than just a cautionary note—it catalyzed Udi’s desire to understand and interact with the world around him. The sense of wonder from those early experiences stayed with him, evolving into a deep-seated curiosity about bugs, snakes, and, most significantly, people. His fascination with understanding what drives others and how to alleviate their fears became a central theme in his life.

As Udi transitioned from childhood into adulthood, his path was marked by a series of serendipitous decisions. Initially set on a course in physics or architecture, his journey took a surprising turn. On a whim, Udi climbed the stairs of a building and signed up for graphic design classes. This spontaneous decision led him to a new world, eventually guiding him to Silicon Valley, where he spent the last two decades. His move to the United States was not just a geographical shift but a transformative experience that set the stage for his career.

Throughout his professional journey, Udi remained fearless and open to new opportunities. Like a child grabbing a centipede, he approached each new challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity. This adventurous spirit led him to roles and projects that many might shy away from. He turned down conventional job offers if they didn’t excite him and embraced roles that pushed him outside his comfort zone. This bold approach not only landed him a position at SAP but also shaped his career in Silicon Valley, where he continued to follow his heart and seek meaningful impact.

The Power of Leadership

Key mentors played a crucial role in shaping Udi’s career. His army officer, Dotan, provided a model of leadership and integrity. Despite a peaceful service without battle, Dotan’s example taught Udi that true leadership is not about rank but about earning the respect and trust of others. This lesson in personal responsibility and dedication left a lasting impression. In the civilian world, a manager at SAP named Benzi became another pivotal figure. Despite Udi’s initial self-doubt, Benzi’s reassuring words—“Udi, take a breath and calm down. You got the job not because you outshined other candidates but because we at SAP saw the same determination in you that we value in ourselves—both as a person and a professional," this moment helped Udi realize that success is not just about competition but about shared goals and collaboration.

This ethos of trust and appreciation has been a cornerstone of Udi’s leadership style. He strives to foster an environment where people feel valued for who they are and what they bring to the table.

Udi Waizer’s path is a testament to the power of curiosity, bold decisions, and the influence of inspiring mentors. His journey from a curious child to a respected designer in Silicon Valley is a rich tapestry woven with experiences that continue to drive his passion and innovation in the design world.

Roots in the Kibbutz: Community-based Mindset

This passion for connection and collaboration is deeply rooted in Udi’s childhood. He grew up in a kibbutz in Israel, an experience that profoundly shaped his view of community. “A kibbutz is more than just a place—it’s a way of life,” he says, painting a picture of a tight-knit, self-sustaining community where everyone contributed. “We grew our food, worked the land, and supported each other. One month, you’d cook meals for the entire kibbutz; the next, you’d take care of the cows or chickens. We lived together, ate together, and learned together. It was like a big family, and everything you did helped the community grow.”

Applying Kibbutz Values to Global Business

This experience in the kibbutz, where no job was too small, and everyone played a role, profoundly influenced how Udi sees his work today. “Every company I work for,” he says, “whether they hire me as a head of design or for a specific project, they quickly realize I’m not just here to make things look good. I’m here to make a difference.” For Udi, it’s not just about creating designs for businesses—it’s about helping people thrive, no matter where they are in the world. “I don’t care if it’s China, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere. My goal is to empower people through technology, to give them the tools they need to succeed.”

Udi’s connection to his global community feels like a continuation of his childhood in the kibbutz. “There’s this idea that no matter what you do, it helps you grow—and it helps the community grow, too. That’s how I see my work today. I feel privileged to be part of something bigger, to work with people who are doing something meaningful, and to know that in some small way, I’m helping others thrive.”

His journey from a curious, resourceful kid in Israel to a problem-solving entrepreneur with a global impact speaks to the power of community, connection, and always learning—no matter where the path may lead.

Helping the Next Generation Through Mentorship

When asked how his business contributes to the local community, Udi’s eyes light up, not with the satisfaction of checking boxes but with a genuine sense of purpose. “I don’t wake up thinking about how I can contribute,” he explains. “It just happens naturally.” 

For Udi, community involvement isn’t a strategy—it’s an instinct. He recalls when an organization reached out to him, eager to place high school students in startup internships during their summer break. The twist? The organization, not the businesses, would pay the students’ wages, making it a win-win. Udi tapped into his vast network without hesitation, connecting these eager young minds with companies that could mentor and shape them.

One of the most rewarding moments came at the end of the program when Udi was invited to sit on a career panel. He found himself alongside professionals from various fields—a doctor, a lawyer, a psychologist, a librarian—all experts with years of formal education. “There I was,” he recalls, chuckling, “just a graphic designer.” But Udi wasn’t daunted. If anything, he embraced his role as the underdog. When his turn to speak came, he told the students something that surprised many: he didn’t have a college degree.

Embracing an Unconventional Path

“Well,” Udi continued, “I never considered a 'Degree' as the target, as it might have skewed my path; I followed my heart instead, learning through practice and gaining insights you will never attain through traditional studies.” And for Udi, that’s what sets people apart— finding your passion, the drive to keep going, to keep creating, even when the path isn’t clear or well planned."

His message to the students was simple yet powerful: “Don’t give up. Success isn’t about a degree. It’s about having the right mindset and the willingness to grow continuously.”

Solving the right problems in business

Udi’s approach to business—and life—is grounded in finding the right problems and solving them the right way. He believes deeply in this principle, whether he’s working with an entrepreneur trying to solve world hunger through innovative agriculture or designing a booking system for a hotel. “Before jumping into a design,” Udi says, “you have to ensure you’re solving the right problem.” He emphasizes that a great idea alone isn’t enough if the problem it aims to address is misidentified. “You could be growing crops in barren soil thinking you’re saving lives, but maybe the real problem isn’t the lack of crops—it’s the lack of access to water. Solve the right problem, and the solution will have a real impact.”

This focus on solving meaningful problems has driven Udi’s career, whether he’s designing dashboards for businesses, tools for drone pilots, or engaging visuals for nonprofits. “I didn’t know it at the time,” he says, “but my entire career has followed the principles of the double diamond framework—first defining the problem and then solving it in a way that works for people.”

For Udi, it’s not enough for a design to be beautiful; it must be practical and intuitive and enhance people’s lives. One of the most profound examples of his work's impact came when Udi collaborated with a youth group to create a video raising awareness for a kidnapped child from Israel. The story was heartbreaking but also one of hope—the boy had been reunited with his family. “It wasn’t just another project,” Udi reflects. “It was emotional. The kid’s story touched all of us.” He recalls working with a group of middle and high schoolers from the local chapter of the Israeli Scouts to shoot footage and edit the video, paying meticulous attention to the message and the soundtrack. “We wanted the video to ripple across social media, to get people to care.” And it worked. The video spread like wildfire, touching hearts and reminding people of the power of community—even across continents.

Empathic Product Design: Crafting Experiences that Inspire and Endure

The phrase “you’re never too old to start fresh” resonates deeply with Udi, a product designer who embodies the essence of reinvention. After over two decades in the security software industry, Udi made a bold career shift to product design, proving that passion and empathy can drive success no matter where you start. Today, Udi is a sought-after product designer and consultant known for crafting digital experiences that combine functionality, aesthetics, and emotional engagement.

For Udi, product design is more than just creating a visually appealing interface—it’s about understanding the user at a deep level. “Think of a product as more than just a tool,” Udi often says. “It should evoke a response, a connection, something that leaves the user wanting to tell others about it.” His work does precisely that: it makes products sticky, memorable and loved. Whether he’s designing for startups or established companies, Udi knows how to transform an idea into an experience people can’t wait to share.

From Security Software to Digital Storytelling

Udi defies the usual designer mold. Forget the cliché of pixel-pushing perfectionists – his career is a wild blend of storytelling, empathy, and creativity. He’s seen how a powerful narrative can turn a team’s vision into a product that doesn’t just succeed but dominates the market.

But Udi isn’t just about sleek visuals. He’s a master at merging UI/UX design with a deep understanding of user psychology and the entire product lifecycle. Think of him as a product whisperer, crafting experiences that people don’t just use – they fall in love with. His secret? A bold approach to design that goes beyond the textbook, constantly pushing the boundaries and changing how companies bring products to life.

With Udi, it’s not just about making things look good – it’s about creating experiences that captivate, spread by word of mouth, and keep users coming back for more. When he’s on the team, you can forget ordinary. He’s here to make design irresistible.

Building Products People Love

One of the most striking aspects of Udi’s work is his ability to foresee potential roadblocks before they become costly problems. He often gets involved early in a project’s lifecycle, advising teams on structuring their product roadmap for success. “The scariest moment for many companies is when the design moves into development and then into the market,” Udi explains. “If the initial design isn’t strong, going back to fix it can cost millions or, in some cases, even the entire business.”

This is why Udi prefers to work at the forefront of projects, guiding teams through critical early decisions to ensure the product is designed for scalability and longevity. His attention to detail, combined with his ability to see the bigger picture, makes him an indispensable asset to every project he touches.

One recent project highlights his adaptability and expertise. Udi was brought in to design an extended reality (XR) interface for a startup exploring groundbreaking drone autonomous piloting in real-world applications. The challenge was complex, but Udi’s thorough research and collaborative spirit helped the team create a first-in-market product innovation. This project is already showing immense promise in the field, thanks in no small part to Udi’s insight and vision.

The Value of Empathy in Design

What truly sets Udi apart is his deep empathy for users. He doesn’t just design for functionality—he designs for connection. He believes that great products make people feel understood. “You have to put yourself in the user’s shoes,” he explains. “How do they feel? What do they need? And most importantly, how can we solve their problems in an intuitive and enjoyable way?”

It’s this approach that makes Udi’s designs so compelling. He doesn’t just focus on what users see on the screen; he considers their entire journey with the product, from the first click to their long-term engagement. He aims to create something that feels effortless—where users don’t have to think about how it works because it just does.

Looking ahead: Shaping the future of design

As Udi looks to the future, his aspirations for growth are evident. He envisions himself sitting on advisory boards for companies needing his expertise, helping them navigate significant changes or build products from the ground up. He’s particularly excited about the potential for emerging technologies like AI, which, while revolutionary, still require a human-centered approach to make them accessible and engaging.

“The AI revolution is like a hammer right now, hitting everything as if it’s the solution to every problem,” Udi says. “But the human element is still critical. No matter how advanced AI gets, we will always need a well-designed interface to communicate with it.”

Udi is passionate about staying at the cutting edge of his field, continually learning and evolving. He dreams of creating the next generation of interfaces, which once existed only in science fiction. It’s not hard to imagine him playing a key role in making those futuristic visions a reality, with his blend of technical knowledge and human-centered design leading the way.

A Legacy of Impact

Udi doesn’t point to a specific product or project when asked about his proudest achievements. Instead, he talks about the people he has mentored along the way. Many of them have gone on to become leaders in their own right, and he takes immense pride in knowing that he played a small role in their success.

“Helping people ask the right questions, challenging the status quo, and pushing them to think beyond their immediate role—that’s what I’m most proud of,” Udi reflects. “The greatest success is passing on the best parts of yourself to others so they can continue to grow and make an impact.”

Udi’s story is a testament to the idea that reinvention is possible and can lead to even greater fulfillment and success. His journey from cybersecurity to product design is filled with empathy, creativity, and resilience lessons. As he continues to shape the digital world with his innovative designs, there’s no doubt that Udi’s influence will only grow, inspiring others to take bold steps toward their reinventions.

In the end…

Udi’s journey is deeply rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a passion for helping others. Whether solving a design challenge on the spot or guiding a team through a complex project, his genuine excitement for learning and collaboration shines through. Humble yet knowledgeable, Udi draws from a wide range of industries, applying insights in ways that elevate those around him. His approach isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about listening, innovating, and empowering people to succeed. If you’re looking for someone who brings passion, expertise, and heart to every project, Udi is the partner you’ve been searching for.