Kolawole Ogunlana is a dynamic product designer, digital strategist, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the crossroads of technology, design, and business. With a background in data analytics, UI/UX design, and branding, he has successfully built digital products and led creative ventures that drive user engagement and business growth. Currently, he leads Lordkay Media, where he blends innovation with strategy to craft compelling digital experiences.
Here’s his interview with Daily Times Nigeria.
Daily Times Nigeria: Your career uniquely blends product design, digital design, and entrepreneurship. What led you down this path?
Kolawole Ogunlana: It started with a deep fascination for problem-solving. I’ve always been curious about how things work, particularly how design influences the way people interact with products. Product design drew me in because it’s all about crafting solutions that make life easier for users.
At the same time, digital design gave me a creative outlet—a way to shape branding, user interfaces, and visual storytelling. Merging these two disciplines as an entrepreneur allowed me to not only create functional products but also build brands that resonate. It’s this combination that makes my work both impactful and fulfilling.
Daily Times Nigeria: How do product design and digital design complement each other in your business?
Kolawole Ogunlana: They’re two sides of the same coin. Product design is about usability—ensuring that a solution truly meets the needs of its users. Digital design, on the other hand, shapes how that solution is perceived and experienced.
In my business, these skills work hand in hand. When developing a product, I ensure that it’s intuitive and effective from a functionality standpoint. At the same time, my digital design expertise allows me to craft branding and interfaces that connect with users emotionally. When both are done right, the result is a seamless user experience that drives engagement and business success.
Daily Times Nigeria: Can you share an example where this combination played a key role in a project’s success?
Kolawole Ogunlana: One project that stands out was a property management app designed to help landlords streamline their operations.
From a product design perspective, I focused on understanding landlords’ specific pain points—whether it was tracking rent payments, managing maintenance requests, or communicating with tenants. Every feature had to solve a real problem.
On the digital design side, I made sure the interface was clean, intuitive, and visually appealing. The goal was to make a traditionally complex process feel effortless. The result? High adoption rates, positive feedback, and an app that genuinely made life easier for its users. That’s the power of integrating product and digital design.
Daily Times Nigeria: Balancing product and digital design must come with its challenges. How do you navigate that?
Kolawole Ogunlana: Definitely. One of the biggest challenges is knowing when to prioritise function over form, or vice versa. Product design demands a deep understanding of usability, while digital design focuses on aesthetics and engagement. Finding that balance is crucial.
I approach it by always starting with the user. What problem are we solving? What experience do we want to create? Once the functionality is locked in, I shift gears to the visual aspect. Having a structured process, collaborating with a strong team, and staying adaptable helps me maintain that balance without compromising either side.
Daily Times Nigeria: Looking ahead, how do you see product and digital design shaping the future of entrepreneurship?
Kolawole Ogunlana: We’re moving into an era where design is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a business essential. The way people interact with products is evolving rapidly, and entrepreneurs who understand the synergy between product and digital design will have a major advantage.
I see the future leaning heavily towards immersive experiences, AI-driven personalisation, and seamless integration between digital and physical products. Whether it’s e-commerce, fintech, or SaaS, businesses that prioritise user experience will set the standard. The key will be staying ahead of trends and constantly iterating based on user behaviour.
Daily Times Nigeria: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to integrate product and digital design into their ventures?
Kolawole Ogunlana: First, master the fundamentals. Understand both disciplines deeply—how they work together and where they differ. A product that’s beautifully designed but doesn’t solve a problem will fail, just like a functional product that lacks visual appeal.
Second, put the user at the centre of everything. Design with empathy, test your assumptions, and refine based on feedback.
Finally, keep learning. Technology and design trends evolve fast. The more adaptable you are, the better positioned you’ll be to create solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.
Kolawole Ogunlana’s journey highlights the power of design-driven entrepreneurship. By blending creativity with problem-solving, he continues to shape the digital landscape, proving that the future of business belongs to those who can seamlessly merge product and digital design.
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