CV
Reach out to me on LinkedIn or Xing.
Usability Engineer.
Product Designer.
Strategist.
Maximilian
Schönke
Work
recent experiences
today
User Experience Lead
Berlin & Hamburg | Aug 2022 – Today
Volocopter GmbH
User Experience Lead for the Digital Design Division (UX/UI), driving Volocopter’s digital product vision through innovative, user-centered design and the establishment of usability standards. Experienced in fostering collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders and aligning product strategies with business objectives to create a cohesive, future-oriented digital ecosystem.
Leading the Digital Design Team, both professionally and disciplinarily
Managing the UX/UI design process for Volocopter's digital product portfolio, ensuring consistency and high quality across platforms
Supporting product and project management teams in planning, prioritization, and execution of digital initiatives
Serving as the primary point of contact for design-related decisions in multi-disciplinary projects
2019
IT Consultant (UX/UI)
Hamburg | May 2019 – Jul 2022
Lufthansa Industry Solutions
Senior UX/UI Designer within the Business Area Innovation & Digital at Lufthansa Group’s leading IT subsidiary. Extensive experience driving strategic design initiatives, including leading UX efforts for Lufthansa Technik’s largest digital product, AVIATAR, and establishing "UX as a Service" to expand consultancy capabilities. Skilled in bridging product management and usability consulting to deliver impactful, user-centered solutions for both internal and external partners.
Principal UX/UI Designer for AVIATAR, Lufthansa Technik’s largest digital product, and multiple other internal and external projects
Initiated and developed "UX as a Service" to expand the internal UX team and consultancy reach
Consulted on requirement engineering and UX best practices to enhance design processes and collaboration
Facilitated Design Thinking sprints and workshops
2018
Product Owner
Hamburg | Jan 2019 – Apr 2019
enfore AG
Product Manager and supporting Project Manager
Lead Requirement Engineer
Mediator between Stakeholders and Developers
2016
Usability Engineer (UX/UI) & Product Owner (PO)
Hamburg | Jul 2016 – Dec 2018
EyeC GmbH
Usability Engineer overseeing internal UX/UI Design
Initiator of internal UX Research
Product Manager (PO) for product “Proofiler Content”
Responsible for functional & strategic planning and stakeholder reviews
other stations
Quality Engineer
ForSaleDigital-Agentur GmbH, Hamburg
Aug 2015 – Jul 2016
Customer Support Lead
CreateCtrl AG, Munich
May 2011 – Jul 2015
Projects
see my current work
VoloIQ
Ready for take off?
Volocopter, February 2022-today
Research | Concept | Visual | Strategy
How my team and I reshaped Volocopter’s Digital Suite.
It was an exciting challenge to work on VoloIQ, Volocopter's main digital product. When we started, the concepts of usage and different modules were not fully formed, and user tasks were spread out. To address this, my team and I took a step back to observe the everyday life of our future users. Through research, we identified 12 different personas responsible for various modules with different responsibilities. This led us to rework the concept and reshape the vision of all eight submodules such as flight planning, flight testing, air operations, resource management and more.
With this new vision came a new strategic setup for future products to be sold. Alongside conceptual work, I also took charge of building an exhaustive design system using tokens and code snippets that were reusable for developers. This helped speed up the shipment of new increments while ensuring consistency across all screens in VoloIQ's ecosystem.
Overall it still is a challenging yet rewarding experience that allowed us creating a product that meets our users' needs while being efficient internally.
Example Screens
Designs for VoloIQ Ops Suite Screens
Vision Map (Communication Design)
I designed this piece to communicate the product ecosytstem and allow to check how modules are interconnected.
Basic concept patterns ...
The pattern library for VoloIQ not just consisted of pattern but also ground rules.
... & detailed Interactions
Complex controls were provided with extensive instructions on behavior and usage.
Digital Vaccination Appointment
How to get my shot?
Lufthansa Group, March 2021
Concept | Visual | Shipping
How we managed to vaccinate 100.000 employees.
The years 2020/21 were undoubtedly challenging for all of us. However, with the availability of vaccinations to the public, Lufthansa and other large companies faced a massive challenge: how to vaccinate over 100,000 employees? Fortunately, my colleagues and I had already worked on a digital guest pass app even before the pandemic. We came up with an innovative idea to use the apps technology and features like QR entrance and invitation management to reshape the whole product into a vaccination management app in under six weeks. This new app tracked appointments for all eligible vaccination candidates while ensuring they received their second appointment allocation.
This solution was created at a time when our company wasn't focusing too much on visuals and had many employees in short-term work. Despite this, we managed to create an on-brand, easy-to-use solution that resonated well with our eligible colleagues who needed vaccination. The app was shipped just in time for one of the company's biggest vaccination events ever and I am still grateful to have provided the concept and visulas for this very special product.
AVIATAR
Look into the Future?
Lufthansa Technik, June 2020 - June 2022
Research | Concept | Visual | Strategy
How I helped making predictive health analytics of aircrafts easier.
It is clear that working on Lufthansa Technik's largest digital product was a significant milestone in my career as a designer and strategist. Managing over 13 different products simultaneously, coordinating multiple designers and developers, while still focusing on the unique features of each product, was challenging but ultimately rewarding. During my time at AVIATAR, I inherited a basic concept and pattern library from an agency which I used to lay some groundwork for quick wins across all products. However, we soon realized that AVIATAR needed more than just individual improvements - it required a cohesive vision for how all its parts could come together. To achieve this, I initiated an extensive research project to connect with core users of all products and educate management about the outcome of these studies. We concluded that the suite needed a cleaner navigation structure with recognizable patterns going beyond single modules. As such, we created a brand new concept of navigation and gave the entire suite a visual facelift while still staying true to its iconic purple look.
One of AVIATAR's most impressive features is its predictive health analytics capabilities which required reworking from being purely informational to becoming user task-oriented. While there are sub-projects still in development that cannot be shared at this time, it can be confidently said that simplifying complex information into easy-to-use dashboard frames while updating visuals to align better with the brand's cleanliness remains one of my best works yet.
Example Screens
...and more
Customer App
Volocopter, June 2022 - March 2024
Concept | Visual | Strategy
As I started at Volocopter a booking app for passenger services was needed. I recognized the importance of addressing the unique challenges that come with a new mode of transportation. Working closely with our developers, we prioritized user-friendliness and ease of navigation. We aimed for an appealing and on-brand visual design that reflects the cutting-edge technology behind eVTOL flights.
Digital Guest Pass
Lufthansa Industry S., June 2019 - June 2020
Research | Concept | Visual
As part of Lufthansa Group’s mission to become the world’s most digital airline, I designed the Digital Guest Pass to enhance their hospitality experience. Initially launched at the Lufthansa Aviation Center, the product streamlined the guest reception process and was later expanded to other locations. The goal was to create a seamless, intuitive experience that made the process enjoyable for both guests and hosts.
Voucher Portal (Website)
Volocopter, June 2024
Concept | Visual
This project was created in just a few hours to showcase the potential of selling vouchers to the public. Through the development of a robust Design Library, I was able to demonstrate to our SLT how quickly our UX Team can deliver high-quality, brand-aligned content that is both functional and user-friendly. Although the vending of vouchers was put on hold, this project successfully demonstrated how a well-prepared setup can lead to tangible results and provide blueprints for an engaging customer and user experience that embodies Volocopter's core values and brand identity.
Pilot Logbook
Lufthansa Technik, June 2021 - April 2022
Concept | Visual | Strategy
designed Pilot Logbook with the goal of optimizing flight operations and ensuring aircraft airworthiness. The product replaced the paper-based technical logbook with a digital solution specifically tailored for pilots and flight crews. By providing real-time data synchronization, it ensured that critical information about the aircraft was always up to date and easily accessible. This allowed pilots and crew to seamlessly track maintenance needs, confirm airworthiness, and ensure the aircraft met passenger safety and comfort standards. Early on, Pilot Logbook gained significant customer success, becoming an essential tool in maintaining flight operations efficiency and safety.
poolcentive
Lufthansa Technik, February 2020
Concept | Visual | Workshop
I designed poolcentive as part of a design thinking workshop I facilitated, with the goal of incentivizing airlines to return spare parts earlier to ensure optimal pool balancing. The interface was crafted to be more playful than traditional applications, making the process both engaging and user-friendly. By introducing a points system—rewarding early returns with positive points and penalizing delays with negative ones—the product effectively encouraged timely returns.
Workflow Management
Lufthansa Technik, September 2019
Concept | Strategy
I created Workflow Management , enabling Lufthansa Technik's subsidiaries to easily monitor their system landscape by making the system workflows easily accessible. The project aimed to provide a streamlined approach for quickly addressing system failures. It significantly improved response times of the Operations Control Desk and ensured smoother communication during critical moments.
eTech Logbook
Lufthansa Industry S., August 2019 - May 2020
Concept | Visual | Strategy
In collaboration with Apple Enterprise Design Labs in London, I participated in a workshop focused on creating a solution to replace the paper-based technical logbook. The goal was to design a digital solution optimized for pilots’ user experience, ensuring real-time data synchronization and improving communication between pilots, operations, and maintenance teams. The insights and skills I gained from the workshop played a key role in shaping a seamless, efficient native app, laying the groundwork for digitizing the core of flight operations for pilots.
Forecasting Engine Services
Lufthansa Technik, November 2019 - March 2020
Concept | Visual
The goal of this project was to iteratively improve the forecasting process of handled aircraft engines, which was previously managed through Excel sheets and macros, and represent it in a web application. The forecasting focused on both planned and upcoming events for various engine parts. I developed the concept using Lufthansa Technik’s style guide, which was further expanded and refined through this project. The result was a more streamlined and efficient tool that enhanced the forecasting process.
Proofiler Content
eyeC, July 2016 - December 2018
Research | Concept | Visual | Product Management
From the very beginning, I was responsible for the design and product management of EyeC’s first digital quality assurance software, Profile Content. This involved shaping the product vision, defining user experience principles, and ensuring a seamless integration of design and functionality. By working closely with cross-functional teams, I helped establish a user-friendly interface that meets the high demands of the quality assurance industry while maintaining technical precision. Through iterative design processes and strategic product decisions, Profile Content evolved into a reliable and efficient solution, setting a new digital standard within EyeC’s portfolio.
About
this is what I do
Design
Strategy
Strategy
With a strong background in UX leadership, I specialize in defining and implementing design strategies that align user needs with business objectives. I advocate for design thinking across organizations, facilitating workshops and fostering collaboration between design, product, and engineering teams. By educating stakeholders on the intersection of brand, user experience, and usability, I ensure design becomes a driving force for innovation. The result is a user-centered, scalable approach that strengthens brand consistency and enhances product-market fit.
Information
Architecture
Architecture
I bring expertise in structuring complex digital ecosystems through a deep understanding of UX concepts and requirements engineering. By transforming abstract requirements into intuitive navigation models and user flows, I create seamless interactions that enhance usability and engagement. My ability to bridge business objectives with user expectations ensures that products are not only functional but also easy to navigate, reducing cognitive load and improving overall efficiency.
Visual
Design
Design
With extensive experience in creating aesthetic, on-brand visual designs, I excel in developing and maintaining complex pattern libraries and design systems. I understand the balance between creativity and consistency, ensuring that every visual element serves both usability and brand identity. By building scalable, adaptable UI components, I help companies achieve a cohesive and polished digital presence, resulting in products that are visually compelling, intuitive, and ready to evolve with business needs.
Testimonials
what my clients say
Would hire again
I hired Max as a senior designer at Volocopter, and I will do it again if I have the chance. Max is an incredibly talented designer. He's passionate about his work and a real joy to work with. His great versatility and scope as a designer is his greatest asset. There was no situation or task that Max could not handle, and would perform admirably in. Everything from strategic projects on physical locations down to detailed digital interactions was handled with intensity, enthusiasm, and great professionalism.He's both a rapid individual contributor, and fantastic at communication and cooperation with a team. I can easily see him moving into managerial responsibilities if he was willing.I would gladly recommend Max to any design related role. 10/10. Would hire again.
Jesper Bylund
Head of Product Design, n8n
visually stunning
I highly recommend Maximilian Schönke for any UI/UX design and product ownership roles. I had the pleasure of closely working with him at EyeC GmbH, and his expertise and dedication were truly impressive. Maximilian consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of user needs. His designs were not only visually stunning but also intuitive and user-friendly. As a product owner, he showcased strong leadership skills, effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams and delivering outstanding results. Maximilian's professionalism, strong work ethic, and passion for creating exceptional user experiences make him an invaluable asset to any organization
Henning Fleischhauer
Senior Software Developer, Breuninger
Personal
get to know me
Hi there! I’m Max, a senior UX designer who’s passionate about creating intuitive, user-focused solutions that make life a little easier (and a lot more enjoyable). With a background in psychology and human-computer interaction, I’ve spent over a decade crafting digital experiences that bridge the gap between people and technology. My work spans industries like aviation, eCommerce, and pharmaceuticals, where I’ve helped transform complex challenges into beautifully simple, impactful products. Whether it’s leading cross-functional teams, building scalable design systems, or optimizing user flows, I thrive at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and collaboration.
EMAIL
maximilian.schoenke@gmail.com
PHONE
(+49) 176 831 403 88
every great design begins
with an even better story.
But enough about work—let’s get personal! I live near the stunning Baltic Sea, which means I’m often found soaking up the fresh coastal air or enjoying long walks with my two little dogs, who are equal parts adorable and mischievous. When I’m not out exploring nature, you’ll probably find me on the tennis court, where I love channeling my competitive side, or in my garden, where I get to unwind and flex my green thumb.
I’m also a big fan of digging into new tech trends and brainstorming bold ideas—whether it’s rethinking how we interact with technology or finding creative solutions to everyday problems. I’m always up for a good challenge and love connecting with others who are just as passionate about creating meaningful, impactful work. Let’s make something amazing together!
Education
what I am good at
Master (M.Sc.) Human Factors Engineering
Technical University Munich
2013-2015
Thesis: „Gesture Controlled Infotainment Systems: Development of Controlling Concepts and First Design Recommendations“ - passed with merit (1.6)
Bachelor (B.Sc.) Psychology
Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich
2010-2013
Thesis: „Authenticity in same-sex relationships: A study on perceived relationship satisfaction“ - passed with high distinction (1.3)
Let’s work together!