Matthias Fritsch

2022 - Present

DesignOps & Design System Lead at Celonis SE

At the core of this role is the strategic and operational ownership of the design system at Celonis—shaping scalable foundations that bridge the gap between design and engineering. Through thoughtful tooling, clear governance, and collaborative processes, teams are empowered to ship cohesive, accessible, and high-impact experiences faster and more efficiently.

• Lead the planning, execution, and governance of the Celonis Design System.
• Define and maintain cross-platform token sets for consistent styling and theming.
• Develop and implement contribution strategies that promote adoption and collaboration.
• Advocate for accessibility, performance, and design best practices.
• Create and maintain clear, scalable documentation and onboarding materials.
• Facilitate tool integration and automate design workflows for improved efficiency.
• Support cross-functional teams with hands-on guidance and system education.

2024 - Present

Business Owner at Shokunin x LAB

Alongside my digital design work, I run a small business specializing in high-quality textile customization. We embroider and print premium garments—ranging from personalized streetwear to professional workwear. With a strong focus on quality, detail, and hands-on service, we cater to small and mid-sized orders with care and precision.

A Shokunin 職人 embodies the ideal of a craftsman dedicated to precision, mastery, and contributing to the greater good, pursuing their craft as a lifelong journey with unwavering dedication and purpose.

2018 - 2022

DesignOps & Design System Lead at MAN Truck & Bus SE

At the heart of this role was the design and implementation of digital experiences for complex B2B applications in the commercial vehicle sector. Beyond classic product design, a key focus was the introduction and operationalization of an internal multi-brand design system—developed in close collaboration with Volkswagen & RIO.

• Led the rollout and scaling of the internal design system across multiple digital products.
• Collaborated with VW on the development of a unified, multi-brand design foundation.
• Built and led a cross-functional design system team consisting of internal designers and external partners.
• Standardized design workflows and fostered consistency across product teams.
• Contributed to the definition of tokens, components, and usage guidelines.
• Championed the alignment of design and development teams through shared tooling and processes.

2014 - 2018

Senior UI/UX Designer at Dr. Grandel GmbH

As the in-house lead designer at Dr. Grandel GmbH, I was responsible for the visual and functional evolution of several international e-commerce platforms and digital marketing campaigns. My role combined strategic oversight with hands-on design work across multiple digital touchpoints, ensuring consistency and quality throughout.

A major highlight of my time was leading the UX/UI and frontend redesign of the flagship online shop, which was awarded the Shop Usability Award in 2018. This recognition reflected not only the visual quality of the design, but also the improved usability and performance of the shopping experience.

2012 - 2014

Screendesigner & Frontend Developer at .NFQ | Digital Creatives

I worked as a Screendesigner and Frontend Developer, creating digital experiences at the intersection of design, technology, and commerce. My responsibilities ranged from concept development to final implementation, supporting e-commerce clients throughout the entire creative and technical process.

In addition to classic online and marketing campaigns, I specialized in creating interactive advertising assets using Flash and HTML5, tailoring them for high-performance digital channels. Over time, my role expanded into the e-commerce space, where I deepened my expertise in shop systems and customer-centric digital retail.

2007 - 2012

Screendesigner & Frontend Developer at Neuland Software GmbH

My professional journey began at Neuland Software GmbH, where I completed a fast-tracked apprenticeship as a media designer and took my first steps into the world of digital design and development. In my role as Screendesigner and Frontend Developer, I worked on a range of projects that laid the foundation for my later specialization in UX and design systems.

One of my key responsibilities was developing UX concepts for Telekom Smart TV applications, which required a deep understanding of interface design for non-traditional screen formats and user behaviors. In addition, I contributed to a variety of web design projects—ranging from corporate websites to e-commerce solutions—often built on CMS platforms and tailored to client-specific needs.