Meet Josefine – the designer who asks "dumb" questions to create smart solutions

Interaction designer Josefine Margrethe Andvik Løken's job revolves around getting inside the minds of soldiers who need to keep cool in demanding situations.

"I'm good at asking dumb questions," says Josefine with a laugh.

What the 24-year-old describes as her superpower at work turns out to be the key to success as an interaction designer at Teleplan Globe. Because when you're designing systems for the Armed Forces and police, it's all about daring to ask about everything you don't understand.

Josefine started with a summer job in Teleplan Globe two years ago, before transitioning to an internship while completing her master's degree in design. Now she's moving into a full-time position shaping the user experience in mission-critical systems.

Workshop with the Home Guard

One of the most rewarding projects for Josefine during her internship was participating in a workshop with the Home Guard to map their logistics needs.

"Meeting the users face-to-face and seeing how things actually work in the Armed Forces, with all the specific details and terminology – it's overwhelming at first, but eventually the pieces fell into place."

She describes the experience as a turning point in grasping what Teleplan actually does.

"It made everything much more tangible. I walked away with a feeling of accomplishment and wanting to learn more, and I'm quite proud of how much personal growth it gave me."

Josefine on Teleplan

Three words to describe the culture: Sporty, supportive and passionate.

The best thing about working here: I'm constantly learning new things. There's so much knowledge in-house, and I'm always getting new challenges. My colleagues take me seriously, but they're also easy to talk to and have fun with – it's a warm, supportive environment.

Advice for job seekers: Don't be afraid to be curious or show that you don't know everything. It's easy to think it's too complex or difficult, but many people who start here begin with a blank slate. Curiosity and interest go a long way!

From architect to interaction designer

Josefine's path into design wasn't planned. She actually applied for architecture studies but included design on her application list without really knowing what it entailed.

"After the entrance exam, I was admitted into the design studies, so I thought I'd give it a go and see what happens. The more I learned, the more interested I became."

Josefine says one of her strengths is seeing both details and the bigger picture, and she enjoys trying to understand other people's perspectives.

"I find psychology fascinating, and there's actually quite a lot of it in interaction design. It's interesting to understand the mindset and needs of the people who'll be using the solutions we create."

Her choice of Teleplan came through a career day at the university. She'd never heard of the company before, but was drawn to doing something meaningful – the fact that the work involved security and had real social impact appealed to her.

"Working at Teleplan is largely about empathy – seeing things from others' perspectives and understanding the situations our users face."

More than a boys' club

Josefine is one of few women in a male-dominated environment, but she's clear that there's no "boy's club" at the office – quite the opposite, she finds the environment supportive, warm and inclusive.

Still, she has noticed how the dynamic has shifted as more women have joined and the gender balance has improved.

"I noticed when I first worked with other women in the office that I could be even more myself and talk more about my own interests. It's nice to have more of a balance."

She reflects on how women often think differently about their own competence, which might be part of why companies like Teleplan can end up male-dominated.

"I think women often think 'I can't do this, I'm not qualified', while the guys just go for it. We need to be more like them and dare to jump into things without knowing everything beforehand!"

Fun facts about Josefine

If I didn't do this for a living, I would: "Being a paramedic or psychologist has always been at the back of my mind. I like helping others, and both offer variety in the working day."

Favourite app: "Instagram. I'm curious by nature, so I like keeping up with what people are doing. I also love taking photos and hiking, so I get lots of inspiration for trips and follow many nature photographers."

If I could go anywhere: "New Zealand. It would be amazing to see the other side of the world. And the nature there is spectacular! I'd love to experience it at some point in my life."

On my nightstand: "A book that's always there that I keep meaning to read but never finish – "Frida", a true story about someone trying to uncover their grandmother's history, who lived during the war and was wanted for espionage. I also have a framed poem my older sister wrote for me when I turned 18. It's about not growing up too much and keeping your childlike spirit."

What I always bring to work: "Headphones and a water bottle – I try to drink enough water."

3 things I would bring to a deserted island: "A camera, Freia milk chocolate … taking a person might be risky, as you could get tired of them. I'd probably rather take the family dog, a bichon frisé called Bilbo. He's an adventurous little guy!"

Guilty pleasure: "Chocolate. I eat sweets every day and excuse it as a conscious strategy – I don't get major cravings when I indulge a little bit daily.

I also pay far too much for streaming services and get easily hooked. "Teen Wolf" is probably my biggest guilty pleasure – it's about teenagers who become werewolves. It's incredibly cheesy but really entertaining!"