Our Automotive brand AutoScout24 has announced the launch of their EV hub, a high value addition to their magazine designed to support those interested in electric vehicles (EVs) but still exploring the details.
Les loyers proposés pour les appartements locatifs en Suisse ont également augmenté en mai. La tendance à la hausse se reflète dans 18 cantons, tandis
En mai, les offres d’achat de maisons individuelles affichent un net recul des prix. En revanche, les appartements en PPE et les biens à louer
Staying ahead in the digital landscape means navigating the ever-changing seas of SEO algorithms. In this article, we dive into the strategies and insights shared by our SEO experts.
La communauté de la place de marché en ligne suisse Ricardo a récemment dépassé la barre des 5 millions de membres. Ainsi, en théorie, chaque ménage
As businesses and individuals navigate through the interconnected web of technology, understanding cybersecurity threats becomes paramount. In this article, we delve into the basics of cybersecurity threats, their impact, and strategies to mitigate risks, guided by insights from our Group Chief Information Security Officer (Group CISO).
Picture this: stepping into a new professional setting, a fresh environment, new energy and opportunity. At SMG, we understand the significance of those initial steps. That’s why we’ve crafted the Explorer Starter Days, an onboarding trademark designed to immerse new joiners into our culture, vision, and diverse business units.
In the dynamic landscape of business, maintaining a strong and consistent brand presence is paramount, particularly within a company managing a large portfolio of brands. It fosters brand recognition, builds customer trust, ensures coherence in messaging, and reinforces the company’s overall identity and values across diverse markets and consumer touchpoints.
In today’s tech-driven world, where the digital realm intertwines with every aspect of our lives, understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity is akin to digital safety. So, what exactly is cybersecurity, and why is it so crucial?
In the dynamic landscape of the Swiss insurance sector, understanding customer behaviour and needs is crucial. Enter the Swiss Insurance Monitor (SIM), a representative study launched in 2021. At the heart of this comprehensive exploration is FinanceScout24.
SMG Swiss Marketplace Group SA fournit à ses clients les meilleurs outils pour prendre des décisions importantes dans leur quotidien. Le portefeuille s’étend actuellement sur quatre domaines d’activité: Real Estate (ImmoScout24, Homegate, Flatfox, alle-immobilien.ch, Immostreet.ch, home.ch, Publimmo, Acheter-Louer.ch, CASASOFT, IAZI), Automotive (AutoScout24, MotoScout24), General Marketplaces (anibis.ch, tutti.ch, Ricardo) et Finance & Insurance (FinanceScout24, moneyland.ch). La société a été fondée en novembre 2021 par TX Group AG, Ringier AG, La Mobilière et General Atlantic.
Head of Design for Automotive
Introduce yourself and your role at SMG
I’m Marta Andreoni, Head of Design at SMG Automotive. I lead the design and UX writing team shaping AutoScout24 user experience.
In my role, I wear many hats. My main focus is ensuring we stay true to our vision “simplifying people’s lives and connecting humans through innovative digital platforms” and our brand promise, “make it happen”. I challenge my team to think user-first, push for innovation, ease of use for our customers and make forward-thinking decisions, even within business and technological constraints.
A big part of my role is supporting each designer’s growth, motivation, and career development. Through one-on-one coaching, mentoring, group work, and projects, I help my colleagues set and achieve their goals while fostering new learning opportunities.
What helps you feel empowered and confident in your role?
If I had to mention one thing I would say “being proactive” has been key to feeling more empowered. I enjoy solving problems, so when issues or opportunities arise, be it in the product, market or the team, I get curious and I proactively investigate the reasons and try to bring inputs to be discussed with others, this makes me feel I can be part of the process or solution and my point of view is going to be taken seriously. My optimism also plays a role, giving me confidence that even the most complex challenges can be solved.
Besides, having trust from other managers and colleagues makes me feel in a safe environment where I can take ownership on topics I’m passionate about.
What’s one thing SMG does well in fostering an inclusive workplace? What more can be done to amplify and support different perspectives in the workplace?
In my experience, we strive for balancing top-down and bottom-up inputs, ensuring employees can influence product directions, processes, and culture. People are approachable, and our strong feedback culture helps voices be heard. Across SMG, initiatives like regular People & Culture Surveys, topic guilds, and events in our locations across the world foster open exchange and mutual learning.
That said, I’ve noticed that quieter voices sometimes get less space, or interacting with top management can feel intimidating, especially when giving critical feedback. To make participation more inclusive, we could apply more facilitation and group work techniques like structured turn-taking, written input, and smaller group discussions – ensuring everyone, regardless of confidence level, seniority or personality, feels comfortable contributing.
Design is often about seeing the world differently. How do unique perspectives contribute to more innovative, inclusive, or impactful design?
Design is about understanding diverse user personas and perspectives to create solutions that truly meet their needs or create new opportunities. I believe in the power of collaboration to shape user experiences – bringing together different disciplines, backgrounds, and lived experiences helps challenge assumptions, uncover blind spots, and drive more inclusive, innovative, and impactful solutions.
Looking back on your career, what’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you had known earlier as a leader in design?
There are three things no one really prepares you for as a design leader: dealing with constant change, facing failure and handling emotions at work. These topics aren’t talked about much until you face them. I was lucky to learn from others’ experiences, but much of it came through my own.
One thing I wish I had understood earlier is the power of emotional intelligence, my job is no longer about the content and the design, it is about people. Self-awareness, not just of your own emotions, but also how others feel and react, can be the difference between conflict and harmony, frustration and clarity. The more I grow as a leader and designer, the more I realise that design isn’t just about doing the design job, delivering solutions on the market: it’s about navigating people, their emotions, and making change more acceptable and transforming issues into opportunities, both within the organisation and through great products.
