Interview with Vela Georgieva, Senior UX Designer, Progress Software

Vela Georgieva is a senior UX designer, part of the AI-first PM and DevTools UX team at Progress, where she collaborates with the company’s designers and engineers to develop innovative, AI-powered user experiences. She joined Progress in 2020 as an intern. Vela holds a master's degree in web and digital design from the New Bulgarian University and a bachelor's degree in technical design from the Technical University in Sofia. Outside of work, Vela channels her creativity into music as a DJ. This summer, she earned a spot among the top 3% of participants in a prestigious competition hosted by the renowned German techno label BCCO.

Vela Georgieva, Senior UX Designer, Progress Software

1. How did you decide to pursue a career in UX design?

I decided to pursue a career in UX design when I realized that design is not just about how things look, but also about how they work and how they make people feel. During my first year in university, while studying graphic design, I was fascinated by the psychology behind human behavior and decision-making. I was drawn to the idea that thoughtful design could influence how people experience technology and make it more intuitive, inclusive and enjoyable to use.

At that time, UX design was still a new concept in Bulgaria and there were no established university programs or clear learning paths. This challenge motivated me to start studying human-computer interaction, usability and cognitive psychology on my own. Later, I joined Telerik Academy’s UX/UI Design program, which helped me refine my skills through mentorship and hands-on experience.

Looking back, discovering UX during my first year in university was a defining moment. It allowed me to combine my passions for design, technology and psychology into a meaningful career path. For me, UX is about understanding people, solving problems and shaping experiences that make a difference in everyday life.

2. How do you see the role of AI in UX now and in the future?

Right now, AI is already transforming how we design and how people experience technology. In UX, it’s moving far beyond being just a productivity boost by becoming a design material in itself. I currently work on AI products and features, which has been an eye-opening experience for both sides of the process: designing with AI as part of my work and designing for AI by translating complex technical workflows into clear and intuitive user experiences.

In the future, I see AI evolving from an assistant into a true collaborator that understands context, supports decision-making and amplifies human intelligence. For users, AI will increasingly shape digital experiences in subtle, adaptive ways, making interactions more personalized and predictive. The role of UX designers will be to ensure that AI-powered digital experiences remain transparent, explainable and aligned with human values. In the context of b2b systems, I see AI as a bridge between complexity and clarity, helping people achieve more while keeping empathy and trust at the center.

3. You are a DJ in your free time. What sparked your interest in this hobby?

I’ve been immersed in electronic music for over a decade and experiencing it live at festivals across Europe sparked a deep appreciation for the craft. Over the years, I became increasingly drawn to the technical side of music — how tracks are built, layered and mixed to create a particular atmosphere, so learning how to DJ felt like a natural next step in my journey. It’s been so exciting to translate years of listening experience into crafting sets that tell a story and keep people moving.

What fascinates me about DJing is the challenge of reading the room and controlling the vibe in real time. A good set is not just about playing tracks one after another, but about understanding the crowd’s energy, anticipating how they will respond and choosing the right moment to introduce something new or unexpected.

What started as a hobby has now turned into something tangible, as I am playing at big parties and events. DJing combines technical skills, creativity and intuition, and it has become a way for me to challenge myself and engage deeply with something I love.

4. What are the opportunities for women in tech today?

The opportunities for women in tech today are broader and more dynamic than ever. With the rapid expansion of technology across every industry, there is a growing demand for diverse talent to drive innovation. Women can now pursue leadership roles, technical specialist positions and entrepreneurial ventures, often supported by programs, scholarships and initiatives specifically aimed at closing the gender gap in STEM. Beyond traditional tech roles, opportunities also exist at the intersection of tech, research, design and product management, where different perspectives are critical to building inclusive products and systems. Additionally, the tech community is actively creating ecosystems to support women’s growth and accelerate their careers with mentorship programs, professional communities, conferences and online platforms that provide access to learning, career guidance and visibility.

5. What qualities help women succeed in today’s fast-evolving tech world?

From my experience, succeeding in today’s fast-changing tech world isn’t about having all the answers but more about staying curios. It’s the drive to keep learning, ask better questions and challenge assumptions. Problem-solving turns curiosity into action. This is how we navigate ambiguity, find opportunities in constraints and create meaningful solutions that move teams and products forward.

Adaptability is equally essential, especially as tools, roles and expectations shift faster than ever before. The ability to embrace change rather than resist it helps us grow alongside the industry rather than be left behind. Last but not least, leadership and initiative, such as mentoring others, championing new ideas or stepping up when things get uncertain help turn individual talent into collective progress.

6. What advice would you give to women just starting their careers?

For women just starting their careers, my advice is to be intentional about seeking opportunities that challenge them and expand their skill set, even if they feel intimidating at first. They should not be afraid to take on projects that stretch their abilities because this is where growth happens faster. At the same time, they should build a support network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance, provide honest feedback and open doors they might not see on their own.

Equally important is to cultivate confidence in their own voice and ideas, because it’s easy to second-guess themselves, especially in a male-dominated environment like tech. They should not be afraid to ask tough questions, challenge assumptions and share insights. They should remember that setbacks are learning opportunities, not a reflection of their worth. Over time, this combination of curiosity, adaptability, self-advocacy and initiative will not only accelerate their professional growth but also help them carve out a path that’s uniquely their own.