Gökhan Özdemir had actually wanted to become a games developer. But his job now is to make the products of Porsche Informatik more interactive and a better experience for the customer. In this interview, he tells us what he likes most about his job and why his current role isn’t actually that far removed from his original career choice.
Gökhan Özdemir
Hello Gökhan, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
I’m a Salzburg thoroughbredand I want to stay here forever. I studied at the University of Applied Sciences here in Salzburg, and all of my jobs except one have been in the city. What can I say? Salzburg just floats my boat!
Why did you choose this career path?
I don’t know exactly why or when, but at some point during secondary school I suddenly realised: I no longer want to be a doctor, I want to be a games developer! My career path was almost completely mapped out for me from that point on. After obtaining my high school certificate from HTL Itzling, I completed a Bachelor degree in Multimedia Technology at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, majoring in Development & Augmented Reality (AR). And I have recently completed a master degree in the same subject. During my bachelor years and after graduating, I found myself exposed to AR more and more, both academically and in my private life. It was during my master’ years and while working for my previous employer that I came into contact with virtual reality (VR) for the first time. And that’s how it’s been for the past few years. I wouldn’t therefore say that I have not become a games developer. In fact, quite the opposite: games and gaming technology are having a major influence on how AR, and VR in particular, are evolving.
How did you end up at Porsche Informatik?
After speaking with a former employee at Porsche Informatik one afternoon, I was keen to find out more about the business. I wanted to get an idea of what the company does by looking at some of its job ads. Then it just jumped out at me: “VR/AR expert wanted.” My first thought was: “What has Porsche Informatik got to do with VR and AR.” So far nothing, as it transpired. But I put myself forward anyway. After the first round of interviews, I was already impressed by the company and the opportunities that might come my way in my specialist field.
You are a VR/AR expert – what is your role here at Porsche Informatik?
I’m currently analysing how we can use VR to make our many different products more engaging and, thus, more interesting for our customers. We are already digitalising the car trade – but what would it look like in augmented or virtual reality?
What is the biggest challenge that you face in your work at Porsche Informatik?
Currently, 3D data is the limiting factor in my projects. But within my team, I have the opportunity to learn any additional skills that might help me to overcome challenges or solve problems differently.
Where do you think Porsche Informatik will be in five years’ time? And where do you see yourself in five years?
I think we’ll both still be in Salzburg.
What is the best thing about your work?
I appreciate having creative leeway in my projects and being allowed to experiment. Whenever I’m working on the development side, I’m given lots of opportunities and resources to learn the necessary skills for solving any problems that arise.
What are some of the common misconceptions that people have about your work?
Many people don’t even know what the abbreviations VR and AR stand for. After briefly explaining the terms to them, I’m often asked how useful VR and AR could possible by inside cars. But Porsche Informatik isn’t responsible for developing the Porsche cars. We support the car trade. And people also have their own ideas about what that entails.
Do you have any tips and tricks that have made your work easier?
New ideas for solving problems often spring up during brief coffee breaks. Still, I don’t leave my desk anywhere near often enough, even though my brain would definitely be more efficient if I gave it a rest from time to time!
Das Digital Innovation Management Team am Porsche Innovation Day
Do you have any advice for those considering a career in your field?
There’s no better time than now! To be a programmer, you don’t necessarily need a specialist degree, a €5,000 computer, five monitors stacked on top of each other, 500 books, or knowledge of 500 programming languages. Being disciplined and teaching yourself everything from online resources is probably the faster way to do it, though admittedly more difficult. There is lots of free teaching material and multimedia content that anyone can use to learn what they want to know about VR/AR.
Why is VR important for Porsche Informatik?
Because Porsche Informatik is an important part of the car trade. VR and AR are both platforms that offer an unprecedented level of immersion and digital presence. If this immersion can be applied to the customer, then the industry and consumers will benefit in equal measure.
Three words that describe yourself…
Pale, average height, hairy.
Would you like to share anything else about you that people might not already know?
One day, I’ll own the biggest chain of kebab takeaways in Austria!
Do you have a morning routine?
I have a glass of water and a cup of coffee every morning before work.
Do you have a favourite book, quote or poem?
My favourite quotes and books are changing all the time. My current favourite dish is salmon and spinach quiche.
Who inspires you the most?
My parents, my wife and my son.
VR für den CarConfigurator – nominiert für den Change Award 2018 für Innovation
