In a momentous recognition of excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions to the digital landscape, Olawale Bamidele has been officially inducted as the 208th Certified Global Tech Hero and the 22nd Certified Professional in the Design Category by The Connected Awards. This distinction immortalizes his legacy as a transformative force in the field of UI/UX design, product strategy, and digital innovation, reaffirming his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary technology and design.
With a passion for crafting intuitive user experiences and fostering design communities, Olawale Bamidele has consistently pushed the boundaries of digital innovation. His extensive work in product design, mentorship, and technological empowerment has not only shaped the trajectory of countless aspiring designers but also revolutionized the way design resources are accessed and utilized globally.
A defining aspect of Olawale’s career is his commitment to innovation and accessibility. In early 2023, he developed FlagFetch, an open-source Figma plugin designed to provide seamless access to a browsable library of country flags. Since its release, the tool has been used by over 1,200 individuals and received official approval from the Figma content review team in 2024. FlagFetch’s growing popularity was further amplified when Ardena Gonzalez Flahavin, a renowned UX writer based in Madrid, Spain, featured it on her platform. The recognition cemented the plugin’s relevance in the design industry, with it ranking as the second-best Figma plugin in her curated list of top resources for the week.
Beyond FlagFetch, Olawale has spearheaded the development of 14 design resource projects that have collectively been utilized by over 30,000 users worldwide. His work on the Travel App UX Case Study, Food Runs, and Date of Birth and Birthday projects alone has benefited approximately 17,000 users, underscoring his ability to create tools that resonate within the design community.
Understanding the challenges faced by designers in finding essential plugins and resources, Olawale took a decisive step in 2024 by launching FigmaPlugins.net, a comprehensive platform aimed at streamlining access to vital design tools. Built using Figma and Framer, the platform provides a centralized hub for designers to discover and integrate the best resources into their workflow. Since its launch, FigmaPlugins.net has attracted over 1,100 users, generating more than 12,000 engagements, including page views and clicks. Its global adoption has been particularly strong in Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, highlighting its far-reaching impact.
Olawale’s influence extends beyond design tools; he is also a thought leader whose insights have been featured in leading publications. In 2023, he penned an article titled Leadership and Mentorship: The Pillars of a UI/UX Design Career, which was published by Tribune, one of Africa’s foremost media outlets. His perspectives on mentorship and the evolving landscape of UX design continue to inspire a new generation of professionals.
His work has also been acknowledged through prestigious accolades. In 2024, he was honoured with the Africa Hero Award by the Global Skills Hub, UK, recognizing his transformative impact on the African digital landscape. His achievements were showcased on the Africa Heroes platform alongside other distinguished figures driving positive change across the continent. Furthermore, he was awarded the Tech Impact Award by the Teesside Black Business Community, solidifying his status as a leader within the global tech ecosystem.
Olawale’s commitment to the development of future designers is evident in his work as an educator and mentor. His e-book, released in 2023, has sold over 1,200 copies, providing invaluable insights to aspiring UI/UX professionals. His influence is also felt through UX Thrive, a global digital ecosystem he founded to empower designers through mentorship, expert-led tutorials, and professional networking. Since its inception, UX Thrive has enrolled over 1,000 members, offering structured boot camps and skill acquisition programs that bridge the gap between learning and real-world application.
Beyond his contributions to design education and open-source development, Olawale has played a pivotal role in driving product innovation. As the Lead UX Designer at Geneva Tech, he collaborated closely with the company’s leadership to create an intuitive digital loan platform. His work directly contributed to Geneva securing its first pre-seed funding of $30,000, demonstrating the tangible value of human-centred design in business success.
His prior engagements with Scud Technologies, Seriphics Agency, and Kedrus TV further exemplify his versatility and ability to lead large-scale digital transformations across various sectors. His tenure at Megalectrics Limited also saw him drive a 70% growth in digital engagement for some of Nigeria’s leading radio stations, reinforcing his impact in digital media and branding.
The Connected Awards, renowned for their stringent selection and certification process, meticulously reviewed Olawale Bamidele’s contributions before bestowing upon him the title of Certified Global Tech Hero. According to Qazeem Oladejo, the founder of The Connected Awards, the evaluation process is designed to ensure that only the most deserving individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence, innovation, and industry impact are recognized. The selection committee examines nominees through a comprehensive assessment of their body of work, influence, and contributions to their respective fields, making the certification a rare and prestigious honour.
Olawale Bamidele’s induction as the 208th Certified Global Tech Hero and 22nd Certified Professional in the Design Category is a testament to his unwavering dedication, ingenuity, and transformative impact on the global design and tech industries. His legacy is one of resilience, mentorship, and groundbreaking innovation, an inspiration to professionals worldwide.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, his influence will undoubtedly remain a guiding force, shaping the future of design, technology, and professional excellence for years to come.
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