Preply welcomes new VP of Design — Robin Bigio
We’re thrilled to welcome Robin Bigio, our new VP of Design, who will spearhead our creative vision and elevate the user experience at Preply. We took a sit with Robin to chat about what motivated him to join the team, his design approach, and his ambitions for the upcoming year.
What has been your career journey before joining Preply?
Before landing at Preply, I’d spent the last ten years leading design in tech — mostly for startups. I kicked things off with one of the earliest online grocery platforms, moved on to scooter rentals in micromobility, and even worked on self-driving car systems. Most recently, I was in charge of design at a wholesale marketplace connecting small retail shops with brands. It actually reminds me a bit of what we do here with tutors, giving them a platform to run their businesses and build careers.
Before all that, I had an eight-year run at IDEO, tackling projects that ranged from hardware to digital, brand experiences, and even social impact work in emerging markets — like solar-powered electronics for India. And if you rewind to the very beginning, I actually started in industrial design, working on car interiors at Renault. I’ve always believed good design brings value, whether it’s for a driver, a shopper, or a language learner.
What motivated you to take this opportunity to work at Preply?
One theme that’s guided my career is finding companies whose missions align with my values — organizations I believe are doing something positive in the world. Over the past decade in tech, I’ve had plenty of chances to go off that path, but I’ve always felt it’s essential to work on something that genuinely resonates. As a designer, I think the best work comes when you’re designing from the heart, and it’s tough to do that if you’re not fully aligned with the purpose.
The connection with Preply was immediate. I grew up in a multicultural family — mostly speaking Italian, but with influences from my Turkish grandmother, English grandfather, and Haitian stepmom who spoke French. So, languages and cultures are a big part of my upbringing.
Since joining Preply, one of the best surprises has been how truly international the team is. It’s energizing to work with people from so many backgrounds, and it feels like such a natural fit with my own experiences. It’s inspiring to work with people from all over the world, knowing we’re all here to make learning accessible and transformative.
What are your future ambitions for yourself and your team?
It’s a bit early to say, but I’ve got some first impressions. I’ve often joined companies to build design teams from scratch. In my last role, I started with six designers, and by the time I left, we’d grown to sixty! So, joining an already established team was new territory for me. But I have to say, I’ve been genuinely impressed. The design and research teams are strong, and it’s clear Preply really values the user experience. It’s not just talk; it feels like a priority across the company.
In terms of goals, I want to keep up the momentum the team’s built and push the product experience even further. I believe great design strikes a balance between being magical and practical. We want tutors to run their businesses effortlessly and learners to navigate their sessions without a hitch. It’s all about creating something people rely on daily that’s easy and enjoyable to use.
We’re also rethinking some traditional structures. Preply’s already moving beyond the usual “squad” model you see in tech. If we want truly unique experiences, designers need room to collaborate, get creative, and avoid working in silos. So, right now, I’m focusing on shaping a team structure that gives designers that breathing room to bring their best ideas forward. It’s a fresh approach, and I think it’s going to make a real difference.
What’s your biggest passion outside of your work?
I’ve got a lovely family — my wife, our two kids, and our dog, Bo. They definitely keep me busy! Exploring the world together is a big part of our life; we love to travel whenever we can, embracing our multicultural backgrounds. Now that I’m back in Europe, I’m excited about how accessible everything is here, with its rich culture and diversity.
Outside of family time, I’ve got what I call my “dad hobbies” — those fun obsessions that come and go. One constant is my love for the sea and sailing. In San Francisco, I had a sailboat that doubled as my home office during the week! We’d take it out for family sails on weekends, which was such a joy. Lately, I’ve also taken up mountain biking — something I’ve enjoyed since my university days in London, where I even designed bicycles as part of my job.
Lastly, tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t find on your CV or LinkedIn.
I love to cook! I’m the designated chef in our household. For me, cooking has always been a way to express love. Growing up with my mom and two grandmas, we bonded over our passion for good food, and I carry that tradition forward.
Cooking gives me a chance to get creative in the kitchen. It also has a therapeutic aspect. After a long day filled with meetings and mental gymnastics, it feels wonderful to step away, use my hands, and focus on the physical act of cooking. It’s a grounding experience that connects me back to my maker roots and helps me be present in the moment.
If you’re a designer seeking a new opportunity, take a look at our open positions here. We’re hiring for our design team over the next few months. Whether you’re a stateside designer dreaming of a European adventure or a European designer looking for a cool way to “come home,” we’d love to hear from you!
