User experience can make or break a brand’s reputation. Hugo Hanselmann, CEO and Founder of HuHeHa, has spent over two decades helping organizations understand that mastering the art of digital transformation means crafting seamless, intuitive experiences for every user. Hanselmann, who also serves as CEO and Co-Founder of Xenios, a leading developer of Android and iOS applications, believes that thriving in a digital economy demands far more than simply building a mobile app.
“Digital transformation isn’t a project; it’s a commitment to staying connected to your users, wherever they are and whatever they need,” Hanselmann says. For him, success starts with embedding user-centric thinking deep into a company’s digital DNA, ensuring that technology not only supports but elevates every interaction.
Building Journeys, Not Just Apps
For Hanselmann, the foundation of a successful digital experience lies in meticulously mapping the user journey. “Always start with the user,” he says. “Identify every challenge, every touchpoint where users interact with your service, and understand their expectations at every step.” Drawing from his experience leading global digital initiatives at AB InBev and Daimler, the renowned manufacturer behind the Mercedes-Benz brand, Hanselmann emphasizes that understanding the user journey is both a technical and strategic imperative.
It is not enough to design attractive interfaces; companies must recognize pain points, moments of friction, and opportunities for connection at every stage of engagement. For early-stage companies in particular, establishing this user-first mindset from the beginning can mean the difference between rapid adoption and digital obscurity.
Thinking Beyond the Screen
While many companies focus narrowly on the functionality of their mobile apps, Hanselmann urges a broader perspective. An application, he stresses, must be envisioned within the real-world context in which it is used. “An app does not exist in isolation,” Hanselmann explains. “It must complement and enhance the user’s environment, whether that’s in a retail store, at a hotel, or inside a connected car.”
Drawing on his experience with industries as varied as hospitality, automotive, and finance, Hanselmann points out that truly successful digital products consider the physical, emotional, and situational contexts of their users. This approach ensures that technology becomes an enabler rather than a barrier, and that brands can create experiences that are functional as well as memorable.
Xenios Edge: Turning Industry Insights into Digital Advantage
Hanselmann and his team at Xenios bring cross-industry insights to the table, applying lessons learned from food and beverage brands, fashion retailers, banking services, and beyond. This breadth of experience enables them to navigate complex demands, from building highly secure banking applications to designing retail platforms that capture the fleeting attention of modern consumers.
Hanselmann refers to this multifaceted capability as the Xenios Edge: a combination of technical excellence, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of how users interact with technology in their daily lives. “It’s not just about what the app does,” Hanselmann explains. “It’s about how the app fits into the broader journey of the user in order to deliver value at every moment, in every context.”
By blending these elements, Hanselmann helps organizations move beyond simply launching apps to creating holistic, immersive brand experiences that resonate deeply with users and build lasting connections.
Flourishing Through Digital Transformation
Customer expectations continue to change, and companies that prioritize seamless user experiences are positioning themselves for sustainable growth. Hanselmann’s career demonstrates that digital transformation is not a destination but an ongoing commitment to serving users better at every touchpoint.
His expertise reminds leaders that true digital success comes from understanding users deeply, thinking beyond products, and weaving technology into the very fabric of the customer experience. To learn more about Hugo Hanselmann and his work, visit his LinkedIn.
