At Flowscape, Niklas Blomqvist works on optimizing the Flowmap, an app-based map for easier navigation in the hybrid office. With a background in UX and computer engineering, he combines technical expertise with user experience insights to create innovative solutions for a dynamic work environment.
From KTH Royal Institute of Technology to the tech-industry
Niklas, 34, grew up on the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, where he now lives in a house with his partner. From his charming home office, surrounded by guitars hanging on the wall, he shares his story while seated in a comfortable office chair. He appreciates the flexibility of being able to choose between working from home or at the office. During the pandemic, he worked entirely remote but soon realized that a hybrid solution suited him better. "At home, I can truly focus on my tasks, while being at the office allows me to bounce ideas off colleagues," he explains.
It all started with a Social Sciences program during his high school years, followed by an Engineering Preparatory Year at KTH, the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Niklas then pursued computer engineering and earned a master’s degree in human-computer interaction. His studies focused not only on technology but also on the interaction between humans and technology. This led him to Tobii, where he worked for over seven years with eye-tracking and VR/AR technology.
He discovered Flowscape through the very same company, since they used their software, and felt it was time for something new. The job description seemed perfect, and after meeting the team, he was convinced that he had found the right place. "It was appealing to have more influence, work with a specific product, and be involved in more stages of the process," Niklas explains.
Developing the Flowmap
Today, Niklas is responsible for the Flowmap, a navigation software for the hybrid office built with the Unity game engine. His role is an exciting combination of UX and development. Among other things, he focuses on innovation and optimizing the codebase for faster implementation. Niklas is passionate about creating value for the end user. "I’m not a purely technical developer. I enjoy working at the intersection of design and code, ensuring that users have a great experience."
One advantage of working at Flowscape is the ability to work iteratively — quickly test ideas and gather feedback to improve the product. Both user data and insights from colleagues are valuable. Delivering successful solutions require strong collaboration with backend and frontend developers, as well as UX designers, and graphic designers. For Niklas, it has been especially rewarding to specialize in his field while maintaining a broad perspective. His role also involves having a critical eye and identifying what doesn’t work, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Drawing inspiration from the gaming world, where user-friendliness is always a top priority, he focuses on ensuring that Flowscape’s goals align with the unique needs of its users rather than simply imitating other companies. One of the biggest challenges in his role at Flowscape—but also the most exciting—is being solely responsible for the Unity stack at Flowscape. While finding solutions on his own can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity for continuous learning and growth.
A smoother hybrid workplace
Niklas sees great potential in developing work environments that make hybrid work easier. With Flowscape, companies can analyze and optimize their office spaces based on actual usage. "It’s not just about offering flexible workspaces, but about creating a work environment tailored to employees. Companies need to focus on solutions and use office spaces more efficiently."
According to Niklas, Flowmap is incredibly useful for employees, helping them see which colleagues are in the office, find available rooms, and locate essential resources. It’s a great tool for visualizing data. When developing Flowmap, he prioritizes user-friendliness and ensures the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. One example is making the map function accessible to color-blind users, allowing everyone to use it effectively.
In the future, there may be an opportunity to create an even more interactive digital office world—similar to a game. However, Niklas emphasizes the importance of respecting user privacy: "The system can collect a lot of user data and display it on the map. Therefore, sensitive or excessive information about users should not be shared with other users or the company. It’s acceptable to show where someone is sitting and working so that others can find them, but not whether they are on lunch or in the restroom. The goal is not for users to be disturbed all the time unless they consent to being approached."
Technology drives social development forward
Niklas is convinced that hybrid work creates more value than we realize, both on an individual level and for society as a whole. "Less time spent on commuting improves people’s work-life balance. With technological solutions for hybrid work, offices can be used more efficiently and don’t have to be shut down. Right now, we’re reshaping our approach to work, and it’s exciting to be part of that transformation."
According to Niklas, Flowscape has the potential to drive innovation. The goal is to create such a good and valuable product that business success follows naturally. The company has every opportunity to achieve this, thanks to a strong, competent and collaborative in-house team.
Thinking outside the box and being open to change is a key success factor that Niklas often returns to. He loves exploring and experimenting—both in his work and in his personal life—where he enjoys learning new instruments or going on canoeing adventures with friends. This mindset also influences his approach at work. "You shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes. Just like children learn by pressing buttons and experimenting, we must dare to test new things to drive innovation. That’s why I have Curious George - in Swedish “Nicke Nyfiken” - as my avatar." (Editor’s note: referring to his avatar.)
What do you wish more people knew about working in tech?
"Working in the tech industry means being part of shaping the future. It’s not just about writing code—it’s about creating solutions that make a real difference."