Sami Surakka

Hi, I'm Sami. I help companies turn design into business leverage.

Experienced with B2B, complex systems, and safety- or mission-critical product design.

I work with product, engineering, and cross-functional teams from discovery through shipped product.

Currently Lead Product Designer @

Cambri.

About

I came into UX and design somewhat by accident. Looking back, though, it feels more like puzzle pieces coming together. I’ve always been drawn to computers, games, and creative problem-solving, but it took a few detours through other disciplines before I found a home in human-centered technology. That path gave me a broad foundation: from coding and research to entrepreneurship and leadership, all grounded in a desire to make complex things simpler and more humane.

Over the years, I’ve worked across industries where usability, design, and UX are not just about convenience, but often about safety, clarity, and trust: from emergency response systems and maritime navigation to healthcare and industrial software. I’ve learned to stay calm under pressure, adapt to new domains quickly, and bring people together around shared goals. My approach is pragmatic rather than dogmatic: every team and every context is different. What matters most is building understanding and delivering meaningful, working solutions.

Design is not just the process; it's the end result.

Outside work

Music has always been a big part of my life, both listening with intent and in the background, and playing wherever I can fit it in. I play drums, dabble on saxophone, and make synth music at home. I'm also in a band called Radon Radon, which we dubbed as being "synthroll" genre. We had gigs lined up right before Covid hit, which put a hard stop on that momentum. The band is based in another city, so we either collaborate remotely on demos or meet up to rehearse when we can.

Most of the rest of my free time goes to my kids' hobbies. I volunteer as a team manager for a junior football club: scheduling, parent communications, the works. My younger son just started ice hockey, which should take care of any remaining free time.