Kateřina Rydlová

My journey started with creating a smart textile bodysuit for menstrual relief through my later-on company, Body Moody, where we balance innovation and practicality of smart textiles and wearables. It all began while finishing my Master’s at the Czech Technical University, in the field of Industrial Design. Yes, I’ve always wanted to create something of my own.

I’ve honed user-centric design and business strategy skills in startups like Stimvia and in the corporate settings of BTL. With years of experience in product development and running my own startup, I’ve naturally moved into product management, blending design and business expertise.

I’m proud to work with an amazing team, where everyone shares ideas openly, without fear of being wrong – and it’s exactly in those meetings that we find the best solutions. Great design comes from combining different expertise, and together we bring real value to every project.

To understand the environments I design for, I always insist on exploring them from the users’ and customers’ perspective — as closely as possible. I create an atmosphere where they feel safe to share what they truly want to say (often complaints, which are a great starting points) and make them feel seen and heard.

Later, I focus on usability testing and follow up. When direct patient testing isn’t always possible pre-certification, there are always ways to gain feedback for improvements.

In production, I pay close attention to details and work closely with experts and suppliers — it’s about finding the balance between cost and expected quality, even for small-scale projects.

On a more personal note — I relax best by the ocean, swimming no matter the weather or water temperature. I reset my mind while hiking with my dog Asia, adopted from Bosnia, or during regular sauna sessions.

I’m living in Bergen, Norway, enjoying the best of both worlds, and you can often find me traveling between Norway, the Czech Republic, and Germany for business.