Exclusive Interview: Murat Dikici – Bridging Cultures in Digital Design

As part of our series on Turkish creative professionals thriving in the UK, we had the opportunity to speak with Murat Dikici, a software developer and entrepreneur who has successfully established his digital design company in London. Murat discusses his journey from Izmir Technopark to the UK’s tech scene, the cultural influences in his work, and the transformative role of AI in digital design. For more insights, see our feature on Turkish Creatives in the Vibrant Fabric of London.

Murat Dikici shares his experience transitioning from Turkey’s dynamic tech industry to the structured environment of the UK, while staying true to his cultural roots.

TB Magazine: Hello, Murat. Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Murat Dikici: My name is Murat Dikici. I was born in Afyonkarahisar in 1980. I’m married and a father of three. I began my career as a software developer in 2000 and later founded my own software company at Izmir Technopark in 2017. I also taught software development courses at Izmir University of Economics. In 2020, I moved to London under the Ankara Agreement, bringing my company along. Today, we offer design, software, and consulting services to German and British clients. My hobbies include playing mobile games with my kids, reading, and conducting R&D in AI.

TB Magazine: How does working in digital design and application development in the UK differ from your experiences in Turkey?

Murat Dikici: Digital design in Turkey is much more dynamic compared to the UK. In Turkey, projects are typically planned with lower costs and completed quickly with a focus on functionality. In contrast, the UK’s work culture is more formal, with structured project management processes. This approach often increases costs but leads to clearer timelines and outcomes. The UK’s diverse work environment, with people from various cultural backgrounds, brings different perspectives to projects, enhancing creativity.

TB Magazine: How does Turkish culture and aesthetics reflect in your digital designs and applications?

Murat Dikici: Our Turkish heritage is incredibly rich, shaped by influences from Central Asia, Anatolia, Europe, and Africa. It’s a privilege to showcase this legacy in our digital designs. We frequently use Seljuk and Ottoman motifs, along with elements from the Turkish flag. People in the UK have a deep respect for our cultural heritage, and we receive positive feedback for integrating these traditional elements. Beyond work, aspects of Turkish lifestyle—like our cuisine, music, and even medical tourism—leave a strong impression on the people here.

TB Magazine: How are AI and new technologies transforming the field of digital design and application development?

Murat Dikici: AI has been one of the most revolutionary technologies in recent years. I recently attended London Tech Week, where AI was the main focus. Although AI brings many questions and concerns—such as its impact on creativity, privacy issues, and its potential role in content production—it also offers incredible opportunities.

In our field, we use AI for digital content creation and problem-solving. It assists us in coding, streamlines workflows, and has opened up new project possibilities. I believe that in the near future, AI will become integrated into every aspect of our lives. We’re already seeing advancements in smart robotics, and it’s not far-fetched to imagine a future where AI systems manage everything from project development to security.

TB Magazine: As part of the Turkish creative community in the UK, what kind of collaborations or projects do you envision?

Murat Dikici: The UK is a multicultural hub, and its residents often collaborate across national lines. For us, acting with a strong sense of community is key. We can launch new startup projects, market them effectively, and aim to create world-class products like Netflix, Airbnb, or Spotify. Technologies like AI, robotics, and big data present huge opportunities, and I believe that by working together, we can build valuable brands and make a global impact.

I also see a strong network within the Turkish community here in the UK. I’m part of several Turkish WhatsApp groups focused on education, business, and daily life. We help each other with everything from job opportunities to sharing resources. This spirit of cooperation is vital, and I hope to see the Turkish creative community come together to create globally recognized projects.