World Quantum Day Spotlight - Josh Totte

First in our World Quantum Day Spotlight Series is Josh Totte, our Visual Design Lead hailing from Palo Alto, CA.

Q: What was your introduction to quantum computing?

A: I heard of quantum computing here and there through other classmates in undergrad. I started researching and learning more over time, and became really interested in the field.

Q: What excites you most about the potential of quantum computing?

A: I am looking forward to seeing the impact quantum computing can have on sustainability in different use case areas, like energy storage and material discovery. The unknowns are equally as exciting too—all of the applications of quantum we haven’t discovered yet.

Q: What is the project within IBM Quantum that you’re most proud to have worked on?

A: Evolving our IBM Quantum Brand System over the course of 2023. Everything from visualizing quantum phenomena and rendering hardware to the ways we could flex the IBM Design Language to fit the specificity and singularity of quantum as a concept and new frontier. It is such a dynamic, forward-looking system in my opinion, and I’m super proud of all the work the entire team put into it. Unveiling it at the start of 2024 was extremely special.

Q: What is the importance of Design to quantum computing to you?

A: I think it’s a unique challenge to make something as complex as quantum computing feel accessible to everyone. Everything from designing the hardware to be refined and contemporary to designing the tools surrounding quantum—there’s a balance in making sure we capture the awe of quantum computing’s potential, while not making it feel too out-of-reach.

Q: Can you share any advice for folks looking to explore a career in quantum computing?

A: Don’t be discouraged by what you don’t know—there’s still a lot about quantum computing I am learning every day, and I am happy for that. I think it’s natural to think you need to be a subject matter expert before you can work on something, but I don’t think that’s true. A lot of the enjoyment in the process is learning along the way.