I’m a creative thinker with a pragmatic disposition who enjoys managing and mentoring creatives. I take a considered, holistic approach to interaction design.
User centered design is my passion and I’m looking for roles that will enable me to get my teeth into all aspects of the ideation process. I love taking ideas from conception right through to release.
I have extensive experience of creating new, potentially disruptive alternatives to traditional functions. I thrive on climbing inside the minds of users and creating intuitive but captivating environments.
PHIL FRANKLIN
Company Director of exeva
[email protected]
+44 (0) 7974 244 523
STEVE HAZELTON
Former CEO of Newton Software
[email protected]
Over the past few years I’ve spent a little chunk of my spare time creating a couple of apps:
PEACOCK
Peacock is an online dating concept based on breaking down social barriers by forging connections between users in the same room as each other.
SUMTIMES CHALLENGE
Sumtimes is a math-based game aimed at 18 to 30-year-olds.
When I’ve not got my head buried in work,
I enjoy:
Jun 2016
to Present
While heading up the Product Design team at Newton Software – producers of an industry-leading applicant tracking system – I have honed my craft. Managing a team of Product Designers, I’m responsible for the interaction design of all new features and updates, overseeing every stage of the development process – from initial conception right through to release.
As the UX architect of the product, Newton’s CEO granted me full autonomy to re-craft the platform. To provide a foundation for this process I implemented a versatile but resilient design system with an online styleguide and component library, bringing designers and developers together with a common vision. This design system has formed the basis of significant enhancements throughout the platform.
To enhance the effectiveness of the Product Design team, I have brought in several new processes including regular user research sessions, enhanced handover methods and design-centric UAT sessions.
In my time with Newton I have created a scalable creative culture, with the organization now focused on user-centered design. Through the mentoring of members of my team and education of the wider organization, I have given the Product Design function a strong voice with close cross-departmental collaboration and exposure to stakeholders at every level of the company.
April 2014 to
December 2015
I was a founding member of exeva – a company formed with the aim of producing a software solution to revolutionize standard business processes. After conducting research into the fields of applicant tracking and HR software, we identified a gap in the market for a comprehensive business management platform aimed at small to medium companies.
Building on our research, I took the lead in the ideation stage, producing streamlined process flows to replace existing resource-hungry procedures. I took these concepts through an iterative process, starting with simple wireframes and discussions with the Product Management team. I then constructed high-fidelity mockups using Invision, to enable the team to interact with the designs.
To manage the UI of what would be an extensive SaaS platform, I developed a strong set of guidelines with the aim of imparting the solidity of locally installed software, combined with the flexibility of a responsive website.
November 2009
to April 2014
In my second position at epyx I took ownership of interaction design for the company’s industry-leading portfolio of e-commerce platforms. Working with senior management, Product Managers, Developers and users, I was heavily involved in the ideation of many new products and features. Working with data gathered from existing users and members of targeted demographics, I was instrumental in all definition, research and analysis stages and wholly responsible for the execution of the final design.
By leveraging new technologies and design techniques, with an emphasis on improving usability, I spearheaded a complete UX overhaul of the company’s entire product range, which hadn’t been updated since its initial launch a decade before. Alongside this extensive update, I also orchestrated the creation of mobile app versions of several existing web-based platforms.
Through management of a team of creatives, I was able to monitor and align the company’s creative output to ensure a consistency across multiple channels.
My focus on architecting logical and engaging UX designs resulted in many efficient online alternatives to traditionally complex processes and was instrumental in epyx’s industry domination, rapid revenue growth and subsequent acquisition by Fleetcor Inc.
June 2009 to
November 2009
(6 Month Contract)
I overhauled a neglected and aging brand by successfully developing a fresh voice for the company with the aim of attracting new, younger clients whilst still maintaining a strong appeal to the company’s existing customers.
June 2008
to June 2009
I took on the lead design role for this small but hugely successful design agency, working on a range of large-scale graphic design projects for the NHS, Ministry of Defence, and several government departments.
November 2007
to June 2008
As a senior member of staff responsible for a team of creatives, I pioneered the re-invention of literature aimed at the residents of Nakheel’s luxury developments by implementing a range of engaging and effective publications.
November 2003
to November 2007
In my first full-time creative role, I was responsible for all marketing collateral, brand creation and the design of assets for the company’s range of software platforms.
1998
Based in the Leisure and Lifestyle department, I spent two months working in the role of Production Assistant providing research and administrative support to a number of television programs that were in production at the time.
1999
I moved to New Jersey to spend three months teaching arts and craft skills to children between five and 12 years old.
2001 – 2003
1997 to 1999
I’m a Product Designer from the UK with 12+ years experience. I’m based in San Francisco and looking for work all over California.