Designer, Manager & Educator
I'm a passionate designer focused on mentoring junior designers, increasing UX maturity, and collaborating with teams to create user-centred solutions.
I'm a designer at heart. After studying Graphic Design at Brighton University, I started my design career in UI Design, developing a passion for crafting beautiful interfaces (using Photoshop - how did we cope?!).
But I wanted to dig deeper—to understand how designs actually perform, how people interact with them, and whether they truly deliver. That curiosity drove me to dive into UX design, learning how research can shape more meaningful experiences and applying it to every project I could.
Since returning home to Cornwall, I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow—both as a designer and a manager. From working as a "team of one" to leading small teams, I’ve had the chance to work on a diverse range of projects that have helped me refine my skills and expand my perspective on UX.
I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring junior designers and tutoring UX at Falmouth University. Supporting others in their growth has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced my love for what I do.
Education
Usability and User Experience – Foundation Level (CPUX-F), Bunnyfoot, November 2020
B.A. in Graphic Design, Brighton University, UK, 2007-2010
HE Foundation Degree - Art & Design, Truro College, Cornwall, UK, 2006-2007
BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design, Truro College, Cornwall, UK, 2004-2006
10 GCSE’s A*-C (Art & Design (A*) & Graphic Design (A*)), Penrice Secondary School, 1999-2004
Experience
Senior UX Manager, Seasalt Cornwall, Cornwall, UK, Nov' 2019 — Present
As Senior UX Manager, I lead a team to craft exceptional, customer-focused digital experiences by driving strategies from discovery to implementation. I collaborate closely with stakeholders and team members to deeply understand customer needs through research and data, identifying opportunities to enhance performance and usability. Using these insights, I design and implement innovative, data-driven solutions that optimize the user journey.
Online Tutor (MA User Experience Design), Falmouth University, Cornwall, UK, Sept' 2021 — Aug' 2023
As an Online Tutor for three modules (UX Design, UX Research and Co-Creative Development), I guided Masters-level students through their learning activities and assignments, delivered formative feedback and facilitated weekly webinars. I also developed and delivered two short courses in UX and UI Design for small businesses.
Website Manager, ShelterBox, Cornwall, UK, Nov’ 2017 – Oct’ 2019
At ShelterBox, a disaster relief charity, I managed the website to create engaging experiences for supporters and drive fundraising and brand awareness initiatives. I leveraged research and data to develop innovative solutions that enhanced the digital experience and optimised website performance for supporters.
Lead Designer, The Student Room Group, Brighton UK, Aug' 2011 - Nov' 2017
As Lead Designer at The Student Room Group, a student forum with 2 million members, I was responsible for the design delivery across various brands to enhance user experience, boost engagement, and attract new members. In my first four years I advanced from a junior to a senior designer role, managing a junior designer during the last two years.
Freelance Designer, June 2015 – Present
I have collaborated with various small businesses to address their design and UX needs, delivering a range of solutions from logo creation to full website, page, and app designs. My work spans multiple sectors, including travel, property management, finance, and marketing.
Achievements
Webinar: UX Masterclass: How to get a job in UX
I hosted a webinar titled "UX Masterclass: How to Get a Job in UX," where I guided potential and current students at Falmouth University on navigating the path to a career in UX. Additionally, I delivered the same session to young people enrolled in the "Get into UX Design" course with WYK Digital, offering practical insights into breaking into the UX field.
Talk: A/B Testing and Search CRO – A Lesson from Seasalt Cornwall
In my talk at Discovered London by Klevu, alongside one of my colleagues, I shared how we leveraged A/B testing at Seasalt to enhance the search user experience and boost website conversion rates. It was a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase the impactful work we're doing at Seasalt but also to refine and enhance my presentation and public speaking skills.
Article: The 6 key UX design principles to follow
I wrote an article for Falmouth University highlighting six key UX design principles for creating impactful, user-centred experiences.
Award: Chief Collaborator
I won the Chief Collaborator Award at Seasalt Cornwall, which recognised my consistently effective sharing of knowledge and skills across all areas of the business. I was nominated by peers and selected by the company board.
Skills
Design
I transform ideas into intuitive, pixel-perfect, interactive digital experiences. From concept to prototype, I design visually appealing, seamless, and user-friendly interactions. I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the designs meet business goals, solve user problems, and deliver measurable results.
Research & Testing
I gather valuable insights to understand user needs and validate design decisions. By conducting user interviews, usability tests, and A/B testing, I ensure that each design is grounded in real-world data, helping to create products that align with user expectations and deliver measurable results.
Management
With a passion for leadership, I’ve grown and managed design teams, fostering a collaborative and growth-focused environment. I focus on creating a culture of open communication, where ideas are shared, and innovation thrives.
Mentorship
I’m passionate about helping junior designers develop their skills, build confidence, and navigate their careers. Whether through one-on-one guidance, collaborative feedback sessions, or sharing real-world insights, I focus on fostering growth and empowering the next generation of designers.