About me in 60 seconds
User advocate and coffee lover. Not a rock star but nifty with research and user-led experiences
I have a zillion inspirational quotes I draw from in business and in life, but in the current climate where it’s easy to think about the end result rather than the process, I choose this one..."Think the design, design the thinking".
Hello, I'm James. A content creator, facilitator and designer
I observe how people use technology, understanding their motivations or challenges, recognising the social, political and environmental contexts - ultimately, improving the design so people of all abilities can benefit.
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Of course, there's so much more to me than a few fancy titles. Scroll down to get to know me...
Previously, I worked as a Programme Manager for a non-profit early intervention charity
Where I ran targeted design campaigns and facilitated workshops supporting children with behavioural issues. This approach to life and skill set led to a world of research and people-centred design, inclusion and accessibility where core skills such as adaptability, positive thinking and lived experience of disability now shape who I am as a designer today.
For over 20 years, I've worked for cause led organisations and gained deep insights into user needs and behaviour
I create a safe environment for all to talk openly about their barriers. This allows me to build trusting relationships and ensures the final product makes a difference to people, teams and business growth.
My Studies
UX Immersive, General Assembly
Aug 2021 - Nov 2021
12 week course involving solo, group and client work using Agile methodology.
Visual Design, General Assembly
Jan 2020 - May 2020
8 week course gaining the vocabulary and tools to tackle diverse design challenges and create responsive designs for the web.
MA Applied Anthropology/Community and Youth Work, Goldsmith's College
Sep 2000Â - June 2001
12 month course covering research, youth work practices and contemporary studies.
BA Fine Art, Sheffield Hallam University
Sep 1997Â - June 1999
3 year course covering painting and printmaking practices, art critiques, curating work and presentations
Previous Experience
June 2022Â - Nov 2022
Customer Experience Specialist, Atos
HMRC PODS - Events reporting (Interaction Designer)
Designed mid-fidelity mock ups and co-developed pension ‘event’ journeys using the GDS prototyping tool kit. This work ensured manual and bulk uploads for other pensions journeys were easy to navigate and met business needs.
Sep 2008Â - June 2021
Programme Manager & User Advocate,   Chance UK
Role: Trained and managed volunteer mentors working with 5-12 years old children with behavioural difficulties.
Skills: Curiosity, Empathy, Collaboration and Group Facilitation. Networking and presentation skills, the capacity to inspire and motivate others, negotiating, influencing and problem-solving skills, a flexible and non-judgemental approach to people and work.
April 2004Â - Sep 2008
Volunteer Officer, Chance UK
Role: Recruiting volunteers, running targeted campaigns to increase the number of men becoming mentors.
Skills: Visual design and communication, persuasive messaging and UX copy, user focused and personable.
Sep 2002 - March 2004
Volunteer Coordinator, From Boyhood to Manhood Foundation
Role: Lead the core mentoring and peer mentoring programmes supporting young black boys excluded from mainstream education.
Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to deal with a diverse range of people, experience of managing or coordinating projects and volunteers, empathy with volunteers and an understanding of their needs, the ability to cope with limited resources, seize opportunities and think creatively.