About me
I’m an enthusiastic UX Designer, Agile Practitioner and Visual Communicator with experience creating websites, e-commerce platforms and mobile applications for a range of businesses.
I enjoy working on all stages of the UX process, from conducting research on user needs to designing and delivering the final digital product. I’m a team player with a strong professional background in UX/UI design, digital marketing, branding and project management.
Attributes
Balancing user needs with business requirements
In all my work, I aim to balance user needs, motivations, frustrations and expectations with the overarching project goals and business requirements. Adopting a user-centred approach, I focus on empathising with users and communicating clearly with stakeholders, managing their expectations and pushing back when required.
Working end-to-end
Both my position as Digital Communications Officer at Royal Holloway and my role as a Brand and Website Designer involve working on projects from conception to implementation. I have experience: planning and conducting user research; running workshops with users and stakeholders; analysing findings; creating visuals and prototypes; making amendments to designs in a testing cycle; and collaborating with and briefing developers.
Working with cross-functional teams
I have experience working in both small and large multi-disciplinary teams and have frequently collaborated with external agencies. I like to work closely with other team members and am able to communicate effectively with software developers. I’m confident leading workshops and delivering presentations to gain stakeholder buy-in.
Proficiency with design tools
I typically use Figma and Miro for ideation and collaboration and a variety of other tools for prototyping, depending on the circumstance and fidelity. I can prototype using pen and paper, Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, Axure and InVision and I am keen to learn new tools. As a result of my work in Digital Marketing, I have a working knowledge of several Content Management Systems, including Umbraco, Contensis, Drupal and WordPress.
Work experience
Feb 2019 – Present
Digital Communications Officer (UX Design) at Royal Holloway
My role at Royal Holloway involves conducting user research, analysing qualitative and quantitative data, designing new website sections, leading on Agile projects, training stakeholders, reporting on digital trends and creating engaging content for social media, amongst other responsibilities.
March 2018 – Present
Brand and Website Designer at Clear Design Studio
In my own time, I run a freelance brand and website design business – Clear Design Studio. This involves designing comprehensive brand identity systems and responsive websites for a wide range of clients. Previous clients have included Hoyer UK, Beacon Farm and Harbour Church.
July 2018 – Feb 2019
Marketing and Design Specialist at Ogilviedavies Ltd
At Ogilviedavies Ltd, I played a key role in the development of the subsidiary companies (a range of Hospitality and SaaS businesses). This involved conducting user research, analysing data, designing campaigns, overseeing the re-design of company websites and managing social media accounts.
Education
2020 – 2021
Professional Diploma in UX Design
UX Design Institute (credit-rated by Glasgow Caledonian University)
2015 – 2018
First-Class Honours Degree in Geography BA
Royal Holloway, University of London
2013-2015
A-Levels in Graphic Design, Geography and Biology
Barton Peveril Sixth-Form College (A*, A, B)
Testimonials
James Dodd, Head of Digital at Royal Holloway
“Stephen regularly demonstrates not just an attention to detail, but an ability to grasp complex sets of ideas and data, as well as the vision to see how things might be fixed or improved. I very much trust Stephen with complex tasks and know he will see each project through to completion.”
Matt Shardlow, Director at Beacon Farm
“Stephen re-designed the website for our business and we found him amazing to deal with. He provided constant updates, great technical knowledge and great communication along the way. We are very glad we chose to work with him.”
Personal values
Improvement
Nothing is ever perfect and nothing is ever done. I believe there is always room to grow and improve in all aspects of life.
Encouragement
Working in collaborative teams is an invigorating part of my working life. I enjoy encouraging and building others up.
Sustainability
I’m keen to be sustainable in my approach to projects at work as well as my professional relationships and environmental outlook.