Hello,

I’m Dave, a seasoned UX leader from Manchester, UK, with a passion for tackling complex strategic challenges, working with big data, and developing UX designers through coaching and mentorship.

I currently work at Jisc, a not-for-profit membership organisation who provide digital solutions & more for the UK education and research sector.

I occasionally take on freelance UX consultancy and coaching under Form Follows Function, however I am not currently taking on any new clients.

Experience

2019 - Present

Senior UX Specialist (2019-2022); UX Team Lead (2022 onwards) at Jisc
Not-for-profit organisation providing digital products, industry advice, and deal negotiation for the UK Higher and Further education and research sector.

2018 - 2019

UX Designer at Axon Garside
Digital marketing agency specialising in Hubspot implementation, inbound marketing, and growth-driven design.

2017 - 2018

UX Designer at Fatsoma
App-based event ticketing platform primarily focused on the student market.

2012 - 2017

UX Designer at Mickey & Mallory
Digital marketing agency specialising in developing websites and apps for clients in the UK Higher education sector.

Clients I have worked with:

Enterprise, Hilti, British Red Cross, Sodexo, University of London, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, Association of Costs Lawyers, Prospects, Winnow, & tonnes more.

Portfolio

I no longer maintain an up-to-date portfolio.

Professional interests:

Currently I’m really interested in AI in the design space, DesignOps, digital transformation (particularly around university libraries and journals), and coaching junior UX designers to reach their potential.

Education & training

Formal

MSC Interaction Design
UCLAN / 2011 / Distinction

BSC (hons) Multimedia & Web Development
University of Bolton / 2010 / First

HND Computing
Wigan & Leigh College / 2006 / Merit

ND Software Development
Wigan & Leigh College / 2004 / Merit

Courses

Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I)
Scrum.org / 2023

Leading at Jisc
The Institute of Leadership & Management / 2022

Scrum Master Certification
The Knowledge Academy / 2022

Design Thinking
Board of Innovation / 2020

Communicating With Impact
Pinnacle Performance / 2020

Personal

I’m obsessed with

Triathlon & duathlon, Hybrid training, HYROX, Spartan race, Zwift, Strava, the band Minus the Bear, & Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

I used to be obsessed with

Building guitars, judo, bass guitars, the font Helvetica Neue, & Skyrim.