Hello, folks!
Welcome to my home on the internet where I've been writing since 2006, sharing my journey as a chief design officer and passionate design leader. Here, you'll find insights on user-centred design, leadership strategies and tips for building exceptional design teams.
Latest Posts
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Experiences and Journeys
Using a nature reserve analogy to explain the importance of seamless user experiences
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Managing IC's who are a similar level to yourself
Advice for managers on effectively managing individual contributors at the same level
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User-centred success measures
A guide to implementing user-centered success measures alongside traditional metrics
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The one that didn't get away
A journey from almost joining Shopify in 2015 to finally joining in 2022
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Managers and Leaders
Exploring the differences between management and leadership, and the impact of ineffective managers and leaders
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Measuring effectiveness
A framework for measuring and improving effectiveness in individuals and teams
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The first days
Reflections on starting a new role within DWP Digital
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Change and grow
Reflecting on 5 years at DWP Digital and transitioning to a new role
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The Rebuild
Personal reflections on rebuilding physical and mental health during the pandemic
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Design Debt
How to identify design debt, measure it and overcome it.
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Let's start from the beginning
A guide to people-centered management and the importance of understanding your team
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Describing things
How we can improve the way we describe and communicate about services
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Professional progression
A theory on career progression, skill levels and areas of focus
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Time
Reflections on changing perspective about time and its impact on happiness
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Good product development process
A guide to effective product development process in government digital services
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Impostor Syndrome
A comprehensive guide to understanding and overcoming impostor syndrome in the tech industry
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Proactive instead of reactive product development
Why organizations need to shift from reactive to proactive product development
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So, you want to get into Web Design?
A comprehensive guide to starting a career in web design, from industry insights to career paths
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How to ask for feedback that might be hard to hear
A guide to seeking and receiving constructive feedback for personal growth
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Creating a mentor programme
How to set up an effective mentorship program in your organization
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Geek Mental Help Week Newcastle
Organizing Newcastle's first Geek Mental Help Week event to discuss mental health in tech
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The day that Ben left
A tribute to Ben Holliday and his impact on DWP Digital
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2 years ago
Reflecting on my first two years at the Department for Work and Pensions
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Service Goals
Reflecting on service goals and outcomes for the Get your State Pension service at DWP
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What is the hardest part of running a design team?
Key insights on leading design teams effectively through communication and community building
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Complaining is nothing without action
Turn complaints into positive action and engagement
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A letter from the future
A speculative look at how technology might shape our daily lives in the future
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A stand up, retro or planning does not make you agile
Exploring the difference between doing agile ceremonies and truly being agile
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Reboot
Starting fresh after a difficult year
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Management is great leadership
Exploring the differences between management and leadership, and how to be an effective leader
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Hello you. Hello you, this is me.
A personal reflection on loss and remembrance
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Invest in Yourself
The importance of making time for personal health, learning, and growth
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Cleansing the soul with honest design
Reflecting on honest design principles and the transition to public sector work
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It's time for something new
Leaving traveljunction.com and joining GOV.uk services
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We are not all equal
Understanding the diversity of user needs and digital literacy levels
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Middle Ground
Finding the balance between over and under designing
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Design Team Ethos
Creating and implementing a design team ethos at traveljunction.com
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My 2014
A personal review of 2014, from family life to professional achievements
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How to move into a more Senior Role
Tips and insights on progressing into senior and leadership positions
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Normalised Design
Challenging conventional design constraints and encouraging creative freedom
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It's ok to not have all the answers
Dealing with uncertainty and the pressure of needing to know everything
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Designing with the future in mind
The importance of long-term planning in design decisions
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Understanding The Why
The importance of asking why and understanding context in both childhood and professional life