What people say about me
I’ve worked with people from a wide range of backgrounds and skill sets, across an even wider range of industries. Below are some of the nice things they’ve said about me*
You can also see some of my recommendations on Linkedin, some of them leave me a bit - “No you’re crying!”
Design system usability and buildability; building a UX team and culture; advising and consulting on projects
WHo: Andy - technology director
What: design system review/web redesign
“Steve is clearly very passionate about the most important element of the website – the customer experience. He brings great energy and contribution to the meetings both in person and on-line. In terms of taking the business stakeholders on the journey with us, Steve’s role is going to be key. I’m looking forward to him bringing the guest journey to life”
WHo: Jags - head of digital & e-commerce
What: design system review/web redesign
“Steve has been great to work with throughout the process so far. A great personality with valuable insight and knowledge that has helped us firm up certain areas of our experience and design. I’m looking forward to continuing working with him.”
WHo: Dave - head of business analysis
What: design system review/web redesign
“Steve has been great to work with through the discovery process. His knowledge and passion for what he does is evident and he provided valuable insight and challenge throughout. We are all looking forward to working with Steve as we move ahead”
Leading the CX, UX and UI of a variety of products and campaigns, from award winning Xmas experiences, to strategic email marketing, to customer value playback products
WHo: Alex - client services
What: Xmas campaigns
“Collaboration - Steve is very collaborative and has worked well with our design team as well as third party agencies – leading conversations in both instances and ensuring we work together to get the best out of a job.”
“A lovely bloke and a pleasure to work with! “
WHo: Julie - head of copy
What: cross sell email marketing
“Makes everyone feel included and relaxed in his workshop sessions. There’s no pressure on anyone and yet he manages to tease some interesting insights out of everyone.”
WHo: tristan - visual design lead
What: customer value playback (‘best bits’)
“Steve has a brilliant mind, and it’s often supported with plenty of rationale, which is useful for all those involved in his projects.”
Redesign, replatform and merging of two leading b2b saas of the health, safety and environment legal compliance services
WHo: Vic - Programme manager
What: redesign, content merge and cms migration
“It was a pleasure to work with Steve on the 4-week discovery project, with the positive feedback being unanimous across the team. Steve's relaxed approach made the stakeholders feel very comfortable, resulting in high engagement and open interaction, particularly in the workshops. We were also impressed with Steve's clear understanding and identification of the challenges that we face, and the introduction as to what could be achieved in the future.”
Redesign and replatform of a leading b2b2c employee benefits service
WHo: rupa - UX designer
What: redesign and cms migration
“Your abundance of knowledge and experience in all things UX is astonishing. However, what makes you an inspiring leader of experience design is your ability to welcome new ideas and possibilities. There is no sense of hierarchy within the XD group.”
“You certainly cultivate curiosity by helping me and others find their voice/exploring new things. Supporting each other is a group effort but you do seem to be the glue with the regular meetings and sharing of the UX-y things you come across on your own journey.“
WHo: Alex - User researcher
What: redesign and cms migration
“He is extremely knowledgeable, able to cut through complexity, break complex down concepts into their component parts and deliver the key points to his audience with an impressive level of ease.”
“A massive team player even though he is the XDG principal. He will get into the trenches with you if needs be”
“I find that Steve operates an 'Open door' policy and is generous with his time regardless of how busy he is. He'll always champion people's work and lift them up, praising and basically cheerleading his teams, which is incredible.”
WHo: Jana - tech principal
What: redesign and cms migration
“I have found it really easy to work with you and bounce ideas off with you, for example when we were exploring the modular themeable nature of the home page. I have appreciated that we were able to really collaborate on these key decisions.”
“You have an impressive understanding and knowledge of various types of user research, testing, and all aspects of design, coupled with ability to explain them quickly to non-designers… And you make me laugh a lot””
WHo: Kenny - tech principal
What: redesign and cms migration
“(good at…) Leading a team of UX / designers to deliver to requirements following feedback from client, user reviews, etc”
“(good at…) Creating a professional, fun and relaxed atmosphere in the office, in meetings, presentations, etc”
WHo: Chris - delivery and ba manager
What: redesign and cms migration
“Steve's energy is infectious, and he was a great part of our team. A bit cooky in a very good way. Passion for UX with a solid approach and process. Meticulous on the end-to-end process with data driven decisions on the user centred design - with this was able to answer questions from the business on why he was going in a certain direction.
Ability to communicate theory and direction to those not in the know and clarifies the why very well. Both to those in the detail and director level.”
Internal feedback from peers at a leading tech consultancy
WHo: Zoe - Club exec (managing director)
What: regular feedback
“Your passion and knowledge for all things UX is clear from the engagements you've worked on.”
“Good rapport with the UXers in Gladys - understanding of their skills, their strengths etc and from what I can see you're working with their line managers to support their career development”
WHo: Saskia - service delivery manager
What: regular feedback
“Steve's team feel protected and supported. Even though he is not their line manager, they feel he has their best interest at the top of his mind, he represents them to the clients on their behalf, and he is a competent leader.”
“Steve is extremely passionate about UX and CX. He has set up the Design Guild at Gladys, he advocates for the customer's point of view at all times, and he shares his passion openly and enthusiastically. It inspires others to also think about CX and UX and ensures a holistic approach to our work. He brings that passion to clients also, which enthuses them too.”
WHo: MATT - product principal
What: regular feedback
“XD Guild - Steve has done a fantastic job with setting up and maintaining great momentum with the XD guild. The community that has been built is extremely solid with productive meet ups and more recently UX clinics. There is a clear view of the design capability in the club which the Guild has a part to play in. Again, a welcoming & open approach!”