about me
about me
about me
I'm a senior product designer and user researcher who creates award-winning, user-focused solutions. For over 15 years, I’ve shaped inclusive digital products that balance creativity, evidence and impact.
I’ve worked with purpose-led organisations across healthcare, finance, education and the charity sector, from Oxfam and the BBC to Nationwide and Aardman. Along the way, I’ve helped teams improve accessibility, embed user research and deliver services that genuinely work for the people who rely on them.
I care about thoughtful design that makes a difference. Whether I’m shaping strategy or prototyping with users, I aim to bring clarity, empathy and a sense of what’s possible.
SKills
Short intro to skills here, about one paragraph, two-lines. You know, like nunchuck skills, bo hunting skills, computer hacking skills
SKills
Short intro to skills here, about one paragraph, two-lines. You know, like nunchuck skills, bo hunting skills, computer hacking skills
Design
Accessibility & inclusivity
Design systems
End-to-end UX & UI design
Figma, Sketch, Creative Suite
Heuristic evaluations
Job-to-be-done & user Stories
Mobile & web design
Prototyping & wireframing
Synthesising insights
User research
Visual design
Process
Agile development
Data-driven decision making
Design consultancy
Design leadership
Design sprints & hackdays
Design strategy
Distributed team collaboration
Facilitation
Fostering learning culture
Mentoring
Stakeholder management
Awards
Awards
Awards
BAFTA x3
The Secret Show – Website
Tate Movie Project – Educational resource
Mapping Our World – Educational Resource
BIMA award
Tate Movie Project – Website
TIGA nomination
Music inc – Game
Educational resources award
Nessy – Educational resource
BAFTA x3
The Secret Show – Website
Tate Movie Project – Educational resource
Mapping Our World – Educational Resource
BIMA award
Tate Movie Project – Website
TIGA nomination
Music inc – Game
Educational resources award
Nessy – Educational resource
BAFTA x3
The Secret Show – Website
Tate Movie Project – Educational resource
Mapping Our World – Educational Resource
BIMA award
Tate Movie Project – Website
TIGA nomination
Music inc – Game
Educational resources award
Nessy – Educational resource
What people say
What people say
What people say
I've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience Director
I've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience Director
I've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience DirectorI've had the pleasure of working closely with Dave on several projects, and I can confidently say he is an outstanding member of the team. He brings a high level of creativity and a keen eye for detail to every task he undertakes. His collaborative spirit makes him invaluable, always willing to share ideas and support others in achieving project goals.
Rachel Babbidge
Manager – Brain in HandI used to be embarrassed of our product and wouldn't show it to people, now I am proud of it and show it to anyone who will look! I love the way you advocate for the end user and I hope you see that in your legacy.
Dr Louise Morpeth
CEO – Brain in HandDave has just completed a project for us at Proctors and all of the team have been hugely impressed by his range of skills, his attention to detail and quality, and his capacity to work out what’s needed to get the job done. And he’s a nice bloke too. We’ll definitely be working with Dave in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Toni Bailey
AD – Proctor & Stevenson
Dave was hired as the first Product Designer in the team, he has helped to guide the business with design thinking and user involvement. He has pushed for much more inclusive design practices focussed on involving our users as we invested in the product. Dave helped make the Product Team a supportive, ambitious and fun place to work.
Matthew Arnold
User Experience Director
Design Expertise
Design Expertise
User research
User research is central to my design process, enabling informed and user-centric decisions. Over the past decade, I have conducted user tests and interviews across all my projects. Uncovering valuable insights into user needs, behaviours, and pain points.
I also leverage a broad range of secondary research methods to gather and synthesise actionable data. These include competitor analysis, heuristic evaluations, analytics, surveys, unmoderated tests, and market research.
User experience design
I bring extensive experience designing intuitive interfaces for web and mobile apps, ensuring user-centric design stays at the core of every project. My expertise includes creating wireflows, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes, while translating insights from user research into impactful designs through journey mapping, personas, and other UX methodologies.
Balancing user research, UX rigour, business priorities, and visual flair with attention to detail, I deliver products that are impactful and beautiful.
Accessibility & inclusivity
I am passionate about ensuring all users, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges, have a seamless experience with the products I design. Accessibility is a core principle in my work, and I consistently strive to meet or surpass AA WCAG requirements.
Beyond adhering to standards, I actively promote accessibility audits and integrate accessibility into acceptance testing, ensuring inclusivity is embedded throughout development. I have experience in using the BBC GEL and BBC Accessibility for Products guidelines.
Collaboration & facilitation
I thrive in agile frameworks, working seamlessly with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outcomes. By leading design sprints and facilitating hack days, I have accelerated development cycles, enabling teams to deliver faster, more impactful solutions.
I positively contribute to open cultures where learning from failure is embraced. My ability to tell compelling UX stories builds trust and alignment with stakeholders, ensuring shared goals and user-centric results.
Leadership
Supporting others to grow and succeed is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I’ve guided designers, led client-facing projects, and shaped open-ended briefs into user-centric products.
I strive to create environments where learning from failure is part of the process, helping to unlock innovation and strengthen team collaboration. My proactive and collaborative approach ensures that design and delivery processes run smoothly, benefitting both individuals and projects alike.
Education
My work as a graphic design lecturer allowed me to mentor and inspire students, preparing them for professional challenges. I led tutorials, workshops, and group critiques, while guiding final-year students in developing their course submissions.
Beyond teaching design principles, I contributed to the professional practice module over six years, helping students build confidence and skills for their careers. Through a mix of practical activities, talks, and assessments, I encouraged creativity and supported students in achieving their goals.
© David Gillett 2025
© David Gillett 2025
© David Gillett 2025