01 · Web product
Silhouette Web
Product design for a browser-based creative tool for Silhouette cutting machines, balancing powerful functionality with an approachable workflow for beginners and everyday users.
Read case study →Lead Product Designer · UX / UI
Software design for human creativity
I’m a product designer with 9+ years experience producing complex creative design software across desktop, web and mobile. Flexible and multidisciplinary, my work has spanned all aspects of product design – but also project management, stakeholder communications, staff management, company advocacy and public speaking.
Currently
Design Lead
Silhouette Research & Technology
Desktop · Web App · Mobile
Approach
Observe → understand → design → test
I use research, communication and empathy to get to the bottom of every issue. I ground each decisision in feeling, data and practical constraints.
Selected work
Products
A selection of long-running product work at Silhouette Software.
02 · Mobile product
Silhouette Go
A new mobile product launch. Solo UX/UI design and product ownership, taking the concept through development to an on-time release.
Read case study →03 · Desktop product
Silhouette Studio
Long-term UX and UI work on a mature desktop application, including interaction design, interface consistency, icons and product documentation.
Read case study →Case study · 01
Silhouette Web
A web product where the design challenge is to make capable tools both discoverable and comfortable to use in a browser. Creating a robust design system and specification to ensure delivery of a quality product to a tight deadline.
My role
I worked extensively with the product planning department in Japan and with the UK team to create a design brief and specification, working tightly with developers and project management to deliver an effective and achievable design. I then created a design system, component library, and detailed specification, tested it internally, and worked with developers and the team to enact and iterate upon the designs as we recieved feedback.
What I focused on
- Researching user needs and the product's niche within our existing ecosystem
- Creating UI patterns that felt both familiar to experienced users and accessible to new customers
- Balancing product requirements with the complex implementation constraints inherent to web apps, as well as applications that interface with hardware
- Proactively collaborating with developers and management to move work from idea to shipped product on a tight timeframe
- Training up a colleague from QA member to junior UX level, enabling her to rapidly make positive contributions to the design
- Collaborating with developers and management to manage the project, moving work from idea to shipped product on a tight timeframe
Web AppBrand new browser-based design, a first for the company.
Key TasksUser research, design system & components, interaction design, specification maintenance
LaunchSuccessful launch of beta at Summit 2024
Case study · 02
Silhouette Go
A mobile product launch where I first took on both Design Lead and Product Owner responsibilities, helping turn a new concept into a shipped product.
My role
I took on Design Lead responsibility for the new mobile product in 2020, then assumed Product Owner responsibilities during development.
What I focused on
- Understanding user needs, user expectations, and issues with Silhouette's previous mobile product launch in 2015.
- Balancing a clear, approachable mobile experience with the capabilities of the wider Silhouette product ecosystem.
- Took the lead on design and copy positioning the app as a complement to Silhouette Studio, not a replacement.
- Running sprint meetings and helping the team deliver the launch on time, with a positive 4* response from initial user reviews.
Mobile ApplicationBrand new mobile product with no existing design structure.
OwnershipTook Product Owner role during initial development in 2019
LaunchDelivered on time · 4* review response at launch
Case study · 03
Silhouette Studio
Long-running product design on a complex, mature desktop application. Delivering UI/UX overhauls, design improvements and regular new feature designs in time for the Silhouette Summit.
My role
I joined Silhouette Software in 2016 and moved into a full-time UX Designer role in 2017, working on Silhouette Software UI/UX features and improvements. In 2021 I became Design Lead for all Silhouette products.
What I focused on
- Continuing UI and UX design improvements across a mature desktop product.
- Exploring user personas, researching and deeply understanding existing user needs, and conducting new-user testing to reduce pain points
- Developing a design system and maintaining coherence as the product evolved over time.
- Training junior staff, sharing product knowledge, and helping establish a consistent design practice.
Flagship SoftwareResponsible for Product Design for Silhouette's flagship industry-leading desktop software: reviewing user experience, developing new features and resolving common issues.
Leading UI/UXOn this project, progressed from UI design through to full design leadership & mentoring of new staff
Product DevelopmentWorking with stakeholders to consistently push the product forward, resulting in new features and several successful redesigns
About
Designing for people
I came to UX through a natural interest in people. My life-long interest in human behaviour met the skills and talents I discovered through game design, leading me naturally to a UX role within Silhouette. I have spent the last decade deepening my skills and enthusiasm for all aspects of product design.
Today I lead design across multiple products, working from early product questions through to detailed UI, documentation and delivery. I take on Product Owner responsibilities, assist Product Managers extensively, and train new staff on products and company procedures. I have recently been able to train and manage a junior designer, which has been a delight.
I adore a challenge, work best with tight deadlines, and love to collaborate to get deep into the heart of an issue.
Work History
Design Experience
2016 — Present
Silhouette Software
Lead UI/UX Designer · Design Lead · Product Owner
Joined as a freelancer creating 3D art assets before moving into UX design, then design leadership. Work includes product design for desktop, web and mobile software; user feedback and beta management; UI, UX writing, icons and documentation; product ownership; and training junior staff.
2016 — 2017
The Plympton Hub
Coordinator
Shared responsibility for a local family support charity, including website design and maintenance, communications, promotional materials, project development and funding work.
2012 — 2016
Total Monkery
Game Artist
Created 2D, 3D and UI assets, supported project planning and presentations, contributed to successful funding bids, and supervised an apprentice artist.
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