As Director of User Experience & Design at News UK, I established a clear vision for user experience across brands like The Times, The Sun, Virgin Radio, and talkSPORT. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, I led a diverse team of over 35 professionals, including department heads, researchers, product designers, UX designers, and visual designers. I worked closely with editorial and business units to create cohesive, user-driven digital experiences. Through strategic product design and a focus on collaboration, we transformed how News UK’s brands connect with audiences, balancing business goals with a commitment to user-centred design.
Cohesive and Agile Team
Over my tenure, I recruited and developed a strong design team, setting up frameworks for career growth and structured management that allowed each person to contribute their strengths. I fostered cross-functional collaboration, establishing a culture that celebrated innovation and adaptability. By championing empathy and customer needs, we strengthened team morale and overall impact, positioning UX and Design as an influential part of the organisation.
Design System
I advocated for a unified, brand-agnostic design system that provided a solid foundation for research and discovery across News UK. This adaptable system brought alignment between design and development, streamlining processes across departments. This framework allowed us to swiftly test and launch new ideas while ensuring a consistent user experience across News UK’s brands.
Design Thinking
I implemented Design Thinking training across News UK’s Technology department to encourage empathy-led innovation. By framing challenges within the context of user needs, we created a culture where ideas were approached from a human-centred perspective. Rapid prototyping techniques allowed us to test and iterate on ideas quickly, whether within an hour, a day, or a week, empowering teams to explore and validate concepts without delay.
Leading Product Innovation
Our proactive approach led to several innovative initiatives, including a pioneering sports app, a loyalty scheme, and new holiday propositions. These projects highlighted News UK’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries and demonstrated our team’s ability to deliver meaningful, user-centric outcomes.
