Jo Williamson
A passionate digital product designer dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that make a difference.
I excel at translating complex concepts into intuitive designs that enhance user satisfaction and drive business success. Proven leadership ability, frequently leading design on cross-functional teams and guiding junior designers. I am known for my strong communication skills, bridging the gap between design and development as a Design Representative on hedgehog lab’s internal Engineering Council.
Experience
Day Job Studios
Director + Product Designer October 2023 → Present
Contracting through my company Day Job Studios, I help organisations with all things design, UX and problem solving
BMJ Best Practice
Designer November 2023 → Present
Helping the Best Practice team deliver outstanding UX and Product Thinking to thousands of Healthcare Professionals globally
hedgehog lab
As a Digital Product Designer at hedgehog lab, I strategise and refine digital products, taking pride in crafting experiences that resonate with users. I also collaborate with teams and initiatives to improve workflow and the business environment.
Designer July 2022 → October 2023
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Led design on cross-functional teams, engaging with stakeholders and clients
Served as a design representative on the Engineering Council
Design representative on Engineering Council
Mentoring students and juniors
‘DEI Cheerleader’ working on improving DEI initiatives in the company
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Recognised twice as Employee of the Month
Contributed to the design of Dodl by AJ Bell, which was nominated for Banking Tech Awards 2022 and Prolific North Tech Awards 2022 and honoured at the Webby Awards 2023
Delivered a successful MVP which led to securing Phase 2 work and other connected projects
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ISF, Daiser, Aviva, Dodl by AJ Bell,
Freelance
I take on small amounts of freelance work each year to provide variety and different challenges. I work with creatives and small businesses around the North East and Scotland on a wide range of jobs
Designer July 2016 → Present
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Delivered a 1000 item component library for a local HR firm for their social media marketing
Creation of web assets for a product matching company
Branding and web designs for small businesses in Scotland including a knitting school, small bakery and a ceramist.
The Bang
At The Bang, I delivered a broad range of design solutions, including creating responsive designs and intricate design systems. My work allowed me to foster close collaborations with product owners and developers to align design with business objectives.
Designer March 2022 → June 2022
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Designed a fully responsive website and design system for Strikepay
Collaborated with product owners and developers at Mojo Mortgages and Zoopla
Developed new features for an ex-pat mortgage service in Dubai
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Instrumental in launching CrowdCubes' first sports betting campaign
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Strikepay, Zoopla, Mojo Mortgages
hedgehog lab
Designer March 2021 → March 2022
Junior Designer November 2020 → March 2021
During my first stint at the lab, I engaged in a variety of design projects that helped me hone my UX and UI skills. I also seized opportunities to lead app design initiatives and contribute to mentoring students.
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Led the UX and UI design of a native app and design system for Cheesegeek
Conducted a UX audit for a Deliveroo-style company in UAE
Transitioned a mothballed healthcare app to iOS 14 for relaunch
Researched and designed for greenfield security web app MVP
Mentored students
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Cheesegeek featured on BBC 1’s Dragon’s Den & receiving investment from Steven Bartlett
Cheesegeek: Shortlisted, Creativepool 2022 “Application” category
Secured a £60k support contract by using downtime to update a client’s design system
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Cheesegeek, ISF, Natacha Oceane
Nettl of Stirling
Summer job designing websites and collateral for local businesses across Central Scotland
Junior Designer June 2019 → September 2019
Education
Northumbria University
2017 → 2020
Interaction Design BA (Hons) First Class
Edinburgh College
2015 → 2017
Interactive Design (HND) A
Skills
Product Design Strategy
UI Design
UX Design
Prototyping
Stakeholder Engagement
Presenting
Verbal Communication
Leadership
Creativity
Software
Figma
Illustrator
InDesign
Photoshop
Adobe XD
Sketch
Jira
Notion
Awards and Nominations
Webby Awards 2023 (Honouree)
Creative Pool 2022 (Shortlist)
Thoughts
Talks
Design Talks 2023
“Reframing Embarrassment”
HHL Internal talk (2022)
“Finding purpose in corporate design land”
References
I can confidently say Jo is one of the most enthusiastic and talented designers I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. Jo brings energy and passion to her work, and can help bring a customers vision to life, providing expertise and creative suggestions.
In every project Jo worked on at HHL the client was very impressed with Jo’s work, and she was often requested specifically by clients she had worked with in the past. She works excellently in a team, supporting product and tech in delivering products people love, in a timely and professional way. Any business and team would be lucky to have Jo, and I hope I have the pleasure of working with her in the future
Billie Mortimer
Head of Delivery - hedgeghog lab
I have had the privilege of working closely with Jo Williamson, and I can wholeheartedly endorse her as an outstanding designer. With several years of experience working with major brands, Jo brings a unique blend of skills to the table, including Product Design Strategy, UI/UX Design, and Prototyping.
What truly sets Jo apart is her exceptional design and presentation skills, which shine when engaging with clients and senior leadership teams. Her ability to convey complex design concepts with clarity and impact is truly commendable.
Jo is not just a talented designer but also a dependable and trustworthy team member. She possesses that invaluable 'can-do' attitude that makes her a go-to resource when tackling challenging projects. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to delivering exceptional results make her an asset to any team.
I have no doubt that Jo will continue to excel in her career and make significant contributions to any organisation fortunate enough to have her on board.
Dean Rimmington
Senior Designer- hedgeghog lab