UX Consultant

A UX consultant helps organisations understand why users struggle with a website, application or digital product and what should happen next. That might involve reviewing an existing experience, identifying usability issues, validating design decisions or helping teams prioritise improvements before investing further in design or development. Unlike a permanent employee, a UX consultant provides independent expertise focused on solving a specific problem or supporting a particular stage of a project.

The best time is before committing significant time or budget to design or development, but it’s never too late to benefit from an independent perspective. Many organisations bring me in when a product isn’t performing as expected, a redesign has stalled, stakeholders can’t agree on what should happen next or they simply want confidence they’re solving the right problems before moving forward.

A UX designer is usually responsible for creating solutions as part of an internal team or delivery process. A UX consultant provides independent expertise, helping organisations understand problems, challenge assumptions and recommend the best way forward. Rather than becoming part of the day-to-day delivery team, a consultant focuses on providing clarity, direction and practical recommendations that support better decision making.

It depends on the question you’re trying to answer. A UX audit is an expert review that identifies usability issues, friction and opportunities for improvement based on established UX principles and experience. Usability testing involves observing real users completing tasks to understand where they struggle and why. Both approaches are valuable, but they answer different questions. If you’re unsure which is right for your situation, I’m happy to help you choose the most appropriate approach.

Yes. In fact, that’s one of the most common reasons organisations bring me in. Many usability improvements don’t require a complete redesign. Often the biggest gains come from understanding where users struggle, identifying unnecessary friction and making targeted improvements that deliver measurable results without rebuilding the entire product.

Yes, but only if poor user experience is part of the problem. Confusing navigation, unnecessary friction, unclear messaging and complicated user journeys can all reduce conversion. Improving the experience helps more people complete the actions they already intended to take, whether that’s making a purchase, submitting an enquiry or completing an application. Good UX and conversion optimisation work hand in hand.

That depends on the service you choose. Most fixed-price engagements are completed within one to two weeks and include a clearly defined scope, timeline and set of deliverables. Larger or more bespoke projects may take longer, but you’ll always know what’s included and when work will be delivered before the engagement begins.

Every engagement ends with clear, prioritised recommendations that your team can begin acting on immediately. Some organisations implement the work themselves, while others ask me to provide additional support through further reviews, user research or strategic advice. There’s no obligation to continue beyond the agreed engagement, but the option is always there if you need it.

There are times when an agency is the right choice, particularly if you need a large multidisciplinary team working across multiple workstreams. If you’re looking for senior expertise, an independent consultant offers a different way of working. You’ll work directly with the person delivering the engagement from start to finish, without account managers, handovers or layers of communication. Decisions are made faster, the work stays consistent and you benefit from experienced advice that’s focused on solving your problem rather than managing a project. For many organisations, it’s a simpler, more flexible and more cost-effective way to access senior product, UX and user research expertise.

I’m based in Manchester, UK and work with organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. Most engagements are delivered remotely, although I’m always happy to travel when a project benefits from working together in person.

Yes. Most engagements are delivered remotely using Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Zoom. Working this way keeps projects flexible, efficient and cost-effective while making it easy to support organisations wherever they’re based.

Yes. While most projects are delivered remotely, I’m happy to travel throughout the UK and internationally for workshops, stakeholder sessions, discovery activities and key project milestones where needed.

Absolutely. Most organisations I work with already have product managers, designers, researchers, developers or delivery teams in place. My role is to strengthen your existing capability by providing additional expertise, independent thinking or senior support where it’s needed most.

Yes. I’ve worked with startups, scale-ups, SMEs, agencies, charities, public sector organisations and global enterprises. Every engagement is tailored to your goals, regardless of the size of your organisation.

Yes. Much of my work involves commercially sensitive products, confidential research and government services. I’m happy to sign NDAs and regularly work with organisations where confidentiality is essential.

The fixed-price services are designed around the most common types of engagement, but every organisation is different. If you need something broader or a combination of services, I’ll put together a bespoke proposal based on your goals and the support you need.

Availability changes throughout the year, but many engagements can begin within one to two weeks. If you have a specific deadline or urgent requirement, let me know and I’ll always do my best to accommodate it.

That depends on the engagement, but I always aim to make the best use of your team’s time. Most projects start with a short kick-off session, followed by regular check-ins as findings and recommendations are shared. Before any work begins, you’ll know exactly what’s expected and when.

It starts with a conversation. We’ll discuss what you’re trying to achieve, where you’re experiencing challenges and whether one of the fixed-price services is the right fit. If not, I’ll recommend a more suitable approach based on your goals.