You’re not completely convinced by the current direction
An independent perspective can highlight risks before important decisions are made.
Second Opinion Review
Independent review of your website, product, designs or UX strategy when you need experienced advice before making an important decision.
Fixed Price
£2,495 + VATor PAYG
Designed for
- One product, service or strategic decision
- Existing research, designs or documentation
- Independent expert review
- Senior UX, research and product advice
- Two-week engagement
Need something different? Larger or more complex projects are usually better suited to a bespoke engagement.
How do I know if my project is the right fit? ↓What a second opinion review actually is
Sometimes confidence is the most valuable deliverable.
A Second Opinion Review gives you an independent, experienced perspective before making an important product, design or UX decision.
Whether you’re reviewing an existing product, preparing for a redesign, evaluating research or questioning the direction of a project, the review pressure-tests the decision and provides objective feedback based on user-centred design principles and practical delivery experience.
The goal isn’t to replace your team’s expertise. It’s to provide reassurance, challenge assumptions and help you move forward with greater confidence.
Common problems
Stakeholders have different opinions
Objective feedback helps teams align around evidence rather than assumptions.
A significant investment is about to be made
Validate the direction before committing more time, budget or resources.
You simply want reassurance
Sometimes an experienced second opinion is enough to confirm you’re on the right track.
Why work with me
Sometimes confidence is the most valuable deliverable.
Sometimes the most valuable thing an experienced consultant can do isn’t redesign a product or run another piece of research.
It’s to ask the questions nobody else is asking.
A second opinion provides independent, objective feedback based on experience gained across hundreds of digital products, services and delivery teams. Rather than becoming part of the project, I step back, assess the situation and help you understand whether you’re solving the right problem in the right way.
The result is greater confidence, clearer thinking and better-informed decisions before significant investment takes place.
Is this right for you?
- 01
You need reassurance before deciding
You want experienced feedback before making an important decision.
- 02
You’re not sure the direction is right
You’d like reassurance that your current direction is the right one.
- 03
Everyone’s opinion is different
You need an objective voice to help move conversations forward.
- 04
A wrong decision would be expensive
Identify potential issues before they become expensive problems.
What you’ll receive
Kick-off session
A discussion to understand your product, challenges and the decisions you’re trying to make.
Independent review
Objective assessment of your product, designs, research or strategy.
Prioritised observations
Practical feedback highlighting strengths, risks and opportunities.
Recommendations
Clear advice explaining what I’d change, what I’d keep and why.
Playback session
A collaborative discussion of the findings with time for questions.
Written summary
A concise document capturing recommendations and suggested next steps.
What’s not included
- User research
- Product redesign
- Visual design production
- Development support
- Ongoing consultancy
Example deliverables
01
Second Opinion report
An independent assessment of your product, designs or strategy.
02
Prioritised recommendations
Practical advice explaining where improvements should be focused.
03
Executive summary
A concise overview for stakeholders and decision makers.
04
Prioritised action plan
A prioritised list of suggested next steps.
Typical timeline
Week 1
Kick-off and review
Review the existing work, supporting evidence and project context.
Week 2
Playback and recommendations
Present findings, answer questions and discuss next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of projects is this designed for?
Every Second Opinion Review is designed to help you make important product, UX or research decisions with greater confidence. Typical examples include: • A product or service about to enter development. • Existing UX work that would benefit from an independent review. • A strategic product decision with differing stakeholder opinions. • Research findings that need challenging or validating. • A leadership team looking for an experienced external perspective. Larger or more complex projects are usually better suited to a bespoke engagement.
When should I ask for a second opinion?
The best time is before making an important product, UX or research decision where an independent perspective could reduce risk or improve confidence.
Can you review work completed by another agency?
Yes. The review is completely independent and focuses on helping your organisation make better decisions, regardless of who produced the original work.
Will you simply confirm what we’ve already decided?
Not necessarily. If I believe another approach would better support your users or business goals, I’ll explain why and provide practical recommendations based on the evidence available.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Manchester, UK and work with organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. Most projects are delivered remotely, although I’m happy to travel for workshops, stakeholder sessions and key project milestones where required.
Do you work remotely?
Yes. Most projects are delivered remotely using Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Zoom. Working remotely allows me to support organisations across the UK and internationally while remaining flexible and cost-effective.
Will I work directly with you?
Yes. Every project is delivered by me. If additional specialist support is ever needed, I’ll discuss it with you first, but you’ll always work directly with me throughout the project.
Can you work alongside our existing team?
Absolutely. Many clients already have designers, researchers, developers or product managers in place. I can provide additional capacity, independent advice or senior support without disrupting the way your team already works.
Do you only work with large organisations?
No. I’ve worked with startups, SMEs, agencies, charities, public sector organisations and global enterprises. Every engagement is tailored to the size, complexity and goals of the organisation.
What if my project doesn’t fit one of your fixed engagements?
The fixed engagements are designed around the most common types of engagement. If your project requires something different, I’ll create a bespoke proposal based on your goals, timescales and scope.
How quickly can you start?
Availability varies throughout the year, but many fixed engagements can begin within one to two weeks. If you have an urgent requirement, let me know and I’ll always do my best to accommodate it.
Do you sign NDAs and work with confidential information?
Yes. Much of my work has involved commercially sensitive products, government services and confidential research. I’m happy to sign NDAs and regularly work with organisations where confidentiality is essential.
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Ready to improve your product?
UX, research and product leadership for teams tackling complex digital services.
Previous feedback
I had a fantastic experience working with Andy. One of his most impressive achievements during our time at NHS HEE was masterminding a deeply complex information architecture for a new platform that brought together a large number of legacy websites.
Will Parkhouse
Senior Content Designer
If you’d value an experienced, independent perspective before making an important product or design decision, let’s discuss whether a Second Opinion Review is the right place to start.