Designing rich experiences
rooted in research
with real people
Elena Gorman
User Researcher & UX Designer
With an academic background, my design practice is naturally rooted in research. I spark new possibilities by bringing together method and analysis with creative flair and passion.
The deeper the roots,
the taller the tree.
Dig deep, grow tall
As the saying goes, “The deeper the roots, the taller the tree”. If you want to grow, first you must dig deep. My approach to UX is rooted in research. I help you understand your users so that your organisation can blossom.
Put people first
In the age of AI, we can forget what makes us unique: our humanity. I work with people. I question, listen, and watch. I find out what really matters to them. Then I design ways to make things better. Simple but not easy!
Craft our future
We can all craft the future. But which futures do we want to create? I’m fuelled by the vision of a better future for us all, designed by us all, together. Building an inclusive future has never been more urgent and important.
Work
Designing in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Rapid discovery to inform strategic investment in technology for growth
Client: Ringtons
Working at pace to identify and prioritise opportunities for Ringtons to enhance their flagship doorstep delivery service, and to enable strategic decision-making for technology investment to catalyse innovation and growth.
Designing a new public service to make Britain’s roads safer
Employer: UK Government (DVSA)
Research and design of a new online service for members of the public to report fraudulent activity and serious concerns more easily, safely, and securely, and to make the DVSA’s process of investigating concerns more efficient.
Identifying opportunities to improve a nation-wide archives platform
Employer: Jisc
Rapid research to evaluate current user experience and discover new opportunities for a national archive platform, as part of a free service used by archivists and researchers around the world.
Improving user experience and operational efficiency with app design
Client: Ringtons
Carrying out research to inform the re-design of a mobile sales app to improve efficiency, employee experience, and customer experience.
Raising awareness of women’s safety when exercising outdoors in the dark
Project: 30 UX Challenge
Designing an awareness-raising campaign centred on a notional app to draw attention to societal inequities and gendered violence through a halloween-inspired fitness app.
Using AI to support independence for people with Parkinson’s Disease
Project: 30 UX Challenge
Researching and designing an AI-powered smart home system and virtual assistant to enable people with Parkinson’s Disease to maintain independence in their home for longer.
Discovering user needs for a new CRM to improve the customer experience
Client: Ringtons
Mixed methods research to identify user needs and requirements for a new CRM solution to manage customer accounts more effectively and efficiently.
Helping older people to maintain and improve their physical and mental health
Project: 30 UX Challenge
Researching and designing a high fidelity clickable prototype of a mobile fitness app for people aged 65+ as part of Tony Moura’s global 30 UX Challenge (winning entry).
Empowering teenagers to look after their mental health
Project: 30 UX Challenge
Designing an app for teenagers to easily and safely access information, support, and activities to help them maintain positive mental health.
Blog
Insights and reflections on working in User Research, UX Design, and technology more broadly.
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PhDo or PhDon’t?
September 2023. You don’t need a PhD to work in UX. So, what is the value of a PhD when working in UX…?
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Learning to code
May 2022. I never thought I’d be learning to code! Here are some things I’ve learnt along the way…
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Maternal Mental Health in the Workplace
May 2022. How would you know if a female colleague was struggling at work? These reflections might help…
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The Comeback Coach podcast
December 2022. I had the pleasure of joining Jessica Chivers on the Comeback Coach podcast. Talking about my career change into UX, motherhood, and lots more…
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Elena Gorman, PhD 