I'm PAUL somerville.
A User Experience Consultant with over
20 years optimisation and humanising technology based on user research and analytical insight
As a User-Centered Design (UCD) consultant I focus on creating products or services that meet the needs, preferences, and limitations of end users. My key skills span across research, design, testing, and communication.
01 PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
User Research & Analysis
Interviewing & Observation
Conducting user interviews, contextual inquiries, and ethnographic studies
Surveys & Questionnaires
Designing and analysing quantitative feedback tools
Persona Creation
Synthesising research into user personas to guide design
Journey Mapping
Visualising the user’s experience to identify pain points and opportunities
Data Analysis
Interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to inform design decisions
Design Thinking & Problem Solving
Empathy Mapping
Deep understanding of user needs and emotions
Ideation Techniques
Brainstorming and concept generation methods
Iterative Design
Refining solutions based on continuous feedback
Interaction & Visual Design
Information Architecture (IA)
Organising content logically for intuitive navigation
Wireframing & Prototyping
Creating sketches, wireframes (low-fidelity), and interactive prototypes (high-fidelity)
Visual Design Principles
Understanding colour, typography, layout, and visual hierarchy
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Designing for diverse users, including those with disabilities (WCAG standards)
Usability Testing
Test Planning
Designing usability studies to evaluate interface effectiveness
Moderating Sessions
Running tests and observing user interactions
Heuristic Evaluation
Assessing interfaces against established usability principles
A/B Testing
Comparing design variants to determine user preference or better performance
Communication & Collaboration
Stakeholder Management
Communicating user insights and advocating for user needs
Cross-Functional Teamwork
Working with content designers, business analysts, developers, marketers,
product managers, subject matter experts and stakeholders
Storytelling
Presenting research findings and design decisions in an engaging and understandable way
02 SOFTWARE SKILLS
FIGMA
95%
SKETCH
90%
ADOBE XS
100%
GOOGLE ANALYTICS
85%
HOTJAR
85%
SURVEY MONKEY
90%
MAZE
85%
LOOKBACK
85%
HTML, CSS, JAVASCRIPT
80%
03 CASE STUDIES
MY LATEST WORK. SEE MORE >
04 Experience
MAY 2021 - AUG 2023
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (MOD)
LEAD UR AND UX/UI CONSULTANT
Addressed issues with non-standardised identity management processes. Resolved problems with data collection leading to multiple PUIDs and inadequate deprovisioning processes. Improved onboarding process and reduced reliance on multiple forms and email communication. Applied inclusive research methods to cater to diverse user needs. Utilised various user research techniques throughout the project lifecycle.
Translated research data into clear findings to inform decision-making. Integrated user-centered design practices into an agile workflow. Collaborated effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Demonstrated understanding of societal and technological implications in design decisions.
AUG 2019 - NOV 2020
LEAD USER RESEARCHER (CONTRACT)
Strategically planned and lead user research activities within a new HOSS Service Team.
Exploration: Better understand the customers applying for Childcare, Tax Credits, Pensions, etc. and HMRC internal users who will need to conduct settled status checks as part of their consideration for these applications.
Validation: Validate key pieces of the proposition with the internal user, their work streams and processes.
DEC 2017 - MAY 2018
WALMART (ASDA & GEORGE)
UX LEAD
Led projects across multiple platforms, including websites and colleague-facing software for ASDA
Collaborated with strategic partners and Walmart International team members in various locations, such as San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Bulgaria, and India.
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Played a key role in introducing Design Thinking methodology and establishing User Research as a distinct discipline, elevating the strategic role of UX within the organisation.
Consulted with business stakeholders to understand goals and objectives, proposing front-end interactions solutions aligned with customer and business needs.
Elevated the strategic role of UX within the organisation to ensure effective knowledge of UX processes, including research, conceptual design, prototyping and testing.
JAN 2024 - OCT 2024
NHS ENGLAND
LEAD USER RESEARCHER (CONTRACT)
I was very excited to be invited back to NHS England to help identify areas of improvement within the NHS login service. A secure, reusable way for patients and the public to access multiple digital health and care services in England and Wales. Patients can use NHS login to access apps and websites that use the service, such as the NHS App, online pharmacies, and patient access services.
NOV 2020 - MAY 2021
NHS DIGITAL
LEAD UR AND UX/UI CONSULTANT
Delivered connectivity and transformed the management of cyber-related business intelligence and evidence across the network.
Enhanced the discovery and mitigation of cyber security risks.
Improved local and national organisations response to critical incidents to better safeguard organisations and deliver better services for patients.
JAN 2019 - AUG 2019
CARE QUALITY COMMISSION
LEAD USER RESEARCHER (CONTACT)
Helped stakeholders to formulated the priorities for the research programme
Planned and executed semi-structured users interviews with four distinct user groups
Provided analysis for internal and external user groups.
Helped designed research and development activities for the Beta phase.
Supported agile teams test hypotheses (for Alpha services).
Usability testing of prototypes and gathering insights from users (for Beta services)
Provided analysis and insight to drive the design and delivery of a complex set of service