Hello companies!

Overview

I'm James Nicholls, a seasoned user research and service design expert with a unique blend of private sector and government experience. I help companies create user-centered digital solutions that drive business growth and user satisfaction.If you're a recruitment agency, please visit this dedicated welcome page.

What I offer

• Senior user research leadership for complex projects

• Service design expertise to align user needs with business goals

• In-depth knowledge of both private and public sector digital transformation

• Experience with global tech giants and international consultancies

• Cross-cultural communication skills honed through international work

My approach

• User-centered design: I balance user needs with business requirements for optimal outcomes

• Data-driven decision making: I use rigorous quantitative and qualitative research to inform product development

• Agile methodologies: I help teams adapt quickly to changing market conditions and user feedback

• Stakeholder alignment: I ensure all parties are engaged and their needs are considered

• Innovation focus: I bring insights from cutting-edge tech and government innovation to your projects

Key experiences

• Conducted user research and usability testing at Google for a new product prior to global launch

• Led communications and user research for Atos International's Federal Public Administration Reform Programme in Nigeria

• Implemented GDS-inspired service standards in the UK's Royal Navy, aligning digital transformation with organisational objectives

• Managed public information for EU missions in Kosovo, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes

Specific skills

• Usability testing: Expert in both moderated and unmoderated testing methodologies

• User journey mapping: Creating comprehensive maps that drive product strategy

• Prototype testing: Rapid iteration and validation of concepts

• Analytics integration: Combining qualitative insights with quantitative data

• Accessibility testing: Ensuring products are inclusive and meet WCAG standards

• Remote research: Proficient in tools like Lookback for distributed user testing

• Workshop facilitation: Guiding cross-functional teams through design thinking processes

Impact

• Contributed to successful global product launches at Google

• Transformed public service delivery processes in Nigeria, improving efficiency and user satisfaction

• Secured approval for beta phase implementation of MOD Defence Support Hub, aligning user needs with strategic objectives

• Fostered a culture of user-centered thinking across multidisciplinary teams in various sectors

I've helped companies

• Understand and prioritize user needs within competitive market contexts

• Build and use artifacts like user journeys as communication and strategic planning tools

• Actively integrate user research into agile development cycles

• Communicate user insights effectively to teams and stakeholders

• Design accessible and inclusive digital products that meet both user needs and business objectives

• Navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring product innovation

Ready to elevate your user experience?

Let's collaborate to deliver better outcomes for your users while meeting your business objectives. I can help your team become active participants in the user research process and create powerful artifacts that drive decision-making. Contact me to discuss how we can make your digital products more user-centered, efficient, and impactful within your market.

Staying current

I'm passionate about staying at the forefront of user research and service design in the private sector. Check out my thinking here.