Hello fellow UCD professionals!

Welcome to my world of user-centered design

I'm James Nicholls, a passionate advocate for user-centered design with over two decades of experience spanning government digital services, international development, and the private sector. I'm excited to connect with fellow UCD enthusiasts and share insights from my diverse journey.

My UCD philosophy

User needs first: Always advocating for the user's voice in every decision
Context is king: Understanding the broader environment in which users operate
Inclusive design: Ensuring accessibility and usability for all user groups
Evidence-based decision making: Rigorous research to inform design choices
Cross-functional collaboration: Breaking silos for holistic user experiences

Key UCD experiences

Led user research for Find postgraduate teacher training service at UK's Department for Education, achieving perfect GDS assessment score
Implemented GDS-inspired service standards in the Royal Navy, adapting UCD principles to military context
Conducted user research for Google product pre-launch, balancing user needs with business objectives
Spearheaded user-centered public service reform in Nigeria, navigating complex cultural and political landscapes

UCD methodologies I champion

Journey mapping: Creating comprehensive visual representations of user experiences
Service blueprinting: Mapping front-stage and back-stage processes for service improvement
Co-design workshops: Facilitating collaborative design sessions with users and stakeholders
Rapid prototyping: Iterative design and testing for fast validation of concepts
Ethnographic research: In-depth observation and interaction in users' natural environments
Accessibility audits: Ensuring inclusive design for all user groups

UCD challenges I've tackled

Balancing user needs with strict security protocols in high-stakes environments (MOD, Royal Navy)
Adapting UCD principles to resource-constrained settings in international development
Integrating UCD practices into Agile development cycles in both public and private sectors
Communicating UCD insights to non-UCD stakeholders, from C-suite executives to policy makers

Let's connect and collaborate

I'm always eager to exchange ideas, methodologies, and experiences with fellow UCD professionals. Whether you're looking to:

Discuss emerging trends in UCD
Explore potential collaborations on complex UCD projects
Share experiences of applying UCD in challenging environments
Mentor or be mentored in specific UCD areas

Don't hesitate to reach out. Let's push the boundaries of UCD together!

Work opportunities and joint ventures

Are you looking for your next UCD challenge? Or perhaps you have an innovative UCD project in mind? I might be able to help:

Job opportunities: Through my extensive network in both public and private sectors, I often hear about exciting UCD roles. If you're in the market for a new position, let me know your interests and expertise. I'd be happy to connect you with relevant opportunities.
Joint ventures: I'm always open to collaborating on innovative UCD projects. If you have an idea that combines our skills and experiences, I'd love to hear about it. Whether it's a research initiative, a UCD consultancy project, or a UX-focused startup, I'm eager to explore potential partnerships.
Skill sharing: Looking to expand your UCD toolkit? I'm open to skill-sharing arrangements where we can learn from each other's unique experiences and methodologies.

If any of these opportunities interest you, or if you have other ideas for collaboration, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's see how we can create value together in the UCD space!

Recent UCD insights

Check out my latest thoughts on UCD:

Looking forward to engaging with you and advancing the field of user-centered design!