Alexandra Lofthouse
Lead UX Designer
About you
As part of my BDes in Graphic Design at Robert Gordon’s University in Aberdeen, I was required to complete a 10 week work placement in the design industry. After spending 10 weeks with Fifteen, I was lucky enough to be offered a permanent job here as a Junior Designer, and over four years have developed in the Lead UX Designer.
My work experience in Fifteen has gone from working in a solo design role, to becoming a senior member of the design team.
About your role
Over four years I have moved into a more senior position, and my skills in web design have steered me in the direction of UX (user experience) Design.
My role in web design involves a lengthy research period, profiling the target audience of a website and assessing where their needs are currently not being met, and how we can provide a solution. Web design involves a lot of forward planning and sketches before you even begin to hit the computer and start on the design. Wire framing is something I didn’t always consider four years ago, but now it’s impossible to begin a design without it.
I love finding a creative solution to a problem, sometimes it can be a real challenge to create something that is both visually appealing and first and foremost, works. It’s a challenge I relish on a daily basis and is hugely rewarding when you see a piece of your work being launched online.
What is your favourite project that you’ve worked on?
It’s probably between the Orphans in Need and the Portsmouth Golf Centre website.
Working with the huge team at Orphans in Need was unlike any other project I had ever tackled before, but that was the beauty of it. Working on such a sensitive subject really gives you the drive to create the best work you can for the client, as getting it right could mean all the more to them by driving more donations to the site. It was great working with Sophie and Chris during the development stage of the project also, as they shared the same passion for the website. Since it’s launch, my love for the project has only grown, as we have picked up several award nominations.
I initially worked on the PGC website in 2011, but this year it has been redesigned in line with their focus on the retail side of their business, as it generates the most income for them. The client is completely trusting of Fifteen and the work we do for them, and it has paid off for them in their yearly turnover. They are not afraid to try something new and explore new technologies across the site, which is really rewarding for a designer. Their new website really focuses on the user journey through the site and tries to guide them in the right direction; whether it’s to the pro shop, booking a lesson, or simply exploring the golf course. Again, this website has recently been recognised in the Web Awards 2015.
What have you learnt at Fifteen?
I have been here since leaving university, so the knowledge I have gained from Fifteen is vast. As the industry changes, we always have the opportunity to gain new skills through training at work, especially as our workload has really expanded into the digital side of design. I also love being part of a team, as there is a lot to be learned from watching the other designers and comparing and critiquing our work.
What is rewarding about working at Fifteen?
No two jobs are the same and there is always something new to try. I love the fact that one day I can be working on an app design for a big blue chip company, and the next I can be working on some stationery for a local business. It’s this diversity of work that keeps me walking into the office ready for the next day.