Keith Symons
About Me
I’m a hands on data and insight driven designer and freelance photographer, experienced leading, directing and creating impactful change across hardware, software, and AI-powered interactions. Specialising in complex design systems and driven by customer needs and data insights. Proven track record of growing inclusive design teams and increasing revenue through customer centric design strategy and system thinking.
www.keithsymonsphotography.com
+44 (0) 7956 803 329
Education
University Of Westminster 1997
BA Hons Graphic Information Design
University Of Westminster 1994
Foundation Studies in Art & Design
St Michaels RC School
A-Levels
St Michaels RC School
GCSEs
Work & Experience
Self-employed 04/01/2024
Product Design | UX Strategy | Freelance Photographer
Currently collaborating with Provectus Consulting, Accenture, and Fertiglobe to bring a SharePoint-powered training site to life. Part of a wider change management initiative aimed at empowering teams through digital transformation. Helping start-ups and established businesses reach their full potential through design and strategy. Photographic work – units stills & behind the scenes, events, sports, portraiture and property. Visiting lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge helping MA Human Centred Design students with their assignments and practical industry advice. Accidental SharePoint guru, wannabe Microsoft Power Apps oracle. Experienced working in enterprise, corporate, banking and finance, education, SME, consumer, public sector, government and health care environments.
Obrizum 10/03/2022 - 03/29/2024
Head of User Experience - AI Powered B2B SaaS Adaptive Learning Platform
In my role as Head of User Experience at OBRIZUM, I led the service design of a B2B SaaS AI adaptive learning platform. I collaborated with stakeholders to create a design system and pattern libraries, accelerating ideation and improving product development processes. The work I did helped Obrizum develop its new learner interface that went on to win the Certified in Cybersecurity contract with ISC2 with the goal to train 1 million learners over 2 years. • Defined a shared vision, UX design, and product roadmap with CPO and Product Team. • Created efficient, accessible, cross-platform design system using Figma. • Developed storytelling materials for board reviews and sales pitches to influence product strategy.
Microsoft 05/01/2013 - 07/15/2022
Principal Product Designer - AI, OneNote, Teams, Outlook
• Led design of next generation AI powered collaborative Teams & Outlook meetings and note taking. • Led OneNote integration experiences across all Microsoft products. • Directed and supported designers by mentoring, modelling and coaching them as individuals. • Identify opportunities for growth and design. • Brought ideas to life and pitched concepts through engaging end to end user experiences. • Contributed to the overall product vision for commercial and strategic impact. • Managed multiple work streams, created frameworks and design patterns • Built high fidelity prototypes in Axure for user research and testing.
Skype 09/01/2010 - 05/31/2013
User Experience Consultant
• Managed a team of designers and information architects to deliver new features and functionality for Skype Manager admin tool and billing system. • Spearheaded the expansion of Skype's reach to the living room with Skype on your TV, paving the way for future products like Microsoft's Surface Hub and Xbox. • Designed for many technologies, consumer electronics and TV for Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, embedded devices, telephones, home phone adapters & gaming devices such as the Sony Vita and Xbox.
User Experience Designer - pre 2010
Experienced in enterprise, corporate, banking & finance sectors, education, consumer, public sector, government and healthcare. e.g. Goldman Sachs, RBS, Deutsche Bank, Network Rail, NHS Care Records System, Yahoo!, Sapient, Homebase, Goldman Sachs, Opodo, BBC Worldwide, TopGear, Radio Times, Gardeners World & Top Of The Pops.
Portfolio
