Unique Projects

Occupational Therapy

I obtained a BSc in Occupational Therapy in 2010. I worked for the NHS for 10 years. I specialised in working with complex children with physical, sensory, and neurological conditions. My role involved supervising other team members, running clinics, and workshops, designing and project managing disabled housing adaptations and training students.

Occupational therapy is a problem solving career which focuses on identifying the barriers and enablers (positive interactions and pain points) which prevent clients from achieving their goals. OTs use client interviews and clinical assessment (usability testing and user research) to identify meaningful user goals and identify the most appropriate evidence-based treatment plan (synthesis of research, design concept, prototypes and wireframes) to support clients in meeting their goals. Furthermore, primary OT core values are to be goal-driven, empathetic, and to be user centred. Because of this and the soft skills I obtained through this line of work, I found the principles of UX come naturally to me.

Botanyblend

As a creative outlet alongside working as an Occupational Therapist, I qualified in Aromatherapy, and designed, created and marketed sustainable massage oil startup ‘Botanyblend’ in my spare time. The brand was successful and featured in major publications such as The Telegraph newspaper, Stella, Devon Life, Tony and Guy and Manor magazines. We also retailed in various independent boutiques, hotels and trendy London stores such as Wolf and Badger. The time I spent developing the Botanyblend taught me a lot about the day to day complexities of running a startup, it was also my introduction into web based design and my understanding of its role in business success.

To see annotated designs and design rationale for Botanyblend view here

SAMA Wellbeing

In a plan to expand the Botanyblend brand, I created a wellness lifestyle brand called ‘SAMA Wellbeing.’ The intention was to create a lifestyle brand inspired by the senses. I co-designed the website with my husband. At a similar time, I managed to secure a secondment redesign of the Occupational Therapy website. This is when I found Product Design. I sold the brand and commenced study in UX design; the rest is history.