Ben Ellis - Freelance UX Designer

A seasoned UX professional with 20+ years multi-sector experience

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Black and white image of Ben Ellis in Lapa, Brazil

Highlights

Expertise

  • Multi-disciplinary skillset encompassing UX design (since 2007) and web development (2000-2007)
  • Extensive luxury e-commerce experience (Mulberry, Carolina Herrera, Moncler, Jaguar Land Rover)
  • Deep understanding of native mobile and responsive web with an interest in emerging technologies (AI, AR)
  • Ability to distill client requirements, identify goals and create effective UX strategies
  • UX research skills including: UX audits, competitor research and analytics reviews
  • Solid reputation for developing high-quality deliverables: sitemaps, user journeys, wireframes & prototypes
  • Exposure to a variety of user research methodologies: A/B testing, card sorting, remote user testing
  • Articulate and clear communicator with ability to effectively collaborate with product, design & technical teams
  • Comfortable presenting to team members, clients & stakeholders
  • Wealth of experience of working on projects with durations ranging from one week to several years
  • Wide exposure to an array of working styles including waterfall, design sprints, agile & lean

Brands

BT, Carolina Herrera, Channel 4, Greene King, Jaguar Land Rover, Moncler, Mulberry, Nokia, WWF/Netflix

Agencies

B-Reel, Crayon, Critical Mass, Dare, Hi-ReS, Isobar, Karmarama, MPC, Mr. President, Ogilvy, Preloaded, Publicis, Rehab Studio, R/GA, Saatchi & Saatchi, Spark 44, Stink Studios, Unit 9, Work Club, Wunderman Thompson Commerce & Technology (WTC)

Design Process Composition 2

Key Skills

Analytics Icon
Analytics
Analytics
Analytics
Personas Icon
Personas
User Journey Icon
User Journeys
Information Architecture Icon
Sitemaps
Wireframes Icon
Wireframes
Prototype Icon
Prototyping
Figma Icon
Figma
Sketch App Icon
Sketch
Protopie Icon
Protopie
Maze Icon
Maze
Optimizely Icon
Optimizely
Confluence Icon
Confluence
Zeplin Icon
Zeplin
HTML Icon
HTML
CSS Icon
CSS
Javascript Icon
JavaScript
PHP Icon
PHP
Wordpress Icon
WordPress

Select Testimonials

Joana Flor Profile Photo
Joana Flor
Senior Interactive Producer, MPC
"Ben's input on the project was absolutely essential. He is a dream to work with: great attitude and a totally expert in his craft. He makes the UX design process attainable to client and team. Can't rate him enough. I'm looking forward to working back together."
Ben Bashford Profile Photo
Ben Bashford
Group Director of Experience Design, Critical Mass
“Ben was the first freelance hire I made at a new job. He not only delivered work that was above and beyond the quality expected of him but also actively improved our relationship with a key client. Incredibly professional, diligent and craft-driven, I'd jump at having him back on my team.”
Andrew Cowley Profile Photo
Andrew Cowley
Growth Strategy and Innovation
"I can recommend him very highly. He is very conscientious and attentive to detail around design itself, but also has a bigger-picture view of what we were trying to achieve as a business. Great client communication skills, and also a good guy to have around on the team for long stints on client site."
Hiking, photography, surfing and running

Nine 'Fun' Facts

For those who want to find out what else makes me tick.

Women walking along a hiking trail staring at a chicken

#1 - Travel

I love to travel and experience new cultures, so much so that I married a Brazilian and spent the past 10 years visiting Brazil and learning Portuguese.

#2 - Fitness

I'm an active person, whether that's going to the gym, pool or running. Here's a picture of my trainers to prove it!

Pair of Asics running trainers
Ben Ellis surfing at Tolcarne beach, Newquay, Cornwall

#3 - Surfing

I'm obsessed with surfing, stand-up paddling, open-water swimming, anything that keeps me in the water for as long as possible.

#4 - Surf-skating

When I can't be in the water, this is the next best thing.

Ben Ellis on a YOW surf skate
Group of friends smiling for camera at carnival in Brazil

#5 - I'm Social

No, I don't mean I'm on social media, whether it's at the counter in the supermarket or boarding a plane to somewhere tropical, I love a bit of small talk!

#6 - Guitar

I've been playing the guitar since I was about 14 and still love picking it up, whether it's plugged-in or an accoustic.

Two electric guitars placed on cases on wooden floor
Music production equipment

#7 - Music Production

Bored with the monotony of life in lockdown, I taught myself the basics of music production. Endless YouTube tutorials and a few indulgent spends on Amazon, I've produced a number of tracks.

Check out my music website and SoundCloud.

#8 - Cooking & Craft Beer

I love food, cooking and craft beer. I occasionally attempt to brew my own (with only the one explosion to date).

Craft beer and pizza
Graffiti sprayed on a wall in Brazil

#9 - Street Art

Street art, graffiti, call it what you want, I dig it. São Paulo has some of my favourite pieces.