Gaz Aston

CV

Experience

Public Digital

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Design Lead & Consultant

Design consulting for the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (IBCA). Joined from day one of the discovery phase creating interactive prototypes, service maps and design provocations. As the organisation grew and delivery partners joined, I was asked to become Lead Interaction Designer (interim), and my role shifted to supporting teams, design ops and quality assurance.

dxw

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Head of Design → Head of Interaction Design (2020–2024)

Led and supported UCD teams, managed a large team of designers, established a career progression framework, recruited and expanded the team and contributed to general company leadership.

Designer & Front-End Developer → Lead Designer (2017–2020)

Designed and built digital services for clients (DfE, Ofsted, MOJ, NHS England, HS2, British Library, The National Archives, BEIS, HMPPS and more), following GDS standards and agile ways of working.

FutureGov (now TPXimpact)

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Designer

Designed digital services for local government and tech for good, focusing on rapid prototyping and speculative design. Mentored junior designers.

Additional experience

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Freelance (Splendid Digital Creative Ltd, 2010–2015): Worked with various agencies, startups and publishers on UI/UX design, visual identity, and digital products. Clients included AMEE, Sidekick Studios, The Amazings, Makeshift, Futuregov, Hachette, and War Child.

Focus Integrated (2002–2010): Advanced to Creative Director, leading a 13-person design team for major clients like The Home Office and Crimestoppers.

CML Marketing Ltd (2000–2002): Entry-level design role, gaining experience in print and digital for clients like Computacenter and Yamaha.

Skills

  • Leading and carrying out multidisciplinary user-centred design and research
  • Making the design process inclusive
  • Rapid test-and-learn prototyping using appropriate tools and fidelity
  • Clear visual communication of problems and solutions
  • Coaching, managing, mentoring, and team leadership
  • Workshop facilitation
  • GOV.UK Design System, Service Standard & Manual and GDS ways of working

Interests

  • Making electronic music
  • Playing guitar and bass
  • Running and cycling
  • The natural world
  • Data visualisation and data journalism

References available upon request.