As Head of User Experience and Design at Newsflare, a Series B Video Marketplace startup, I've spent the last few years at the intersection of product design, growth, and management. I've had the opportunity to work on these continuously as the company has scaled and brought on other talented individual people to contribute. I'm happiest solving problems, making processes scale and creating genuine value for the people who interact with my work.
In my very limited spare time, I enjoy urbanism and architecture, education, gardening, reading, and hiking.
I also run a side project called the Stromata. It's a patchwork collection of old, hard to find, and out of print Christian literature which I organise for perusal according to the theme, place of origin, time of origin, tradition and more. I edit the texts and built the site myself, I even once had an abortive attempt at doing readings from the texts found there.
Jan 2022 - Present
After Newsflare closed it's Series B I moved to expand the design team further and work closely with the CPO coordinating new hires to the product team within the business. I oversee all research and design within the organisation, manage the design staff employed by it and the tools they use.
I also act as an internal consultant to numerous stakeholders. I advise on approach and ensure they have the tools and resources they need to tackle design opportunities they are confronted with.
Other responsibilities include: providing training and advice with regard to conducting interviews, running workshops, design thinking as a means of problem-solving, and limited data analysis. Generally increasing the design and product skill distribution across the business wherever possible.
Jan 2019 - Jan 2022
In addition to my prior responsibilities, I began to manage the product backlog and act as a scrum master for the technical team. Coordinated multiple working groups focused on strategic objectives I trained up staff to act in a product function within the business. I also managed the expansion of the headcount within design to make up for the fact that my focus was subsequently spread much broader and less limited in scope.
This was also the period in which Newsflare went through its series B funding round and underwent a Brand Refresh. The rollout of the latter I project managed. I also headed up Growth streams within the business which had a heavy emphasis on research and experimentation during which I worked closely with Marketing. Post-Raise I also mapped out a proposal for the future direction and growth of the Product department, which was taken up, before moving into my next role within the organisation.
May 2017 - Jan 2019
Headed up all aspects of design concerning Newsflare's Marketplace platform. This covered Filmer, Buyer, and Staff facing experiences. Project managed the site going responsive as well as organising and conducting a review of their existing App and its long term viability in light of company resources at the time.
Nov 2014 - May 2017
During my time I was embedded across multiple agile teams sequentially. Initially within the Mobile Apps team where I was responsible for identifying, suggesting, and mapping out improvements to their role as drivers for in-store collections and deliveries. I also then fundamentally redesign the in-store kiosk and after Argos was purchased by Sainsbury's was seconded to them in order to apply a similar treatment to their click-and-collect experience. Throughout this time I worked with a dedicated UI Designer and a User Researcher.
Jun 2013 - Nov 2014
Working at HouseTrip I was responsible for the customer journey mapping, conducting user interviews and coordinating with product managers in order to rapidly prototype and test iterations in the site's infrastructure. I was also responsible for working to advance the site visual identity, enforce usability and a customer-focused design process.
Apr 2011 - Jun 2013
Focusing on creative design for Lush's digital presence I spearheaded the development of interface and online design. I also contribute to frontend development and user experience predominantly, but not limited to Lush's extensive eCommerce website.
May 2009 - Apr 2011
Working independently as a freelance digital designer with a client base focused on Social Enterprises. I focused on user interface design, project management, WordPress development, branding and small scale consultancy work.
Email
keith.stewart.mason at gmail dot com
LinkedIn
@iamkeithmason