About me.
20+ years crafting digital experiences through design, research & strategy.
Who am I?
I’m Matt, a North Hampshire–based Product Design Lead with 20+ years of experience across UX design, research, and strategy. I help teams solve the right problems and deliver meaningful, user-centred outcomes, balancing user needs with business goals.
Design + Research, End to End
While I now describe myself as a Product Designer, my background spans both UX & UI design, plus UX research. At Waitrose & Partners, I held roles as both Lead UX Designer and UX Research Manager, giving me hands-on experience leading cross-functional teams and championing insight-driven design.
Strategic + Hands-On
Over the years, I’ve worked in both large-scale organisations and small independent agencies. I’ve partnered with senior stakeholders to shape roadmaps, build team structures, and drive business strategy, but I also enjoy staying hands-on, and regularly use tools like Figma to design layouts, flows, and interactive prototypes.
Human-Centred + Inclusive
My approach is grounded in human-centred design, inclusive collaboration, and evidence-based thinking. As a neurodivergent professional, I care deeply about accessibility, both in the products I create and the teams I work with.
Outside of UX
I took a career break after leaving Waitrose to travel and reset creatively, a journey that led me to painting. I now work on portrait commissions and as an Associate Artist with the Reading-based arts charity Jelly. I never lost my passion for experience design though, and that’s why I’m actively exploring new opportunities where I can bring my unique skillset to meaningful work once again.
Let’s Work Together
I’m currently open to new opportunities, ideally in a role where I can contribute as a design lead, strategic thinker, or advocate for inclusive, collaborative design. If you’re looking for someone who connects the dots between user insight, design execution, and business value, I’d love to speak to you.
Core Skills & Specialties
UX Research · Design Strategy · Design Leadership · UI & Interaction Design · Design Systems · Accessibility · Workshop Facilitation · Illustration & Visual Storytelling · Art Direction · Branding & Identity
LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/mattpearce-ux
Matt is an excellent leader, and his ability to see each of his direct reports' strengths and maximise these shone through. He was always available to offer direction and support when needed, with superb interpersonal skills. I highly recommend Matt – he is an asset to any team.”
Experience Team Member, Waitrose & Partners
Want to work together?
I’m always open to new opportunities, whether you're looking for a full-time / contract UX professional or a company interested in collaborating. If you think we could work well together, I’d love to hear from you.
Points of influence
Design is everywhere, and the things that influence us don’t always come from within our own discipline. This section is a nod to just some of the visual references and design classics that have helped shape my creative approach.
Susan Kare’s Mac icons
Susan Kare’s original Mac icons brought warmth and wit to early computing, proving that pixel-perfect design could be both functional and full of personality.
The Tube Map
The London Tube map is a design classic for its radical clarity, transforming a messy geography into a beautifully simplified, logical network that prioritises usability over realism.
Futura (Paul Renner)
Futura is a modernist icon. Its clean geometry and forward-looking form captured the optimism of a new design era, and amazingly still feels fresh nearly a century later.