Stephen O'Connor

Design Director passionate about human centred design and making things that work. IDEO alumni, considering both permanent and freelance opportunities. Interested in how design can address mental health in the workplace.

London, England, United Kingdom

About

I have spent 30 years working in consulting with clients across a diverse range of industries. I have extensive experience in project leadership, customer research, concept development, user experience design, interaction design, information architecture and digital prototyping. I am client focused, a skilled communicator and presenter. I am comfortable working with senior clients from different backgrounds. My core skills include user experience design, interaction design, usability, design strategy, system architecture, project management and business development. My industry knowledge includes telecoms, supply chain / logistics, museums / institutions, consumer electronics, retail, financial services.

Experience

  • Consultant at Stephen O'Connor Consulting
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

  • IDEO (Full-time · 25 yrs)
    • Executive Design Director
      Jan 2015 - Dec 2022 · 8 yrs

      Crafting and scoping the business challenge with clients. Selling projects and engaging the client organisation. Nurturing design teams and managing client expectations. Providing leadership and strategic direction. Accountability for delivering contracts. Supporting designers on their career trajectory.

    • Design Director
      Jan 2010 - Jan 2015 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      Guiding design work across multiple design teams. Developing business and managing relationships with clients.

    • Client Lead
      Jan 2002 - Jan 2010 · 8 yrs 1 mo

      Developing relationships with clients and working with design teams to deliver projects

  • Designer at Isis UK Ltd
    1989 - 1997 · 8 yrs