Meet The Coach – Helena Hill

What do you do and how did you get started?

I’m a user experience and digital transformation consultant working on a cross-sector basis helping companies and organisations become more user-centric both on and off-line. I design and implement better digital experiences for users and customers, and my work also helps clients build their brand and significantly increase growth.

I co-founded 49digital, a web design and user experience agency in Vancouver in 2010 and earlier this year, launched Helena Hill Consulting. The consultancy provides one-to-one coaching on user and customer experience as well as corporate workshops and website auditing.

I also speak regularly on user experience design and related topics such as customer experience, information architecture and interaction design.

What can our clients expect when working with you?

After an initial exploratory session to learn more about the business, we meet at regular intervals to assess progress, set goals and discuss opportunities. We keep in regular contact and my clients know that they can get in touch with me to ask questions or get some further guidance.

Oh, and I’m an ex-teacher so expect some homework!

What kind of clients do you work with?

I’ve worked with pre-startups to global companies and everything in-between! I’m a cross-sector consultant but particularly enjoy working with digital, creative, aviation and construction sectors. I want my clients to succeed and be leaders in their field, whatever the industry.

What do you love most about your job?

I love all of it. Yes, really! If I had to choose it would be that moment of realisation when a client starts to think as their user/customer/client rather than themselves. It’s the start of something really exciting and I know I’m doing my job! Speaking is also a favourite of mine. Again, the teacher in me means I enjoy educating and get a real buzz when I know delegates have left the room knowing more about UX than when they walked in.

What are the benefits of working with a UX Consultant/Digital Strategist?

We challenge our clients – we’re not ‘Yes’ people! Creating exceptional experiences needs careful thought, planning and research. UX consultants help businesses make the best design decisions based on data, user testing, competitor research and prototyping. We also monitor change within companies and work with them to design new systems to improve user experiences.

What do you do when you’re not UX’ing?

I workout with a personal trainer as well as attending her classes between four and five times a week! I’m addicted to Lego Architecture so always on the lookout for a new set to add to my collection. My favourite architect is Frank Lloyd Wright and if I’m not drafting houses, I’m reading about him. Other than that, I’m running around after my family and three crazy labradoodles!