Design. Delivered direct from the Derbyshire Dales

Designer of brand systems and devices, I am Michael J. Preston, a freelance designer based in the picturesque town of Matlock.

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Graphic, visual and experience designer hired by clients of all sizes, from multinationals to startups. For over 15 years I’ve created products, visual identities, packaging and digital assets for brands across the globe.

Whilst I still get my hands dirty, my focus these days is more around purposeful design and strategy. I’m dedicated to leading teams that deliver accessible, inclusive and universal designs and products. My previous experience in budget forecasting and planning allows me to link design to overall business verticals, north star metrics and goals.

Since 2020 I have made a switch from a design-for-profit to design-for-purpose mindset. My mum suffered a series of stokes in 2018-2019, and watching her navigate on her iPad led me to the realisation of just how much impact design can have on every day life.

My focus now is on increasing UX Maturity and executing strategies to delight users and stakeholders by aligning the verticals from the ground up, and treating users as active partners and consultants rather than actors in a user story. Design decisions should be intentional and fast, based on well structured and informed scaffolds of best practice, user need and business goals.

I’ve always looked at design as forging partnerships. Our job is to dream the dreams of those we work with and bring them to life, make them come true.

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I follow a simple process for all projects:

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Discover • Define • Design & Develop • Deliver