Digital Lead
Shelter Scotland October 2022 - Present
Senior User Researcher
NHS National Services Scotland August 2021 - September 2022
Senior User Experience Designer
Shelter March 2020 - August 2021
User Experience Designer
Shelter Scotland July 2019 - March 2020
UX Producer
Whitespace December 2017 - June 2019
As UX Producer, I was responsible for the creation of successful digital user experiences and the delivery of client satisfaction. In my role I demonstrated a good understanding of user-centred design, wireframing and prototyping techniques, experience using various content management systems, as well as good knowledge of browser and server web technologies for quality assurance testing.
Clients included:
Business Gateway
VisitScotland
Scotland.org
Business Stream
Sustrans
Food Standards Scotland
Key skills:
User experience design
Requirements gathering
Wireframing, sketching and prototyping
Facilitating and running workshops
Accessible design and testing
Broad understanding of web languages - HTML5, CSS, JS
Quality assurance
Agile methodologies
Recommendation
Andrea is a smart, strategic thinker who I've had the pleasure working with on several complex web build projects at Whitespace. She is a great problem solver with sharp attention to detail, applying her knowledge and experience in user centred design. And, this blends fantastically well with an appreciation for visual aesthetic. A great combination! She's a great communicator, in the internal setting with her team and externally with the client. And, always goes above and beyond to make sure every job is completed to the highest standard. I hope we have an opportunity to work together again in the future!
Sarah Ormerod, Account Director, Whitespace and founder of Thryve Nutrition
Design & Digital Coordinator
Carbon Trust June 2015 - December 2017
As the only in-house digital designer, I gained broad ranging responsibilities and skills. I was the right hand to the Web Manager in the research and redesign of the website to a more user-friendly and responsive interface. I assessed and improved user experience across our main website by carrying out user research, and producing wireframes with appropriate design changes. I maintained the CMS (Umbraco), as well as helped with the development of microsites.
Design and creation of online content and marketing collateral
Website management: reporting on web stats and re-design of website to a more user-friendly interface
Development and maintenance of the CMS (Umbraco)
HTML emails
Assess and improve user experience across the main website and microsites
Recommendation
Andrea worked on a wide variety of design & digital projects at the Carbon Trust, producing high quality work for both internal and external clients. Andrea is very dedicated, efficient, and used her initiative to manage and deliver high profile projects with great results. It was a pleasure to work with her.
Susan Poupard, former Digital & Web Manager, Carbon Trust
Communications Assistant
Designit February - August 2014
Whilst at Europeʼs largest strategic design firm, I was part of a team developing a communications strategy across the companyʼs various channels. I enhanced my copywriting capabilities, gained experience in project management and conducted research. This role emphasised the value of streamlining activities across a multidisciplinary team, from designers to copywriters, to ensure that deadlines were met and that we delivered impeccable results.
Recommendation
During Andrea’s time at Designit, we worked together very closely to develop communications materials across Designit’s various channels. Andrea’s communication skills are very versatile and she demonstrated that she is able to write clearly and effectively whether for a post on Linkedin, or a full-feature article in a print magazine. Andrea takes a very strategic and detail-oriented approach to her work, which clearly shines through all that she does. Through our professional relationship, I have to come to know Andrea as a flexible and optimistic employee who easily adapts to change and loves taking on a challenge. A part from producing quality communications content, Andrea also proved herself to be quite adept in research, project management and office administration. It has been quite enjoyable and effortless to work with Andrea and I know that Designit’s Chief Visionary Officer, Mikal Hallstrup also echoes these sentiments through his close collaboration with her.
Chloe Deanna Williams, Senior Communications Specialist, Designit
Purchasing as Identity Thesis
AIAYU September - December 2013
My thesis focused on sourcing strategy as brand identity and the obstacles and benefits such a strategy presents using AIAYU as a case study. I conducted primary research through a 3-month work placement. Further qualitative and quantitative research was conducted through interviews with the founders, clients and by surveying consumers. Additional tasks included:
Assisting in DANIDA project
Website content management
Miscellaneous Excel and InDesign tasks
Sales overview
Communications Intern
INDEX: Design to Improve Life® March - September 2013
Researching sustainability trends and innovative design solutions
Social media strategy and management
Press releases
Day-to-day press contact
Recommendation
She solves tasks with overview, care and accuracy, handling demanding projects that should, in principle, be delegated to far more experienced employees due to their size and complexity. Andrea has a keen eye for where in the organisation a helping hand is needed and is always eager to give her support and input. Her motivation and dedication creates strong relationships and is what makes her a much valued colleague. Andrea Elisabeth Dahlén carries out her duties skilfully, independently and with an eye for the greater picture, to fit the overall context in great detail.
Kigge Hvid, former CEO of INDEX: Design to Improve Life®
Sales and Merchandising Assistant
Chalayan June - August 2012
Marketing material preparation
Ad hoc support to production team
Graphic design
Order processing
Managing sample traffic to all agents and distributors
Volunteering
Rowan Alba February 2018 - Present
CARDS (Community Alcohol Related Damage Service) Volunteer
Creative Corners October - December 2011
Creative teacher at Cocles Public Elementary School
Designs for Sea Heart Kindergarten
Education
London College of Communication
Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design, October 2017
Lean UX and agile process
Competitor research
User research techniques
Site audits
Data walls
Personas
User journeys
Interaction design principles
Designing user interfaces
Goldsmiths, University of London
Design & Environment MA, Distinction 2014 - 2015
Digital Fabrication I & II
Designing for a Political Scene
Sustainability
Ecologies
Methods and Processes
Materialities
Copenhagen School of Design & Technology
Design & Business BBA, 11/12 GPA 2012 - 2014
Tools to work both practically and theoretically with a comprehensive knowledge of CSR and sustainability throughout the supply chain and value chain as a whole.
Parsons The New School for Design
BBA Candidate in Design Management, Dean's list for academic performance 2009 - 2012
Digital Skills & Composition
Design in the 21st Century
Marketing
Managing Creative Organisations
Finance
Business Ethics
Trends Forecasting
Chelsea College of Arts 2008 - 2009
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: 3D/Spatial Design
Copenhagen International School 2001 - 2008
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 38 Point Total
Higher Level: Visual Arts, English A, Social Anthropology
Standard Level: Danish, Math, Biology
Skills
Languages
English, Swedish, Danish, and basic HTML