Cat Ryan

For over a decade I have partnered with Deakin University as a UX and experience design consultant, leading design across a wide range of digital products, services, and strategic initiatives.

My work has spanned the full UX lifecycle—from research and discovery through to interface design, testing, and delivery. This includes designing student, staff, and researcher experiences across web, mobile apps, learning platforms, and multi-channel touchpoints.

Key contributions include developing UX strategy and service design frameworks, creating evidence-based personas and archetype models, and producing experience maps that informed major platform and service decisions. I have also led usability testing programs, designed UI systems, and contributed to learning design and LMS experience improvements.

Beyond individual products, I helped establish human-centred design capability within the organisation, introducing HCD practices, frameworks, and processes to increase UX maturity across teams.

Major initiatives include designing an end-to-end AI chatbot experience, developing content and notification strategies, and creating multiple digital products and services supporting the university’s students, staff, and research community.

Led the end-to-end development of the Huddle brand, creating a cohesive identity from initial concept through to full market launch. This included defining the brand strategy and positioning, developing the [visual identity system](https://www.twine.net/signin and designing the core brand assets including logo, typography, colour system, and brand guidelines.

I translated the strategy into a complete digital and physical presence, designing [Huddle’s website](https://www.twine.net/signin to communicate the brand clearly and create a strong user experience. I also produced a full suite of supporting materials including brochures, business cards, and marketing collateral to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.

The project required close collaboration with the founder to clarify the organisation’s purpose, voice, and audience, transforming an early-stage concept into a clear, scalable brand with a professional and cohesive presence.