Available to hire
I’m Chris Samms, a User Experience Researcher and UX Architect with an MSc in Ergonomics and Human Factors. I craft compelling user experiences for prominent brands and organizations, including Transport for London (TFL), the Scottish Parliament, Visa, and the BBC. My expertise lies in translating complex user behaviours into intuitive, engaging solutions that enhance interaction and communication.
I thrive on understanding user needs and leveraging research to drive impactful design decisions, ensuring that products are not only functional but also user-friendly. I am skilled in a wide range of research methodologies, user testing techniques, and design tools.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Founder & UX Consultant, Designer and Researcher at Wyreframe Ltd
December 1, 2024 - PresentEstablished Wyreframe Ltd as an independent UX design, research, and delivery-focused consultancy. Delivered short-form UX and evaluative research engagements via Askable, including usability testing and insight synthesis supporting the Tate Gallery. Produced journey maps, interaction flows, and low-fidelity wireframes to communicate practical UX improvements. Exploring AI integration within digital workflows, including human-in-the-loop decision-making, system handoffs, and user oversight considerations. Applied structured UX analysis to assess clarity, cognitive load, and risk in complex interactions. Used lightweight coding and prototyping tools to understand technical constraints and support collaboration with engineers.
Senior User Researcher at Solirius Consulting (Department for Education)
July 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Discovery research exploring how education providers and internal staff analyse, aggregate, and interpret complex data. Identified usability and workflow challenges affecting insight generation and operational decision-making. Conducted interviews and synthesis across multiple user groups with varying data literacy levels. Mapped end-to-end journeys and system interactions to highlight pain points and opportunities. Delivered actionable insight to inform future service direction and delivery planning. Supported preparation for migration to a new backend infrastructure using Databricks.
Senior User Researcher at NHS England
July 1, 2022 - April 30, 2024Conducted continuous user research across the Covid and Flu National Booking Service used by millions of users. Informed improvements to booking journeys, interaction flows, and accessibility across multiple service iterations. Researched internal staff tools to identify inefficiencies impacting patient experience and operational delivery. Worked closely with designers and developers to integrate research findings into design solutions and maintained user satisfaction scores through iterative testing and evaluation. Delivered foundational research that informed the design of a new staff booking management service.
Lead User Researcher at Rail Delivery Group (RDG) via Cadence Innova
August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022Led user research for the Rail Data Marketplace, a multi-organisation digital platform enabling data sharing across the rail industry. Planned and delivered research in line with GDS standards and service assessment criteria. Conducted research with stakeholders including National Rail, train operating companies, and third-party data consumers. Synthesised complex organisational needs into clear, evidence-based insights. Supported the service through a successful GDS Alpha Assessment. Collaborated with service designers and engineers to shape usable platform structures.
Senior User Researcher at HMRC (Capgemini)
October 1, 2020 - August 31, 2021Conducted research on the Job Support and Job Retention Schemes (Furlough) during periods of high demand. Explored user understanding of eligibility rules, guidance, and digital interactions. Led discovery on EU Exit international trade customs reimbursement services. Supported transition from paper-based to digital processes. Delivered insights to inform service recommendations under complex policy constraints, including NI trade discovery and policy/process/systems for a future service.
Senior User Researcher at Ministry of Justice
March 1, 2020 - October 31, 2020Worked on digitising complex operational workflows for the Prison Escort and Custody Service. Researched multi-agency processes involving prisons, courts, hospitals, and police. Analysed high-risk information capture requirements to support safety and continuity of care. Informed the design of electronic booking and case management processes.
User Researcher at Cabinet Office (Softwire Ltd)
September 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020Researcher on the Gender Pay Gap reporting service, understanding employers’ needs before reporting.
User Researcher at Paddy Power Betfair
August 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019Designing a prototype based on new designs for a new iPhone app. Conducted usability testing with end users to inform iteration.
Technical User Researcher at HMRC: Making Tax Digital
April 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019Worked within the Transaction Monitoring team researching how HMRC can improve data quality from Software Vendors.
Senior User Researcher at Ministry of Justice
July 1, 2016 - April 30, 2019Projects included Claim for Crown Court Defence (CCCD), Tax Tribunals, Moving People Safely, Money to Prisoners service. Guided CCCD and Money to Prisoners Live GDS Assessments. Conducted contextual research in prisons, courts, and legal environments. Designed and evaluated end-to-end service journeys across complex ecosystems.
User Experience Research & Design at IG Group (Financial Derivatives Trading)
September 1, 2012 - July 31, 2016Worked across multiple complex mobile and desktop trading apps and the marketing website. Helped teams define project scope, conducted research with traders, and presented findings with actionable insights. Operated within an Agile framework, producing wireframes and user flows/journeys.
User Experience Architect at Ladbrokes PLC
June 1, 2012 - September 30, 2012Designed UX architecture for online payment journeys. Produced interaction flows and Axure prototypes.
User Experience Architect at VML London: WPP (Design and Build Agency)
June 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012Delivered information architecture and interaction design for digital campaign work.
User Experience Architect at Redweb Digital Agency (Design and Build Agency)
March 1, 2009 - June 30, 2011Delivered UX architecture for Scottish Parliament Website and other public and private sector websites.
Usability Research at Motorola Inc. & ESRI (Loughborough Ergonomics and Safety Research Institute)
June 1, 2008 - September 30, 2008Conducted usability research into mobile interaction and content sharing behaviour.
Senior User Researcher at HMRC (via Capgemini)
October 1, 2020 - August 1, 2021Researched the Job Support and Job Retention Schemes during periods of high demand; explored user understanding of eligibility rules, guidance, and digital interactions. Led discovery work on EU Exit international trade customs reimbursement services. Supported transition from paper-based to digital processes. Delivered insights to inform service recommendations under policy constraints.
Researcher at Cabinet Office (via Softwire Ltd)
September 1, 2019 - March 1, 2020Researcher on the Gender Pay Gap reporting service, understanding employers’ needs before reporting.
Pitch Assistant at Olive Jar Digital Agency
September 1, 2019 - September 1, 2019Provided scope development and pitch assistance for a prospective engagement; contributed to proposal design.
Technical User Researcher (Making Tax Digital) at HMRC
April 1, 2019 - July 1, 2019Worked within the Transaction Monitoring team researching how HMRC can improve data quality from Software Vendors.
User Experience & Design at IG Group
September 1, 2012 - July 1, 2016Worked across multiple complex trading applications and marketing site; conducted research with traders and presented findings with actionable insights; produced wireframes and user flows in an Agile setting.
UX Architect at Ladbrokes PLC
June 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012Designed UX architecture for online payment journeys; produced interaction flows and Axure prototypes.
UX Architect at VML London: WPP
June 1, 2011 - June 1, 2012Delivered information architecture and interaction design for digital campaign work.
UX Architect at Redweb Digital Agency
March 1, 2009 - June 1, 2011Delivered UX architecture for Scottish Parliament Website and other public/private sector websites.
Usability Researcher at Motorola Inc. & ESRI (Loughborough Ergonomics and Safety Research Institute)
June 1, 2008 - September 1, 2008Conducted usability research into mobile interaction and content sharing behaviour.
Education
Ergonomics and Human Factors at Loughborough University
August 1, 2005 - September 30, 2026MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors at Loughborough University
January 11, 2030 - February 27, 2026BA (Hons) Psychology/Business Management at Leeds University
January 11, 2030 - February 27, 2026MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors at Loughborough University
January 11, 2030 - March 8, 2026BA (Hons) Psychology/Business Management at Leeds University
January 11, 2030 - March 8, 2026Qualifications
Industry Experience
Government, Education, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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