The Humans of Hancock and Rowe: Dianne
The Humans of Hancock and Rowe is a series of interviews that introduces you to who we are and the people we work alongside. From our team to our clients, we’ll be sharing the stories of those who our agency help, support and collaborate with.
Introducing Dianne, one of our UX/UI designers, who has a penchant for high-adrenaline activities.
Where do you come from?
Growing up in Hertfordshire was a bit like living in a quaint British sitcom - minus the laugh track. My childhood was a mishmash of blaring music on my portable CD player, non-stop doodling, horse riding and adventures in the woods that definitely did not meet health and safety standards. I had ambitious dreams of either tinkering with motorcycles for Valentino Rossi or flying jets for the RAF. The day I turned 16 and passed my CBT was a rite of passage; it marked the beginning of my love affair with motorcycles, leading me to European tracks and into the gritty world of motocross.
At school, Art and Design Technology were my sanctuaries, and I chased that passion into college, eventually landing at the University of Hertfordshire to study graphic design. I spent a good few years navigating the design world, from in-house gigs to agency life, and then ventured into the fast pace of UX/UI design for a fintech company in London. But city life? Not my jam. So, I traded the concrete jungle for East Sussex's serene hills, diving back into the creative agency life with a fresh UX/UI perspective.
Where are you now?
Fast forward to the present and I feel very lucky to be living my best life in East Sussex, working remotely with Hancock and Rowe. The leap to remote work has been like finding an extra day in the week, granting me the freedom to explore my new love for paragliding. From thermalling alongside vultures in the Spanish Pyrenees to simulating unstable situations over the Turkish seas at 1900 metres, it’s just awesome.
Thriving in the remote work setup, collaborating with Hancock and Rowe and clients, whether online or face-to-face, is a blast. The flexibility is a game-changer, reminding me that life's too short to postpone joy until retirement.
How did you travel between the two?
Transitioning from graphic design to UX/UI felt like switching from acoustic to electric - different vibes but the same melody. The principles of design remain constant, but there’s something fulfilling about grounding your work in research and data. It’s like having a backstage pass to the user’s mind.
What are your hopes for the future and the digital world?
Looking ahead, I'm eager to collaborate with clients who are hell-bent on doing good in the world. I dream of a future where flexible working isn't a perk but the norm, fostering a healthier blend of work and life for everyone.
With AI’s potential unfolding, I'm excited about the opportunity for it to revolutionise our workflows, boost efficiency, and crack open new channels for creativity. I'm all in for riding this wave of digital evolution.
What do you find most enjoyable about working with Hancock and Rowe?
Working with Katie and Jase is like finding your tribe. They are incredibly genuine, down-to-earth individuals who advocate for flexible working conditions and treat everyone with equal respect. I have immense admiration for their journey, the exemplary quality of their work, and the inclusive, positive culture they've fostered. It's my hope to continue working alongside them, contributing to the success of our future clients and further enriching our collective experience in the digital domain.
