Tell us about your role and why it’s unique.
I’m a product designer specialising in UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) design, working as a contractor in Hamilton.
What’s unique is that I handle every aspect of the design process, from user research to product strategy, wireframing and advanced prototyping. And being a contractor means I get pulled into all sorts of exciting mobile and web application projects for a variety of industries.
When she’s not hotdesking with clients, Bri works from her home office in Hayes Paddock near the Waikato River, which she shares with fellow designer Natalie (and dog, Marlie).
I started my career in Auckland working for a SaaS startup implementing software for global and Fortune 500 companies. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with leading tech companies like Company-X, The Instillery, Magnetize, Ingot and Lightwire.
Being on the ground and working closely with these companies has been amazing as it means I get to apply my skills to different software problems, build my social and professional network and gain valuable insights into Hamilton’s tech landscape.
In software, design isn’t just a lick of paint, design considers how the product will functionally work for users. If the design isn’t good, no matter how good the code is, people won’t like it, use it or pay for it.
That’s why I’m passionate about design: it’s a make-or-break factor in how people experience and connect with a product.
What’s attracting tech professionals to Hamilton?
Having the opportunity to work on globally impactful projects appeals to people in tech, and Hamilton offers that – without the compromises you have to make living in some cities.
Being based here allows people some breathing space and that feeds into how we approach work, which feeds into the kind of results we deliver.
Bri and Jeremy Hughes, CEO and co-founder of Company-X, review designs for a web app project.
Friendships and connections are really important to me, especially as a contractor which can sometimes feel isolating. Making them in a new place can be tricky though.
My experience of working in tech in Hamilton has been that there are plenty of opportunities for this. At Lightwire, for example, we’d have beers on Thursday afternoons and Curry Fridays. But there was never any pressure to join. It’s like, ‘come if you want, no worries if you don’t’. And that’s the vibe at lots of tech companies here.
I’ve made some amazing friendships that I’ll retain for life thanks to work. Naturally, these people finish projects or roles and become scattered across different companies, so my professional network is wide because of that.
Bri and UX Waikato share tips and laughs over a couple of cold ones Hamilton’s newest urban precinct, MADE.
I’m also connected with about 20 designers in Waikato – we’ve got a group chat going and we meet up regularly for coffee or beer and share referrals, tips, resources and general support. Any one who wants to join can connect with the group on Linkedin.
Being a UX/UI designer is such a specialised skillset, so it’s good to have other professionals locally to connect with.
The people in tech here share many of the same values – we’re hardworking, humble, intelligent and committed to finding new ways to solve problems. That’s a recipe for producing good work.
And there’s a real sense of collaboration here. People are open and trusting, which makes it a good place to test ideas. It’s an environment where you feel like you can experiment and grow because people are willing to help.
I think part of that comes from the breathing room we have here – people aren’t as rushed so they have the time to offer constructive feedback and help.
One of my favourite things about Hamilton is our relationship with the river.
The newer developments along the river, like Victoria on the River, Riverbanks Lane, MADE and co-working spaces like Panama, have really embraced its natural beauty and the greenery surrounding the river.
I spent a couple of years working in Panama Riverbanks and being able to look out at the river while working is incredibly grounding.
The city has done a great job of making the river part of the urban experience and I think that’s a huge drawcard for people who want that balance between nature and tech.
Bri and her sidekick Marlie enjoy a quiet moment along the Waikato River most days.
Where is Hamilton’s tech sector headed and what does it need to keep growing?
I’m really proud of our tech sector. We don’t always highlight our achievements enough, but the more you talk to people about the incredible innovative solutions they’re building and the global impact they’re having, the more you realise how special this sector is.
We have world-class companies here like N4 Studio, Dynamo6 and Aware, and they’re attracting some of the smartest people around.
In saying that, I think we need to push our tech exports higher. With more global tech companies establishing their presence here, the whole sector would be elevated, which would create even more opportunities for growth.
When it comes to design, the sector is definitely embracing a mindset shift.
I spend time at the Innovation Hub at Fieldays every year, for example, and it’s amazing to see how far the design of agritech products has come.
In the past, I’d see incredible technology, but the interfaces were cluttered or confusing. Now, companies are realising that design isn’t just an afterthought, it’s about how the product works for the customer.
With your role, you could live and work anywhere in the world. What is it about Hamilton that keeps you here?
I’ve done the digital nomad thing where I worked from different cities across Canada, Europe and the UK which was amazing, but there’s something about Hamilton. I feel at home here.
The balance between getting great work opportunities alongside talented people and being connected to nature is what I really love.
At the end of the work week, I enjoy time away from screens. We start the weekends down at the dog park, then we might head to the beach.
Hayes Common, overlooking the Waikato River, is a favourite coffee spot for Bri – just down the road from home.
Living in Hayes Paddock right next to the Waikato River means I can stroll along the river into town, grab coffee at Hayes Common or head to MADE for dinner or drinks. We’re also walking or cycling distance from the city centre which gives us lots of options.
It’s my ideal lifestyle.
My partner and I are also renovating an old Ford Transit van. So, I get to spend time on that outside of work.
I’m loving designing for a physical space, and I treat it like a work project – designing the kitchen and making sure it’s ‘highly intuitive’ and ‘ranks well in usability’, thinking about how things will move and keeping track of budgets.
Bri puts her design skills to work in the physical world – renovating an old Ford Transit van with partner Andrew.
We’re doing up my house which has a large backyard with good soil and space for fruit trees and vege gardens, so I’m designing a landscaping plan and having fun rolling out sections of it incrementally – just like feature releases in an Agile roadmap.
I love that I have the time after work and on weekends to get outside and chip away at jobs like planting, weeding or staining the deck. I’ve just invested in outdoor furniture, in time for summer, so I’m excited to host family Christmas this year.
It’s the blend of work, nature, community and time to work on passion projects that makes the location a perfect fit for me. The way I see it, Hamilton offers the best of many worlds.
