A man in a suit holding a microphone and giving a speech at a wedding reception, with flowers on a podium in front of him.

Hello! I’m Ashil (Ash-ill) also known as Ash.

Background

Two people abseiling down a multi-story glass building using ropes and harnesses.

Moving back to the UK in 2016 after growing up in South Africa for 20 years, I began a career as a Business Analyst in an investment bank.

I first worked in operational risk which was heavily process driven, and on cross-franchise projects to remediate customers for financial losses caused by the business. These roles exposed me to a wide range of people from hardened traders to vulnerable customers impacted by our mistakes. Ultimately, this taught me skills in data analysis (via excel), process mapping, governance processes and project management.

It was through one of these projects that I found my way into UX design, and after several years I took a figurative leap to switch career. This was made literal as I went abseiling with my new team.

My skills

A man sitting in an airplane seat working on a laptop with an open screen showing a design or editing software.

  • High fidelity wireframes, prototyping and basic animations. Main tool: Figma

  • Ability to map out a project plan and realistic timelines. Previous PRINCE2 certification.

  • Pitch decks with compelling narratives and clearly articulated design rationale

  • Experience in using design systems and contributing components and guide documentation to the design system.

  • Having worked in the business and now closely with tech, a diverse career background has given me the ability to communicate clearly and articulate design decisions to a range of different stakeholders.

Some of my interests

  • Running

    Running and club volunteer

  • A lakeside scene at sunset with green grass, trees leaning over the water, and houses on a hill in the background.

    Travelling (South Africa)

  • A gaming computer with a red-lit fan, blue LED lights, a Darth Maul Funko Pop figure, and a Star Wars logo.

    Gaming (my custom built PC)

  • Person sitting in a Star Wars-themed replica of the Emperor Palpatine's throne, flanked by two statues dressed as Darth Vader.

    Star Wars and anything comic-related

  • An orange tabby cat lying on a light-colored towel on a beige floral-patterned armchair.

    Brian (my cat)