is an experienced designer, who is passionate about ethical and inclusive design.

I have worked for over 10 years across the fields of graphic design, advertising, human centred design and research. Over my career I have developed a specialisation in UX/UI/Interaction design, and I am most at home working on projects that have a people-centred methodology. 

My strengths are:

  • Synthesising complex information into easy to understand and beautifully considered visualisations, systems maps, prototypes, presentations and reports

  • Ethical and inclusive design research, methodologies and outputs, and bringing this lens with me to every design project (WCAG, Universal design, others)

  • Bringing out the best in others, by celebrating their unique background and acknowledging how perspective shapes design practice

  • Designing / leading learning environments and workshops that are inclusive and encourage participation from all perspectives

  • Clear and consistent writing, backed up by evidence-based information

Recently I completed my PhD, where I developed detailed research of social systems and cultural norms found within digital artefacts produced by the Australian communication design industry. My PhD was grounded in qualitative research + critical theories, and further developed my ability to manage complexity and synthesise information.

I am currently looking for full-time, contract or project based work. Get in touch to discuss.

ashlea.coen@gmail.com

EXPERIENCE

2022 - now

Sessional Teaching & Research contracts
Swinburne, RMIT + UTS

2021 - 2022

Primary care work

2020 - now

Freelance designer

2018 - 2025

PhD in Design
Swinburne

2017 - 2020

Interaction designer
Craig Walker

2015 - 2017

Designer & Artworker
BWM Dentsu

2014 - 2015

Brand & Marketing Manager
HB Studio

 

Design & Digital Strategy
Origen Imports

2012 - 2013

Lead Graphic Designer
Medium Creative

SKILLSET

Interaction design

Facilitation

Design research

Prototyping

Leading

UI design

Project management

Visual communication

Synthesis

Co-design

Content design

Conversational design

Ideation

Animation


PUBLICATIONS + PRESENTATIONS

Can AI do this job? Hear from our industry experts, 2024

LinkedIn’s “career break” feature highlights how society devalues unpaid care work, 2023

Food Democracy, 2017

Semi-Precious, October 2014 

InDEBTed to Intervene, Feb 2014


Desktop magazine, Sept 2012