Originally qualified in Information Design, Meriel gained an MA in Computer Related Design at the RCA before moving on to work in-house for Microsoft in Seattle, and for the BBC in London. In 1997, she spotted an opportunity to bring user-centred design to the agency world: Flow Interactive was born.
Under her leadership, Flow grew to be one of the most respected user experience design agencies in the world, providing a unique blend of design and research expertise. Meriel is also a Director of Foolproof.
What excites you about design?
I get more excited by design as a verb than a noun: the process of design rather than the designed product.
Design as a verb is a way of thinking and a love of challenge. Much of my career as a designer has been focused on creating designs which are invisible, designs which allow the content and functionality to take centre stage, and for the user to experience flow. The company name was no accident. I think that design as a process has so much to offer the world.
What can design achieve?
I believe that user-centred design thinking can be applied to many problems in today’s society from the products we use through to the infrastructures we operate within. Good design thinking can improve people’s lives, make businesses more competitive and reduce our environmental impact.
What do you think makes a good designer?
Primarily a hunger to solve problems, tangential thinking, empathy and a love of learning about new random subjects. This must be backed up by fantastic communication and craft skills.
Meriel Lenfestey's current thinking
The Internet is Magic
Complexity…
I like cookies
See all of Meriel Lenfestey's thoughts
Come and meet Meriel
Call 020 7336 4700, email meriel@flow-interactive.com, or visit our offices in Clerkenwell, London.