Introducing the Digital and Innovation Team: Mhari McNaught, interaction designer
Mhari tells us about interaction design at RNID, the projects she’s most proud of and her passion for being outdoors
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Tell us about your role at RNID
There are many definitions of interaction design out there but one I use to explain my role is that I design the interactions between users and digital products. Basically, I design to get the user from point A to point B in the quickest and simplest way possible.
Interaction designers help refine and shape user journeys and help remove complexity where it isn’t needed. To do this, we built interactive prototypes and test and iterate based on user feedback.
We design or select appropriate patterns and components that make up the digital interface so that it is clear to the user what to do next.
How do we work effectively with an interaction designer?
We need to understand what the user’s end goal is when designing a digital product or service. A clear set of user needs and business requirements helps us do this.
We collaborate most with the other members of the user centred design team; content designers, service designers and user researchers.
Together, we translate insights from research into functional products and services designed with the user in mind.
We also work closely with developers who help build our designs.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m designing the website journey for recruiting new volunteers, as well as working on our design system and continually improving the elements we use on the website.
Tell us about something you’ve been proud to work on
I think the proudest piece of work I was a part of was designing the new Adult Disability Payment for Scotland (in my previous role with the Scottish Government). I co-designed with many different subject matter experts and charities to really build a service with the user at heart. It was so rewarding in research to hear what we were working on was going to make such a positive impact on so many people’s lives.
What’s your superpower as an interaction designer?
When co-designing with team members I can help people really expand on their ideas and can quickly turn them into visual concepts.
Where are you working today?
I’m working from home in the south side of Glasgow, I’ve just recently moved here and loving it so far.
What’s your favourite weekend activity?
The activity I enjoy most is going on a big adventure with friends, either hiking or cycling somewhere with beautiful scenery, and finishing in a cosy “old man” pub.