Staff spotlight: Dan Williams – Product Designer

May 2025

We were delighted to speak with Product Designer Dan Williams about his journey at Widgit so far. As a passionate advocate for human-centred solutions, Dan's expertise ensures that Widgit's software, websites, and digital tools are not only intuitive and easy-to-navigate, but also visually compelling and engaging for all users.

We spoke to Dan about his Widgit experience so far, his favourite projects, and what makes him excited about the future of design (and not forgetting, his all-time favourite Widgit Symbol)!

Tell us about your role as Product Designer

I work within the product department as a designer, where I lead the design of our software, websites, and digital tools. It’s my job to empathise deeply with our users, understanding what jobs they’re trying to do, the challenges they face, and the value they hope to get from our products. I take these insights and use them to craft user-centred solutions that also align with the business’s goals.

On a day-to-day basis, this means working closely with teams across the business (like education, marketing, creative, and commercial) to ensure the digital experiences we deliver are not only useful and intuitive, but also engaging and visually compelling. I use wireframes, interactive prototypes, and hand-off designs to communicate ideas and collaborate with developers, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to build. Because our product team is still young, I also help shape how we work, developing our design process and tools as we grow.

What made you want to work for Widgit?

For the last decade, I worked in agencies across marketing and software development, helping a wide range of clients bring their ideas to life. But over time, I realised I wanted to invest my energy into something more stable and meaningful... something I could really believe in. I was looking for an in-house role where I could help build something long-term, in a company that aligned with my values.

Accessibility and inclusivity have always been close to my heart as a designer, so Widgit immediately stood out. Their mission to help people communicate and learn through symbols is both powerful and deeply human. When I visited the office and met the team, I felt an instant connection. Everyone was passionate and genuinely kind. It just felt like the right place to be.

The fact that the product department was just being formed was a huge plus too. I had the rare opportunity to come in at the ground level, shape the design culture, and define how we work. Being the first product designer here meant I could have a real impact, not only on the products themselves but also on how design is perceived within the company.

What is it that makes Widgit’s offering so unique?

What makes Widgit special is that everything we do is anchored in purpose. There’s a clear reason we exist, and every team member understands and believes in that mission. It’s not just something we put on a poster, it genuinely drives decisions and relationships across the business.

Our symbols enable communication for people who might otherwise struggle to be understood. That’s a powerful, emotional thing. It gives us a strong sense of responsibility, but also deep motivation. There's a shared sense of pride in the impact our work has.

What’s the most inspiring project you’ve worked on thus far?

Even though I’ve only been at Widgit for six months, I’ve been lucky to dive straight into some really exciting work. My main focus has been designing our next-generation product (what will likely come after Widgit Online). It’s involved speaking directly with SENDCOs, teachers, therapists, and parents / carers who rely on our tools every day. Hearing their stories and how Widgit fits into their lives has been moving and incredibly motivating.

We’ve been exploring fresh ideas and new ways to help users create symbol content more easily and effectively, and I’m really proud of the concepts we’re testing. I’ve also had the chance to evaluate our full product ecosystem and brand structure, uncovering opportunities to create a more cohesive experience across everything we offer. From brand storytelling to visual design, it’s been creatively rich and personally inspiring.

What makes you excited about Widgit’s future?

Widgit feels like it’s on the cusp of something really exciting. More and more people are recognising the value of symbols, not just in special education, but in public services, workplaces, and communities. That growing awareness is opening up new opportunities for us to innovate and reach even more people.

Internally, it’s also a time of transformation. We’ve got a fantastic new workspace that fosters collaboration, and we’re building the kind of team that can take our products to the next level. With the groundwork we’re laying now, from research to strategy to design, I’m confident we’ll create a best-in-class tool that truly empowers users and makes symbol creation faster, easier, and more joyful.

What’s your favourite Widgit Symbol and why?

It has to be the woolly mammoth! I even have a t-shirt with it on. There’s just something about this big, gentle, ancient creature that I find intriguing!