“If I can help make tech feel more accessible to other women, then that’s a step in the right direction.” – Rachel’s Story

I’m Rachel and I’ve been at AO since October 2023. I’ve always worked in web design and UX design, from radio, to start ups, to more corporate businesses.

I did multi media technology at university, and I’ve always been really interested in maths and art.  I like problem solving and logical thinking but also love having a creative side, and that’s why being a UX Designer is perfect for me, as it involves both!

A UX designer – short for User Experience designer – basically makes sure websites, apps, or any digital products are easy and enjoyable to use. It’s all about understanding what people need, designing solutions that work for them, and testing to make sure everything feels intuitive. At the end of the day, it’s about creating an experience that just makes sense and helps people do what they need to do without frustration. My job is essentially to make using the website as easy and seamless as possible. That means looking at everything from layout, positioning, colour, imagery, and functionality to the finer details that make a real difference to the user experience.

A typical day as a UX designer can vary quite a bit, but it’s always a mix of problem-solving, collaboration, and design.

When I first joined AO, I started by making some improvements to our product pages. I added numbering and thumbnails to the image gallery, making it easier for customers to navigate through product images quickly. I also helped transform our ‘Features We Love’ section, which was previously just paragraphs of text explaining key product features. Now, it’s a more immersive and engaging experience, presented in a gallery-style format with bold imagery, clear headings, and videos that bring the product’s best features to life. These improvements have directly contributed to higher conversion rates – meaning more sales and customers finding it easier to shop!

A well-designed experience should feel natural, effortless, and frustration-free. My job is to remove barriers so customers can get things done with ease. No two days are the same, but that’s what makes UX so interesting!

Being a woman in tech at AO has been a really positive experience. There’s a genuine focus on supporting women to grow and reach their potential, and I’ve felt encouraged every step of the way. There’s no sense of ‘men are better suited to tech’ here – if anything, AO actively challenges that outdated thinking and provides opportunities for women to develop their skills and confidence.

I’ve recently attended a ‘Power of Personal Effectiveness’ course, run by our brilliant L&D team. It really opened my eyes to imposter syndrome, something that tends to affect more women than men, particularly in the tech industry. We discussed it openly, and how we can overcome these feelings.

I’ve also explored leadership development, and while I’m not quite ready for that just yet, it’s great to know it’s there, and I have the full support of my manager and our Head of Department, who is also a woman in tech. Seeing her in a senior leadership role within AO Tech is inspiring and a great example of how women aren’t just part of the team here – they’re leading it.

Most recently, AO offered me a place on an external female development programme too, which I’m really excited about. It’s all about helping women develop their strengths, build resilience, and grow in confidence. One of the highlights for me will be hearing about evolving roles of women in STEM – something that feels particularly relevant right now.

Alongside all this, AO’s learning hub is a fantastic resource, packed with opportunities to keep developing. Overall, AO Tech is a brilliant place to work as a woman – there’s a real commitment to breaking down barriers and making sure women are supported, valued, and given every chance to thrive.

For me, it’s about paving the way for the next generation. If I can help make tech feel more accessible to other women, whether through mentoring, championing accessibility, or just being open about my own experiences, then that’s a step in the right direction.

I’ve also recently volunteered to be a part of an accessibility project, which will massively help to improve skills and ways of thinking in the team, but also improve experiences for anyone shopping or browsing at AO, and I can’t wait to get stuck in!