About

Panda is a collective of top-flight researchers, designers and engineers, curated by Alastair Lee.

We believe technology is only valuable when it helps people.That's why we start with people
and their needs.

How we work

01
Carefully selected teams
We select the right team for your project from our carefully curated network of associates.
02
Focused on outcomes
We work back from the outcome you want, and judge ourselves on whether we get there.
03
Grounded in user needs
Success is defined by the behaviour of users. So it pays to involve them at every stage.
04
Excited by what's possible
Changes in technology and behaviour present new opportunities to make an impact.
05
Playing nicely
We work hard to ensure that our team fits with yours and that everyone can contribute.
06
Making a difference
We like to make a positive impact with the work we do.

Working with Panda has been a really rewarding experience. They were knowledgeable and approachable, and took into account our specific service needs.

Elliot Davies - Principal Social Worker, Bath & North East Somerset Council

Panda asked very useful strategic questions, considering not just users but the business viability.

Julius Baghdadi - Director, Octopus Energy Hatchery

Meet the pandas

Our network of more than 60 people spans research, design, engineering, product, brand, e‑commerce, and more.

Alastair Lee
Managing Director
Read bio +Close -
With a background in product management at the BBC and Time Out, Alastair set up Panda in 2013 to help clients benefit from user-centred and agile practices. He loves bringing together talented experts to deliver change. Alastair also offers coaching and mentoring services for Product and UX people.
Jesmond Allen
Engagement Lead
Read bio +Close -
An experienced and trusted design leader, able to steer complex projects like the NHS.UK website. Jesmond is also a published author and regular conference speaker. Past Life: Head of UX at global UX consultancy cxpartners.
Efi Chatzopolou
Research
Read bio +Close -
A senior UX Researcher with a master's in psychology, Efi is passionate about the intersection of psychology and design. Her expertise in human behaviour guides teams in creating products that stick. Notable clients: V&A museum, Nationwide, Innovate UK and Scope.
Dr. Stuart Church
Design
Read bio +Close -
A vastly experienced researcher/designer, Stuart has taught user-centred design at Birkbeck and Bristol University, and co-curates the popular UX Bristol conference. Notable clients include Sky, Torfaen Council, Microsoft, Jisc and Bristol University.
Ben Hayes
Design
Read bio +Close -
A senior UX designer/researcher, Ben is as happy running stakeholder workshops and user testing sessions as he is prototyping complex interfaces. His background in both technical and creative roles gives him a holistic perspective on design. Notable clients include: Evora, Samaritans, Confused.com, NHS, Bristol City Council.
Dr. Katharine Lee
Research
Read bio +Close -
A research psychologist and service designer, Katharine is a research fellow at Bath University with a focus on youth and climate change. She also heads up Panda's research function, providing guidance on research methods.
Dr. Patricia Lucas
Research
Read bio +Close -
A researcher and service designer with a background in academia, Patricia is an expert in health and social care services evaluation and design. Previous clients include DHSC, Historic England, Torfaen Council, National Institute for Health Research, and Nesta.
Ant Mace
Design
Read bio +Close -
A versatile researcher/designer with over 15 years' experience, Ant also teaches UX at the University of the West of England and is a qualified boat builder. Notable clients include: UKHSA, Nationwide, Bath & North East Somerset Council, the Department for Transport, Bristol University and Google.
Matt Medlyn
CRO, Ecomm
Read bio +Close -
An expert in analytics and multivariate testing, Matt works with our researchers to set up and run online experiments to test design ideas. He's been doing it for so long he remembers when Google Analytics was called Urchin. He's also a prolific speaker at Ecommerce events, where he helps others understand how to track for actionable insight.
Dr. Rebecca Gill
Design
Read bio +Close -
A researcher with over twenty years' experience in human-centred design (HCD), Rebecca is driven by helping clients develop usable products and experiences that are based on evidence and meet real user needs. She also delivers internationally recognised training courses in UCD. Past clients include BBC, HSBC, Legislation.gov.uk, Screwfix, Oxfam and Warwick Business School.