David Hawkins
Design Engineer
Liverpool, UK
skills
Design
Design Systems · User Research · Usability Testing · Design Sprints · Visual Design · Figma
Code
React · Next.js · Tailwind CSS · Framer Motion · TypeScript · HTML/CSS · Git
education
Leeds Beckett University
BA (Hons) Multimedia
2008 - 2011
I love design, code and user experience. I've spent my career at early-stage startups in AI, finance, and productivity - bridging the gap between design and code.
experience
Freelance
Design Engineer
Working closely with co-founders and VPs to deliver design and engineering projects in the AI and financial industries. Providing end-to-end product design, rapid prototyping, and full-stack development services to early-stage startups, helping them ship beautiful, functional products quickly.
January 2025 - Present
Cushion
Co-Founder
Co-founded and designed a work communication platform for distributed teams as part of a 2-person team. Built and shipped a full-stack Next.js application with Tailwind CSS and TypeScript as well as an Astro-powered marketing website.
March 2025 - Present
Artificial Labs
Lead Product Designer
Collaborated closely with Artificial's founding team to deliver their industry-defining flagship product. Operated as a design team of 1 whilst the company raised £10m in funding. Set product direction, built design systems, prototyped in code, and shipped core features to the Vite-powered application. Engaged with stakeholders and customers to understand their problems and gained deep insurance knowledge while delivering tools for the world's top commercial insurers.
October 2016 - January 2025
Previous Roles
Springboard · Design Mentor · January 2016 - January 2020
Branch Creative · Founder / Lead Designer · June 2014 - August 2016
PlaceAVote · Lead UX Designer · 2014 - 2016
High Speed Training Ltd · Designer · March 2014 - December 2014