Dr Andrew C. Pooley

Ph.D.

Pronouns: He/him
  • Senior User Researcher

As a Senior User Researcher operating within the context of digital transformation, I apply and advocate for user-centred design principles, ensuring that user needs and perspectives are systematically integrated throughout the development lifecycle. Working within agile delivery environments, I navigate and reconcile the competing demands of iterative product development with regulatory, legal, policy, and data security requirements, maintaining both methodological rigour and ethical integrity.

Profile

My academic foundation began in Architecture, where I developed a systems-oriented approach to understanding human interaction with complex environments. This evolved through a Master’s in User Experience Design and culminated in a PhD focused on user behaviour in the context of artificial intelligence. Following this, I held a postdoctoral position, which further developed my research, analytical, and interdisciplinary skill sets. Alongside this, my experience as a Lecturer in Industrial Design involved applying for research funding, developing an understanding of the academic and industry landscape, generating pedagogic content, and delivering large-scale workshops and seminars, enabling me to communicate design principles effectively in both educational and applied contexts.

This interdisciplinary grounding informed my transition into industry, where I have focused on delivering impactful, research-led outcomes. At Jaguar Land Rover, I led strategic user research initiatives that directly influenced product roadmaps for next-generation in-vehicle experiences. Working within agile environments, I collaborated with cross-functional teams and aligned diverse stakeholders to ensure innovation remained grounded in genuine user needs, while navigating the competing pressures of security requirements, release timelines, economic constraints, and attention management considerations that shape how products are designed, prioritised, and delivered.

I now bring this experience into my role as a Senior User Researcher at Ofsted, where I specialise in digital transformation and the development of user-centred services. Crucially, I operate with a strong awareness of the government and political landscape, understanding the factors that influence decision-makers and the systems within which research is received and acted upon. This enables me to maximise its impact by aligning it with organisational priorities and policy contexts.