Dereck Johnson
About Dereck Johnson
Dereck Johnson serves as the Head of UX at FutureLearn, where he leads the UX Research and Design team and plays a key role in aligning user needs with business goals. With a background in design and leadership roles at various organizations, he has over a decade of experience in fostering collaboration and enhancing user experience.
Work at FutureLearn
Dereck Johnson serves as the Head of UX at FutureLearn, a position he has held since 2013. He joined the company during its early stages as an education start-up and has played a crucial role in establishing and leading the UX Research and Design team. His responsibilities include aligning learner needs, partner requirements, and business goals to influence the product strategy and vision. He collaborates with leadership teams to set user experience benchmarks and regularly shares performance metrics to measure success. Additionally, he supports the evolution of design systems to ensure a consistent user experience across all FutureLearn products and services.
Previous Experience in UX Design
Before his tenure at FutureLearn, Dereck Johnson worked at TSL Education as a Senior UX Designer from 2011 to 2013. His role involved designing and facilitating group collaboration workshops aimed at fostering a culture of close collaboration and lean, iterative development. Prior to that, he was the Head of Design at i-KOS from 2005 to 2011, where he led design initiatives for six years. He also held the position of Design Studio Supervisor at RMG:Connect for a brief period in 2004, contributing to his extensive experience in the UX design field.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Dereck Johnson founded GRILL N CHILL EVENTS LTD, where he served as Creative Director from 2011 to 2021. During this decade-long period, he was responsible for overseeing creative direction and event design, showcasing his ability to blend creativity with business acumen. This entrepreneurial experience complements his extensive background in UX design and leadership.
Education and Expertise
Dereck Johnson studied at Ravensbourne University London, where he focused on Design and Illustration, completing his studies from 1987 to 1989. His educational background laid the foundation for his career in design and user experience, equipping him with the skills necessary to excel in various roles within the industry.
Leadership and Strategic Role
In his current role at FutureLearn, Dereck Johnson plays a strategic role in shaping the user experience landscape. He provides clear direction for all UX design outputs, ensuring consistency while encouraging experimentation. His leadership approach emphasizes collaboration and the importance of aligning design efforts with broader business objectives.