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About / Jo Sims
Design that worksfor everyone
The essentials
- - 15+ years designing digital learning
- - Based in Manchester, UK
- - MA Design Innovation Strategy, Sheffield Hallam University
- - BA (Hons) Surface Pattern Design, University of Huddersfield
- - 2003-2026, Desq (Rethink Learning)
Bio
I'm a versatile design and content professional with 15+ years' experience creating accessible, high-quality digital learning materials and educational games.
I have a strong background in visual design, accessibility design, content development, testing, and proofreading - with a particular focus on usability, inclusivity, and brand consistency.
My approach is methodical and detail-oriented. I collaborate effectively across teams and work confidently on my own, and I'm very personable and would be a great addition to any team.
Artist statement
I make things to be used - not just looked at.
My practice sits where illustration, interface and inclusive design meet. I'm drawn to problems where a clear drawing, a well-set paragraph or a considered colour choice can unlock something for a learner, to help guide them through the content in a meaningful and practical way.
I care about the reader I can't see: the person using a screen-reader, the tired student on a small phone, the colleague reviewing at 2am. Good design should quietly hold all of them. That's the standard I try to hit, one component at a time.
“Accessibility design isn’t about following rules - it’s about removing barriers. It’s about giving people the dignity to interact, learn, and create on their own terms. When we design for accessibility, we’re not just meeting legal standards - we’re designing better experiences for everyone.”
What I do
Services
Available for full-time work in Manchester & remotely.
2D Design
Creating user interfaces in line with client brand guidelines. Creating 2D graphics for learning content and educational games, icons, characters, scenes and assets for animation. Designing and theming courses using Articulate 360 and Evolve.
- UI design
- Icons
- Characters
- Course theming
- Animation assets
Accessibility Design
Advising on hierarchy, colour, layout, functionality and usability from the earliest stages. Carrying out automated and manual accessibility checks to WCAG Level A and AA, with manual usability testing in JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver.
- WCAG A / AA
- Colour & contrast
- Screen-reader testing
- Inclusive UX
Content Development
Integrating, editing and proofreading content to maintain clarity, consistency, accuracy and readability across long, complex learning products.
- Editing
- Proofreading
- Content integration
- Brand consistency
Tools I work in
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Figma
- Articulate 360
- Evolve
- Wave
- Stark
- Colour Contrast Analyser
- JAWS
- NVDA
- VoiceOver
How I work
- - Embedded in a team or leading a strand solo
- - Accessibility considered from kickoff, not bolted on
- - Brand systems respected, and quietly improved where useful
- - Clear hand-offs, tidy files, no surprises