MEET JESSICA


Jessica is an independent STRATEGIC designer BRINGING MORE FEELING TO BRANDS, ENVIRONMENTS & EXPERIENCEs.

A portrait image of Jessica Claire Watson holding a yellow kangaroo paw flower

Jessica is strategic designer with a background in brand and environment experience design. She is based in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia, and works nationally and internationally.

With a deep understanding of user needs, Jessica delivers branded and experiential outcomes that resonate with audiences. Her passion for design is rooted in a commitment to people and community, driving her to break down design siloes and align multidisciplinary teams around a unified vision.

Jessica's journey in design spans various industries and continents, from identity design in London & Shanghai to user experience design in Melbourne. Her expertise extends across engagement, research, strategy, design and production, making her a versatile and valuable partner in any project.

When she’s not geeking out on live experiences, Jessica spends time hosting dinner parties, connecting in nature, as well as growing the Melbourne experience design industry as a whole.

QUALIFICATIONS

2023
Grad. Cert. Aboriginal Studies
University of Notre Dame, Broome

2023
Co-Design Practitioners
CoDesignCo

2022
Design Thinking Facilitation
The Design Thinkers Academy, Melbourne

2009-2014
B.A. Design (Communication Design)(Honours)
Swinburne University, Melbourne

EXPERIENCE

2023-Present
Consultant for hire
Human-centred design consultant
Experience design & facilitation

2020-2022
Experience Direction & Creation
FreeState, Melbourne

2011-2013
Senior Designer
JWDK, Shanghai

2014-2016
Communication Designer
That Marketing Company, Melbourne

2011-2013
Junior Designer
JohnstonWorks, London

RECOGNITION

2023
M-Pavilion Panel →

Designing for memory

2022
M-Pavilion Host →

Co-Design for a better design practice

Swinburne’s GradX Podcast →
Episode 6: Mentoring

2021
Guest Lecturer & Portfolio Review

Swinburne, Branded Environments

2018
Best Overall Visual Identity →

Boomtown, Chongqing Steel Factory, JWDK
Transform Awards Asia Pacific

CONSULTATION / PROJECTS

COACHING / MENTORING

SPEAKING / EDUCATION

CONSULTATION / PROJECTS

An image of a First Nations woman in nature

Jessica has led numerous high-profile projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver cohesive and impactful design solutions. Her leadership style fosters collaboration, creativity, and a shared vision among team members.

  • M-Place: Redefining community spaces and enhancing user engagement through thoughtful design.

  • Columbia Circle: Blending historical preservation with modern living and recreational spaces.

  • DWR Specialists: Creating a unique retail environment that reflects the brand’s identity.

  • Melbourne Airport: Improving the passenger experience through strategic environmental design.


COACHING / MENTORING

A blurred image of a woman with her hands around her face

Jessica is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with others. She regularly mentors up-and-coming designers and speaks at industry events to inspire and educate her peers.

  • 2023: M-Pavilion Panel - How to design for memory-making experiences

  • 2022: M-Pavilion Host - Co-Design for a better design practice

  • Swinburne’s GradX Podcast: Episode 6: Mentoring

  • 2021: Swinburne Guest Lecturer & Portfolio Review - Branded Environments


SPEAKING / EDUCATION

Jessica's work has been acknowledged through various accolades and speaking engagements, reflecting her influence and contribution to the field of design. Here are some of her notable recognitions:

  • 2023: M-Pavilion Panel - How to design for memory-making experiences

  • 2022: M-Pavilion Host - Co-Design for a better design practice

  • Swinburne’s GradX Podcast: Episode 6: Mentoring

  • 2021: Swinburne Guest Lecturer & Portfolio Review - Branded Environments

  • 2018: Best Overall Visual Identity, Boomtown, Chongqing Steel Factory, JWDK, Transform Awards Asia Pacific

see how you can WORK WITH JESSICA