WE DO USER CENTRED DESIGN

to help our clients build better products and services for their users

Welcome to
north star UCD

North Star is a specialist user research and user centred design consultancy based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

We help companies to identify and understand their users, and build products and services which meet their needs.

We loving working with partners, and are always open to collaborations - get in touch to see how we can work together.

Contact Us Today

Why choose North Star UCD?

An image showing three male silhouettes with an interconnected line - it looks like an organisational chart might, with three equal partners.

we’ll get to work quickly

Our vetted, tried-and-tested, expert associates can quickly onboard, rapidly providing valuable capability while reducing the time, cost and project delays associated with traditional recruitment.

Need it delivering yesterday? give us a call.

A male silhouette icon sitting in front of a laptop, it has a large gear behind him

We’re Flexible and pragmatic

UCD is often seen to be a blocker: slow, dogmatic, and purist. We believe that pragmatism trumps dogmatism. We always advocate for users and their needs, but we also understand delivery pressures and work to your priorities while delivering to high standards.

Simple black outline of a handshake between two hands.

we love collaboration

We love collaborating with other organisations. We can work as an independent team, or within rainbow teams made up of other suppliers.

We’re happy to leave our badges at the door and integrate into your teams, or integrate into your setup. Our engagements are tailored to you.

a flavour of our services

  • Two people sitting at a table working on laptops, with a notebook and pen in front of them. In the background, there are two calla lily flowers in a clear glass vase, a small white vase, a stack of books, and a wooden panel on the wall.

    specialist User research

    We provide expert user researchers to clients who need to understand their users.

  • A man in a blue shirt and khaki shorts standing in front of a group of seated attendees, giving a presentation in a bright, industrial-style room with large windows, brick walls, and decorative lighting.

    UCD Leadership

    We embed into established teams to assure ongoing UCD work - keeping teams on a path to success

  • A white brick building with a large black painted message on it, partially visible, reading 'THE REAL VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY CONSTITUTES NOT IN SEEKING NEW LANDSCAPES, BUT IN HAVING NEW EYES' against a clear blue sky, with parked cars in front.

    Discoveries

    We carry out full discoveries - helping you to understand the best way forward for your product or service.

  • People sitting at a desk with laptops, papers, and pens, collaborating on a project.

    consulting

    Have a problem that needs solving? look no further.

    Not sure exactly how to describe the problem?

    We can help.

  • Multiple hands holding and exchanging small LEGO figurines in a crowded setting.

    Contractors / staffing

    We have a network of experienced, skilled associates who we can embed within your teams.

  • A mannequin dressed in a tan blazer over a gray vest, white shirt, and patterned tie with a fabric swatch pocket square on the shoulder.

    Bespoke solutions

    Need something specific, but can’t seem to find help? Let’s talk.

“Their ways of working, and the results they helped us to achieve, should be the standard in the design industry.”

- Lead service designer in central government client