Hi, I’m Rick
Rick Butterworth — freelance website designer in Manchester
What I do
Three things, and the overlap between them is the point. The same person does the research, the interface, and the build, so nothing gets lost in a handover.
Website
Design and build rather than design alone. I take a site from positioning and structure through to a fast, accessible, production-ready front end, this one included.
Digital product
Research, prototyping and interface design for apps and platforms: onboarding, retention, and the design systems that keep a product coherent as it grows. Fourteen years of it, most recently on products used by millions.
Branding
Identity built for how it will actually be used, type, colour and components that hold together across a site, an app, and everything that comes after the logo.
My Work
A bit about me
Designer · Coder · Entrepreneur · Author · Podcaster
With nearly two decades of experience in product design, front-end development, product management, and operations, I specialise in:
- Creating intuitive, inclusive user experiences
- Aligning product strategy with long-term goals
- Strengthening internal operations to boost efficiency and reduce risk
- Identifying and solving process bottlenecks that slow teams down
Being neurodivergent (dyslexic), I'm passionate about accessibility, equity, and designing solutions that work for all, especially those often overlooked. I've co-authored a book with ISTE, co-founded a platform used by millions, and bring a deep understanding of what it takes to move from idea to implementation in the fast-evolving world.
My thoughts
On Paper
Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders
Published 2025
Every learner has the potential to be a leader - both inside and outside of the classroom. With this grounding principle in mind, this book guides middle and high school educators in incorporating student entrepreneurship and leadership into curriculum, fostering the skills students need to become proactive, socially responsible and versatile individuals equipped for academic achievement and prepared for lifelong success in a rapidly evolving world.
In Audio
The Play Ed3 Podcast
2025 - Present
Play Ed3 is a podcast for educators, leaders, and lifelong learners who believe education should inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Hosted by Tisha Poncio and I, each episode explores the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of learning. From classroom strategies and leadership to technology, neurodiversity, and the stories behind remarkable educators, every conversation is designed to spark new thinking and provide practical takeaways you can use right away. Whether you're in the classroom, leading a school, supporting teachers, or simply passionate about education, Play Ed3 is a place to learn, reflect, and grow together—one conversation at a time.
Presenting
- Designing Learning for All Minds ISTE + ASCD · 2026
- The Confidence Loop for Teachers and Students: Create, Reflect, Lead ISTE + ASCD · 2026
- Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders LinkedUp · 2026
- Guest ThriveinEDU · 2025
- Digital Portfolios, Feedback Culture, and Rethinking Readiness My EdTech Life · 2025
- More Than a Showcase: Digital Portfolios for Personal Growth and Learning ISTE + ASCD · 2025
- Creativity is the Assessment ISTE + ASCD - WeVideo Booth · 2025
- Supporting Neurodivergent Voices ISTE + ASCD - Wakelet Booth · 2025
- 3 Ways to Build Student Confidence ISTE + ASCD · 2025
- Portfolios: A Practice not a Project ASTE · 2025
- Presenter Ed3 Summit Session · 2024
- Web3 & The Evolution of EdTech ISTE · 2023
- Digital Portfolios: The Future of CVs ISTE · 2023
- Sketchnoting on Wakelet! Get Creative Wakelet Webinar · 2022
- SEE to Lead Podcast Ep. 208 House of EdTech Podcast · 2022
Get in touch
Currently open to freelance and consulting work.
Need a website, a brand, or have something in mind you're still working out? Book a free consultation and talk it through with me.This doesn't commit you to anything.