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
A site designed and built for your business, not a template. I work out who it's for and what it needs to do, then design and build it to be fast, accessible, easy to find in search and good on every screen, through to launch. This site included.
Digital product
Research, prototyping and interface design for apps and platforms, from onboarding and retention to the design systems that keep a product consistent as it grows. Fourteen years of it, most recently as Head of Product Design at Wakelet, used by millions of teachers and students.
Branding
An identity built for how it will actually be used: logo, type, colour and the components that carry it across your site, app, socials and print, with guidelines so it stays consistent whoever picks it up next.
Who I work with
Based in Manchester, working with clients across the UK, US and Europe.
Businesses
Small businesses, founders and independent professionals who need a website that brings in work. I handle it from start to finish, from structure through design, build and launch, so you deal with one person, not an agency. Recent clients include a motorcycle training school in Essex and a career coach in Dallas.
Product teams
Startups and product companies that need a senior designer who can also write front-end code. I join on a freelance or contract basis for research, prototyping, UI and design systems, working in your tools and at your pace, and hand over designs your developers can actually build.
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
FAQ
How much does a website cost?
It depends on what you're after. A simple site for a small business and a larger build with lots of pages or features are very different projects, so I don't list fixed prices. Book a free discovery call, tell me what you have in mind, and I'll give you a clear quote.
How long does a project take?
It depends on the size of the project. Once I know what you need, I can give you a realistic timeline before any work starts.
Can I update the site myself?
Yes, if you'd like to. I can build in a content management system so you can edit text, images and pages yourself, without touching any code.
Do you handle hosting, domains and ongoing support?
I don't handle domains, so you'll own and manage yours directly. Hosting depends on what your site needs, and we'll work out the right option together. After launch I offer ongoing support, either as one-off pieces of work or a monthly subscription.
What do you need from me to get started?
Nothing. If you'd like help with branding or copy, I can take those on too. Any photos you already have are a big help, and if you don't have any, I can source stock images that suit your brand.
Do you work with clients outside the UK?
Yes. I work to your schedule, whatever time zone you're in, and I take payment by PayPal, Stripe or bank transfer.
Do product teams pay a day rate or a fixed price?
Either, depending on your budget and the work. And yes, I can join your tools and sprints and work as part of the team.
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.
Thanks, that's on its way.
I've got your message and I'll get back to you at the address you gave me, usually within a couple of days.
Prefer email? hello@rickbutterworth.com