UX leadership with startup pace

Hello, I’m Fiona Burns - Fractional Head of UX & Sharetribe expert.
I help early-stage teams build better products, faster.
Let's chat

My story

Helping startups and scaleups turn rough ideas into simple, intuitive digital products.

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As a UX designer turned strategic partner, I’ve worked across industries collaborating with founders, product teams, and developers to bring clarity, momentum, and meaningful results.

Over time, I realised what I enjoy most isn’t just designing screens - it’s solving product challenges, defining priorities, improving onboarding, and removing the friction that slows teams (and users) down.

These days, I work as a Fractional Head of UX for early-stage companies, providing the leadership and strategic support they need to grow, without the commitment of a full-time hire.

And when it comes to launching a Sharetribe marketplace? I’ve got you covered there too - from early configuration to full custom UX/UI design.

What I bring to the table

A clear, strategic design approach rooted in evidence, not guesswork. I help fast-moving teams make confident product decisions and avoid expensive detours.

Strategic clarity

I help teams prioritise, align, and make confident product decisions.

Evidence-led thinking

My approach blends research, analytics, and practical product sense.

Startup pace

I work lean and fast with a bias toward action and iteration.

Global experience

I’ve supported clients across time zones, cultures, and funding stages.

How I work

My approach is collaborative, strategic, and flexible, built around your business goals. Whether you’re launching an MVP or scaling an existing product, I focus on:

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Defining clear priorities
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Improving UX processes
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Reducing friction and drop-off
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Creating better onboarding and retention strategies
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Providing practical advice you can use immediately
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Aligning design decisions with product & business outcomes

Experience and highlights

With over a decade in UX, I’ve worked across startups, scaleups, and global teams, from early validation to post-launch growth.

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10+ years in UX, product strategy, and user research
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Experience working with startups backed by Y Combinator, Atomico, Founders Factory, LocalGlobe and Connect
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Supported over 35 marketplace founders launching on Sharetribe
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Collaborated with teams across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia
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Led multiple full redesigns for SaaS tools and marketplaces moving to modern tech stacks

Let's work together

If you're looking for a strategic UX partner (not just a wireframe factory!) you're in the right place.