What I do differently

Owners and producers of digital services struggle to make them easy-to-use and accessible. They witness frustrations, see support costs escalate and suffer critique from the very people they want to connect with, and be of benefit to.

What I do is help makers and participants understand each other better by making open compassion part of the solution itself. The right design can make space for cooperation and flexibility, resisting conflict and boundaries.

Here's a simple example: Open compassion can mean allowing people to enter names, phone numbers and dates of birth in a way that works for them, without annoying them with stressful error messages. This leads them to feel safe and comfortable, rather than reprimanded. They will more likely be available for further conversations, contributing to product improvements. They become supporters rather than critics.

The way I enable this is by bringing a broad and deep understanding of ethical, accessible, consent-based and compassionate digital design. My career spans more than 25 years in the field of digital design, working for organisations of all sizes.

I guide and mentor website owners and creators during the development of both communicative structure (the words and visualisations) as well as technical frameworks (the code and material). The result conveys inclusive and respectful intent.

What I have learned from decades of work is that the perfect service is not the goal. The goal is an ongoing effort to capture and recognize individual challenges, and providing space for people to be who they are. Even when everything isn't easy-to-use all the way through, compassionate tech brings immense value to everyone involved.

Contact Per
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New offer. Hire me 1, 2 or 3 days a month and access my skills for all my services at the same time – and then some. Read more on Digital drive.

You can email me directly if you wish to discuss a potential assignment, or read on to understand the many ways I can help you. I've been advising and consulting for organizations of all shapes and sizes for more than two decades.

Examples of services

Digital product development

I work with the balance of human, computer and environment in digital design. My expertise is communicating value gains to stakeholders and development teams in such a way that we share a common goal, build the right thing and ensure positive impact.

My research, sketches and prototypes bring critical insights and assist in mapping the way forward. Working together, with frequent status checks, we contribute to lasting change.

(Cartoon, 2 people outside office building, in park with city in background) Person 1: Let me take you out of the building. Person 2: So this is what's going on out here!
“Per Axbom has a rare, valuable combo in being able to talk to 'techies' in tech language and at the same time capturing, understanding, translating and mediating from a communications perspective. Invaluable! In addition he is curious about averything – a cool, righteous and competent guy!” — Eva Stattin, enterprise client

Coaching

Many people worry about how well their work aligns with their personal values and ambitions. You may also experience a sense of imposter syndrome, doubt your own competence or struggle finding your voice and the best way forward in your current position.

As your coach I help you uncover your goals and strengths, bringing you closer to the person you want to be. Together, we set up coaching sessions that fit with your schedule and preferred mode of communication.

I carry out assignments for coaching groups and individuals, in leadership as well as junior positions.

(Cartoon) Person 1: I'm in need of change. Person 2 (pointing to wavy arrow with a smiley face at the end): Ok, let's walk this path together.
“You can't ask for a better outside perspective than you get from Per Axbom. He's been extraordinarily helpful to me in providing the type of insight that only someone with his particular mix of real-world experience and natural inquisitiveness can.” — Jason Kirst, coaching client

Teaching

Learning, building upon and sharing new knowledge has been a significant part of my career. I am regularly asked to do talks and workshops at conferences and networking events. And by teaching at design schools I force myself to stay on top of my game and take pride in giving back and growing the industry.

Always trying to challenge generally accepted truths, I want the audience to walk away with new insights, tools and conversation starters. It's the conversation that moves us to the next level.

(Cartoon, 3 people looking at table with a paper drawing on it.) Person 1 (seated): But I thought they wanted less friction! Person 2 (standing): The friction helps them make better decisions. Person 3 (seated): Wow, I never thought about that.
“Amazing talk by @axbom.” “Your talk was my favourite.” “Hearing lots of whispers about how amazing @axbom's talk is :)” “@axbom That was truly inspiring. My brain has had a fantastic workout thinking about your talk.” — Various feedback on my Fairytale Experiences talk. (video)

Writing

The power of words has always amazed me. Obsessed with creative writing in school I wrote my first novel at 19. I started blogging in 1997 and went on to run one of the most recognized blogs in Sweden around usability and accessibility. Hint: it's the website you're on right now.

By regularly contributing through blogs, articles – and also podcasting and books – I can try out new ideas, reach thousands of people and get valuable feedback and ideas in return. It allows me to keep pushing the boundaries of what design is and can become.

You will find my most of my written work through my blog(s), and the best way to stay with me for the long haul is my newsletter.

For my daily musings, follow me on Mastodon/Fediverse or LinkedIn.

(Cartoon, a person typing on computer.) Text above person, each word in increasingly spread out and random rotation: Hey words, it's time to shake it up.

Publications

🔋
New offer. Hire me 1, 2 or 3 days a month and utilize my skills for all my services at the same time – and then some. Read more on Digital drive.