“Mike, I could kiss you right now mate. Seriously amazing stuff.”
Rida Hamidou, Creative producer, Lovers Design Studio
we love
About Transparent Design
From brand identity and websites to apps, SaaS and even print, we don't just make things that look good - we make things that work.
Our story
Transparent is a small digital design and development agency based in York, North Yorkshire.. Though it was established in 2009, Lucy and Mike first met at university in 1997 and have been working together ever since. After both graduating with first-class honours degrees in Interactive Design in 2000, we went on to work in London agencies and at the BBC before moving into freelance work.
We love working with a wide range of businesses to improve their websites, systems, design and overall user experience. From Merseyrail using our facilities management system, to undertaking 26 website usability audits for SMEs via the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, there aren’t many industries we haven’t worked in.
Our services include SaaS design and build, bespoke and WordPress websites, game development, graphic design, and UI/UX design.
Over the years, we’ve worked with hundreds of businesses across different sectors and of all sizes. We adapt to what you need, and where a project calls for it, we bring in trusted specialists, from copywriters to SEO experts, to make sure everything is covered.
Lucy Rigley
Transparent’s designer, with over 25 years of experience creating websites, branding and digital design which are both lovely to look at and easy to use. She has worked with organisations including the BBC, Visit York and London design agencies, as well as SMEs and national brands across hundreds of sectors.
She works on everything from bespoke WordPress websites and SaaS platforms to logos, graphics and print design. Her approach is friendly, collaborative and jargon-free, with a strong focus on user-focused design which actually works for the people using it. More recently, Lucy helped 26 Yorkshire businesses improve their websites by carrying out usability audits through the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Whether creating a new website, refreshing a brand or improving an existing site, Lucy creates thoughtful digital design which helps businesses stand out for the right reasons.
Mike Rigley
Transparent's resident geek. With over 26 years of experience on the digital front line, Mike is a BAFTA-winning interactive creative developer who has delivered end-to-end projects, from concept and UX/UI to full-stack development along with motion graphics, BI and data visualisation.
Starting his career in London, after graduating with a first-class degree in Interactive Design, Mike has honed his skills in most of the top agencies (and the BBC).
He's been fortunate enough to work with some of the best clients and people in the business, which has allowed him to win multiple awards from BIMA, BAFTA, The Royal Television Society, Y Design Awards, EMMA Foundation and IVCA plus more.
Mike is not good at posing for pictures.
Our values
User focussed
We create intuitive, accessible digital experiences that not only look good, but genuinely work for your business.
Can-do attitude
Got a tricky brief? Perfect - we like a challenge. If it’s possible, we’ll make it happen. If not, we’ll find another way.
Innovative
Not stuck in our ways, we stay current, keep learning and explore new tech and concepts to bring you the best outcome.
Reliable
We deliver what we say we will - on time, on budget and often exceeding expectations.
Quality obsessed
We care about the details. We take the time to get things right and won’t launch something unless we, and you, are proud of it.
Trusted by our clients
We’ve built long-term relationships with the people we work with and we’d love you to be one of them.
And above all… transparent
We offer honest advice, clear communication, and a collaborative process from start to finish.
Why Work With Us
- We design and build digital products your customers will actually want to use.
- We never cut corners or settle for "good enough".
- We solve the problems that make other people sweat.
- We prefer bespoke over off the shelf - because "one size fits all" rarely fits anyone.
- We're transparent, straight-talking, and refreshingly easy to work with.
- We learn what we need to, when we need to. New tech doesn't scare us.
- We're a small team, but mighty - and completely invested in the success of every project.
Testimonials
“When you have Mike on your project you can rest assured it will be delivered on time, on budget, beyond your original expectations... Always delivered with good humour and a smile!! An absolute pleasure to work with.”
Cheryl Brooke-Donovan, Tangent90
“I would definitely highly recommend Transparent Design. I have been over the moon with everything they have supplied. It's so nice to work with someone who understands exactly what you want - sometimes better than you understand yourself. Working with Lucy & Mike has been a handy stress reducer.”
Carolyn Leftly, Marketing and Brand Manager, The Canmaker
“Mike was an absolute pleasure to work with. Despite the short timelines he exceeded our expectations in the delivery of the project and we appreciate how quickly he was able to turn it around for us. I would highly recommend him and will definitely be using him again in the future.”
Amanda Piehl, Bedrock Healthcare Communications
“We had a great experience working with Mike on a project with very tough requirements and a tight, non-movable deadline. There was real commitment and stamina in delivering the work, and it was a pleasure to work with him. Highly recommended.”
Adam Knowles, Elvis Communications
“Lucy created a perfect logo for my business. She was incredibly patient with me and really listened to what I wanted. She was very professional and easy to work with. I would highly recommend working with Lucy.”
Sita Carr-Hill, Owner, Mama's Got Moves
“Mike's in-depth technical expertise and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty meant that we produced a great-looking tool on-time and on-budget.”
Steven Levin, Director, Display Digital
“Lucy came highly recommended to me for a usability audit of our website and I am so glad we went with her! She came prepped for a call having researched the business and gave so many amazing suggestions that we are now implementing. I would recommend to anyone now!”
Rachel Cole, Director, Conv3rt Marketing
“Great working with you on this one - it's going down a STORM!”
Mia Bowles, Consultant, OneFifty Consultancy
“Working with Mike is an absolute pleasure. He’s always friendly, efficient, and focused on delivering exactly what is needed. He listens, understands the brief and goes above and beyond to help and collaboratively work on projects together. I couldn’t recommend him more.”
Tom Eyres, Head of Studio and Production, OneFifty Consultancy
“Mike's a pleasure to work with. His pro-activeness, expertise and clear estimations allowed us to deliver the project on-time and on-budget.”
Sophia Hrywnak, thisiszone
“We hired Mike based on his reputation as an excellent games developer. Mike quickly established himself within the project, grasping the complexities and providing invaluable advice on enhancements. His ability to produce high quality work within tight timescales, combined with strong communication skills and easy-going nature, meant he more than lived up to his reputation. I wouldn't hesitate in hiring Mike again.”
Dougie Pender, Yomego