Matt Barbelli

Fractional Design Director (UX/UI)

Senior design leadership. Without the full-time commitment.

A rapid reel of client brands, starting with Merivale.

How I work

Ongoing partnerships

An experienced design leader, embedded in your team. I work with organisations on a retained basis, combining UX/UI leadership, strategic direction and hands-on design. Whether it’s a few days each month or a more involved commitment, I help shape priorities, solve design challenges and build team capability. From working directly in Figma to design critiques and strategic decisions, I bring the experience to lead the thinking and the practical skills to deliver the work.

Project engagements

Focused expertise for defining moments. Some challenges call for experienced leadership and hands-on expertise over a defined period. From digital transformation and product redesigns to experience strategy and design systems, I help organisations turn complex challenges into considered digital experiences. I work across the entire design process, from research and strategy through to wireframes, prototypes and high-fidelity UI design. I can define the direction, align stakeholders and get into the detail to bring the work to life.

About

Matt Barbelli standing in front of a draped linen backdrop

Design, business and everything in between.

I’ve spent over 15 years building digital agencies, leading multidisciplinary teams and creating digital experiences for some of Australia’s most recognised brands. My experience spans UX/UI design, digital strategy, technology and business leadership, from complex digital transformations and enterprise platforms to customer-facing products, design systems and conversion optimisation. I’ve delivered projects across Australia, the UK, Singapore and the UAE.

I’m equally comfortable working with executive teams to shape digital strategy, leading designers through complex challenges or getting hands-on with the work. Having built and run agencies, I understand the realities of budgets, competing priorities, stakeholder expectations and making the right investment decisions.

I founded Frank Digital, which was acquired by Jaywing, and today lead Wonderful, an independent digital agency. I’ve also served as an AGDA Awards judge for digital design and advised organisations on digital transformation, technology selection, procurement and the adoption of AI within design workflows.

Through my fractional practice, I bring that experience directly into organisations, helping teams make better decisions, elevate their work and deliver stronger digital experiences without the need for a full-time Design Director.

Awards

Awwwards

AIMIA

CSSDA

Communicators

W3

B&T

Selected clients

Perpetual

AMP

Regional Australia Bank

Australian Ethical

Noble Oak

TAL

Merivale

City of Sydney

Bauer Media

Employment Hero

Western Sydney University

University of Tasmania

Australian Catholic University

James Cook University

Canteen

Cancer Council

Rate
$1,800 + GST a day.

Contact

For Fractional Design Director UX/UI roles, in house embeds, and direct leadership briefs.