Valerie Ann
Higgins
Design Director
References available upon request
Summary:
With 20 years of experience in Innovation and R&D, I help Fortune 100 organizations transform complex challenges into products, services, and experiences that drive growth. My work combines human-centered design, design management, UX research, business strategy, and emerging technology to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions. I focus on building high-performing teams and cultivating design cultures that connect customer needs with business goals. At Accenture, I lead and scale AI-powered product innovation portfolios that accelerate enterprise transformation and unlock new sources of value.
Experience
Design Director
Since 2020
Accenture R&D Innovation
Dublin
I lead innovation and product strategy at the intersection of AI and emerging technologies, driving initiatives from opportunity discovery and research through to product development, pilot delivery, and deployment. I identify scalable revenue opportunities, build commercially viable products, and foster entrepreneurial cultures that support business growth. I also develop and upskill multidisciplinary teams, embedding AI capabilities and helping organisations adapt to rapidly evolving market demands.
Senior Business Design Manager
Since 2017 - 2020
Fjord
Dublin
Led strategic business design initiatives for global clients, leveraging customer insight, market research, and systems thinking to uncover growth opportunities and shape innovative products, services, and business models. Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to align customer needs with commercial objectives, translating strategic concepts into actionable roadmaps and measurable outcomes. Played a key role in driving transformation programmes, championing human-centred design approaches that enabled organisations to respond to changing customer expectations and evolving market dynamics.
Senior Design Strategist
2016 - 2017
A Piece of Pie
Barcelona
Led strategic design initiatives for international clients, combining human-centred research, trend analysis, and systems thinking to uncover opportunities for innovation and growth. Designed and facilitated workshops, co-creation sessions, and research programmes to define future products, services, and customer experiences. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to translate insights into actionable strategies, innovation roadmaps, and business propositions. Helped organisations navigate uncertainty and transformation by aligning user needs, emerging market trends, and commercial objectives.
Senior Innovation Strategist
2012 - 2016
Idea Couture
London & Toronto
Led strategic innovation programmes for multinational organisations, applying design research, systems thinking, and foresight methodologies to address complex business challenges and identify opportunities for growth. Conducted qualitative research and insight synthesis to uncover unmet customer needs, emerging behaviours, and market shifts, translating findings into innovation roadmaps, new business concepts, and strategic recommendations. Collaborated closely with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to shape future-focused strategies that balanced customer value, organisational objectives, and commercial viability.
Design Associate
2010 - 2012
Planet Ads
Singapore
Supported the development of creative campaigns and brand communications for clients across a range of industries, producing visual design assets for print, digital, and marketing channels. Collaborated with designers, creative leads, and account teams to translate client briefs into compelling visual concepts and deliverables. Contributed to ideation, design development, and production activities, building a strong foundation in visual communication, storytelling, and client engagement within a fast-paced agency environment.
Junior Designer
2004 - 2006
Insight Design & Communication
Perth
Supported the delivery of branding, marketing, and communication projects for clients across a range of sectors, creating visual assets for print and digital channels. Worked closely with senior designers and account teams to develop creative concepts, refine design solutions, and ensure high-quality project delivery. Contributed to research, concept development, and production activities, building strong foundations in visual communication, brand development, and client engagement.
Education
University of Arts London (UAL)
Executive Masters of Business Administration
2014 - 2016
Parsons School of Design NYC
Bachelors in Communication Design
2000 - 2004
TAFE International, Western Australia
Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textile
2006 - 2007
Skills
AI Enabled Innovation
Identifying opportunities to leverage AI in ways that enhance customer experiences, business outcomes, and responsible innovation.
Systems Design
Understanding complex ecosystems and identifying connections across people, processes, and technology.
Design Management
Leading cross disciplinary teams and a project portfolio, fostering collaboration, and creating the conditions and structure for teams to deliver high-quality, impactful outcomes.
Insight Discovery
Uncovering the human needs, behaviors, and opportunities that drive meaningful innovation.
Design & Business Strategy
Connecting human-centered insights with business objectives to shape products, services, and growth opportunities.
Achievements
Awards & Recognition
2024 Grand Prix Winner
Institute of Designers
Intelligent Service Support Agent (ISSA), an AI-powered solution that harnesses multiple data sources and Multimodal Large Language Models (LLMs) to provide real-time insights for Humanitarian Aid Organisations and Emergency Responders in conflict or disaster zones.
2023 Category Winner
Institute of Designers
We created a solution that enables multi-skilled agents through data & AI to create proactive, tailored-care for customers & community in moments that matter most.
Other tidbits
Accenture, The Dock Hackathon for Humanity Lead
Since 2017
Stanford HAI AI Scholars Executive Program
2026
Certificate in User Centred Systems Thinking
2026
Ballymaloe 12 Week Certificate
2025
Digital Arts & Intermedia Practices at Trinity College
Guest lecturer, since 2025
National College of Arts & Design
Guest lecturer, since 2024