Nicole Pihan
Visual designer and freelance journalist based in Oslo, currently immersed in the vibrant world of UX design, bringing a creative and aesthetic touch blended with strong research basis to every project.
Scroll down to read some of my articles
About me
I am a passionate UX and visual designer dedicated to crafting immersive and user-centric experiences. Armed with Professional UX Diploma from the UX Design Institute and awarded a BA Hons in Journalism, I specialize in transcending conventional design boundaries.
My expertise encompasses delivering compelling static and visual designs tailored for presentations, commercials, and brand identity development. Proficient in industry-leading tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator, I seamlessly blend creativity with technical prowess.
What sets me apart is my commitment to merging aesthetics with meaningful research influenced by understanding differences in people perceptions. Beyond my design proficiency, I contribute as a freelance journalist, integrating compelling storytelling with my data skills. Recognizing the impact of data on design, I navigate the delicate balance between quantitative and qualitative research, ensuring my creations resonate with both precision and emotion.
I firmly believe that the best designs emerge from a fusion of aesthetics and a thorough understanding of customer needs. It's not just about visuals; it's about crafting an experience that anticipates and fulfills the unspoken desires of the audience. Join me on this exciting journey, where every pixel tells a story, and design goes beyond the surface to touch the essence of user experience.
Below you can find links to some of my writing work.
ARTICLES
Beyond the visual symphony of designs, I find enchantment in the eloquence of words. Allow me to invite you into a realm where creativity meets expression. Here are glimpses of my writing—a tapestry of words that captivate and breathe life into narratives. Curious to explore more or considering collaboration? Join me on this journey where the art of language takes center stage, and let's create something extraordinary together.
Environment Agency pension fund invested in manufacturers of toxic weedkillers
The investments, made via its pension fund, total at least £2.35m as of the last financial year, according to analysis of pension fund data carried out by i.
Companies the EA has direct investments in include German multinational Bayer, a manufacturer of neonicotinoids, which are banned in
‘People are here from across the world. Am I scared? No.’ Kingston University Chinese students facing discrimination after coronavirus outbreak | River Online
Universities have been put on alert after a Chinese student at York University became the first person to test positive for the flu-like disease that has killed more than 600, mainly in central China.
Was it because I am white? Nicole Pihan on coronavirus discrimination | River Online
Some call the Coronavirus an ‘Asian disease’ and they could not be more wrong.
The world is in the midst of a global health emergency, and we should not be allowing racism to overcome the tragedy.
The media focuses strongly on the death toll and has influenced west to believe that once you have the virus, you are basically done for. People fear that they will become infected by merely walking past an Asian person.
In the m
Cases of coronavirus in Kingston keep rising as NHS declares the highest level of risk | River Online
As cases continue to rise in the UK, a spokeswoman for Kingston University said students should go about their normal routine.
“The health, welfare and safety of all our students and staff remains our top priority as the UK continues to deal with the ongoing public health implications of the virus."
One giant leap for woman-kind – women need more confidence to know their value | River Online
Samira Ahmed won her case against the BBC and will be paid £700,000 to make up the for the difference in her salary, which she was convinced she deserved. And to be honest, well done!
Although this issue is due to sexism, there is still one area surrounding this case that I feel like no one is talking about – confidence.
I know my facts. The gender pay gap is currently at 17.3 per cent, and it widens as women grow
Books on the Underground is back to get London commuters reading
Enter Books on the Underground. Founded in 2012 and recently revived, this initiative leaves books at tube stations for people to find, read and return to t
The frustrations of being left-handed in a right-handed world | River Online
Does being left-handed come at a price? Nicole Pihan uncovers the myths and truths around being left-handed and how lefties are not feeling left out.
What do Albert Einstein, Robert De Niro and Angelina Jolie all have in common?
Like 10 per cent of the world, they are left-handed.
Kingston University Big Read gets even bigger with new scheme for secondary schools | River Online
The shared reading scheme, Read Up! Kingston, is an initiative born from the success of the KU Big Read, which allows for a smoother transition between educational institutions by introducing a book to all students to create common ground.
The scheme was launched with five secondary schools in Kingston last year.
Kingston University 2020 Big Read shortlist announced | River Online
This is the sixth year of the project, and the shortlist was chosen from over 200 titles suggested by students and staff at the University.
Founder of the Big Read Alison Baverstock said: “We take a lot of trouble choosing the book to have something that gives an impression of Kingston.”
It is essential for novels to feature the UK, a city and upbeat themes.
Top 10 local arts classes to try out
Mon/Wed/Thru 18:30-20:30
Drop-in sessions starting at £10 throughout the week
LARA London, Cl
Kingston University boxing champion who refused to throw in the towel on university degree | River Online
Former student Richard Riakporhe won the British cruiserweight title against Jack Massey at York Hall on December 19 2019, and as well as his achievements in boxing, he now intends to give back to the community.
Little Women could be best movie to see this Christmas | River Online
Little Women is the newest remake of an 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott which, when only depending on the book or previous versions of the movie, would be appealing to a very selected audience of incredible romantics or classic loving women. But with the touch of cream of the crop, of the Hollywood actors and outstanding interpretation from the director, Greta Gerwig’s, this movie feels like more than just a great holiday season entertainment.
The Script gives “the most intimate of intimate shows” in Kingston | River Online
With their sixth album Sunsets and Full Moons out since November 8, the famous rock band started touring around England playing in smaller venues: “Welcome to this most intimate of intimate shows,” said Daniel O’Donoghue, lead vocalist on Monday at the Kingston concert venue.
Science Degree To Rap Career: Kingston University Graduate Chef Grizzy | River Online
The 25-year-old artist understands the value of education but decided to follow his life long passion: “Music was always plan A. Anything else is plan B, it is of course very important to have something to fall back on but as it goes, I’m very much enjoying my journey within music.”
The newest album from Irish originated band The Script: all or nothing? | River Online
Once again Irish-originated band brought upon us, their nostalgic ballade style with powerful lyrics and ear-catching music but introduced, almost, nothing new with nine songs on the Sunsets & Full Moons album.
London Film Festival on the road to embracing gender equality | River Online
From A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood directed by Marielle Heller to The Other Lamb by Malgorzata Szumowska, over 40 per cent of the movies at the Festival has a woman director mark on them.
To put this in perspective, only two movies directed by a female were shown during the Venice Film Festival this year.
Kingston University graduate awarded with prestigious design internship | River Online
Suzy Brewer, who graduated with a BA in Graphic Design amazed the jury with the design of a new non-alcohol brand. She admits that her success came unexpectedly: “Initially I wasn’t going to submit it. I thought it was good enough for the portfolio but not good enough for JDO.”
Few nominations for the student council election at Kingston University | River Online
All Kingston University students were entitled to run for the different positions in the council with nominations ending last Wednesday.
#marchforsisterhood is coming to the Internet | River Online
The idea of the initiative came to life through a group of young women who understood that today’s society can make a difference not only on the streets or conferences, but by also using the Internet.