Hello, I'm Tommy Petillo

I have been designing inclusive design solutions since 2009

I am a senior service designer and strategic design leader with over 20 years’ experience delivering impactful, user-centred services and products in the public and third sectors.

My practice blends design strategy, inclusive design, user research, and service transformation, often at national scale. Having led high-impact projects such as Scotland’s Dementia Safeguarding Scheme, I specialise in designing inclusive, end-to-end services, including both digital and physical products.

My work often involves harnessing the power of communities to produce impactful social change at a local level first, which can then ripple out to influence policy at a broader scale.

Leadership & Strategy

  • I have 25+ years leading multidisciplinary teams in service design, product innovation, and transformation programmes, delivering on time and on budget.
  • I founded and managed a design consultancy; deeply familiar with design strategy, business values, funding streams access and stakeholder alignment.
  • I scaled small pilots into national implementations, influencing public policy through design.

Research & Insight

  • I am proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods, using ethnographic research tools such as interviews, cultural probes, co-design workshops and user testing.
  • I am skilled in translating insights into both actionable strategies and briefs for operational and delivery teams.
  • I am experienced in communicating and visualising complex information using blueprints, journey maps, process diagrams and infographics.

Design & Deliver

  • I am solution-driven, a thinker, and a doer.
  • I’m experienced in prototyping evidence-based design concepts to earn the buy-in of stakeholders and senior management.
  • I am skilled in using both analogue methods and digital software to design, present, modify, and deliver user-centred solutions at every stage of the design process.

Coaching, Inspiring & Onboarding

  • I am a passionate educator and design ambassador. I taught design in several academic institutions and coached people of diverse backgrounds, age, culture, to create positive and impactful change.
  • I am experienced in building trust, creating common ground, and constructively challenging decisions.
  • I am a confident and respected speaker nationally and internationally, especially in the field of inclusive design and design for dementia.

Selected Case Studies

Dementia Safeguarding Scheme

A suite of services for missing people with dementia

University of Glasgow Transformation

Redesigning the wellbeing services at UofG

Included Design

Inclusively designed furniture for people affected by dementia