About Us:
Design Director:
Chris Shirley MA FRGS
The Hiatus brand was first envisioned in the early 2000s by Chris Shirley MA FRGS, a UX, UI and human factors design specialist with a unique background in military leadership, risk advisory, and global media operations.
A former Royal Marines Commando officer and Close Protection specialist with the Royal Military Police, Chris has combined years of frontline operational experience with a deep understanding of digital communication, bringing a rare perspective to innovation in Defence, Security, and Space sectors.
Chris studied design at university in the early 2000s before embarking on a diverse and international career. His roles have included supporting BBC news-gathering operations in hostile environments, leading risk management planning for international NGOs, and managing COVID-19 safety for Sir Elton John’s global farewell tour.
He has worked across over 60 countries, from expeditionary environments to boardrooms, often operating at the intersection of crisis, creativity, and communication.
High-pressure decision-making and rapid sense-making, developed through years of military operations, global risk advisory roles, and visual design work
With a Master’s degree in Business Management (MA) and recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), Chris’s professional focus today is visual communication, human-centred design, and digital experience strategy.
His skillset is rooted in high-pressure decision-making and rapid sense-making, developed through years of military operations, global risk advisory roles, and visual design work for clients ranging from Google and ITN to Bear Grylls and the UK’s leading defence innovators.
A two-time Guinness World Record holder for ocean rowing, Chris brings deep operational insight to his design practice, helping start-ups, scale-ups, and mission-critical industries simplify complexity and communicate visually with impact. He splits his time between the UK and Estonia, working with companies across both regions to develop intuitive user experiences and bridge cultural gaps in digital design.
Chris continues to advise organisations on business continuity, digital resilience, and cross-cultural UX strategy. His current work supports emerging technology companies operating in DefenceTech, Media, and Secure Communications.