Sit down with our project manager, Catherine Hu

Over the years, we’ve built a hard-working team of individuals who share a passion for being the best for our clients, ourselves and each other. One person who’s been this passionate since day one is Catherine Hu, our superstar project manager.

Along with keeping website and design projects running smoothly, Catherine works with our team and clients to ensure everything we deliver is pixel-perfect. Before stepping into digital marketing, Catherine was a fashion accessory designer, which has channelled into her high-precision approach to quality control.

For the first time, we sit down with Catherine to hear about her experiences in design and what she has learned from the last six years at Trio.

What drew you to digital marketing?

Before stepping into the world of digital marketing, I started as a designer of socks and accessories, which taught me a great deal about working with colour, pattern and design detail. I spent a few years living in Belgium, which really opened my eyes to different aesthetics and ways of working.

I’ve always had a strong eye for design, whether it was textiles, branding or layout. When I transitioned from sock design to digital marketing, it felt like a natural progression. It’s still creative and has similar methods for managing critical paths and timelines.

What really drew me in was the mix of visual creativity and strategic thinking. It’s really satisfying building something that not only looks great but also works perfectly and achieves client goals.

Are there any key lessons you’ve learnt that influence your work today?

Details matter! They matter more than people think. Whether it’s the padding on a mobile-first design or the type of imagery we use, everything adds up.
Another thing is… listen! When you’re managing a project, especially in a creative area, it’s easy to jump into problem-solving for the client. However, taking the time to fully understand the issue can save a considerable amount of time and prevent miscommunication later.
Oh, and always triple-check everything! If you didn’t realise, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. Nothing leaves my desk unless it has been thoroughly checked and meets the highest standards.

What current trends do you find most influential?

There has been a shift toward more ethical and accessible design, which I love. Great design should be inclusive and functional for everyone, and it’s something I think we’ll start seeing more brands prioritise.

Our other project manager, El Craig, recently wrote an article on web accessibility. It’s worth a read, especially if you’re looking to work on your accessibility.

What do you believe is the next big thing in web design?

Following on from the above, user-centric design will be the next leading thing in web design. At Trio, we consistently strive to craft engaging and intuitive user experiences across our web design projects.

This means we incorporate user data, accessibility features and personalisation where possible. This is where all web design is going.

Is there anything you think people get wrong with websites?

Skipping proper quality control. Launching a website without testing across various devices and browsers, verifying that all links function properly and ensuring the URL structure is accurate can have a significantly negative impact on your website.

There’s also a belief that once your website is designed, developed and launched, you’re done. In reality, your website should evolve over time and stay current with the latest plugins, security updates, and performance enhancements. (Hint: Your website needs regular maintenance!)

Do you have any tips for completing a successful website project?

Clear communication from day one. It’s really important that everyone is aligned on goals, deliverables and timelines. Also, feedback loops – this is a big one! Key people and feedback rounds should be outlined at the very start of a project.
The best projects happen when we can collaborate effectively with clients. And of course, for the umpteenth time, quality control. I’m very thorough when it comes to reviews and testing. It’s the final touch that makes a good site great!