In the spirit of reconciliation, janjervis.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Hi and Welcome!
I am Dr. Jan Jervis, PhD, a Design Advocate, Educator, Researcher, and Idea Coach.
I help non-designers develop a better understanding of design and digital literacy by offering resources that bridge the communication gaps (which really do exist) between design and business disciplines—without the need to become a designer or use confusing jargon.
I know from my long career experience that in today’s workplaces, design and digital literacy are not just “nice to have”; they’re essential for clear communication, confident collaboration, and improved outcomes.
Free Newsletter
I share regular insights from my career about design and digital literacy, especially for non-designers. I explain the “speak.” Please join me!
Speak Design & Digital
But here’s the challenge...we don’t always mean the same things, even when we use the same words.
My AAVA Framework helps explain why we have different meanings for the same words. Download a free introduction to the AAVA Framework and improve ALL your group communications!
Getting started
No technical jargon or need to become a designer.
Blog
Read the Blog
Learn what’s here by reading how Jan reached this point in her career and why she is passionate about helping non-designers upskill. More here
Quiz
Free Quiz
Take a lighthearted look at how you relate to design—what is your design personality?
Subscribe
Newsletter
Subscribe to “design-speak,” a free newsletter in which Jan shares her knowledge about design and digital literacy for non-designers.
The Non-Designer’s Handbook Vol.I
✔️ 65+ essential design and digital terms
✔️ 148 interactive pages
✔️ Five topic sections
✔️ Mini-quizzes and quick-reference definitions
✔️ Designed with non-designers in mind
No technical jargon. No pressure to become a designer. Just the confidence to speak the language of design and digital — and be taken seriously in the process.
Free Quiz! What’s your design personality?
Testimonial
For many years we have been involved in the design industry of Planning, Architecture, Interiors and Landscaping with involvement in many exciting and challenging projects working with enthusiastic and talented people one of whom is Jan.
Jan, as an external consultant, has interwoven with our practice work over many projects and has always introduced her unique perspectives allowing us to introduce elements that greatly enhanced our impact with the clients.
Jan’s professionalism, attention to detail along with her fountain of wisdom and experience has meant that our design efforts were supported in achieving our goals to the fullest extent.
Experience is one thing but the ability to translate it into a cohesive support system is critical to its value in a design team environment. To be able to integrate with and open the team to other possibilities and move on learning together is what we all seek. Jan has a deceptively gentle guiding touch which is necessary in an industry where the term “herding Cats’ is often applied.
I have no doubt that the future holds more opportunities for us to work with Jan, as she develops her business ideas and I look forward to those future opportunities.
Testimonial
As someone who runs a business solo, I do it all—from seeing clients to writing manuals, posting on socials, managing my website, and now even creating digital recordings. It’s a huge job, and design has always been the bit that trips me up. The Non-Designer’s Handbook has been a total game-changer. It’s practical, easy to understand, and honestly, a relief to read. No more guesswork. Just clear guidance, great tips, and confidence that I’m not doing it all wrong. Thank you for creating this—I love it.
Testimonial
I wanted to share my enthusiastic recommendation for Dr. Jan, who has an incredibly intuitive way of teaching people how to empower themselves with new skills. Her approach is both innovative and effective, making the learning process not only enjoyable but also profoundly impactful.
Dr. Jan’s techniques are designed to boost your confidence and enhance your abilities, ensuring that you truly grasp and apply the knowledge you are acquiring. Whether you’re looking to upskill in your current field or explore new areas of expertise, Dr. Jan’s guidance will undoubtedly be a valuable asset.
I can thoroughly recommend taking the opportunity to upskill your techniques and knowledge with her. The benefits you’ll gain from her teaching will be tremendous and long-lasting.
Best regards,