User Researcher
UX / Ethnography / Systems Thinking
Hello! I'm Ana Filipa Couvinhas. An experienced User Researcher, I have worked in many different contexts: from ethnographic studies in remote communities to UX research with cutting-edge tech companies.
My purpose has always been to spot opportunities/problems by better understanding humans and contexts, and using that knowledge to help teams make better decisions. I can’t wait to share my passion for systemic and participatory methods wherever I go!
Sporadically, I provide consulting services worldwide. My professional skills have been enriched in approximately 20 countries, and I have been lucky enough to meet some of the most fascinating cultures and people on Earth.
WHAT I DO
RESEARCH & DESIGN
SYSTEMIC / HOLISTIC
Human-centered Design + Systems Thinking to cope with complex projects. Get the big picture (holistic and long-term perspective).
PRODUCT
Discover and frame opportunities/problems, and then co-design digital/physical solutions taking a
human-centered approach.
SERVICE
Holistic research and design to meet the users' and customers' needs for a specific service (better support customer journeys).
STORYTELLING
Share stories at conferences or through articles, videos, photos, diagrams, and illustrations. Workshop facilitation.
IT WORKS
AND
IT WOWS!
AWARDS
x4 UX Research & Design in Denmark, Italy, Portugal, and South Africa
x3 Storytelling in England, Mozambique, and The USA
x4 Graphic & Product Design in Italy, Nigeria, and Portugal
x4 Academic in Italy and Portugal
AWARDED BY
WHAT OTHERS SAY
“Ana has extensive experience interviewing and studying local communities, workers, farmers, and work systems (...) exceptionally bright, creative, productive, hardworking and well organized (…). She also works very well with all project stakeholders, as well as colleagues, both as a team member and as a project manager.”
- Jake Walter, Country Director at TechnoServe
"It caught my attention her drive to action and proactivity. (...) Ana breaths speed on her UXR initiatives, always keen for the next challenge whatever complexity. Having a comprehensive UXR methodologies toolbox she is a strong team member always keen to help product teams on their discovery journeys and problem framing. She is committed to finding the right problems to solve. Ana is a valuable member to help to grow user-centered practices in any product organization."
- Pedro Alves, Senior User Researcher at OutSystems
“Ana is an excellent partner, communicator, designer, and leader. Team members naturally look to Ana for leadership and vision, especially in the areas of design and user preference. I miss working with her!”
- Chad Waryas, Consultant at TechnoServe
"Ana forms a critical piece of our research team. She possesses an almost unmatched work ethic, and her creativity and unique skill set has served our work well. She has greatly expanded both the imagination of our work and our overall accomplishments."
- Brad Paul, Director, Research & Analysis Unit at TechoServe
"Ana is highly motivated and passionate about her role in the delivery of goals, and quickly learned, adapted and established herself as a key person on our projects. In addition to her professional competences, Ana has exhibited great team spirit and collaborates well will with colleagues with different professional and cultural backgrounds."
- Nimo Wiredu, M&E Specialist at IITA
“Ana showed great initiative to drive a new strategic direction for the project (…) high personal and professional motivation to a single purpose: bringing equity to the disadvantaged by helping them apply their talents to a problem through appropriate and environmentally responsible design and implementation.”
- John Tull, Senior Business Consultant at MMM
WHAT
I'M DOING NOW
USER (EXPERIENCE) RESEARCH
FOR DECISION-MAKING
Currently, I’m working at OutSystems, a low-code software development platform. Here, the fast-paced environment allows me to work on the field, and at tactical and strategic levels.
WHAT DRIVES ME
FINDING
Putting myself in the shoes of people (ethnographic studies, UX and user research)
SOLVING
Solving people problems and match their expectations (iterative test and design)
CREATING IMPACT
Working for meaningful purposes (create real impact)
THE UNKNOWN
Overcoming new challenges!
A GLIMPSE OF
MY WORK TRAVELS
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HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
I can help you by combining UX Research, Ethnographic Research, and Systems Thinking to spot opportunities and solve problems. My work focuses on connecting user needs with technical solutions while incorporating local perceptions.
Feel free to drop me a line: ux.design.afc@gmail.com