User Researcher
Strategy / Ethnography / Systems Thinking
Hello! I'm Ana Filipa Couvinhas. In my 10+ years as a user researcher, I have worked in many different contexts — from ethnographic studies in remote communities to strategic 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 informed 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
Extensive 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.
AWARDED BY
WHAT OTHERS SAY
"[Ana] is one of the most pragmatic individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I observed her influential research mindset, using new methods to achieve actionable outcomes.
Ana's great organization and methodologies ensure she maximizes efficiency. She is an inspiration to fellow researchers (...). Ana's mentoring of others further highlights her commitment to excellence."
- Carina Fonseca, Team Lead at OutSystems
“Ana showed great initiative to drive a new strategic direction for the project (…) high personal and professional motivation."
- John Tull, Senior Business Consultant at MMM
"Ana is highly motivated and passionate about her role in the delivery of goals, and quickly learned, adapted (...). Ana has exhibited great team spirit (...)."
- Nimo Wiredu, M&E Specialist at IITA
“Ana has extensive experience (...) exceptionally bright, creative, productive, hardworking and well organized (…). She also works very well with all project stakeholders.”
- Jake Walter, Country Director at TechnoServe
"[Ana is] always keen for the next challenge whatever complexity. (...) 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] initiated strategic research activities that generated opportunities to address user needs, bringing new initiatives to the roadmap and directing our solution design. Ana takes a pragmatic approach (...) to produce actionable insights."
- Alex Namir, Principal Product Designer at OutSystems
WHAT
I'M DOING NOW:
STRATEGIC 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 strategic levels.
As a Lead UX Researcher at OutSystems, I play an essential role in uncovering trustable data-driven insights to support and shape business strategic decisions.
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 ADVENTURES
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
I can help you by combining Strategic 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