Currently taking project proposals from clients in Portugal and abroad for my venture. I'm not accepting contract work.

User Experience Design & Strategy

José Alves

WorkAboutContact

Expertise

Approach:

My approach to any design problem is tangible and effective. My philosophy is "an ounce of work is better than a thousand words". Also, I like to think of design as a tool to change business models, transform old requirements to new ones or even reconsider the whole product proposition leading to a new vision.

I've started as a graphic designer, but soon realised how digital media could create compelling conversations between people and systems. As the creative space is in constant evolution, my experience has naturally adapted to different mediums and platforms. I've trained myself as an interaction designer and I've learned that it's not about the "siloed" medium but the holistic idea and channels integration. My experience includes websites, mobile applications, consumer electronics and cross platform design strategy.

I enjoy pushing creative boundaries, yet still maintain solid process-driven design principles. I design always with people in mind, and when possible I involve them in the design process to understand their needs, behaviours and motivations. The solutions I deliver represent the creative coordination of user needs, business goals and technical feasibility. I believe that designing with passion leads to a seamless, sustainable and engaging user experience.

Skills: 

  • User Research

Skilled in ethnographic research, contextual inquiries, focus groups, card sorting and in-depth interviews. Able to translate raw data into meaningful user insights.

  • Design Strategy

Translation of user insights into a holistic product vision, through the use of personas, experience scenarios, mental mapping and concept diagrams. Pitch work experience.

  • Interaction Design and Information Architecture

Competencies in aligning business and design strategy with functional requirements. Development of large-scale integration documents, wireframes, site maps use cases and product specs.

  • Visual Design

Art direction as well as hands-on execution. Keen sense of branding, colour schemes, typography, gestalt principles and grid systems. Strong digital brand strategy and integration of brand experiences.

  • Usability Testing and Evaluation

Trained in formative testing and summative testing techniques, heuristic evaluations and 1-to-1 usability sessions. Good articulation of test script writing and test findings presentation.

  • Project Management

Experienced in managing documentation between design, technical and client to better facilitate project and team collaboration. Road map creation, scope definition and management of small project teams.

In case it's not enough please download my CV or check my LinkedIn profile.