I’ve had the privilege of working on product and service projects with many interesting companies, including Nokia, Sonae, Roche, IKEA Industries, Leroy Merlin, Flama, Jerónimo Martins.

This is just a brief overview of the kind of projects I was involved with.


Thunderbolt Project

Challenge

How might we redefine domain names as universal communication identifiers to enhance the way people connect and interact?

Overview

The Thunderbolt Project by Namecheap sought to redefine domain names as universal communication identifiers, expanding their role beyond traditional web addresses.

Role

Project Lead – Leading research, shaping product strategy, designing the information architecture, and prioritizing key features to create a focused and impactful MVP.

Roche Project

Challenge

How might we better understand the daily realities of SMA patients, families, and healthcare providers to create meaningful, patient-centered support beyond medication?

Overview

Roche launched a comprehensive ethnographic study to understand the real-life impact of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in Portugal.

Role

Project Lead – Led stakeholder interviews, workshops, and ethnographic research—including daily diaries and field observations—to uncover unmet needs and daily challenges.

Leroy Merlin Project

Challenge

How might we reposition Leroy Merlin as a trusted partner for professional customers by designing a business platform that integrates physical and digital experiences?

Overview

Leroy Merlin aimed to expand its services for professionals by redefining its business model. Research insights informed a tailored value proposition and strategic improvements.

Role

UX Designer & Researcher – Conducting user research, mapping customer journeys, leading ideation sessions, defining business strategy elements, and ensuring seamless integration between digital and in-store experiences.

Worten Project

Challenge

How might we improve after-sales service by integrating support services across all stages of the sales process?

Overview

To enhance customer support and product longevity, the electronics store chain aimed to create a seamless after-sales experience. Research with customers led to a smart plug for appliance monitoring, a digital platform for managing warranties and spare parts, and an AR/VR experience for diagnostics and self-service solutions.

Role

UX/Product Designer & Design Strategist – Leading user research, defining service strategy, and designing an integrated system that bridges physical and digital touchpoints for a proactive and intuitive customer support experience.

Pingo Doce Project

Challenge

How might we optimize product placement and information delivery by understanding in-store consumer behavior?

Overview

To enhance the shopping experience and drive sales, the supermarket chain sought to improve how products and information were presented in-store. Research on shopper behavior provided key insights that shaped strategic recommendations for product display and category-specific information.

Role

UX Designer & Researcher – Leading in-person observations to capture real customer behaviors, analyzing visual hierarchy, and synthesizing insights into actionable recommendations for optimizing in-store layouts and product communication.

Want to know more about any of these projects?

ma.duartesoares@gmail.com