maria joão abrantes

Design decisions that move
as fast as your product.

What gets built first, what gets deferred, how the team decides. When a product is moving fast, the design decisions move with it. I provide the senior UX thinking to ensure what gets built is actually the right thing.
I work with a small number of clients at a time, so you get my full attention.

01

Research, always

Good products are not built on instinct alone. I research your market, competitors, and users so every recommendation is backed by evidence, not guesswork. The result is clearer direction, more confident decisions, and less risk before development begins.

02

Code-ready prototypes

I build usable React prototypes from the start. That means less ambiguity, smoother collaboration with developers, and fewer rounds wasted trying to imagine how a flow should behave from a static file. It also leads to faster handoff and a more efficient development process.

03

Scalable design systems

I build design systems that are ready to grow with your product. They make prototyping faster, keep expansion consistent, and reduce rework as new screens, features, and flows are added — while creating a stronger foundation for AI-supported workflows over time.

04

Clarity before execution

I help teams get clear on what needs to be built before time is lost in design or development. That means sharper priorities, fewer unnecessary iterations, and more confidence in the decisions that move the product forward.

0 → LaunchUX StrategyProduct Validation

Product Partner

For founders building without a designer: bridging your product vision and development with research-driven UX, validated flows, and clear design thinking.

This is for you if:

  • You have a product idea, but no one steering the decisions yet
  • You have no designer on the team, and you want a thinking partner, not just execution
  • You've shipped something rough that needs to become something people keep using
Design LeadershipScalable SystemsSmart Workflows

Design Advisory for Product Teams

For teams building without a senior voice: bringing clarity, consistency, and strategic UX oversight across your product.

This is for you if:

  • Your product is live, with real users and clients depending on it
  • You have designers on the team, but no senior voice setting direction
  • Inconsistency is starting to cost you, in rework, missed calls, or people leaving

For teams unsure where to start

Diagnostic Session

One focused hour with you - founder, product lead, or design lead - to get a senior read on where things stand, and a clear written plan for what to do next.

  • 1-hour session together
  • Written report + priority map
  • Clear action plan
  • €450 (exc. VAT)
Book a diagnostic session

For teams that need a clear verdict

Product Audit

A focused 2-week immersion into your product - covering design system, accessibility, language, flows, and consistency - with prioritised findings you can act on before committing to anything ongoing.

  • Fixed scope
  • 2-4 weeks engagement
  • Full written report + roadmap
  • Prioritised findings, ready to act on
Get in touch

Not sure what your product needs?
Let's figure it out together.