Raquel Damas

Raquel Damas has extensive experience in the field of design, with a focus on experience design and user-centered methodologies. Raquel is currently serving as the Head of Experience Design at Bitpanda. Prior to this, they worked as the Principal of Experience Design at FreshBooks from 2019 to 2021. Raquel also served as a UX Lead at Shopify Plus from 2018 to 2019.

From 2014 to 2018, Raquel worked at tekzenit, Inc., where they held multiple roles including Design Principal and Strategist, as well as Lead Designer and User Experience Advocate. During this time, they were responsible for design strategy, collaborating with stakeholders, mentoring design teams, and maintaining client and product owner relationships.

In 2014, Raquel worked as the Digital Transformation Project - Design Lead at Airtel, where they implemented design thinking and user-centered methodologies to enhance the company's online presence. Raquel also led design teams across multiple countries and ensured project deliverables aligned with goals.

Prior to their corporate roles, Raquel had their own creative practice where they served as the Principal of Design from 2011 to 2015. Raquel also worked as a Designer at Quinine Design from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, they co-founded Boc'aboca, Conceito de Sabores in 2006, a self-started company focused on reimagining traditional Portuguese confectionaries through food design.

Raquel Damas began their career in academia, working as an Assistant Professor at the University of Aveiro from 2010 to 2013. Throughout their career, they have demonstrated a strong focus on user-centered design and has expertise in various design areas including product design, communication design, and design strategy.

Raquel Damas has a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Design Products from the Royal College of Art. Raquel also completed a short course in preparing to teach at the University of the Arts London. Raquel'sundergraduate degree, a Licenciatura, was obtained from Universidade de Aveiro in the field of Design. In addition, they attended a workshop in Food Design at ESAD (Ecole Supérieure D'art et de Design) in 2013.