Anna Nilsson
About Anna Nilsson
Anna Nilsson serves as the Head of Design and Research at Varjo in Helsinki since 2020, bringing extensive experience in usability and design from her previous roles at Microsoft, Nokia, and other companies. She specializes in integrating design teams into Agile processes and enhancing user experience through qualitative research methodologies.
Work at Varjo
Anna Nilsson has served as the Head of Design and Research at Varjo since 2020. In this role, she focuses on integrating end customer perspectives into product development, ensuring that designs are defined and validated throughout the process. Her leadership emphasizes the importance of user experience and the application of qualitative design research methodologies. Nilsson's experience at Varjo builds on her previous role as Lead Researcher in UX and Design Strategy from 2018 to 2020, where she contributed to the development of innovative solutions.
Previous Experience in Design and Usability
Before joining Varjo, Anna Nilsson held various positions that contributed to her expertise in design and usability. She worked at Microsoft as a Senior Designer in Usability from 2014 to 2016 and at Nokia as a Principal Usability Specialist from 2012 to 2014. Additionally, she served as a Senior Usability Specialist and UI Design Coach at Nokia from 2008 to 2011. Her role at Digia Plc as Senior Service Designer and UX Team Lead from 2016 to 2018 further solidified her skills in leading design teams.
Educational Background
Anna Nilsson studied at Aalto University Executive Education Ltd in 2016, completing an 11-month program. She also earned a Master of Science (Technology) degree from Teknillinen korkeakoulu-Tekniska högskolan, specializing in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Information Networks Degree Program, from 2000 to 2005. This educational foundation supports her extensive experience in design and research.
Leadership and Team Development
Anna Nilsson promotes a culture of continuous learning and team success within design and research teams. She has led and coached diverse teams internationally, focusing on navigating cultural and leadership differences. Her comprehensive skills in project planning, scheduling, and resourcing for design and research projects enhance her ability to manage and develop effective teams.
Methodologies and User Experience Focus
Nilsson utilizes qualitative design research methodologies throughout the development lifecycle to enhance user experience. Her approach involves integrating design teams into Agile software development processes, ensuring that user feedback is incorporated at every stage. This focus on user experience and methodological rigor has contributed to her strong portfolio in both digital and physical product and service development.