Résumé – Carlos M. Saraiva
UX Designer • Delivering data‑driven, human‑centred systems
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa | 🌐 carlos-m-saraiva.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlos-m-saraiva
Professional Summary
Human Experience Designer with 20+ years of expertise in integrating user-centered design (UX), systems architecture, and technology to create intuitive solutions that enhance how people interact with systems and information. I specialize in bridging the intersection of design, data, and human behavior to deliver measurable impact, ensuring usability, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Combining expertise in UX/UI design, strategic content management, workflow automation, and data-driven insights, I develop scalable, privacy-compliant systems using tools such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, PHP, and ASP/.NET. My approach emphasizes ethical design practices, aligning technical functionality with human needs while achieving operational efficiency and compliance with industry standards.
I have successfully led projects across diverse sectors, including child welfare, education, advertising, and community-focused initiatives. By integrating branding, data visualization, and user behavior insights, I create experiences that are not only functional but also resonate deeply with users, fostering ethical, sustainable, and impactful outcomes.
Key Competencies:
#HumanCenteredDesign #UXDesign #SolutionsArchitecture #BehavioralInsights #DataVisualization#WorkflowAutomation
Career Highlights
- Hope and Homes for Children (2021–2024):
Designed and implemented scalable Monitoring & Evaluation systems using Power BI and Salesforce, prioritizing real-time reporting, data security, and stakeholder usability. Delivered training programs to ensure long-term sustainability.
#DataVisualization #M_E #PowerBI #ImpactTracking - Freelance Project (2019–2024):
Developed an accessible registration platform for the Queer community using WordPress, emphasizing privacy, intuitive navigation, and diverse user engagement.
#UXDesign #DataPrivacy #Accessibility - University of Johannesburg (2018–2020):
Enhanced academic outreach by optimizing CMS workflows with WordPress, automating content updates, and supporting rural education initiatives.
#CMSOptimization #ContentManagement #EducationDesign - Safety1st Digital Magazine (2015–2018):
Led the transition of a print magazine to a dynamic digital platform, incorporating SEO, newsletter automation, and audience analytics to boost engagement.
#DigitalPublishing #SEO #SubscriberManagement - AdAgent (2007–2015):
Designed and implemented a production system for managing timesheets, creative briefs, and workflows, leveraging SharePoint and SQL to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
#ProductionSystem #SharePoint #SQL #WorkflowOptimization - Heineken Rwanda (2006–2007):
Developed content management systems with SharePoint and SQL, focusing on brand consistency and internal collaboration.
#SystemsIntegration #IntranetDesign #ContentManagement
Professional Experience
Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst
Hope and Homes for Children
2021–2024 | Johannesburg, South Africa
Developed and implemented Monitoring & Evaluation systems to support child welfare initiatives, ensuring real-time reporting, data security, and usability for stakeholders.
- Created Power BI dashboards tracking KPIs like family reunifications, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
- Designed a Salesforce-integrated extranet for anonymized, secure data reporting.
- Conducted training workshops to ensure system adoption and sustainability.
#PowerBI #DataVisualization #ImpactAssessment #SalesforceIntegration
Solutions Developer & UX Designer – Contracting
2018–2020
Designed human-centered digital solutions for education and social impact projects, emphasizing usability, security, and accessibility.
- Enhanced University of Johannesburg’s CMS workflows with WordPress, supporting rural education initiatives.
#CMSOptimization #WordPress #EducationDesign - Transitioned Safety1st magazine to a digital platform with SEO, analytics, and newsletter automation.
#SEO #NewsletterAutomation #DigitalPublishing - Built a membership platform for the Institute of Safety Management, automating workflows for certification approvals.
#MembershipSystems #WorkflowAutomation #UXDesign
UX Designer & Solutions Developer – Freelance
2015–2018
Developed human-centered digital platforms for entrepreneurship, education, and service-based businesses. Delivered responsive, scalable web solutions emphasizing user engagement, branding, and automation.
- Enhanced the online presence of an equestrian farm including WooCommerce, combining intuitive design and branding.
#TrodhamShires #WebPresence #WooCommerce #BrandIdentity - Created a membership platform for an author, featuring forums, newsletters, and reader engagement tools.
#SamSleeman #MembershipPlatforms #NewsletterManagement #ReaderEngagement - Designed web solutions for a coaching business, event services, and trades companies, integrating learning systems, booking tools, and SEO for visibility.
#KeyeCoaching #SumptiousVillage #CraigHallElectrical #LearningSystems #BookingSystems
Solutions Developer & Web Operations manager
Information Technology Solutions (ITS)
2006–2015 | Johannesburg, South Africa
Oversaw enterprise-level system development, focusing on workflow automation and cross-platform integration.
- Developed AdAgent, a workflow platform for managing advertising campaigns with real-time reporting and document sharing.
#WorkflowAutomation #MicrosoftDynamics #ERPIntegration - Designed secure client portals for Heineken and First National Bank to enhance collaboration and content management.
#ClientPortals #CollaborationSystems
Solutions Developer – early contract work
Information Technology Solutions (ITS)
2000–2005
Designed web-based solutions for advertising clients, improving workflows and data management.
- Built a regional intranet for Ogilvy, centralizing brand assets for resource sharing.
#IntranetDesign #WorkflowOptimization #BrandManagement - Created a web-based timesheet system integrated with payroll and project management tools.
#TimesheetAutomation #PayrollIntegration
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Information Design
University of Pretoria (2001–2005)
Distinction in Marketing
Matriculation with Distinction in Graphic Design
National School of the Arts (1997–1999)
Distinction in Design
Addendum: Early freelance career (1996–2000)
Digital designer – Grey Advertising
Roles: Junior Designer – Technician – Apprentice
Gained foundational skills in user-centered design through hands-on work in web development, digital graphics, and internal communications.
- Designed responsive websites for clients like John Deere, prioritizing user experience and brand alignment.
#WebDesign #ResponsiveDesign #ClientCommunication - Created digital banners and 3D animations for corporate presentations, enhancing engagement.
#DigitalGraphics #AdobePhotoshop - Developed an intranet and digital newsletters, improving internal communication efficiency.
#IntranetDevelopment #InternalCommunications
Key Skills and Technologies
- Human-Centered Design: Accessibility, Behavioral Insights, Inclusive Systems
- Workflow Automation: Efficient Data Management, Reporting, Integration
- Technical Tools: Power BI, Salesforce, WordPress, SQL, CSS
#HumanCenteredDesign #UXDesign #WorkflowAutomation #DataIntegration