SILVIA BENAVENTE
Product designer specialising in discovery and user-centred design.
I've spent a large part of my career as the first designer in early-stage, fast-moving startups, helping shape products from the ground up. Two of those products were featured as App Store App of the Day. I've also worked with established global brands across e-commerce, publishing, fintech and health.
I start by listening. Not just asking the right questions, but paying attention to what people say, what they don't say, and why they behave the way they do. Understanding users isn't optional. It's the only way to make good product decisions, whatever the size or stage of the company. I translate those insights into clear product direction, working closely with product and engineering to ship experiences that actually make sense to the people using them.
As AI reshapes how products are built, bringing clarity, strong product thinking and a human-centred perspective is key to ensuring we're building the right things, not just building faster.
Six Areas Where I Add The Most Value
I work across the full product design spectrum, from discovery and research through to high-fidelity design, systems thinking, and shipping. These are the areas I'm most energised by.
Research & Discovery
User interviews, surveys, usability testing, benchmarking, and synthesis. I ground every design decision in real insight, not assumptions.
UX & Interaction Design
End-to-end flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI. I design experiences that are clear, intuitive, and aligned with business goals.
Design Systems
Building and maintaining scalable component libraries that ensure consistency, speed up delivery, and bridge design and development.
Product Strategy & Growth
Connecting design to outcomes, from activation and engagement to retention and monetisation. I think in user journeys and business metrics.
AI-Augmented Design
Applying generative AI across the design process, from research synthesis and ideation to prototyping and testing. Trained through IBM and Fractal Analytics certifications.
AI-Assisted Prototyping
Using Figma Make, Lovable, and LLMs to rapidly build interactive prototypes, bridging design intent and working code.
What I Bring
Where I've Worked
End-to-end product design for a community-driven birdwatching app.
Led design from early stage through scaling.
Openbank (Santander Group) — London and Madrid.
ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Digital Spy.
Education And Certifications
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Generative AI for UX/UI DesignIBM & SkillUp2026
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Mastering User-Centric Design with Gen AIFractal Analytics2026
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Unlocking CreativityIDEO U2021
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Foundations in Design ThinkingIDEO U2021
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From Ideas to ActionIDEO U2021
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Insights for InnovationIDEO U2021
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How to Be an Advertising Art DirectorCentral Saint Martins, UAL
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Fashion Magazine BusinessCentral Saint Martins, UAL
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100 Design ProjectsCentral Saint Martins, UAL
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Master in Art & CommunicationUniversity of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Graphic Design — Print, Editorial & AdvertisingSpain
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Business StudiesUniversity of Santiago de Compostela