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.
I now integrate AI into how I design, not just how I think. From research synthesis to building fully interactive prototypes in code, AI is part of my daily practice. But the fundamentals stay the same: understand the problem, stay close to the user, and ship something that works.
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
Integrating AI across the full design process, from research synthesis and content strategy to user flows and design decisions. Using LLMs as a thinking partner to move faster from insight to direction, while keeping the work grounded in real user needs.
AI-Assisted Prototyping
Building fully interactive prototypes in code, working directly from design files to deliver production-quality experiences. Moving beyond static mockups to ship real, testable product moments.