Handan Richards

I’m Handan Richards, a seasoned User Experience Strategist with over 20 years of experience crafting intuitive, user-centered digital solutions for global leaders like Nestlé, IKEA, and Air New Zealand. My specialty? Transforming complex systems into seamless, delightful experiences that make users’ lives easier and drive business impact. I blend creativity with strategic thinking, leveraging Design Thinking and User-Centered Design to uncover user needs and deliver solutions that align with organizational goals.

At Nestlé, I led the redesign of the SAP Fiori Recipe Optimization tool, conducting in-depth user research and delivering data-driven UI improvements that boosted user adoption. As UX/UI Lead at IKEA, I embedded Design Thinking into innovation processes, creating guides that empowered teams to ideate autonomously. At Air New Zealand, I mentored a team of five UX designers, shaping digital retail products and governing the "Unison" Design System, reducing inquiries by 30% through intuitive design.

My core skills include user research (usability testing, interviews, surveys), UX/UI design (prototyping, wireframing, journey mapping), and leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions. I’m proficient in tools like Figma and Miro, with a knack for facilitating workshops, rapid prototyping, and aligning designs with business objectives. My global experience spans remote and in-person collaboration with teams across Europe, the USA, and Asia, ensuring user needs and business goals are perfectly balanced.

I excel at solving complex problems with user-focused designs, whether streamlining workflows or enhancing accessibility. With a Bachelor of Industrial Design (Hons) from the University of Technology, Sydney, and a proven track record in industries from retail to aviation, I’m ready to bring my expertise to your next project. Connect with me to discuss how I can elevate your user experience.