Profile
I am Risa Somers, a strategic UX Designer with a deep focus on aligning user needs with business goals to create impactful, user-centred digital experiences. By combining UX research, design thinking and strategic planning, I ensure that every project not only meets user expectations but also drives long-term business growth and innovation.
With experience in UX research, I apply various methodologies to gain insights into user behaviours, motivations and pain points. These insights drive my design decisions, ensuring that the final product is functional, meaningful and aligned with the organisation’s vision.
Throughout my career, I have worked across diverse industries, including banking, automotive, healthcare and the public sector. I also helped shape the design practice at Ordina as a Competence Lead. Now, as a People Manager at Sopra Steria, I lead a team of product designers, focusing on fostering growth and providing support.
Work experience
Strategic UX Design and UX Research Consultant | Sopra Steria
December 2024 - Present
After several years of long-term consultancy assignments, I changed my professional direction to become an expert advisor for multiple clients on short-term projects. I focus on embedding UX strategically and optimising research within organisations.
Digital Product Design Consultant | Ordina
August 2018 - December 2024
During more than six years at one of the largest consultancy companies in the Benelux, I worked for different clients and developed my expertise in UX research.
UX Designer | KBC
August 2021 - December 2024
At KBC, I was the main UX designer for projects across insurance, savings and investments, ecosystems, employee CRM and the chatbot Kate. My work included:
- Visualising user flows and customer journeys.
- Facilitating stakeholder workshops.
- Conducting interviews, surveys and usability tests with end users.
- Creating wireframes and supporting the UI designer with visual design.
- Performing accessibility and acceptance testing.
UX Researcher | KBC
April 2022 - August 2023
During my assignment at KBC, I also had the opportunity to work as the sole UX researcher. We conducted 25% more research and established a streamlined research operating system. My responsibilities included:
- Recruiting suitable end users.
- Planning usability tests.
- Helping colleagues prepare research scripts.
- Creating templates for colleagues to use.
UX and UI Designer | Liantis
January 2019 - August 2021
My journey at Liantis started with conceptualising a new digital application for self-employed starters. Following its success, I worked on other projects across different teams. When the organisation introduced SAFe, I became the lead designer for three other designers.
- Decided with management which new features to build in the coming months.
- Worked in an agile team with stakeholders, developers and designers.
- Visualised user flows, wireframes and visual designs.
- Facilitated workshops, interviews and usability tests with users and stakeholders.
UX and UI Designer | D’Ieteren
August 2018 - January 2019
One of my first clients was one of Belgium’s largest car dealerships. I worked on its first digital application where potential customers could find a lease car, arrange car insurance and complete their purchase entirely online.
- Worked in an agile team with stakeholders, developers and designers.
- Visualised user flows, wireframes and visual designs together with a lead designer.
- Presented my visual work to stakeholders and developers.
- Conducted and participated in usability tests, guerrilla testing and user interviews with the lead researcher.
Information Architect and UI Designer | Statik
February 2018 - April 2018 | Internship
During the final year of my bachelor’s degree, I completed an internship at Statik, an online communication and web development agency. I worked for clients including Smile Dental Clinic, Het Depot and Museum Leuven. Over these three months, I learned to:
- Talk to clients about their needs and expectations.
- Work in a team of two UX designers and one UI designer.
- Use different tools to create wireframes and high-fidelity designs.
- Present my work to colleagues and clients.
Leadership and practice development
People Manager | Sopra Steria
September 2024 - Present
After more than a year as a Practice Lead at Ordina, I became a People Manager at Sopra Steria. I manage approximately 22 product designers and support their professional growth. My responsibilities include conducting evaluations, managing salary review rounds, and identifying relevant training courses and events.
Design Architect | Sopra Steria
September 2024 - Present
As a Design Architect, I support the operations of our Design and Develop Domain and help define its strategic framework. Our focus areas include AI, accessibility, Digital Experience Design and Data-Driven Design.
My responsibilities include creating proposals, pitching to clients, managing a team of four architects, ensuring timely delivery and shaping the design strategy of our business.
Practice Lead Design | Ordina
May 2023 - September 2024
After almost five years at Ordina, I took on a leadership role within our Design Practice, leading an average of 20 product design consultants. My responsibilities included:
- Holding one-to-one meetings.
- Managing salary review rounds and performance reviews.
- Creating project proposals.
- Providing access to training and conferences.
- Establishing and monitoring individual learning paths.
Competence Lead Design Discovery | Ordina
May 2021 - May 2023
As a Competence Lead, I supported the Design Practice by ensuring every consultant had access to the right design methods, templates and tools, and by creating new resources where needed. I also organised annual attendance at design conferences and relevant training to foster continuous professional growth.
Extracurricular activities
UX and UI Designer | Beeple
October 2017 - July 2018 | Student job
At Beeple, then a startup, I worked as an all-round designer responsible for visualising new features for its mobile application. I also researched client feedback and incorporated those insights into new concepts.
Visual Designer | Designosource
September 2017 - June 2018
In the final year of my bachelor’s degree, I was selected for Designosource, a year-long school project in which I worked with 11 other students for real clients. I contributed as a designer, front-end developer and project manager on projects for Jill Peeters (VTM), Klimkaffee, the city of Lier and Antwerp.
UI Designer and Front-end Developer | Plannymap
July 2017 - August 2017
During the summer of my second bachelor’s year, I worked with three other students at Plannymap, a Start it @KBC startup. We designed and developed its web and mobile applications. I was responsible for visual design and front-end development for both applications.
Education
Bachelor in Interactive Multimedia Design | Thomas More
September 2015 - June 2018