Maria Magdalena Balos

Cambridge, CB13SL • (+44) 7899 866 219 • mariabalos16@gmail.com • https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabalos

Driven by a genuine passion for understanding user needs through empathy and curiosity, I find fulfillment as a user experience design and data scientist professional. Customers and colleagues acknowledge my commitment to producing exceptional results, whether working autonomously or as part of a team. Continual learning and growth are integral to my approach, as I consistently seek to expand my skills and expertise in technology. Embracing a proactive mindset, I readily adapt to evolving priorities while skillfully navigating the delicate balance between immediate requirements and long-term strategic objectives.

Data Science Skills
  • Python
  • Pandas
  • Matplotlib
  • Seaborn
  • NumPy
  • Skit-Learn
  • Statsmodels
  • Exploratory Data analysis
    • EDA
    • Data cleanning
    • Missing values and duplicates handling
    • Descriptive statistics
  • Unsupervised machine learning
    • K-means
    • DBSCAN
    • Anomalies and outliers detection
  • Supervised machine learning
    • Linear models
    • Decision tree
    • Subrogated models
    • Deep learning
UX Skills
  • User Experience Interviews
    Conducting interviews to gather insights and understand user needs and preferences.
  • Heuristic Evaluation
    Assessing the usability of a product based on established design principles.
  • Contextual Observation
    Observing users in their natural environment to gain insights into their behaviors and challenges.
  • Information Architecture
    Organizing and structuring information in a way that is intuitive and easy for users to navigate.
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
    Gathering quantitative data and feedback from users through surveys and questionnaires.
  • Card Sorting
    A technique used to determine the optimal organization and categorization of information.
  • Tree Test
    Evaluating the findability and effectiveness of a website's navigation structure.
  • A/B Testing
    Comparing two versions of a design to determine which performs better based on user behavior and preferences.
  • Usability Study
    Assessing the usability of a product through testing with representative users.
  • User Research
    Conducting research to gain a deep understanding of users' needs, motivations, and behaviors.
  • Interaction Design
    Designing and defining how users interact with a product or system.
  • Visual Design
    Creating visually appealing and engaging designs that align with the brand and user experience.
  • Graphic Design
    Utilizing visual elements and typography to communicate messages effectively.
UI Skills
  • Atomic UI kit Design
    Involves creating modular and reusable design components that can be combined to build consistent and cohesive user interfaces. It promotes efficiency and consistency in design workflows.
  • Composition
    Refers to the arrangement and organization of visual elements within a design. It involves balancing the hierarchy, spacing, and alignment to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
  • Branding
    Encompasses the visual representation and identity of a company or product. It involves designing logos, color schemes, and other visual elements that reflect the brand's personality and values.
  • Colour Psychology
    Understanding the impact of colors on user perception and emotions. Involves selecting appropriate color palettes that evoke the desired feelings and convey the intended message.

Work Experience

  • AUDIENCE RESEARCHER

    Aug. 2023 - Mar. 2024 | Cambridge, UK
    Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA)

    Understanding users' needs and behaviour in the context of the museum. This is a volunteer position.

    Responsabilities

    • Conducting contextual observation
    • Surveying the users
    • Timing, tracking and monitoring in the galery
  • USER EXPERIENCE INTERN

    Sep. 2022 - Mar. 2023 | Somerset, UK
    Singer Instruments

    Part of the user experience team working closely with stakeholders in developing new features for the existing products.

    Responsabilities

    • Conducting heuristic evaluations
    • Leading usability studies and A/B testing
    • Information Architecture
    • Getting insights and presenting them to the stakeholders
    • Creating and testing different fidelity prototypes
    • Creating and analysing questionnaire results
  • GRAPHIC DESIGNER SPECIALIST

    Feb. 2020 - Sept. 2020 | Luxembourg
    International Dual Career Network

    In this position I was working as a graphic designer specialist in the communication team.

    Responsabilities

    • Newsletter design
    • Style sheet definition
    • Social media publications
  • GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER

    May 2018 - April 2019 | Madrid, Spain
    Daguerrotipas

    Responsabilities

    • Layout newborn book design
    • Newborn photoshoot
    • Photography post-production
    • Photo edition
    • Customer acquisition
  • GRAPHIC DESIGNER, POST-PRODUCTION AND PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIST

    Sept. 2013 - August 2016 | Valencia, Spain
    Emana by Hijas de Berna

    Responsabilities

    • Photo books design
    • Event card templates
    • Post-production of RAW images
    • Photo retouch
    • Customer assistance occasionally

Education

  • DATA SCIENCE INTENSIVE PROGRAM

    2023 - 2024 | Intensive Program
    DATAMECUM

  • INTERACTION DESIGN AND USER EXPERIENCE (UX)

    2021 - 2023 | Master's Degree
    Open University of Catalonia

  • GOOGLE UX DESIGN SPECIALIZATION • MOOC

    2021 | UX Design Certification
    Coursera

  • GRAPHIC DESIGN AND DIGITAL CREATION

    2018 - 2021 | Bachelor's Degree
    Open University of Catalonia

  • LIGHT, CAPTURING AND IMAGE PROCESSING

    2016 - 2018 | Certificate of Hight Education (CertHE)
    I. E. S. Prince Felipe

  • More than 25 online courses in design, coding and photography. Please check my LinkedIn for more details.
Software

Figma • Miro • Optimal Workshop • Fibery • Jira • Final Cut Pro X • Microsoft Office • Google Drive • Adobe Creative Cloud: XD, Photoshop, Premiere, Bridge, Lightroom, Indesign, Illustrator Sketch

Code

Python • HTML • CSS • Bootstrap • JavaScript • P5.JS • Bash

Languages

English • Spanish • Romanian • French • Catalan