We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Livia Stevenin ("LS").
I’m Livia Stevenin, a UX/UI designer. Originally from Brazil, I bring creativity, diversity, and empathy into my work—values deeply rooted in my cultural background. I have been living in Italy for seven years and currently work as a UX/UI Designer at Buildo, where I focus on user research, interactive prototyping, and web interface design. Over the past year, I have delved into the role of artificial intelligence in my field, exploring how to conduct user research tailored to AI-based applications. My work involves translating research insights into concrete and functional parameters.
Livia Stevenin Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Livia Stevenin.
Livia Stevenin Design - Viva Cyte Suite Software Platform
Designer Interview of Livia Stevenin:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
LS : I’ve always had a passion for arts and crafts. As a child, when I didn’t have the money to buy Christmas gifts for my family, I would make them myself. I loved creating things inspired by ideas I found online. At the time, I envisioned my future as a doctor, with arts and design as a hobby on the side. However, as I learned more about the world of design and started questioning my future, I began to wonder what I truly wanted out of life. I realized that I didn’t want a career that would tie me down to a specific country or city. I wanted to use my creativity to impact my surroundings in a meaningful way. That’s when I decided to pursue design more seriously. I enrolled in a design university in my hometown in Brazil, where the program was relatively new and not yet widely recognized. This was my first step toward understanding the profession. As I delved deeper into the field, I realized that I needed to expand my knowledge further. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to study at Politecnico in Milan, which allowed me to pursue my dream and kick-start my career as a designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
LS : Buildo is a design and software development company that helps businesses bring complex digital products to life. We focus on building custom solutions that are not only technically robust but also aligned with the real-world needs of our clients. What sets us apart is our holistic approach—we bring together all stakeholders from the very beginning and apply design thinking principles to ensure the end product is functional, intuitive, and scalable. Our engineering team has spent years refining how we select technologies and structure projects, which allows us to deliver faster without compromising on quality or security. But we’re not just about delivery. We believe in long-term partnerships, supporting our clients well beyond launch through ongoing maintenance, product evolution, and strategic input. Most of our clients are scale-ups and enterprises looking for a reliable partner to help them navigate and execute complex digital initiatives. At our core, we’re problem-solvers with a deep respect for good design, clean code, and lasting impact.
DI: What is "design" for you?
LS : For me, design is how I perceive the world. Every color, typography, spacing, and layout I encounter is a form of design. It's fascinating how the best designs often go unnoticed—they’re seamless. You experience them, you love them, but you don’t question them. They feel effortless, fluid, and natural. What’s truly amazing is that I have the ability to create that, or at least try to. Design is a way to solve problems. Yes, it’s driven by creativity and innovation, but it also follows a method and a process. It’s this combination of structure and imagination that allows me to merge two worlds that might seem so different, but are inherently connected.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
LS : The designs I am most passionate about are those that people will actually use, ones that make their lives easier and more meaningful. I’m not interested in creating designs that sit in a drawer or are made purely for profit. While generating revenue is important in any profession, what truly makes the work worthwhile is knowing that it has had a positive impact on people’s lives. When you can design something that genuinely helps a group of people, it adds a layer of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond financial gain. Personally, I’m especially drawn to designs related to the healthcare sector. This area offers incredible potential to create solutions that can improve people's well-being and even save lives. The thought of contributing to a field that has such a direct and profound impact on people’s health motivates me to put my creativity to work for something meaningful.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
LS : As many of my fellow designers will understand, the first thing I ever designed for a company was their website. In smaller companies, you often enter as a "full-stack" designer, taking on multiple roles—graphic designer, web designer, UX designer, UI designer, UX writer, and whatever else needs to be done. There's always a website to build from scratch or redesign. However, I believe the first truly meaningful project I worked on for a company was the one that eventually won this award.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
LS : Brainstorming sessions with my coworkers or clients are when the creative energy really flows. It’s the moment when we all come together, collaborating toward a solution. These sessions are when I feel the most motivated and inspired—without a doubt, they spark my most creative ideas.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
LS : It's all about the experience. A design can be beautiful, innovative, bold, and visually striking, but if it doesn't function well or if users can’t understand it, everything falls apart. The true value of design lies in how it works for the people who interact with it. A seamless, intuitive experience is what makes design truly effective. No matter how impressive a design looks, if it fails to meet the needs of its users, it loses its purpose. In the end, the best designs are those that balance both form and function, creating something that not only looks great but also serves its intended purpose in a way that users can easily navigate and enjoy.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
LS : I feel free, energized, and passionate. It might sound a bit cliché, but it’s the truth. When the creative flow is in full swing, you experience a rush of energy that propels you forward, driving you to keep going until you’ve found a solution to the problem at hand. It’s an exhilarating feeling—like being completely immersed in the process, where time seems to disappear. And the satisfaction that comes when you finally arrive at a solution, one that no one has thought of before, is indescribable. It’s not just about solving a problem; it’s about the sense of discovery, the thrill of innovation, and the pride in knowing you’ve created something new and meaningful.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
LS : Fulfillment. Designing something that you create and never see fully realized feels like raising a child you don't get to watch grow. But when you see people using it, enjoying it, and hearing that it has improved their way of working, that’s when you truly feel proud of yourself. It’s a rewarding experience, knowing your work has made a positive impact and changed something for the better.
DI: What makes a design successful?
LS : Usability and intuition. The true measure of success for a design is how easily users can navigate and engage with it. If your users are using your design, it means you've succeeded. In today's world, people are bombarded with information and distractions—there's so much to process and so much to do that their attention is constantly divided. They don’t have the patience or the time to figure out complex, unintuitive designs. If your design isn't immediately clear or easy to use, users will simply abandon it in favor of something simpler, more intuitive, and more efficient. Therefore, if users stick with your design, it’s a clear sign that you’ve done your job well. It means you've created something that simplifies their experience, reduces friction, and meets their needs in a way that feels natural. That’s the ultimate reward for a designer: when people engage with and benefit from what you've created, it confirms that your design was successful.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
LS : Usability and solving real problems. As mentioned earlier, usability is the foundation of good design. If a design is intuitive and easy to use, users will engage with it—even if the interface isn't visually perfect. Of course, aesthetics add value and can be the first thing that draws users in, but to keep them engaged, a design must prioritize usability. It’s the seamless experience that makes them return and continue using it. Equally important is the design's ability to solve a real problem, no matter how small. A design that doesn't address a problem lacks purpose and meaning. Without a clear problem to solve, it’s difficult to create something that resonates with users. It’s like trying to build something around an empty vessel—without a core focus or a reason for existence, it’s hard to inspire interest or engagement. Effective design starts with understanding the problem and then crafting a solution that is not only functional but also meaningful.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
LS : We create solutions for problems we identify in the society and which ones they are and how we create them can impact how people interact with the environment and the sorrounds. There are many ways to create dask patterns that hook the users and make huge profits, but impact negativitly the users. It's the designer responsabiity to have this in mind and try as much as possible to prevent it as difficult as a task it can be.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
LS : As designers, we create solutions for problems we identify within society, and the way we approach these problems—what we design and how we design it—has the power to shape how people interact with their environment and the world around them. The choices we make can influence behavior, affect experiences, and even change how individuals engage with the tools and systems they use every day. While there are many strategies to create eye-catching designs and patterns that captivate users, it’s important to remember that some of these methods can have negative consequences. There are tactics that can hook users, generate high profits, and drive engagement, but at the cost of their well-being, privacy, or overall experience. These "dark patterns" exploit user behaviors for profit, often creating harmful or manipulative interactions. As designers, it’s our responsibility to keep these ethical considerations at the forefront of our work. We must strive to create designs that are not only effective and profitable but also considerate and positive in their impact. Preventing negative consequences, no matter how challenging it may be, is part of our duty. It’s crucial to maintain a balance between user needs, business goals, and ethical standards, ensuring that the designs we create enhance lives rather than exploit them.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
LS : I draw inspiration from a variety of sources—other designers' work on platforms like Pinterest, Behance, and Instagram, as well as from exhibitions showcasing different forms of art. Whether it’s the masterpieces of painters, the intricate designs of sculptors, or the innovative use of media in contemporary art, I find that each creative expression offers something unique that sparks my own ideas. Nature, too, plays a significant role in my creative process, offering endless inspiration through its patterns, colors, textures, and the organic forms that exist in the world around us. All of these diverse influences come together to fuel my design work, shaping the way I approach every project.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
LS : I tend to gravitate toward minimalist and clean designs that prioritize functionality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. For me, the best designs are those where form follows function, ensuring that every element serves a purpose. At the same time, I appreciate designs that are visually pleasing and easy on the eyes—nothing too overwhelming or cluttered. Colors, in particular, play a crucial role in these designs. They’re not just decorative; they carry meaning and impact, enhancing the user experience without being overpowering. Ultimately, I’m drawn to designs that feel harmonious and balanced—ones that strike the right equilibrium between utility and beauty. It’s this combination of functionality and simplicity, with just the right touch of thoughtful design, that makes a piece truly stand out.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
LS : Coming from a Brazilian background, I arrived in Italy with a deep appreciation for bold, colorful, and vibrant aesthetics. My upbringing was steeped in rich, dynamic visuals that reflected the energy and liveliness of my culture. However, upon arriving in Italy, I was introduced to a more minimalist, clean, and spacious style—characterized by white spaces and subtle design choices. This contrast challenged me to adapt and find a balance between these two worlds. In addition, many of the projects I work on involve collaborating with companies that already have their established brand identities and aesthetic guidelines. Our challenge is to seamlessly incorporate their existing visuals into our designs while maintaining a fresh perspective. I still strive to infuse elements of my Brazilian background—those vibrant colors and the lively spirit of my culture—into the work, but I’ve learned to tone them down and adapt them to the more understated and refined style often found in Italian design. This fusion allows me to create designs that are both balanced and functional, bringing together the best of both worlds—without compromising the identity of the companies I work with.
DI: How do you work with companies?
LS : The company I work for is a consulting firm, which means we handle a wide range of projects across various sectors. We collaborate closely with companies through an iterative and highly collaborative design process. From the outset, we engage with stakeholders to gather detailed requirements and define clear product goals. Through workshops and facilitated discussions, we ensure alignment with both the business vision and user needs. Our approach is rooted in co-design, where we bring together key stakeholders from various departments to ensure that the solution is well-rounded and addresses the needs of all involved parties. We excel at quickly understanding and navigating complex domains, allowing us to foster effective collaboration among diverse teams. Throughout the entire project, we maintain ongoing collaboration with the development team, providing detailed documentation, prototypes, and design systems to ensure seamless implementation. We also support the development phase with continuous quality assurance, ensuring the final product not only meets business objectives but also delivers on user expectations.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
LS : A good designer is someone who defends the users and insists on the importance of research. They understand its value and how it can ultimately save money for the company. While research may seem costly in the short term, it prevents the company from having to redo projects or abandon them because they fail to address real problems. Without proper research, we risk creating solutions based on assumptions, not actual user needs. Even though a boss may know their company well and have good intentions, they’re not the ones working with the processes, tools, or machines daily. Only the users can truly articulate the issues they face. A designer who advocates for user research, even when it may not be the most convenient or cost-effective in the short run, is a designer who takes their work seriously and prioritizes the long-term success of the company and its users.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
LS : My design process closely follows the framework established by my company, which is iterative and centered around both business objectives and user needs. We begin with Requirements Gathering & Research, collaborating with stakeholders and holding workshops to clearly define product requirements. Following that, we conduct User Research through methods such as interviews and surveys to gather valuable insights into user needs and behaviors. During the Design Delivery phase, we craft scalable solutions by applying best practices in usability, information architecture, and process flows. This includes developing both wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes. Additionally, we create a Design System to ensure consistency across platforms and enhance collaboration between the design and development teams. We also incorporate Design Thinking for AI, ensuring that emerging technologies are seamlessly integrated in a way that remains clear and user-friendly. To ensure our work is continuously improving, we conduct Usability Testing, Design Audits, and Accessibility Audits to uncover pain points and guarantee that our solutions are both functional and inclusive. Our process is built on a foundation of collaboration, research, and iteration, with the goal of creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also meaningful and impactful.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
LS : Go out and explore the world. While it’s valuable to study books, learn from references, and understand the work of famous designers, it’s equally important to immerse yourself in the world around you. Understanding the real problems people face and how we, as designers, can help solve them is essential. Inspiration is everywhere—whether it's in nature, everyday life, or the challenges people encounter. The key is to expose yourself to a diverse range of ideas, cultures, and experiences, and use that as a foundation to build your own creative perspective. In addition, design doesn't always need to be tied to a specific client or assignment. Sometimes, the best way to learn and grow is to identify a problem, and then design a solution for it, purely for the sake of practice. Theory is important, but nothing beats hands-on experience. The process of applying what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios is where true growth happens. So, step outside, observe, create, and don’t be afraid to tackle problems—even if they don’t have a brief attached. That’s where innovation and learning often begin.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
LS : One of the positive aspects of design is that we work on real-world problems and have the potential to make a tangible impact on people's lives. As designers, we are constantly engaging with challenges that affect users in meaningful ways. This process allows us to gain insights into different sectors, even those outside our direct field of work, as we explore various domains and the issues they face. In a sense, we are like actors learning a new role—we dive into understanding the users' needs and experiences firsthand, which enables us to create solutions that genuinely address their problems. On the other hand, one of the biggest challenges is that some people still fail to recognize the true value of design and research. Many underestimate the importance of deeply understanding users' needs before jumping into creating a solution. Some believe that design is easy and that anyone with a basic understanding of software tools can do it. But design is far more than just what meets the eye. It involves extensive research, conceptual frameworks, documentation, and strategic planning before we even begin to design something in a program. It’s a process of empathy, problem-solving, and iteration that requires expertise, not just technical skills.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
LS : Empathy, observation, curiosity, and strong argumentation are key qualities that every designer needs. Empathy allows us to truly understand the needs and pain points of users, guiding us in creating designs that are not only functional but also meaningful. Observation helps us gather real insights from user behaviors and environments, providing valuable data that informs design decisions. Curiosity drives us to continuously explore new ideas, stay updated with industry trends, and push the boundaries of creativity, ensuring our designs remain innovative and relevant. Good listening is just as important—by actively listening, we can better understand the perspectives of others, incorporate valuable feedback, and create designs that align with both user needs and business goals. However, these qualities are only effective if paired with the ability to defend our designs. We must be able to clearly explain our design choices through strong argumentation, presenting data, user research, and best practices to justify our decisions to clients, stakeholders, and teammates.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
LS : For color palette creation and contrast: colorbox, tint and gradient, Visual Contrast Figma plugin, Tanaguru Contrast Finder. For UX writing: good microcopy, Strategic Writing for UX: Drive Engagement, Conversion, and Retention with Every Word by Torrey Podmajersky, Microcopy: The Complete Guide by Kinneret Yifrah. For designing: Figma For prototyping: UXPin, Protopie, Figma For workshops: Miro For documentation: Notion, Zeroheight
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
LS : The timeline for a design project largely depends on factors such as the project type, constraints, and the phases involved. If the design process includes all stages from the very beginning—such as Requirements Gathering & Research, Design Delivery (UX, UI, documentation), and Usability Testing—the first version typically takes between 3 to 6 months to complete. Following the initial release, subsequent versions will vary in timeline based on the number and complexity of new features, as well as any additional iterations needed to refine and improve the design. The more features and complexities added, the longer the process may take.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
LS : The one I’m currently working at. It’s the first company where I’m involved in real, complex projects that challenge me professionally and inspire me to grow.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
LS : We work with clients across a wide range of sectors, including finance (e.g., Banksealer), healthcare (e.g., Cellply, Inpeco, Vivisol, Gruppo San Donato), luxury (e.g., Kering), travel (e.g., GDSM Global), and more.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
LS : I enjoy working on design projects that I can follow from start to finish, especially those that have a tangible impact on users. I am particularly drawn to projects in the healthcare sector because they involve complex, real-world problems that can significantly improve people's lives.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
LS : I’ve recently developed a strong interest in AI-driven projects, particularly because they challenge and expand our design process. AI introduces a completely new approach to research and co-design, especially when working with clients who may have limited technical expertise but deep knowledge of their own sector. These clients are seeking solutions that not only integrate AI, but also address their specific business challenges. This requires a collaborative effort where we, as designers, work alongside them to find the most effective and relevant solutions. My goal is to begin developing and testing various approaches to co-designing AI solutions with clients, ensuring that we create outcomes that are not simply about using AI for the sake of innovation, but that truly add value. It’s crucial for these AI solutions to have a meaningful, positive impact on the client’s business and users. Through this process, I aim to foster deeper collaboration, integrate AI in a way that addresses real-world problems, and ultimately create solutions that are both innovative and practical.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
LS : We have a dedicated internal design team that works collaboratively to create seamless UX and UI experiences, blending both disciplines to deliver intuitive and engaging designs. Our team brings together a diverse set of skills, including user research, accessibility expertise, and AI integration, ensuring that every aspect of the user journey is carefully crafted and inclusive. We integrate AI technologies where appropriate, leveraging smart systems to enhance the user experience and automate processes, while maintaining a human-centered approach. In addition to this, we work closely with the development team, co-designing features together to ensure that our designs are not only user-centered but also technically feasible. This collaborative approach allows us to strike the perfect balance between functionality, inclusivity, and innovation, ensuring that the final product is both practical for developers and truly valuable to users. By aligning our efforts from the very beginning of the design process through to implementation, we create products that are well-crafted, efficient, and designed with the user at the forefront.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
LS : We are beginning to develop projects that incorporate AI-driven features, which present both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. Designing solutions that integrate AI requires a deep understanding of how to predict and shape outcomes in a domain that is inherently unpredictable. The dynamic nature of AI means that the results and user interactions can evolve in unexpected ways, making the design process both complex and highly innovative.
DI: How can people contact you?
LS : Puoi contattare il dipartimento vendite tramite l'email: arianna.mandaradoni@buildo.com.