Nuno Coelho Santos

Tokyo, Japan

  1. Design
  2. Web Development
  3. Founder
  4. Typography
  5. Mobile Application Development
  6. Branding

Design Leadership at the Intersection of Product Design & Sofware Development • From Google DeepMind, Meta, & Thread (YC S12)

Hi everyone, nice to meet you!

Here is a bit about how I work:

Make it Real:

I work fast, super fast, and focus on making ideas real. I create several high-fidelity prototypes or videos, not just static mocks. I like to stay open to different directions and iterate relentlessly without being tied to assumptions.


One Band:

I prefer to be embedded in your team and workflow with a dedicated email, account in your Slack, Linear, GitHub, or any tools you use. One team, one band.


Timezone Flex:

I flex my wor…

Hire Nuno
Nuno Coelho Santos

Experience

  • Heart

    Founder, Director

    Aug 2025 - Present

    Heart is my independent fractional design practice. I help clients, bring designers under my umbrella, build our own tools, offerings, sprints, playbooks, etc. I'm also shaping what a design-engineering offering might look like for early-stage teams.

    • Established a design company from the ground up, overseeing strategy, operations, and marketing.
    • Collaborated with a global network of designers, engineers, and strategists to deliver innovative solutions for startups.
    • Initiated new offerings and services, positioning Heart as a future leader in fractional design and design-engineering services.
  • Antler

    Antler

    Founder in Residence

    Sep 2025 - Nov 2025

    Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm that invests in the world's most exceptional founders.

    • Participated in the JPN5 cohort, developing and pitching various business ideas to potential investors.
    • Collaborated with other founders to refine product concepts and strategic plans.
    • Decided to exit the program to pursue independent entrepreneurial ventures.
  • WhatsApp

    WhatsApp

    Product Designer

    Jan 2021 - Jun 2024

    WhatsApp is a global messaging application owned by Meta, used by over 2 billion people worldwide.

    • Led the design and successful launch of WhatsApp Business Directory, evolving it into WhatsApp Business Search for global rollouts.
    • Redesigned the inbox management system for businesses by integrating chat labels as inbox filters.
    • Enhanced the user onboarding and first-message experience for business users.
    • Left WhatsApp in mid-2024 to relocate to Japan and start a new company.
  • Google

    Google

    Senior UX Designer

    Apr 2019 - Nov 2020

    Led design for the DeepMind Health, and later on Google Health Team. Experience as an IC (4 and 5) and Design Manager.

    • Facilitated the integration of Streams features into Google Care Studio's mobile application.
    • Designed COVID-19 hospital dashboards, earning the Google Award for Excellence.
    • Collaborated on the creation of material icons and data visualization patterns for healthcare.
    • Resigned in late 2020 to focus on new opportunities in digital communication.
    • Worked on an AI diagnostic tool prototype, advancing clinical care pathways.
    • Collaborated on creating the Streams design system and improved COVID-19 results viewing.
    • Redesigned patient alerts inbox and managed the development of patient list features.
    • Led a material redesign for Streams, a healthcare platform that transitioned into Google Care Studio.
  • Self-employed

    Self-employed

    Product Design Consultant & Independent App Developer

    Sep 2015 - Jan 2017

    Self-employed professionals provide a range of independent services across industries.

    • Provided product design and advisory services for startups and major companies like IDEO and Rival Schools.
    • Facilitated design sprints and web development projects for clients such as ASICS and Bento Graphics.
    • Launched 'Currency', a minimalist app attracting over 28k downloads with a high satisfaction rating.
  • Thread.com

    Thread.com

    Product Designer & Front-End Web Developer

    Jun 2014 - Oct 2015

    Thread is a personalized clothing service combining AI and stylist expertise to deliver tailored fashion recommendations.

    • Spearheaded onboarding redesign, significantly increasing new user order value by 49%.
    • Revamped profile preference settings, improving average outfit ratings amongst users.
    • Developed a mobile-focused design system to enhance user experience for 67% mobile users.
    • Led design and development of various UI components, optimizing user engagement.
  • ustwo™

    ustwo™

    User Interface Designer

    Jun 2012 - Mar 2014

    Ustwo is a global digital product studio known for innovative and impactful design solutions.

    • Designed the UI for American Express loyalty app, integrating new features and prototypes.
    • Developed a campaign manager interface for Sony VAIO, enhancing user experience.
    • Contributed to UI development for Barclays Pingit, focusing on web user interactions.
  • Self-employed

    Self-employed

    Freelance UI Designer & Front-End Web Developer

    Sep 2008 - May 2012

    • Developed and deployed Magento and Shopify online stores for various clients like Paul Cocksedge Studio.
    • Led front-end development for significant brand website launches, enhancing digital presence.
    • Partnered with prominent studios like RoAndCo and ustwo, refining their digital interfaces.