ABOUT — MONA LEPPÄHARJU service designer

My name is Mona Leppäharju and I´m a service design student based in Oulu, Finland.

I am passionate about developing operations and services through profound customer insights and creative thinking. My approach is systematic, always considering both user needs and business objectives.

I can help your company or your client companies by improving the customer experience, promoting innovation, making internal processes more efficient and promoting user-centered design.

Design thinking
Visual thinking
Organization skills
Understanding of user needs
Project management
Teamwork

SKILLS

FREQUENTLY USED METHODS

RESEARCH & DEFINE

Interviews
Probe research
Mystery shopping
Service safari
Desk research
Empathy map
Persona

IDEATE, PROTOTYPE & TEST

Workshops
Moodboards and diagrams
Customer journey map
Business model canvas
Value proposition canvas
Prototyping

PROGRAMS

Miro
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign

MY CAREER JOURNEY

Over the 10 years working as a interior designer, I gained meaningful experience in design industry. I have been able to help customers and businesses to create meaningful, functional and beautiful spaces. However, what constantly bothers me is the fact that we often developed designs without really understanding the needs and wants of the end users.

The turning point of my journey came when I got the opportunity to collaborate with service designers on a project. I was fascinated by their approach as they focused on understanding people's experiences and designing holistic solutions that solved their real world problems.

Motivated by this new passion, I decided to study service design. I wanted to deepen my understanding of the principles of human-centered design, develop innovative approaches to problem solving, and develop a broader perspective on the interconnections of different service systems.

I have now moved from space planning to service and business development. I am committed to using my knowledge and expertise to make the world a more intuitive, functional and meaningful place. By combining user-centered design principles with a holistic understanding of service experiences, I strive to create solutions that positively impact businesses, communities and individuals.

Words from co-workers, clients and classmates

" Mona's methodical approach to work begins with exploring the underlying purpose behind tasks. She delves into the fundamental 'why' and seeks to understand the needs they fulfill. Following this, she carefully evaluates how to tackle the issue, considering the surrounding factors. She remains flexible, ready to devise alternatives should initial plans prove impractical. Ultimately, her approach leads to a well-considered 'what' – the tangible outcome of her thoughtful process. "

Co-worker, Architecture Office Kanttia 2
" Mona is empathetic towards herself and others, and it shows in her being and actions. Sensitivity and empathy, the ability to read situations, and understanding that not everything affecting a situation is initially observable are the true superpowers of a service designer. Hopefully, Mona will be solving complex issues related to communities and individuals' lives and needs in the future. Mona surely can perceive and define the needs that stakeholders themselves may not yet be able to name at this moment. "

Classmate, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
" Mona beautifully crafted an interior design plan for us, placing a clear emphasis on functionality. Ensuring that every aspect of our daily lives seamlessly integrated into the space was her top priority. Functionality was paramount, even above fleeting trends or purely aesthetic concerns. Remarkably, this commitment to practicality did not compromise the visual appeal of the space. By prioritizing functionality while still infusing each element with style and charm, Mona achieved a harmonious balance that exceeded our expectations. "

Client, Interior design project
" Mona effortlessly enhances the ambiance through her mere presence. "

Co-worker, Achitecture Office Kanttia 2

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FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME

mona.leppaharju@gmail.com
+358407231889