About — Jada van der Heijden

Hello, I'm Jada.

UX researcher and interaction designer, studying Human-Computer Interaction Design across Finland and the Netherlands.

A little about me

I'm an MSc Human-Computer Interaction Design student at the University of Twente and Aalto University. My background in Psychology and Technology grounds my work in how people think, behave, and interact with technology.

I specialize in qualitative UX research, usability testing, and spatial and interactive design. I connect research findings to practical design decisions, and enjoy making complex systems easier to understand and use.

What I'm working on

My double-degree master's focuses on UI/UX research, interactive technologies, VR/XR, motion UI, and cross-device interaction. I’m especially interested in how culture, perception, and persuasion shape human-technology interactions.

How I work

Human-centred research

I plan and conduct interviews, usability tests, co-design workshops, and eye-tracking studies, then translate patterns into actionable insights.

From insight to interaction

I connect psychology and HCI with journey maps, prototypes, and interaction design for digital, spatial, and physical experiences.

Visual and technical craft

I work across Figma, motion and visual design, physical prototyping, and web technologies to make and communicate ideas.

Education

Human-computer interaction, psychology, and technology.

MSc Human-Computer Interaction Design

September 2025–present
University of Twente (Interaction Technology) and Aalto University (ICT Innovation), EIT Digital double degree.

Focus: qualitative UI/UX research, interactive technologies, VR/XR, motion UI, and cross-device interaction. At the EIT Summer School, led UX research and visual design for Project DELPHI.

BSc Psychology & Technology

September 2021–July 2025
Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands.

Studied human-technology interaction, social psychology, qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, JavaScript, Python, and C++. Thesis: how robot cuteness and scenario framing influence empathy toward a robot and its victims after misbehaviour.

Experience

Research, design, development, operations, and creative practice.

Performing Artist & Visual Experience Designer

cho.cos.kewers · January 2023–present
Design stage motion graphics, promotional posters, and visual identities, applying visual UX and spatial storytelling to live performances.

Secretary & Social Media Manager

JCES Kinjin · August 2024–September 2025
Supported governance and administration for 100+ active members; prepared board minutes and the bi-monthly Shinbun newsletter, managed social channels, and coordinated partner events.

Freelance Hospitality & Service

January 2024–present
Delivered customer service, front-of-house, catering, kitchen, housekeeping, and facility support across 15+ workplaces. Adapted to new teams and fast-paced environments while coordinating venue preparation and inventory.

General Maintenance Worker

Haverkamp Groep · December 2025–July 2026
Performed commercial housekeeping and facility maintenance in offices, schools, and active construction sites while meeting quality, safety, and time requirements.

Skills & tools

UX research

Eye-tracking (Tobii Pro), think-aloud protocols, usability testing (Hotjar certified), co-design workshops, focus groups, semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis, personas, user journeys, and Scrum projects.

Design & technology

Figma, Canva, Affinity, DaVinci Resolve, Autodesk Fusion, Reaper, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and C++. Motion UI, stage visuals, poster design, logo and brand identity, and physical and spatial interaction.

Languages

Dutch (native) and English (fluent, C2 Cambridge Proficiency).

Based between Helsinki, Finland, and the Netherlands.