UI/UX design: Projeto ZON— Platform for Brazilian Immigrants in Portugal
This project was developed as part of the UX/UI Designer course at the British School of Creative Arts and Technology (EBAC).
It followed all stages of the Double Diamond design process (see image below): Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver — with the goal of creating a digital solution for Brazilian immigrants living in Portugal.
It followed all stages of the Double Diamond design process (see image below): Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver — with the goal of creating a digital solution for Brazilian immigrants living in Portugal.
Contextualization
The migratory movement of Brazilians to Portugal is a well-known reality, and the reasons for leaving their home country are diverse — including the search for new job opportunities, education, international experience, improved quality of life, among others. Upon arriving in the new country, immigrants face an adaptation process to integrate into professional, civil, financial, family, and other areas of life.
In trying to adjust to this new environment, immigrants often turn to the internet to understand the various procedures that can help them navigate this transition.
When searching for migration-related information, Brazilians typically visit websites on the topic, government pages — where the information is often complex — and social media communities to talk to people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences.
When searching for migration-related information, Brazilians typically visit websites on the topic, government pages — where the information is often complex — and social media communities to talk to people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences.
Those with more financial resources tend to seek help from lawyers or consultancy services, which often charge a fee just to provide the correct information based on the person’s specific situation.
This issue is something I personally experienced a few years ago, and I continue to witness it year after year as the number of Brazilians in Portugal grows in search of reliable information.
As shown in a chart from Veja magazine in a 2022 article, the number of Brazilians holding residence visas has increased significantly — reflecting the rise in people undergoing this process of change.
veja.abril.com.br — 27 jun 2022
The question is: how can we help these individuals understand their situation and goals, and find the right information to legalize their status in the new country?
Laws vary depending on the person’s circumstances — whether they’re coming from Brazil with a work or student visa, arriving as a tourist and seeking legalization, or a young student who wants to work but holds a study-only visa.
These dilemmas are real, and the information available is often unclear and hard to access. I believe UX/UI Design can contribute to a solution by making the arrival experience more informative and easier for those going through this process.
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Desk Research
In this initial phase, the Desk Research method was used to gather information on the topic from major sources.
Profile of Brazilians in Portugal
Many Brazilians live in Portugal, and they have different backgrounds. Some are students in college, master's, or PhD programs. Others invest in real estate, work in various jobs (skilled or unskilled), run small businesses, or are retired.
Motivations
The reasons for moving to Portugal don’t vary much. Students often seek international experience or want to improve their résumés. Many also see Portugal as an easier way to gain a European education and professional experience, with the goal of later moving to other European countries or returning to Brazil with a stronger résumé — since having studied abroad is highly valued by recruiters.
For other profiles, the main reason for moving to Portugal is the search for a better quality of life. This includes a combination of factors such as work-life balance, transportation, education, public healthcare, purchasing power, and safety.
How many are there?
According to the latest report from SEF — Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service — in 2021, it was estimated that around 698,887 foreign nationals were living in Portugal. Among them, 204,694 were Brazilian residents, making up 29.3% of the foreign population. This number does not include Brazilians living in the country without legal status.
Brazilians also stand out in applications for Portuguese citizenship, ranking second in number of requests (Israelis rank first). In 2021, there were 54,288 nationality applications, with 13,328 submitted by Brazilians.
The report also shows that 39,406 residence permits were granted to Brazilians in Portugal. Of these:
31.1% were for family reunification
44.7% for professional activity
10.8% for study
9.3% for CRs (registration certificates for EU citizens)
11.7% for other unspecified reasons
44.7% for professional activity
10.8% for study
9.3% for CRs (registration certificates for EU citizens)
11.7% for other unspecified reasons
Stories about bureaucracy upon arriving in Portugal
Luciene Magalhães, 44 years old, is one of many Brazilians who came to Portugal to work — but without a visa or a job. She left Belo Horizonte in 2019, where she owned a clothing store.
It took her nearly three years to get regularized. Today, she works as a cook and cleaner. Luciene said it was
“very difficult” to gather all the documents needed to apply for a visa. “For many things, I had to pay people to get it done,” she said. “A lot of bureaucracy.”
There are many social media profiles offering help to Brazilians trying to get documents. Luciene said she paid €300 to get her NIF (Portuguese tax ID), social security number, and to open a bank account.
These services are free, but foreigners often face challenges. For example, to get a NIF, immigrants need a fiscal representative — someone who agrees to take responsibility in case of unpaid taxes with the Finanças (Portugal’s tax authority, similar to Brazil’s Receita Federal).
…
According to Cyntia, Casa do Brasil receives many cases of immigrants in irregular situations who face difficulties renting a home or opening a bank account, for example.
"Many people suffer deeply because the system constantly reminds them that they are undocumented, even though they contribute, have a work contract, are employed, and pay their taxes," she said.
…
This is the case of Dáfny Reis, 39 years old, who works remotely in social media. She traveled to Portugal with her husband, their son, and a newborn daughter. Since the digital nomad visa had not yet come into effect, the family consulted a legal advisor to find the best option and decided to enter the country as tourists. Upon arrival, they struggled to obtain the necessary documents and ended up paying a fortune for a service similar to the one Luciene used.
“We arrive feeling desperate and eager to make things work, so we end up falling into the hands of these kinds of advisors,” she shared.
…
The leader of Casa do Brasil in Lisbon emphasized the importance of getting reliable information before migrating.
“It allows the migration to be better planned and makes the experience itself safer. It’s important to know the real economic and social situation of the country. Even simple things, like [rental] prices in major cities,” advised Cynthia.
Fonte:
www.poder360.com.br
www.poder360.com.br
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Research Question
After understanding that the migration process of Brazilians to Portugal presents several challenges, it became possible to address the following questions:
After understanding that the migration process of Brazilians to Portugal presents several challenges, it became possible to address the following questions:
What do you want to find out? What is the goal?
How to make it easier for Brazilian immigrants to navigate the bureaucratic process of obtaining legal documents in Portugal.
How to make it easier for Brazilian immigrants to navigate the bureaucratic process of obtaining legal documents in Portugal.
Main Question:
How can a Brazilian access free and practical information to regularize their status in Portugal?
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Stakeholders
Based on previous research, a stakeholder analysis was conducted, along with the creation of a stakeholder map and a stakeholder prioritization framework to better understand the key parties involved.
Mapa de stakeholders
Priorização dos Stakeholders
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Proto-persona
Two proto-personas were created based on stakeholder insights and desk research.
Proto-persona 1 — Carlos Machado
"I've always wanted to have a professional and life experience outside my country."
Demographic Data
- 25 years old
- From São Paulo, Brazil
- Single
- No children
- Student
- From São Paulo, Brazil
- Single
- No children
- Student
Behaviors and Motivations
- Loves to travel
- Always online and active on social media
- Has a scholarship for an exchange program in Environmental Biology
- Attends conferences and seminars
- Considers himself a fan of geek culture
- Always online and active on social media
- Has a scholarship for an exchange program in Environmental Biology
- Attends conferences and seminars
- Considers himself a fan of geek culture
Needs and Goals
- Has a student visa but wants to know if he can work
- Has questions about the timeline and process to obtain Portuguese citizenship if he decides to pursue a master’s degree and stay longer
- Wants to travel by car but is unsure if he can use his Brazilian driver’s license
- Has questions about the timeline and process to obtain Portuguese citizenship if he decides to pursue a master’s degree and stay longer
- Wants to travel by car but is unsure if he can use his Brazilian driver’s license
Proto-persona 2— Sofia Oliveira
"Since I left Brazil five years ago, I’ve become independent and have been steadily improving my quality of life."
Demographic Data
- 34 years old
- From Bahia, Brazil
- Divorced
- Has one daughter
- Esthetician
- From Bahia, Brazil
- Divorced
- Has one daughter
- Esthetician
Behaviors and Motivations
- Loves her independence and enjoys spending time with friends
- Uses the internet to talk to family in Brazil and stay updated on news from Brazil, Portugal, and the world
- Has always dreamed of giving her 6-year-old daughter a better life
- Entrepreneur who owns her own beauty studio
- Uses the internet to talk to family in Brazil and stay updated on news from Brazil, Portugal, and the world
- Has always dreamed of giving her 6-year-old daughter a better life
- Entrepreneur who owns her own beauty studio
Needs and Goals
- Wants to know if she already meets the requirements to apply for Portuguese citizenship
- Her client base has grown, and she needs a larger space and someone to help manage appointments and welcome clients
- Needs to transfer her driver’s license for professional purposes
- Her client base has grown, and she needs a larger space and someone to help manage appointments and welcome clients
- Needs to transfer her driver’s license for professional purposes
...
Benchmark
The Benchmark method was used to compare the main information channels for Brazilian immigrants in Portugal and to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Casa do Brasil in Lisbon
Casa do Brasil in Lisbon develops several projects and activities that promote the integration of migrants in Portugal, such as: the Guidance and Referral Office, the Professional Integration Office, the Welcome Group, Information Sessions, and other initiatives focused on access and social participation.
Casa do Brasil in Lisbon develops several projects and activities that promote the integration of migrants in Portugal, such as: the Guidance and Referral Office, the Professional Integration Office, the Welcome Group, Information Sessions, and other initiatives focused on access and social participation.
SEF – Immigration and Borders Service
The Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) is a Portuguese government agency responsible for various immigration control functions in the country.
The Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) is a Portuguese government agency responsible for various immigration control functions in the country.
E-Portugal
This website, managed by the Agency for Administrative Modernization (AMA), aims to simplify and clarify interactions between citizens, businesses, and the State.
This website, managed by the Agency for Administrative Modernization (AMA), aims to simplify and clarify interactions between citizens, businesses, and the State.
Euro Dicas
Euro Dicas is a Brazilian website offering information on how to live in Europe. It was created in 2014 by two immigrants who struggled to find clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand information in one place—so they decided to build the site themselves.
Euro Dicas is a Brazilian website offering information on how to live in Europe. It was created in 2014 by two immigrants who struggled to find clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand information in one place—so they decided to build the site themselves.
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Matriz CSD
To help organize the process and thinking around the project, a CSD Matrix was created.
A key highlight in the CSD Matrix is the focus on issues related to the difficulty and frustration of accessing information in a simple and practical way.
Certainties
Most Brazilian immigrants in Portugal are between 25 and 44 years old.<
The majority have faced challenges at some point in finding information about legal documentation in Portugal.
Brazilians often migrate to Portugal in search of a better quality of life.
Suppositions
Many Brazilians arrive in Portugal without a job offer or enrollment in an educational institution.
Most try to handle the migration process on their own, without professional assistance.
Many struggle to fully understand the websites that provide information about legal documentation.
Doubts
Do they plan to migrate to another country after living in Portugal?
Did they come alone or with family?
What are the biggest frustrations when trying to find information about legal documentation?
Methodologies
Based on the information previously collected, it was concluded that the methodologies to be applied would be: survey and in-depth interview.
1 – Surveys form
Use of Google Forms or Microsoft Forms to collect and analyze data.
Artifacts
Form available at this link:
https://forms.gle/7MALwcwhQjY8nPn27 (copy and paste the link into your browser)
Form available at this link:
https://forms.gle/7MALwcwhQjY8nPn27 (copy and paste the link into your browser)
Results
Platform: Google Forms
Participants: 10 people
Age Range: 26–40 years old
Time in Portugal: 6 months to 18 years
Participants: 10 people
Age Range: 26–40 years old
Time in Portugal: 6 months to 18 years
Graph
Key Findings:
80% initially came to Portugal for study purposes
70% said it was very difficult or difficult to obtain information about legal documentation
60% reported not knowing any website that provides clear and accessible information about documentation; most rely on government websites, consulates, or search engines like Google and Bing
20% had to pay for a service to get information on how to obtain certain documents
20% experienced some type of difficulty in accessing documentation-related information
70% said it was very difficult or difficult to obtain information about legal documentation
60% reported not knowing any website that provides clear and accessible information about documentation; most rely on government websites, consulates, or search engines like Google and Bing
20% had to pay for a service to get information on how to obtain certain documents
20% experienced some type of difficulty in accessing documentation-related information
2 – User Interview
Materials:
Mobile phone for recording
Paper and pen
Script
Introduction
Greet the participant and offer water or coffee.
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this interview. I’m currently studying at the British School of Creative Arts and Technology, and I’m developing a platform to support Brazilians like you who sometimes need help finding information about legal documentation.
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this interview. I’m currently studying at the British School of Creative Arts and Technology, and I’m developing a platform to support Brazilians like you who sometimes need help finding information about legal documentation.
The interview will last approximately 15 minutes, and I’ll be asking you a series of questions.
Please don’t worry — everything you share will be treated anonymously and analyzed as part of a broader group. No one will be identified individually. Also, there are no right or wrong answers — your opinion is very valuable to us.
Please don’t worry — everything you share will be treated anonymously and analyzed as part of a broader group. No one will be identified individually. Also, there are no right or wrong answers — your opinion is very valuable to us.
Do you mind if I record this interview?
Interview – Main Section
What was your main reason for coming to Portugal?
Did you always plan to live in Portugal?
Did you have easy access to the information needed to obtain all your documents?
What documents do you currently have?
Which document was the most difficult to obtain, and why?
How did you find out how to obtain these documents?
What websites do you usually use to search for this type of information?
What do you think of these websites? Are they easy to understand?
Have you ever felt uncomfortable or embarrassed when trying to get information about documentation?
Did you have to rely on more experienced individuals or professionals to help you understand the websites about documentation?
____________
Did you always plan to live in Portugal?
Did you have easy access to the information needed to obtain all your documents?
What documents do you currently have?
Which document was the most difficult to obtain, and why?
How did you find out how to obtain these documents?
What websites do you usually use to search for this type of information?
What do you think of these websites? Are they easy to understand?
Have you ever felt uncomfortable or embarrassed when trying to get information about documentation?
Did you have to rely on more experienced individuals or professionals to help you understand the websites about documentation?
____________
Thank you very much for your participation.
Would you mind if I take note of your contact information in case I have any follow-up questions?
View the interview: LinkWould you mind if I take note of your contact information in case I have any follow-up questions?
Name: Patrícia Silva
Place of Birth: Espírito Santo, Brazil
Living in Portugal: 5 years
Current Occupation: Works in administration and marketing
Education: Bachalor´s degree in Marketing
Quote:Place of Birth: Espírito Santo, Brazil
Living in Portugal: 5 years
Current Occupation: Works in administration and marketing
Education: Bachalor´s degree in Marketing
"A more precise and well-structured website would make things faster for both those already in Portugal and those who are planning to come."
Patrícia initially came to Portugal to pursue a master’s degree and later decided to stay. Before leaving Brazil, she had several destinations in mind, but found in Portugal a valuable opportunity for international experience.
Upon arrival, she settled in Torres Vedras and faced difficulties accessing information needed to obtain her legal documentation. She struggled particularly with the initial process — the Manifestação de Interesse (Expression of Interest) — required to obtain a visa. Since she changed her purpose from studying to working, she had trouble understanding how to proceed, which delayed the process.
She shared that to get the necessary information, she had to rely on more experienced individuals (other Brazilians who had been living in Portugal longer), informative websites, and a friend who is a lawyer.
When asked where she found the most understandable information, she said she preferred blogs over government websites due to their logical and straightforward way of presenting content.
In closing, she emphasized that a more precise and well-guided website would greatly speed up the process for both current residents and future immigrants.
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Personas
With a more developed information base, detailed personas were created. In addition to demographic data, motivations, goals, and frustrations, an empathy map was also developed.
Persona 1 - Thiago Oliveira
Thiago lives in central Lisbon, renting a room.
He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, located in the heart of the Portuguese capital. He works part-time in the administrative department of a cultural center.
He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, located in the heart of the Portuguese capital. He works part-time in the administrative department of a cultural center.
Thiago has always dreamed of traveling and saw the opportunity to study abroad as a path to both professional and personal growth. He takes advantage of every holiday to go on short trips, either within Portugal or to other countries.
He arrived with a student visa but later switched to a student visa that allows him to work. He faced challenges during the visa category change and ended up hiring a lawyer to help with the process.
Thiago plans to stay in Portugal long enough to obtain citizenship, and afterward, he hopes to move to Dublin, where his older brother lives.
"I’ve always wanted an experience abroad. I currently work and study in Europe."
Mapa de Empatia
Persona 2 - Nathalia Silva
Nathalia is a nursing technician. She moved to Portugal with her husband, Mateus, because they wanted a quieter place to raise their young daughter. Nathalia faced many challenges finding a job in the nursing field, so she decided to explore other opportunities.
Her first job was at a factory in Castelo Branco, where she quickly adapted and grew professionally. Today, she works as a supervisor and team leader at a national company. She lives very close to her workplace, which allows her to be present with her family and enjoy a better quality of life.
She is currently saving money to open a restaurant with her husband, who is a cook.
"I want a peaceful place to raise my daughter, Sofia."
Mapa de Empatia
User Journey
The journey of both personas was mapped out with the goal of analyzing their expectations at each stage, anticipating potential challenges, and designing solutions to address those issues.
Thiago Oliveira
Nathalia Silva
Needs Statements
We arrived at the Needs Statements and identified that users’ main needs are related to accessing information in a simple and practical way.
Thiago Oliveira
Needs a way to
easily access practical information about legal documentation
in order to
live legally in Portugal.
Needs a way to
easily access practical information about legal documentation
in order to
live legally in Portugal.
Natália Silva
Needs a way to
understand all the documents her family needs in Portugal
in order to
live legally in the country with her family.
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Brainstorm
A collection of all potential ideas that could help address immigrants’ needs for accessing information was gathered and placed in a Prioritization Grid to evaluate which ones would be the most feasible to implement.
Prioritization Grid
The creation of an online channel with practical information for immigrants was chosen, where the content would be well-organized to ensure better performance and faster access to relevant information.
Low-Fidelity Prototype Creation
The low-fidelity prototype was shared with three users/immigrants, who were asked to complete specific tasks. This allowed us to assess whether searching for information about documentation in Portugal would be easy and straightforward.
Prototype Objectives
Three tasks were created for this prototype:
The user entered Portugal with a student visa but needs information about employment:
- The user wants to know if they are allowed to work with a student visa
- The user needs to better understand what is NISS
- The user wants to learn about working with recibos verdes (green receipts)
- The user needs to better understand what is NISS
- The user wants to learn about working with recibos verdes (green receipts)
Steps - Action 1
1) The user wants to know if they are allowed to work with a student visa
Steps - Action 2
2) The user needs to better understand what is NISS
Steps - Action 3
3) The user wants to learn about working with recibos verdes (green receipts)
Prototype Testing with Users
Materials:
Computer
TEAMS App (Office 365)
Document with questions
Prototype on Figma
TEAMS App (Office 365)
Document with questions
Prototype on Figma
Script
Introduction
Greet the user.
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this test. I’m currently studying at the British School of Creative Arts and Technology, and I’m developing a platform to support Brazilians like you who sometimes need help finding information about legal documentation.
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this test. I’m currently studying at the British School of Creative Arts and Technology, and I’m developing a platform to support Brazilians like you who sometimes need help finding information about legal documentation.
I’ll give you three tasks to complete using our platform. Please imagine that you have the questions described in the tasks and need to find the answers through our platform.
Just a reminder: what we’re testing is the platform itself. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t worry — we want you to share them with us so we can improve the experience.
Shall we begin?
– Hand over the tasks and begin…
– Hand over the tasks and begin…
Closing
Do you have anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you very much for your participation.
Your feedback is very important to us. May I take note of your contact information in case I have any follow-up questions?
Thank you very much for your participation.
Your feedback is very important to us. May I take note of your contact information in case I have any follow-up questions?
User Paulo Roberto
User Rafael Damas
User Jairo Bandeira
Results Table of the Three Users
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Branding
References
Brand
Concept
Logo
Versions
Colors and Supporting Elements
Typography
Photos
Defining the Brand Personality
Who is it?
Someone who has lived in Portugal for years and has personal experience with migration.
Someone who has lived in Portugal for years and has personal experience with migration.
Appearance:
Early 40s, friendly and charismatic.
Early 40s, friendly and charismatic.
Qualifications:
A person genuinely interested in migration topics and willing to help others understand the bureaucratic processes of living in Portugal.
A person genuinely interested in migration topics and willing to help others understand the bureaucratic processes of living in Portugal.
Introvert or extrovert?
Extroverted and sociable.
Extroverted and sociable.
Uses humor?
No.
No.
Rational or empathetic?
Empathetic.
Empathetic.
Formal or informal?
Informal.
Informal.
How does the brand communicate?
In a friendly and approachable way, always speaking directly to each person with clarity and simplicity.
In a friendly and approachable way, always speaking directly to each person with clarity and simplicity.
What does it talk about?
Information about documentation for Brazilians who live or plan to live in Portugal.
Information about documentation for Brazilians who live or plan to live in Portugal.
Attributes:
Calm, direct, empathetic, and supportive.
Calm, direct, empathetic, and supportive.
Examples and strategic situations in real context:
A person needs to understand whether they can work with a student visa but can’t find that information.
The app will guide them quickly and clearly to the answer they need.
A person needs to understand whether they can work with a student visa but can’t find that information.
The app will guide them quickly and clearly to the answer they need.
Migration Information Made Simple!
Age: 42
Profession: Lawyer
Marital Status: Married
Location: Lisbon
Personality: Calm
Archetype: Caregiver
Profession: Lawyer
Marital Status: Married
Location: Lisbon
Personality: Calm
Archetype: Caregiver
Short Bio:
Renata has been living in Portugal with her family for 10 years and currently works in the migration field. She stays up to date on legislation and bureaucratic processes for Brazilians who want to live legally in Portugal. She’s always helpful and cheerful, and whenever possible, she answers questions in a clear and direct way — without using complicated terms.
Renata has been living in Portugal with her family for 10 years and currently works in the migration field. She stays up to date on legislation and bureaucratic processes for Brazilians who want to live legally in Portugal. She’s always helpful and cheerful, and whenever possible, she answers questions in a clear and direct way — without using complicated terms.
...
Wireframe Creation
Low-Fidelity Prototype
Design System
Link para o arquivo do Figma.
Link para o arquivo do Figma.
High-Fidelity Prototype Validation
High-fidelity prototypes were created with breakpoints to adapt the layout for Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile formats.
