Henna Helminen
Anthropologist & Service Designer
Beyond Assumptions
Our perspectives shape what we perceive — true understanding requires questioning the very lens through which we view the world.
Anthropology has shaped my mindset to ask deeper questions, recognise complexity, and appreciate the diverse ways people experience the world.
Service design builds on this foundation, offering a structured, co-creative process that transforms thick data into practical, sustainable solutions, connecting human needs with organisational goals.
Both disciplines aim to uncover the unseen, approach challenges holistically, and design with empathy.
What I do
I help organisations design services and experiences that actually work for people — functional, accessible, and genuinely human.
My work brings together customer and user insights, service design, digital development, communication, and organisational change. I love connecting the dots to create something that makes sense, and a difference.
Whether it’s uncovering unmet needs, streamlining clunky processes, or co-creating with teams and users, my goal is to turn good ideas into meaningful outcomes.
How I work
I approach every project with curiosity, empathy, and a touch of healthy scepticism. I ask a lot of questions — the kind that help surface what really matters.
I believe the best services come from combining deep understanding with collaborative doing. Research, strategy, and co-creation aren’t separate steps — they’re how I think and work.
With structured methods and a flexible mindset, I help shape services that aren’t just effective, but truly valuable — letting real needs define the journey from beginning to end.
I'm an anthropologist and service designer at heart — a lifelong learner passionate about understanding the world.
Outside of work, I enjoy group fitness, yoga, and pilates, which help me stay energised and focused. Culture — music, books, theatre, films, and museums — inspires and grounds me, fuelling my creativity and feeding my curiosity.
Travelling and exploring the world from different perspectives continuously deepens my understanding of people and complex phenomena.
One of the best ways for me to relax is to walk in the forest while listening to audiobooks — or to immerse myself in video games, where I can fully disconnect.
Staying informed about social issues and global trends is important to me — it shapes my work and strengthens my commitment to designing for a better, more inclusive future.
