Hello!
My name is Zawadhafsa (Araika) Mkulo,
I’m an AI Product Manager and Innovation Strategist with a decade of experience applying behavioural science to design intuitive, evidence-based solutions that improve human lives.
My portfolio reflects a deep commitment to building technology that is not only intelligent, but also human-centered, bridging the power of AI with behavioural insights to drive real-world impact.
.png)
AI * Design * Behavioral Science
Top Projects
Over the past decade, I’ve worked at the intersection of behavioural science, innovation, and design - building AI-enabled products and human-centered solutions across Africa.
From early-stage ideation to deployment, my approach blends design thinking with data-driven experimentation to create technology that is not only intelligent, but also intuitive and impactful.
The three projects below represent some of my most meaningful work, where AI, behavioural insights, and thoughtful design came together to solve real-world challenges. I invite you to explore them.
Core Competencies
AI Product Management
With a solid understanding of how machine learning models are built, trained, and deployed, I bridge the gap between technical teams, user needs and market-fit. I excel at translating complex AI capabilities into intuitive, human-centered products that solve real problems and scale effectively.
Behavioural Research and Design
With a foundation in cognitive psychology and over a decade of hands-on experience, I specialize in applying behavioural science to design products and interventions that drive measurable change. My work spans end-to-end research, design and experimentation - grounded in cultural context, which differentiates AI products that feel robotic vs. intuitive for humans.
Client & Stakeholder Management
With over a decade of experience in consulting, I’ve developed deep expertise in managing diverse clients across sectors - from governments, private sector to global NGOs. I’m skilled at navigating complex stakeholder needs, building trust, and delivering solutions that align with both strategic goals and user realities.
Sprints & Workshop Facilitation
Experienced in designing and facilitating design sprints, strategy sessions, and co-creation workshops that bring cross-functional teams and stakeholders into alignment and accelerate decision-making. Drawing on behavioural science, design thinking, and systems thinking, we move effectively from complex challenges to actionable solutions.
Tech Tools I'm Comfortable With...
Key Achievements
My work at the intersection of behavioural design, innovation, and social impact has been recognized both locally and globally. Below are a few highlights that reflect the reach and relevance of my contributions.
March 2024
Habit Weekly
Habit Weekly Spotlight: Behavioural Design Around the World
Around the World is Habit Weekly's piece sharing practical insights and experiences from accomplished behavioural designers and practitioners across the globe. I shared my work applying behavioural science to design impactful interventions in Africa. I also spoke about how to approach WEIRD literature and building interventions that are culturally sensitive.
2020 - 2021
The Citizen Tanzania
On the cover of "The Citizen Women's Magazine"
Featured on three cover stories in the Citizen Magazine, the most prestigious English newspaper in Tanzania:
October 3, 2020 - "Health matters: A mind of her own."
November 18, 2020 - "Helping Tanzanian women to access mental health care."
May 09, 2021 - "How to extend fruit's shelf life without refrigeration."
2018
100 Tanzanian Sheroes
Featured in the first edition of "100 Tanzanian Sheroes"
This project was created in 2018 by the Swedish Embassy to inspire girls to believe in themselves and their dreams by listing the most inspirational women from diverse industries in both the publication and on Wikipedia.