My Story
I am a design-driven leader who values social justice and equality. Since 2013, my path has led me to an exciting intersection of disciplines from History and Public Policy to User-centered Design.
In my earlier roles, I had the opportunity to collaborate with environmentalists and gender activists, a journey that honed my skill of empathy. Together, we worked to inform structural changes within systems, driven by the belief in the transformative power of collective voices.
One pivotal project, in particular, stands out as an inspiration. It revolved around shedding light on the struggles of domestic workers in India. This endeavor led me to actively participate in their protest for recognition within society. It was an experience that reinforced the power of inquiry and collaboration, shaping my approach as a researcher.
Today, as a product designer, I apply these research-driven skills to craft exceptional digital interactions that drive real-world impact. I am passionate about leveraging my unique background to bring innovation and user-centric design to the forefront of my field.
I excel in inquiry, embrace diverse viewpoints, and thrive through positive collaborations.
Experience
View my Resume for details
Product Designer, Upgrade, Inc.
Mar 2024 - Present / San Francisco
Delivering web and mobile experiences for Home Improvement businesses specializing in home remodeling for their customers by offering financial services.
User Experience Associate, Kira Learning
July - Dec 2023 / Menlo Park
Joined as an intern and was promoted to work directly with the Senior Product Designer, delivering learning experiences for elementary school students.
Product Designer, Keysight Technologies
April - Dec 2023 / Santa Clara
Developed knowledge in the test and measurement industry to redesign their internal data visualization software.
Education
Intersection of tech, policy and design
M.Sc Human Computer Interaction
Sept 2022 - Dec 2023 / UCSC, Santa Clara
MA Public Policy
July 2016 - May 2018 / Bangalore University, Bengaluru
BA History
Aug 2012 - July 2015 / University of Delhi, New Delhi
Process
Not in any particular order; adapts to the needs of the project/product
Ideation, Exploration and Team Feedback
Most product ideas emerge from collaboration and business needs. I start by brainstorming and gathering insights from my team, valuing different perspectives to define and enhance initial concepts. A few of my brainstorming tools are pen and paper, whiteboard, Figjam, and Word documents.
Wireframes and Prototypes
To logically and ethically align with engineers and PMs on user flows and best practices, I use product mockups to represent the visual outlook of the ideas, thus ensuring constructive feedback early in the process. I mainly use Figma to create wireframes and design systems for brand visibility.
Context Building with Research and Use Cases
Understanding the needs, pain points, user behavior, and business and/or engineering constraints allows me to design features and components that resonate well with stakeholders and add value to the overall process. To achieve this, I typically document my findings and add them in product specs.
Asking Questions and Clarifying Doubts
Throughout the process, I try to prioritize clear communication by asking questions and giving feedback at every stage, minimizing any concerns that may not sit well with the team.
A bit more about me…
During my internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to a city government-led public campaign focused on tree planting. A key activity involved visiting the nursery to assess the tree saplings, which gave me a firsthand look at the positive impact of local NGOs' efforts on enhancing local green spaces.
Sometimes, I enjoy practicing pottery in my hometown, as it offers me a deeply meditative experience.
As the Decor Head at my college, I led a team in creating an impressive dreamcatcher art installation. We utilized recyclable wooden frames and repurposed wool from old sweaters, showcasing our commitment to sustainability while crafting a visually stunning piece.
My favorite color is blue, and I enjoy capturing pictures with blue themes. Different shades of blue inspire a sense of endless possibilities and imagination, which I love to showcase in my photography.