So—How did a raised engineer, self-taught graphic designer, come to be a UX designer? Let me explain…
Born in Mumbai, India in 1997, I was fortunate in growing up surrounded by technology as my playground and creativity as my constant companion. Customizing themes on old-school windows and android, experimenting with new software, playing video games, and painting fostered a rather unique skillset. It allowed me to swiftly grasp and navigate through various software interfaces while nurturing a flair to create captivating visuals.
Undergrad, Recognizing my Skillset
Following the then typical Indian parent expectation, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Engineering, which I completed in 2019. However, amidst the technical curriculum, my knack for design began to shine. Due to my childhood, I found myself effortlessly excelling in creating eye-catching designs and serving as the go-to graphic designer for college events and the official college magazine.
My bachelor’s provided me with an engineering degree, yes. Was I good at it? Unsure.
A Leap of Faith into Graphic Design
Post-graduation I took a leap into the world of graphic design with projects ranging from digital marketing to print collateral to website design to even creating short and long videos for various platforms. I was the sole self-taught graphic designer at an organization called Collegepond for two years.
Yet, it was the connection I forged with our audience through design that sparked a new journey. Recognizing my empathy-driven approach, the company’s director suggested delving into UX design. Intrigued, I embarked on a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction at Indiana University at Indianapolis.
Transitioning to UX, Formally
During my master’s journey, I delved into UX psychology, project management, and the intricacies of user-centered design. Armed with a stellar GPA of 3.92, I’ve been actively refining my UX skills through hands-on experience with esteemed organizations like Securitas and CreateAbility, among others.
My philosophy centers on continual learning and growth, inspired by the trailblazers of the design world. While I may not be a Steve Jobs or a Don Norman, I strive to channel their innovation and impact, aiming to leave a lasting mark on the realm of UX design.
Grounded in empathy and ethical principles, my design tenets drive me to go beyond just understanding users, but to also empathize with stakeholders, ensuring designs that are not only user-centric but also socially responsible.
Looking ahead, my aspirations extend to pursuing a Ph.D. in the future, a path I believe will afford me the opportunity to make a significant and enduring contribution to the field of UX design.
