How did you first get into the industry?
I was born in small village in western ghats of Karnataka India. When I was 10 years old, I used to create collages by cutting out people's photos from newspapers and magazines, mixing and matching them in new notebooks. Experimenting with different combinations.
I was always fascinated by electronic gadgets like cameras and computers, and during one summer vacation after high school, I decided to dive into learning computer skills. That's when I first got introduced to Photoshop and Graphic design. After completing my Bachelor of Arts degree, I immediately enrolled in a Multimedia and Animation Diploma.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I currently reside in Bangalore, India, often referred to as the Silicon City due to its association with some of the largest software companies in the world.
As a freelancer, I have over 20 active clients across various industries, including Edutech, Fintech, Insurance, Healthcare, and Retail.
What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?
I was raised in a traditional Indian joint family nestled in the serene Western Ghats of India, surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. During my childhood, I spent countless hours playing with my cousins amidst the enchanting forest and assisting my parents with farming activities.
The stories narrated by my grandparents instilled in me a strong sense of positivity and a diligent work ethic. Additionally, I was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, particularly its emphasis on fulfilling one's duties diligently.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Despite the agricultural surroundings, my education and innate curiosity steered me towards technology.
If circumstances were different, I would likely have pursued a path in agriculture and spent my time hiking amidst the natural beauty of the region.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I kickstart my process by delving deep into industry research, meticulously examining competitors, and pinpointing user pain points. This groundwork sets the stage for workshops with stakeholders and, if needed, comprehensive user research. I thrive on unique projects that present novel challenges, as they ignite my motivation and drive me to push beyond my boundaries.
Following an agile approach, I begin by gathering client requirements to ensure a thorough understanding of their needs. I then proceed to define project scope and objectives before delving into wireframing and advancing through subsequent stages of the design process.
How would you describe your style?
I aim to maintain a minimal, clean, and simple design approach, often utilising white as a primary color along with vibrant accents. However, I don't adhere to a rigid, unique style as each project demands a tailored approach based on client requirements and project objectives.
Flexibility allows me to adapt to diverse styles and preferences, ensuring each design meets the specific needs of the client and project.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
I don’t have Any Hero’s in the industry. Don Norman is indeed a significant figure in the field of UX design and is often referred to as the "Father of UX Design." His contributions have greatly influenced the way we approach design and user experience.
As a UI/UX designer, he serves as an inspiration for me to continually refine and enhance my skills, drawing from his expertise and insights to create more intuitive and user-friendly designs.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Read more Practice more Think as a user. Learn from the mistakes of others. As product designers, our main goal is to enhance the user experience by reducing frustration and cognitive load.
We aim to create intuitive interfaces and smooth interactions that allow users to accomplish their tasks efficiently and with minimal effort.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Getting more and better-paying clients can be tough at first. Stay patient, do your best work, and spread the word. Tell people you know about what you do and ensure you have a strong online presence with a good website and active social media profiles. Share your work examples online and ask happy clients to recommend you to others.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
Using tools like Figma can be great for brainstorming, prototyping, and designing. Investing in quality Mac hardware enhances the design process. Developing and utilizing design systems can streamline workflows and maintain consistency.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Staying connected with other designers and seeking out new challenges is essential for growth. Engaging with the design community can provide fresh perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.
Taking breaks in nature, whether it's a peaceful forest walk or an adventurous hike in the Himalayas, can rejuvenate the mind and spark creativity.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
- Contributed to the development of Coca-Cola's smart cooler application (IoT) released during the Tokyo Olympics amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
- Collaborated with IG Infotech (London) on intricate payment withdrawal processes to ensure compliance across multiple countries.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
Many clients are tempted by low-cost template websites. However, these often deliver generic, low-quality results.
To ensure top-notch, custom designs, we've to have new mandate established minimum design charges for each category. This reflects the time, skill, and creativity invested in creating impactful designs.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
There are many good references
Books
The design of everyday things by Norman
Universal Principles of Design
Don’t Make Me Think
Website
https://www.interaction-design.org/
https://nngroup.com/ to learn serious things about the UX.
