Learnings & Reflection
A collection of thoughts, challenges, and insights from my journey as a designer.
UX Process
Working on the Hero VIDA project, I learned that the first solution is rarely the best. Continuous user feedback and iterative prototyping led to a much more intuitive and effective final product. It reinforced the importance of being adaptable and not getting too attached to initial ideas.
Key Takeaway:
"Embrace feedback loops and be willing to pivot."
Inclusivity
During the Google Cloud Security project, we prioritized accessibility from the start. This not only made the product usable for people with disabilities but also improved the experience for all users by forcing us to create a clearer, more structured interface.
Key Takeaway:
"Accessibility is not an afterthought; it is a core design principle that benefits everyone."
Product Design
The Thermax Edge Platform was a highly technical product. The biggest challenge was to distill complex data into a simple, actionable dashboard. This taught me the value of ruthless simplification and focusing on the user's primary goals, even when the underlying system is incredibly complex.
Key Takeaway:
"Clarity and simplicity are paramount, especially in enterprise applications."
Collaboration
On the Mahindra Finance project, I worked closely with developers, product managers, and business stakeholders. This constant communication ensured that design decisions were technically feasible, aligned with business goals, and truly met user needs. It was a powerful reminder that design does not happen in a vacuum.
Key Takeaway:
"Great products are built by teams, not individuals."
Design Strategy
Early in my career, I focused on designing the 'perfect' user experience. But I've learned that the best products are born from a blend of user needs, business goals, and technical reality. It’s less about compromise and more about finding a creative path where a great experience and a viable product can both thrive.
Key Takeaway:
"The most elegant design is one that succeeds within its real-world constraints."
Communication
Raw data and research findings can feel abstract. I’ve found that the key to making an impact is to translate that data into a story. When you can walk stakeholders through the user's journey and show exactly where the design makes a difference, it's far more powerful than just showing numbers on a slide.
Key Takeaway:
"Data provides the evidence, but a good story creates understanding and drives action."
Data-Informed Design
User interviews give you the 'why' behind a problem, but seeing how thousands of users actually behave is something else entirely. On the Google Cloud project, combining qualitative feedback with analytics gave us the full picture. It allowed us to validate our gut feelings with hard evidence, leading to much more confident decisions.
Key Takeaway:
"Listen to what users say, but also watch what they do."