A globally minded strategic designer, shaped by experiences in the Middle East, India and the US, I merge design and strategy to create meaningful, human-centered solutions. I excel at identifying intervention points, breaking patterns and driving systemic change to foster sustainable growth and innovation.
School of Design, The New School, NYC
SOFTWARE
RESEARCH
mETHODS
Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Figma, Photoshop,
InDesign, InDesign, Premiere Pro, Miro, Notion, Revit, Webflow
Data Analysis, User Research ( Qualitative & Quantitative),
Prototyping
Journey mapping, Systems Mapping, Backcasting, iceberg model, Usability testing, a/b testing
“Great design is a multi-layered relationship between human life and its environment”
Design starts and ends with people— they must always be included.
Research
Identifying the right problem to solve, the key gap and mapping the opportunity for systemic change
INNOVATION
Growth strategy & Prototyping
Systems design & innovation
Re activating the in-between Research & strategy 01 02 03 04 05
The future of Social Media: Nest research, uI / UX design & Prototype Cometeer
Tipping the first tile research, Systems design & provotype
IMPACT-DRIVEN SOLUTION
Ensuring the solution is human-centered, while also being sustainable, feasible and economically viable.
Industry: Food & Beverage
Duration: 8 weeks
Softwares used:
Miro, Figma, Illustrator
Strategy & Research Methods: Interviews, secondary research, how might we?, Stakeholder mapping, Systems map, prototyping
A systemic approach for a coffee company to enhance sustainable sales and drive profitability through targeted interventions across the supply chain, informed by user research, empathy mapping, journey mapping, and prototype testing.
Role: strategist & researcher
Collaborators:
Henry, Swasti, Ren, Rohit, Abhishek, Jiwon, Francisca, Kavya
B tt r Fr shn ss: ryog nic proc ss pr s rv s aroma and flavor b tt r than ground or capsul m thods
Long r Fr shn ss: Froz n coff pods maintain fr shn ss, unlik traditional capsul s that d grad ov r tim
Enhanc d Flavor: High r conc ntrations of aroma compounds l ad to a mor flavorful coff
Con enient Customers:
People ho spend $4-6 daily at Starb cks People ho are looking for ick coffee pick ps at good ality coffee places
Qu lity Customers:
People ho buy truly high-quality products and co ee Co ee enthusiasts
Growth & Marketing Manager
Shipping orzen co ee requires ice, increasing logistics complexity and the risk o melting during delivery retail expansion needs signi icant investment iin reezer storage, which may limit partnerships with traditional stores
Premium pricing and expensive production limits its appeal to budgetconscious consumers
As a ner player, Cometeer struggles with visibility against wellestablished competitors, requiring signi icant marketing e orts.
They ace issues with sales stagnation and had to lay o a large number o their employees A signi icant portion o the investors eel that the ounder is not able to be an e ective CEO
Gathering insights from reviews, online feedback, and testimonials to analyze Cometeer’s customer base. Using journey maps, empathy maps, and other frameworks to map new target audience demands.
After identifying the target audience, gaps, and insights, we refine key “How might we?” questions and categorize them into thematic groups. These are then mapped onto a heat map, analyzing intersections between buckets to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities—such as how solutions for Target Audience could also enhance Brand Awareness.
We identified four key strategic directions and outlined essential takeaways for each
After outlining the key takeaways, we found that they all converged into three overarching strategic directions.
Further synthesis and analysis revealed that the evolving B2B and B2C models were actually subsets of the D2C model.
Analysis of each direction: goal, impact, challenges Brainstorming in class in integration of the 3 models
After outlining the key takeaways, we found that they all converged into three overarching strategic directions. Through this prototype the idea is to provide freezers that could be placed in quick access locations where people can grab pods from the freezer and make their coffee; increasing accesebility while providing quality coffee in social setting. While the freezer would be a one time buy, the pods would increase recurring revenue.
Hotels or Cruises, or any relaxation facilities can provide Cometeer coffee pods as complementary in room service. This can additionally help in improving the in room coffee experience of the guests.
Vending machine promotes quick access to Cometeer in variety of settings. These machines can operate 24/7 in a minimal space. Customer can enjoy multiple flavors effortlessly, enhancing convenience and satisfaction.
We produce, you ell We produce, we ell
Platform based solution for specialty coffee roasters and other beverages companies to enter frozen coffee pod market. Creating an ecosystem, that can integrate production technology, recipe customization, packaging and etc
Offer a white label service for coffee brands, enabling them to sell their products through our distribution channels. This helps international roasters expand into the pod market without the need for costly technology development, leveraging Cometeer s frozen pod system to reach a wider audience.
Industry: Education & Policy Making
Duration: 3 weeks
Softwares used: Figma Strategy & Research Methods: Steinberg’s Funnel, Systems map, Context analysis, secondary research, IBM’s Design Thinking tool
Peru, a country in South America, gra les with signi icant educational dis arities, with only 5% o the o ulation have access to quality education.
Evaluated an IDEO case study using design strategy frameworks, analyzed its approach, and proposed an alternative solution using systems thinking and Steinberg’s Funnel.
In 2011, Carlos Rodrigues Pastor and Jorge Yzusqui set to work on the mission o ex anding the sco e o quality education in Peru with IDEO.
Role: strategist & Innovation designer
Collaborators:
Saniya Aphale, Aditya Khariyal, Jagriti Yadav
To design a network of low-cost private schools from scratch that are scalable, affordable and sustainable as a usiness model.
Government Instability in Peru and other SA countries
Blended Curriculum Modular Classrooms Affordable school tuition Teacher training and Upskilling
How can we revolutionize the education system in Peru?
What changes can be made to educational pedagogy considering funding constraints?
What should be the fees per month such that its affordable?
How might we build a system that is scalable, sustainable, and affordable?
Steinberg’s Funnel: IDEO’s Approach
How will classrooms look in Innova Schools?
Tech infrastructure and internet access in rural areas
Teacher workload and retention
Low digital literacy in families
Unplanned maintainance costs for tech and training
Complex regulations and educational policy
Scaling Through xisting Infrastructure: Converts public schools into Innova Schools, cutting costs and expanding quality education quic ly
Sustainable Public-Private Model: Private companies run schools with government incentives, ensuring long-term investment
Stronger Teacher Workforce: Night schools train educators, while housing and incentives improve retention
Tech-Driven & Inclusive ducation: Digital access expands, and the curriculum blends global standards with local culture.
Through Public Private Partnerships
Public Private Intergration Strategic Adaptation for Scalability Quality Education in Rural Peru Strengthening Teacher Retention
How can we revolutionize the education system in Peru?
How might we encourage the government to attract private companies to collaborate on educational initiatives?
Which are the peripheral systems that can benefit from the scaling of education into low-income localities
What are the policies that need to be implemented in order for a school to work effectively?
How do we solve the issue of high teacher attrition rate?
EXPANSION WITH INNOVATIVE EDUCATION METHODS
MODULAR LEARNING SPACES BEYOND CLASSROOMS
Steinberg’s Funnel : New Approach
PARKS WITH LEARNING ZONES (STEM/ ART)
AUTONOMOUS LEARNING COMMUNITIES
AGE AGNOSTIC WORKSHOPS LIKE FINANCIAL LITERACY, PROBLEM SOLVING CULTURAL INTEGRATION AND CO-LEARNING
Industry: Social Media & App design
Duration: 4 weeks
Softwares used:
Figma, Illustrator Strategy & Research Methods: Interviews, secondary research, Iceberg model, Affinity Mapping
uI/UX &
Inclusive social media app for seniors and their families, fostering community and engagement.
the past Fall 2024
Role: strategist & Innovation designer
Collaborators: Saniya Aphale, Aditya Khariyal, Jagriti Yadav
rimarily for erso al Co ec io Simple, Tex -Base Social Ne wor i
User-Ge era ed Co e E er ai me & Fu
Limi ed Busi ess Use
the curre t the gaps the opportu ities
Mul i- urpose la for Co e iversi Mar e i g Too E-commerce egra io flue cers & Co e Crea or a a & erso aliza io
Niche C mmunitie an Intere t
Inclu ivit an Acce ibilit
Authenticit an C ntent Overl a Aging P pulati n an Digital Inclu i n
Wellne -f cu e T l Acce ible Platf rm f r Seni r Authentic C ntent Creati Simplifie U er Experience
Challenge: How might we create purposeful connections that focus on senior citizens and help bridge the inter-generational gaps, specifically in long distance families?
87% TALK TO SENIORS ON A weekly BASIS
would be open to having a platform that would document seniors’ life 92% 74% want health and wellness check ins to be included in communication 89% would like to contribute to collaborative storytelling
Secondary Research Challenges and Opportunities
40% seniors find technology interfaces too complex, hindering adoption.
remember
“I chant Gita chapters and send them to my family on whatsapp everyday but when I go to find them, I can’t”
76 YEARS OLD
“My son keeps calling in the middle of office hours to check on my medication because I forget now.”
80 YEARS OLD
“We used to have photo albums in our generation, but my daughter does not make those for her child anymore” 74 years old
“My grandmother keeps asking me about what I had for lunch and our conversations feel boring. I want to talk more, but it just never works that way” grad student
Digital Illiteracy
Misaligned Value Propositions
Fear and lack of confidence
Lack of Purposeful Interaction
Difficulty using current social media platforms.
Limited intergenerational interaction online.
Older adults avoid or abandon digital platforms after initial frustration.
Platforms prioritize fast, fleeting interactions over purposeful communication.
Trojan Horse and
Life Legacy Features
Multi-device integration
Wellness and health integration
Assistive Technology
Accesible UI
Lack of accessible design, assistive features
Few integrations for emotional or physical wellness within current platforms.
Social media is primarily for entertainment or quick interactions
Intergenerational relationships do not need digital facilitatio n
generations found family
Targeting overlooked audiences, particularly older adults.
Purposeful, curated content focused on storytelling and legacy creation.
Assisted Technology and Accessible Design Controlled app customisation for seniors by family
Meaningful, intergenerational connections with AI Prompts
Multi-device Integration
To create a world where every generation stays connected, bridging distances and fostering family bonds through a safe, nurturing and accessible digital space.
For seniors: A safe, easy-to-use app that helps them stay connected, share wisdom, and feel valued
For families: A way to celebrate memories, learn from elders, and strengthen bonds across generations.
connecting across generations beyond boundaries through technology
Colour Contrast for better visibility (accessibility)
Picture-led communication (intuitive)
Speed dial for inner circle
Assisted Technology
Reminders
Monitor the health of your family members
Set up and manage medication schedules for their loved ones
Emergency button widget
Industry: Mixed-Use, Real Estate
Duration: 12 months
Softwares used:
Miro, InDesign
Strategy & Research Methods: Stakeholder Interviews, secondary research, Research Frameworks, surveys, on-site observations
The research strategically explores how integrated townships in post-pandemic India can leverage a wellness framework —emphasizing accessibility, comfort, flexibility and technology—to enhance user well-being. It provides actionable insights for creating sustainable urban spaces that drive equity, resilience, and community-driven engagement.
Role: researcher & Strategist
Collaborators:
Aditi Agrawal, rania sen, aarushi singhal, abinaya rvn, namratha Shree Bharadwaj
Gensler has a wing within the firm that awards research grants to offices based on their research proposals ( Gensler Research Institute). Among almost 200 proposals, the Bangalore office won the research grant - a 6 people team and received $12,000 for the same.
Transforming the Public Realm : Future of Mixed-Use in The Indian Urbanscape
PROBLEM STATEMENT
How can open public spaces in integrated townships of India be re-activated to contribute towards the wellbeing of the users in a post pandemic scenario?
Our aim was to understand how open public spaces in integrated townships of India can be re-activated to contribute towards the well being of the users in a postpandemic scenario.
Us ng ex st ng rese rch to import an underst nd ng of how open publ c sp ces affect user well be ng Assessment of key integr ted townsh ps in T er-1 c t es of Ind
Underst nd ng the current des gn trends and ident fy ng g ps and opportun t es.
Integrated townships are a newly developing typology for developers and the clients in India.Here,emergence of integrated townships is being obser ved away from CBD where large land parcels are available.These are decentralized, self-sustaining, walkable neighborhoods; making them an interesting choice for users.
The intent was to investigate further into this unique typology in the Indian context and offer insights to the industry by leveraging internal Gensler knowledge resources.
RESEARCH PROCESS
These scenarios have challenged us as designers to ask some important questions about how we want to work and live in the future.
Owing to the evolving contemporary lifestyles and aspirations of better quality of life in urban areas, mixed-use development campuses seem to be an interesting choice which provide opportunities to live, work and play within a walkable integrated environment.
Developer Based Townships
Diverse mix of uses – Residential, Offices, Retail and cultural
Metropolitan Tier-1 Cities in India
Proximity from the urban center –TOD Urban Infill projects V/S Suburban townships
Large open spaces not tightly programmed do well because they allow a variety of cultures that exist to be able to express themselves and utilize the spaces in an equitable fashion
Solutioning for dignity as experience so that there can be premium offerings while respecting all the different strata of people using the open space.
Mindfully designing in-between spaces to enhance community resilience Providing responsible luxury through productive landscaping that will give back to the wellbeing of the users.
Evaluating the destinational attraction or user motivation to walk to a farther distance to a destination as compared to something that is more conveniently accessible.
Creating usable open spaces where communities can engage by finding the right balance between function, circulation and beautification.
Industry: Finance & Education
Duration: 6 weeks
Softwares used:
Miro, Figma, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, physical Model making Strategy & Research Methods: secondary research, Rube Goldberg’s Machine, Domino Effect, Economic impact analysis
Developed a project that explored the societal impacts of capitalism and challenged conventional economic structures using systems thinking.
Fall 2024
Role: Researcher
Collaborators:
Jia Yu Liu, Shrishti Sahani, Anisha Rajan
Link to Video: https://youtu.be/KVs46UMNokA
We chose to touch upon the 2008 economic crisis for its significant global impact. We wanted to better understand its complexities and to present the information in a clear and straightforward manner, making it accessible for others.
We chose to touch upon the 2008 economic crisis for its significant global impact. We wanted to better understand its complexities and to present the information in a clear and straightforward manner, making it accessible for others.
01
To illustrate how the U.S. housing market crash triggered a global recession with widespread financial and social impacts.
To highlight financial system vulnerabilities, including risky lending, weak oversight, and reliance on complex products.
02 03
To analyze how lenders, regulators, rating agencies, and investors fueled the housing bubble and its collapse.
01
Massive Unemployment
Millions lost jobs globally, leading to prolonged economic hardship.
02
Housing Market Crash
A large number of foreclosures and falling home prices badly hurt the real estate market.
03
Financial Sector Collapse
Major banks and financial firms failed, requiring unprecedented government bailouts.
04
Economic Slowdown
Consumer spending dropped sharply, leading to a long recovery and wage stagnation.
05
Global Recession
The crisis spread worldwide, triggering recessions and austerity measures in many countries.
These are the stakeholders that have directly impacted the housing crisis that has then led to the 2008 economic recession.
Subprime Borrowers
Individuals who took out high-risk loans despite limited ability to repay
Bankers & Lenders
Institutions like Wells Fargo who issued millions of subprime loans
Rating Agencies
Firms like Fitch who gave high ratings to risky securities
Investment Banks Firms like Morgan Stanley who packaged and sold MBS and CDOs
Politicians Politicians promoted risky policies, inflating the housing bubble and causing defaults.
