Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
Brunel University has helped me develop from a designer to a manager and leader of design. Following graduation, I began as a design lead and am now a Principal UX Architect in charge of the Digital Customer Experience Design Practise. Through this programme, I was able to advance from being a sole contributor to someone in charge of a team of 40+ individuals, including User Researchers, Interaction Designers, Visual Designers, Accessibility Specialists, and UX Writers. I also handled both onsite and offshore Experience Design operations in client-facing roles, as well as the client and vendor management. Worked in multinational companies like Cognizant, Novartis, eClerx Digital and currently working with Tech Mahindra
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Managing user research, user experience design, visual design, accessibility, CGI, VFX, Motion Design, and UX writing teams for both the consumer products and therapeutic areas of major pharmaceutical brands globally, I support clients on the UX and CX design solutions, enhancing their omni channel design experience across all channels. The main duties of this leadership position include overseeing project scoping, working on RFP submissions, customer journey mapping, creative direction, user research, capability building, design system creation, hiring, and mentoring team members. This function requires close cooperation with the technical team, corporate leadership, brand managers, and product owners.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
Establishing Digital Experience Design Practise at eClerx Digital is my most memorable experience. Building the team from 0 to 42 people, creating numerous practise areas, such as research, design, accessibility, and UX writing, with the teams dispersed across 3 locations in India, and being promoted to Associate Vice President level to lead the practise.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
My confidence in public speaking, engaging with others, and dealing with people from different cultures all increased thanks to Brunel University. Additionally, it improved my communication and presentation abilities as well as my understanding of the value of research, assembling a design team, and working with multiple stakeholders.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
In order to achieve my interest for bridging the gap between Human Emotion and Design, I sought out a programme that would help me advance in the fields of research, branding, experience design, management, and leadership. The unique programme at Brunel University, which focuses on business design, is research-driven.
What is your best memory of studying here?
Making a wonderful friend in Mr. Benjamin Buist and participating in a research project on electric car design for Jaguar/Land Rover, which was shown at the Made In Brunel event.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
Break through cultural barriers that you come from, assimilate and comprehend the local culture, concentrate on studying, and enjoy yourself.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Apply the principles you have learnt from the course and be a people person who enjoys interacting, observing, and learning from everyone. Think outside the box. add your own experiences as well. Work together and give back to the community
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