We were lucky to catch up with Charithra Sathyanarayanan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Charithra, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My journey as a user experience designer has been a winding path of self-discovery and experimentation. I’ve always believed in trying different things to figure out what resonates with me and where my true passions lie. This journey of trial and error has been instrumental in shaping my career. Looking back, I realize that my journey involved navigating a non-linear path, and this willingness to explore different avenues has been invaluable in my evolution as a designer. It has allowed me to discover what truly excites me, even if it means burning the midnight oil. This adventurous spirit has been instrumental in my growth and development as a User Experience Designer.
If I were to reflect on how I could have expedited my learning process, I believe that earlier exploration and experimentation in design-related fields would have been beneficial. While my background in engineering provided a strong foundation, diving into design earlier might have helped me discover my passion sooner. However, obstacles have also stood in the way of my learning journey. One major challenge has been overcoming the fear of failure. It took time to embrace the idea that failure is an inherent part of growth and innovation.
Additionally, transitioning from a technical background to a creative one came with its share of hurdles, including adapting to a different way of thinking and working. Yet, these obstacles have ultimately shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable designer. In hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey; every twist and turn has contributed to my growth and passion for User Experience Design.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a User Experience Designer and Design Mentor with over 8 years of experience, currently working at Deloitte, a renowned consulting organization. My journey in the consulting field has been a dynamic one, allowing me to delve into diverse projects and explore fascinating technologies. In addition to my role at Deloitte, I’m also a mentor at DesignLab, where I guide aspiring UX designers through their learning journey and help them bridge the gap between education and employment. I hope to launch my YouTube channel dedicated to sharing insights into UX design pretty soon, so stay tuned!
What sets me apart is my knack for injecting creativity into problem-solving, even in the face of constraints. I often emphasize to my students that design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about effective communication with stakeholders, leveraging data, and knowing how to navigate the intricacies of the design process.
My proudest accomplishment is having the courage to follow my passion, forging a path where art intersects with technology. This journey has been my greatest teacher, molding me into a designer passionate about solving complex problems and delivering meaningful solutions. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I bring a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to my work, striving to make a positive impact in the field of user experience design.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My journey to the United States to pursue a Master’s in Design Management at SCAD was a significant turning point in my life. Like many international students, I arrived with a mixture of hopes, dreams, and anxieties. The uncertainty of success loomed large, but I was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Upon graduating, I secured my first job as a Service and Experience Designer. At that stage, my primary focus was landing a job and acquiring the skills necessary to thrive in the field. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges, leading to a layoff. Despite this setback, I rebounded swiftly, leveraging my prior experience to secure another position. As I grew more confident in my skill set (evidenced by increasing recruiter interest), I began reevaluating my career goals.
My perspective on employment evolved from seeking any job to being selective about the organizations I partnered with. I started questioning what value a potential employer would bring beyond the basic salary. This shift in mindset transformed my approach to job hunting, emphasizing the importance of purpose and alignment with my values. It’s this newfound perspective that makes me proud to be part of Deloitte, an organization that aligns with my vision and values, offering more than just a job but a meaningful partnership.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative professional, specifically as a user experience designer, lies in the transformative power of design. It’s about crafting solutions that not only meet functional requirements but also resonate with users on a deep and emotional level. The ability to make a positive impact in people’s lives by enhancing their experiences is truly gratifying.
As an individual who transitioned from a different field, pursuing my passion in Design, it’s immensely rewarding to see how my creativity can solve complex problems and drive innovation. Whether it’s guiding aspiring designers in their learning journey or infusing creativity into problem-solving in a corporate setting, the process of creation and the tangible impact it has on individuals and organizations is what fuels my passion.
Moreover, the continuous learning and adaptability demanded by the creative field keep me engaged and motivated. The joy of constantly evolving, pushing boundaries, and finding innovative solutions is what makes being a creative professional an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding journey.