Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kiranraj Sivakumar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kiranraj, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is one that started with a simple observation but evolved into something deeply personal and transformative for me as a designer. It was my thesis, “Project Unlabeled,” a wearable advertising platform designed as a backpack.

The idea was born during my time as a graduate student in Industrial Design, but its roots trace back to my hometown of Bangalore—a city alive with energy, bustling streets, and billboards that dominate the skyline. I grew up surrounded by these massive static advertisements, always wondering about their effectiveness in connecting with people. The billboards were loud and ever-present, but they lacked something essential: personal connection.

Fast forward to graduate school, where I was researching branding and advertising trends. Two things struck me. First, outdoor advertising still remains one of the most effective ways for brands to reach people, with billions of dollars spent annually. But it hasn’t evolved much—it’s static, and in a world dominated by interactivity, it felt like a missed opportunity. Second, I noticed the growing power of influencers, especially those trying to break into the industry, yet many of them were undercompensated and lacked control over their participation in brand promotions.

I kept coming back to one question: What if advertising could be personal, dynamic, and ethical at the same time?

That question became the foundation for “Project Unlabeled.” I set out to design a product that not only transformed how brands connect with people but also empowered individuals to take control of their role in advertising. I chose a backpack as the medium because it’s a lifestyle product—something functional, visible, and inherently mobile.

The design process was intense and deeply rewarding. The final prototype was more than just a bag—it was a platform. It featured integrated displays, a short-throw laser projector for immersive interactions, and sensors that allowed for eye-tracking and gesture-based engagement. I envisioned users—particularly aspiring influencers—being able to showcase advertisements of their choice while earning rewards based on impressions and interactions. For example, while commuting or walking through a park, their backpack could display dynamic content and invite passersby to engage, all while the user maintained control through a mobile app.

I tested the concept at a local farmers’ market, a vibrant community space. Seeing people interact with the prototype for the first time was exhilarating. Some were drawn to the motion of the digital ads, while others were curious about how it worked. Their reactions validated my hypothesis: advertising could become more engaging and equitable if people had the right tools.

What made this project so meaningful wasn’t just the design or technology—it was the deeper impact. This project challenged the status quo of advertising, shifting it from implicit exploitation to explicit consent. It gave individuals the power to participate on their terms, turning them from passive consumers into active contributors.

Winning the IDA Award for this project was a proud moment, but the real reward was the growth it brought me. It pushed me to combine design with behavioral economics, ethical principles, and emerging technology. More importantly, it reinforced my belief in the power of design to create change.

In many ways, “Project Unlabeled” isn’t just a project—it’s a reflection of my values and my journey as a designer. It’s about making connections more meaningful, creating opportunities for empowerment, and showing that design has the ability to shape a better, more ethical future.

Kiranraj, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Kiran Raj Siva Kumar, a creative designer and innovator with a passion for blending functionality, aesthetics, and technology to create impactful solutions. My journey into the world of design began during my undergraduate years as an architect in India, where I developed a deep appreciation for structure, form, and how people interact with spaces. This foundation eventually evolved into a broader interest in product design, industrial design, and human-centered solutions, which I pursued through a Master’s degree in Industrial Design at SCAD.

My work spans a range of disciplines, from architecture to industrial design, graphic design, and furniture design. I’ve worked on projects that include everything from designing custom furniture to large-scale architecture and now cutting-edge wearable advertising platforms. Each project is driven by a desire to merge practicality and innovation, ensuring that what I create not only serves a purpose but also enhances the user experience.

What I Do
I specialize in:

Product Design: Creating user-centered, functional, and visually compelling products.
Industrial Design: Focusing on innovative designs that integrate technology and enhance the way we interact with products.
UX and Human-Centered Design: Developing products that align with behavioral patterns and user needs, ensuring intuitive and meaningful interactions.
3D Printing and Prototyping: Rapidly creating and testing ideas to refine them into viable solutions.
Branding and Advertising Design: Helping brands create powerful, engaging tools for outreach.
Problems I Solve
At the heart of my work is problem-solving. I address issues like:

Redefining traditional advertising models to make them more engaging and ethical.
Bridging the gap between functionality and innovation in product design.
Helping businesses and individuals bring their visions to life with creative solutions that stand out in competitive markets.
A recent example of this is Project Unlabeled, my thesis project, where I tackled the challenge of static, disconnected advertising by creating a wearable advertising platform that empowers individuals while offering brands a more dynamic way to engage with consumers.

What Sets Me Apart
What makes my work unique is my ability to combine diverse skills—from architecture to industrial design and cutting-edge technology—to create holistic, user-focused solutions. My approach is always rooted in empathy and an understanding of human behavior, which allows me to design products and experiences that genuinely resonate with people. I don’t just design for the sake of innovation; I design to make an impact.

I also bring an entrepreneurial mindset to my projects. As the founder of Black Out Design, I’ve led over 40 projects, ranging from architecture to interior design and visualization services for global clients. This experience taught me how to manage complex projects, think strategically, and deliver results that exceed expectations.

What I’m Most Proud Of
One of my proudest moments was receiving the IDA Award for my thesis project. It validated not just the quality of my work but also the principles I stand for as a designer—fairness, empowerment, and innovation. Beyond awards, though, I take pride in seeing the impact my designs have on people, whether it’s a client who loves a product I created for them or someone interacting with one of my prototypes for the first time.

Mission and Inspirations
My mission is to use design as a tool for empowerment. I want my work to inspire meaningful connections between people, products, and brands while fostering a future where innovation is ethical, inclusive, and user-centered. I draw inspiration from the everyday—human behaviors, evolving technologies, and the intersections of culture and design.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the power to turn intangible ideas into tangible realities that make an impact. There’s something magical about starting with a blank canvas—whether it’s a sketchpad, a block of raw material, or a simple concept—and watching it evolve into something meaningful that others can interact with, experience, and even connect to emotionally.

Every project is like a story waiting to be told, and as a designer, I get to shape that narrative. The most fulfilling moments are when people interact with something I’ve created and it sparks curiosity, joy, or even a sense of empowerment. For example, during my thesis project, Project Unlabeled, I tested my wearable advertising prototype at a farmers’ market. Seeing strangers stop, engage, and ask questions about the product—and knowing it resonated with them—was incredibly rewarding. It’s in those moments that you realize your work has gone beyond being just “design” and has become a part of someone else’s experience.

I also find immense fulfillment in the process itself—the challenges, the late nights spent refining details, the problem-solving, and the unexpected breakthroughs. Creativity is rarely a straight path, and navigating its twists and turns is where growth happens. It’s in those moments of struggle and experimentation that you discover not just new ideas, but new facets of yourself as a designer.

Ultimately, the most rewarding part is knowing that my work has a purpose—that it solves a problem, inspires a connection, or adds value to someone’s life. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just about making things; it’s about making a difference.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My specific goal as a designer is to empower individuals and transform the way brands connect with people. I’m driven by the idea of creating solutions that blur the lines between functionality, technology, and human interaction, always ensuring that the end user feels valued and engaged.

A major milestone in my journey toward this goal has been my thesis project, Project Unlabeled, which embodies my mission to redefine consumer roles in advertising. The project explores how wearable technology can empower individuals to take an active role in brand promotion, providing them with the tools to participate ethically and fairly in the advertising ecosystem. By shifting the dynamic from passive observation to active engagement, I hope to foster more meaningful and equitable connections between brands and consumers.

My mission isn’t just about solving today’s problems but also about envisioning what’s next. I aim to create designs that merge the physical and digital worlds, leveraging emerging technologies like AR, projection mapping, and AI to craft immersive and interactive experiences. Whether it’s through a wearable advertising platform, a piece of innovative furniture, or a UX system, my goal is to ensure that every interaction feels intentional and impactful.

At the heart of it all, my purpose is to empower people—whether it’s giving them a voice in advertising, simplifying their lives with better-designed products, or creating experiences that leave a lasting impression. For me, design isn’t just a craft; it’s a way to drive change, challenge conventions, and connect people to something greater.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kiranrajsivakumar.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiranrajworks/