We recently connected with Saloni Bedi and have shared our conversation below.

Saloni, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?

The most important lesson I learned during my graduate studies at MIT was the incredible power of multidisciplinary collaboration to create products that truly evolve with people and their needs. This realization came to life through two pivotal experiences: leading the Accessible Pregnancy Test (APT) project and developing a hydration monitor at the Gray Research Lab.

Let me start with APT. Picture this: I was in a room filled with engineers, researchers, and business professionals—each bringing their unique expertise to the table. We were tasked with solving a deeply overlooked challenge: designing a pregnancy test that could be used independently by individuals with vision impairments. It wasn’t just about making something functional; it was about creating something empathetic, accessible, and affordable. As a designer on the team, I found myself at the intersection of disciplines, translating user insights into design decisions while ensuring technical feasibility and market viability. Together, we created a haptic pregnancy test that resonated deeply with users, earning recognition like the James Dyson Award runner-up, Fast Co Innovation by Design honoree award, IF Design Student Award, amongst others.

But my journey didn’t stop there. At the Gray Research Lab, I worked on developing a wearable hydration monitor designed to track small deviations in hydration levels over prolonged periods. Maintaining proper hydration is critical for health, yet dehydration remains a persistent issue, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly. Collaborating with researchers and engineers, I helped develop and test a portable setup that integrates seamlessly into daily routines while providing real-time data on hydration trends. Human studies conducted with this wearable setup revealed its potential to distinguish between hydration states—a breakthrough for non-invasive health monitoring.

These experiences taught me that design thrives when paired with engineering precision and scientific rigor. Whether it’s creating accessible healthcare solutions or tackling sustainability challenges, multidisciplinary teams bring diverse perspectives that elevate both the process and the product. Today, as an industrial designer at Loft Design Studio, I carry forward this lesson by championing empathetic solutions that evolve with users while addressing complex challenges.

Design isn’t just about aesthetics or functionality—it’s about listening, learning, and integrating expertise from all directions to create products that improve lives. This belief continues to shape my work as I tackle pressing challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond.

Saloni, 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?

Hi! I’m Saloni Bedi, an industrial designer who believes in creating products that evolve with people and their ecosystems. My journey into design started with a fascination for how thoughtful, tangible solutions can address real human needs. Over time, I’ve built my craft at the intersection of design, engineering, and empathy—always striving to create work that is meaningful and impactful.

I studied Industrial Design at MIT Institute of Design in India, where I learned the fundamentals of human-centered design and developed a deep love for problem-solving through creativity. Later, I pursued my master’s degree at MIT’s Integrated Design and Management program, which completely transformed how I think about design. At MIT, I discovered the power of multidisciplinary collaboration—working alongside engineers, researchers, and business professionals to tackle complex challenges. My projects ranged from designing accessible pregnancy tests for individuals with vision impairments to developing wearable hydration monitors for health tracking and conducting research in zero gravity to make space more inclusive.

Currently, I’m an Industrial Designer at Loft Design Studio, where I focus on designing products that are functional yet empathetic—solutions that not only solve problems but also resonate deeply with users. My work spans healthcare innovation, sustainability-focused product development, consumer electronics, and social impact projects.

What sets me apart as a designer is my ability to bring together diverse perspectives—whether it’s collaborating with engineers on technical feasibility or working with researchers to ensure scientific accuracy. I see design as a collaborative process that thrives on empathy and adaptability. For me, it’s not just about making something functional; it’s about creating solutions that evolve with people’s needs and make their lives better.

I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on improving lives—whether it’s empowering individuals through accessible healthcare solutions or addressing sustainability challenges through thoughtful design. Beyond the products themselves, I’m always exploring new ways to push the boundaries of creativity. For instance, I’ve been experimenting with Generative AI tools to enhance workflows and expand what’s possible in industrial design.

For potential collaborators, I want them to know that my work is driven by purpose. Every project I take on is an opportunity to create something meaningful—something that solves problems while fostering connection and empathy. My brand is rooted in thoughtful design, collaboration across disciplines, and a commitment to making the world a little better through design.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an industrial designer and ceramicist, the most rewarding aspect of my craft is the magical process of bringing ideas to life and seeing them take on a life of their own after I’ve created them. There’s something incredibly special about watching a sketch transform from the 2D world into a tangible, functional object in the 3D world. It’s a journey that never ceases to amaze me—from the initial spark of inspiration to prototyping, refining, and finally holding the finished product in my hands. But the true cherry on top is seeing someone else interact with, own, or find joy in something I’ve designed.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Early on, I used to be hesitant about reaching out to people in the design field for advice. I had this idea that I needed to figure everything out on my own, which, looking back, seems a little silly! One thing I really wish I had discovered sooner is the power of simply reaching out to people with more experience. I’ve learned that a well-crafted cold reach-out—especially on LinkedIn—can be incredibly effective. You’d be surprised how many professionals are willing to share their insights and offer guidance. These conversations have been invaluable in shaping my career and expanding my network.

Aside from individual connections, I’ve also found online communities to be a game-changer. Places like Offsite (by Advanced Design) and the Young Designers India Discord channel are fantastic resources for connecting with fellow designers, sharing work, and getting feedback. Plus, getting involved with organisations like IDSA (Industrial Designer’s Society of America) and attending IDSA events is a great way to meet people in person and learn about the industry.

These resources have taught me that design as an industry has a great community. It’s about learning from others, sharing your own experiences, and building a supportive community. If I could go back, I would definitely encourage myself to tap into these networks earlier—they’ve made a huge difference in my growth as a designer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://salonibedi.work/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saloni.bedi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salonibedi/

Image Credits

Research Group Image of a test flight to test solutions to make space accessible: https://astroaccess.org/