Gayatri Shah
Senior Designer with 6 years of demonstrated expertise in multidisciplinary design, showcasing a deep commitment to UX Design and Research, with a foundational prior background in Interior Architecture.
She holds a Masters Degree from the Institute of Design at IIT, with a focus on UX Design, Research, and Strategy.
Skills
Design
UX Design • UI Design • Interaction Design Wireframing • Prototyping • Design Systems Information Architecture • Responsive Design
Research
User Research • Usability Testing • A/B Testing Surveys • Interviews • Persona Development User Journey Mapping • Strategic Design
Visual Design
Typography • Color Theory • Iconography Layout Design • Illustration • Brand Design
Software
Adobe Creative Suite • Figma • Sketch InVision • Miro • Mural • Microsoft Office AutoCad • SketchUp • Enscape • Revit
Leadership
Leadership Excellence:
Senior Designer and Founder at FusionForm Design
Studio, guiding diverse design projects.
Team Leadership:
Led cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
Innovation and Client Focus:
Proven record in driving innovation, client-focused solutions, and exceeding expectations.
Cultural Influence:
Inspired a culture of learning and excellence within design teams.
Community Impact:
Contributed by teaching underprivileged
children at a local NGO
Education
Master of Design (MDes)
UX Design, Research & Strategy
Institute of Design at IIT
2022 - 2024 | Chicago, USA
Master of Arts (MA)
Interior and Spatial Architecture
University for the Creative Arts
2018 - 2019 | London, UK
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Interior Architecture
Dr B N College of Architecture (BNCA) 2013 - 2017 | Pune, India
Certifications
Google
UX Design Professional Certificate
Alliance Française de Poona
DELF - Level B2 (French language)
Goethe Institut Indien
Goethe Zertifikat - Level B1 (German)
Extra-curriculars
Teacher at a Children’s NGO • Guitarist • Linguist • Baker • Hiker
Work Experience
UX Specialist & Researcher
Cooperative Computer Services (CCS) | Full-time Role
June 2024 - Present // Chicago, IL
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Enhanced User Experience and Data-Driven Insights: Proactively identified opportunities for improvement, conducted comprehensive UX research, and compiled detailed reports to support decision-making for CCS member libraries and patrons.
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Project Management and Technical Support: Managed strategic initiatives, including usability testing and new product implementations, and provided technical support and consulting services with a focus on the online catalog.
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Training and Community Engagement: Designed and led virtual and in-person training sessions and created diverse training materials.
UX Researcher & Strategist
LatinX Digital Leaders Now (LDLN) | Contract Role
Jan 2024 - April 2024 // Chicago, IL
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Conducted user research to understand Latinx students’ and families’ tech and STEM needs.
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Developed initiatives to enhance Latinx representation in technology through workshops and events.
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Collaborated with teams and partners to design and implement outreach strategies.
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Analyzed data to improve programs and align with community goals.
Product Researcher
Environmental Design Group (EDG) | Internship
May 2023 - Aug 2023 // Chicago, IL
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Led user research for 20+ potential customers, revealing furniture design insights.
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Analyzed and synthesized data for a new premium sofa collection with a 12% boost in pre-orders.
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Conducted website usability tests and redesign for enhanced discoverability.
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Collaborated on high-end residential projects, overseeing design from concept to execution with a dynamic team.
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Negotiated costs with vendors for premium materials within budget.
User Researcher & Strategist
UChicago Medicine | Contract Role
Jan 2023 - April 2023 // Chicago, IL
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Conducted 15+ in-depth user interviews with UChicago Medicine stakeholders, shaping patient-centric service design strategies, and fostering trust and empathy.
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Applied Mix Methods User Research and Data Analysis techniques, crafting a comprehensive service blueprint addressing healthcareproviders' well-being.
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Executed streamlined delivery visualization, enhancing holistic patient experiences in a home setting, while collaborating within a cross-functional team and diverse perspectives.
Exhibition Design Graduate Assistant
Institute of Design (IIT)
Oct 2022 - Jan 2023 // Chicago, IL
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Collaborated as an Exhibition Designer for Design Museum Chicago's 85th anniversary event.
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Conducted design research and space planning optimizing displays for a cohesive exhibition experience.
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Crafted timber display tables, showcasing craftsmanship attention to detail.
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Ensured seamless collaboration with fellow designers for event success.
UX Designer
Steelcase | Contract Role
Sept 2022 - Dec 2022 // Chicago, IL
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Conducted extensive user research, synthesizing insights to inform the development of intuitive interface designs tailored to user needs.
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Employed iterative design methodologies, including wireframing, prototyping, and journey mapping, to refine and enhance the user experience.
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Effectively communicated tangible project progress and findings to stakeholders.
UX Designer
FormFusion Design Studio | Full-time Role
Feb 2021 - Sept 2022 // Pune, IND
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Conducted user research for 18+ mobile apps, achieving improvement in user satisfaction.
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Crafted UI, user flows, wireframes, and prototypes in a team setting for an e-commerce platform, and a banking app enhancing product discoverability.
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Analyzed data to optimize 8+ websites, resulting in a 15% increase in user engagement.
Senior Interior Architect Lead
AMA Design Studios | Full-time Role
Sept 2020 - Feb 2021 // Pune, IND
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Led 8 high-profile architectural projects with a client-focused approach.
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Managed a team of designer and engineers, fostering skill development and collaboration.
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Sourced premium materials, showcasing expertise in selection and optimization.
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Created 200+ designs, effectively communicating complex concepts.
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Coordinated project timelines and budgets, applying strong project management skills for seamless project delivery with cross-functional teams.
Senior Design Expert
Livspace | Full-time Role
Oct 2019 - Sept 2020 // Pune, IND
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Led the delivery of 40+ innovative modular furniture projects.
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Managed custom furniture projects, conducting client meetings.
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Applied strong sales acumen for revenue growth and client satisfaction.
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Orchestrated cross-functional teams for seamless project execution.
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Cultivated and maintained strong client relationships.
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Integrated innovative design solutions for enhanced project outcomes.
Interior Designer
Lovekar Design Associates (LDA) | Full-time Role
May 2017 - May 2018 // Pune, IND
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Collaborated on creative solutions for interior design projects within a dynamic team.
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Contributed to the conceptualization of innovative and functional interior designs.
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Utilized industry-standard software for drafting, 3D modeling, and design presentations.
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Supported the development of detailed design drawings and specifications.
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Actively participated in the studio's collaborative and creative environment, fostering continuous learning.
Junior Interior Designer
Dhamanaskar Architects | Full-time Role
May 2016 - April 2017 // Pune, IND
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Assisted in the conceptualization and development of interior design projects, contributing to creative and functional solutions.
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Utilized industry-standard software for drafting, 3D modeling, and creating design presentations to enhance project communication.
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Collaborated closely with senior designers to implement design concepts and ensure alignment with project goals.
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Conducted on-site measurements and assessments, actively participating in the initial phases of project planning.