Hello! I'm Aakansha!
I am a Design Researcher turned Customer Experience Designer and a Strategist who has always been enamored by the prospect of being a source that bridges strategic acumen with creativity.
Currently, at Kimberly Clark Corporation, I am leading customer experience and market research as a part of the Global Customer Insights and Product Innovation team(s) to facilitate data-driven business decisions.
Supporting Design and innovation through market research, qualitative mapping, ethnographic efforts translating into diverse personas, market segmentation, customer journeys, and toolkit design toward building strategies, roadmaps, and pathways throughout KC/KCP.
Collaborating with subject matter experts teams of Customer Market and Intelligence, Product Development, Service, Design and Strategy, and Voice of the Customers in internal and external business prioritization activities.
DESIGN LIFE
I kickstarted my Research and Design career 6 years back with my previous master’s degree in Design Research. Since then I have been hooked on understanding the “method to the madness” in Design for problem solving.
I thrive in contextual inquiry, ethnography, strategic acumen, idea generation, interaction design, co creation, & UX design to create user centered products & services for better future.
From Working in one of the most exclusive public-private partnerships in New Delhi, India as Trend Analyst and Researcher, and carving an identity and a visual story from scratch for various Companies as an UX Researcher and Design Researcher, to working for Sustainability and Design interventions in the Graduate Programs (Master of Design Research, National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi) India, and again a recent Design and Research graduate (M.A. Design Management at SCAD, Savannah), there has been a lot of in-between design madness that has ensued.
FUTURE STEPS
Although I have some experience in understanding design to a better extent, good design understanding and skills alone are insufficient for achieving my goals. It is important to have management and leadership capabilities, as well as an understanding of international cultures and markets.
Perhaps most importantly, designers must have a multifaceted outlook and the capability of integrating and understanding the desires of consumers and businesses. This is how designers are different from artists.
INTEREST
My interest lies in the use of design for problem-solving by blending emotions, the user needs, business and technology through research-driven process transformed into empathetic design. Hence, design to me is more tangible than being something elusive or one-dimensional.
CURIOSITY
I consider curiosity to be the most important faculty of a learner in the field of Design. The term “design” can mean multiple things, depending on who one is and what dialogue one is involved in. For me, the concept of design has changed at different stages of my life.
As a person who thrives under pressure, the design is the most versatile field to work in today. I am hooked on understanding the “method to the madness” in Design, or even inventing one because the process is the key not just to realize but replicate ideas that can understand behaviors and improve lives. I am keen to work with teams that intend to apply design for change and for a better future.
ENERGY
Known for my dedication and determination, I love to feel challenged and feed off the creative part of my brain which is always prominent in my work. I have the fortitude to successfully visually communicate, collaborate and achieve the best outcome for any project that I work for, through my expertise and hard work. I strive to move towards getting better than before by creating unique and creative content.
