My Journey to UI/UX Design

A Story of Evolution

The Foundation: Product Development in Luxury Goods

My career began in the fragrance industry, where I developed over 250 unique SKUs at Parlux Fragrances and Nest Fragrances. This experience was my first immersion in the world of design thinking—though I didn't recognize it as such at the time. Creating packaging that balanced aesthetics, functionality, and brand identity taught me fundamental principles that would later become crucial to my UI/UX approach:

• User-centered design: Just as a perfume bottle must feel right in a customer's hand, digital interfaces must feel intuitive to their users

• Attention to detail: The smallest elements can make or break an experience

• Brand consistency: Every touchpoint contributes to the larger brand story

The Bridge: Process Optimization and Project Management

At Diageo, I evolved from product development to innovation commercialization, managing the go-to-market strategy for products generating over $81 million in revenue. My role required deep integration of technical systems with human workflows—a perfect preparation for UX design:

• I integrated portfolio management systems with data analytics platforms, creating dashboards that transformed complex data into actionable insights

• I facilitated communication between technical teams and business stakeholders, translating needs in both directions

• I learned to map and optimize user journeys, though in business processes rather than digital interfaces

This experience taught me that good design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about solving real problems and creating value.

The Technical Foundation: Full Stack Development

Recognizing the growing importance of digital experiences, I pursued certifications in Full Stack Web Development and Java Programming. At Cognizant Technologies, I built my technical expertise while gaining crucial insights:

• Understanding the technical constraints and possibilities behind UI design makes me a more effective designer

• The best interfaces emerge from close collaboration between design and development

• User experience extends beyond the visible interface to include performance, security, and accessibility

The Synthesis: Product Design

My current work as a Product Designer has enabled me to work on projects with GenAI.us and Meher Dance represents the convergence of my journey. I now create digital experiences that:

• Balance business objectives with user needs

• Leverage technical understanding to ensure feasibility

• Apply visual design principles to enhance usability and emotional connection

• Use data and research to inform design decisions

What Sets Me Apart as a UI/UX Designer

My unique journey has equipped me with a perspective that combines:

1. The aesthetic sensibility of a packaging designer who understands how visual elements evoke emotional responses

2. The systematic thinking of a project manager who can navigate complex processes and stakeholder needs

3. The technical knowledge of a developer who understands what happens behind the interface

4. The business acumen of someone who has brought successful products to market

This multifaceted background allows me to design solutions that are not only beautiful and usable but also technically feasible and business-aligned. I don't just create interfaces—I craft experiences that tell stories, solve problems, and create value for both users and businesses.

As I've evolved in my career, my design philosophy has remained consistent: "Good design tells a story—great design invites you into a world you never want to leave."