My experience as a volunteer at UX India was incredibly rewarding. It provided me with the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse group of professionals. I was able to learn from the expertise of the speakers I introduced, and the hands-on involvement deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of organizing large-scale industry events.
Nishi Banka
Senior UX Designer, Altimetrik
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Let's start with a short introduction about yourself.
I’m Nishi, a UX Designer driven by a passion for creating memorable user experiences. I graduated with an MSc in User Experience Engineering from Goldsmiths University of London in September 2022 with a scholarship from the British Council. My work has been recognized by Adobe for my illustration skills, and I’ve been fortunate to be published by HarperCollins. Apart from design, I’m committed to mental health advocacy and have collaborated with a wellness startup in London.
My experience ranges from startups to large corporations like McKinsey, where I’ve consistently aimed to deliver quality work. Currently, I’m leading the design for a new operating system at an international pharma company, aimed at improving teamwork. I use agile methodology to manage projects, focusing on achieving milestones and working closely with the development team for smooth execution.
How are you associated with UMO Design?
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I associated with UMO Design by volunteering at their UX conference in 2023, where my main
responsibility was to introduce the speakers.
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How was your experience as a part of UX India team?
My experience as a volunteer at UX India was incredibly rewarding. It provided me with the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse group of professionals from the UX field, enhancing my understanding and network. I was able to learn from the expertise of the speakers I introduced, and the hands-on involvement deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of organizing large-scale industry events.
Why do you think more female students should learn design and take up design-based professions?
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More women should explore design as a profession because it aligns well with overcoming societal expectations that often limit their career choices. Traditionally, many women are encouraged to prioritize family and domestic responsibilities, which can restrict their professional pursuits. Design, however, offers a flexible and accessible career path that can often be pursued remotely with just a laptop. This flexibility allows women to balance family obligations while fostering a fulfilling career. I also feel that diversity in design leads to more inclusive and innovative solutions. Women bring different perspectives and experiences that can shape products and services to be more user-friendly for a wider audience. Additionally, the design industry benefits from varied viewpoints to challenge standard norms and foster creative problem-solving. Encouraging more females in design can help close the gender gap and promote equality in the workplace.
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What are your expectations from 1MW initiative?
From the 1MW initiative, I expect to see the creation of a supportive and empowering environment for women in design, particularly in regions where opportunities may be limited. I hope to see the initiative providing accessible design education, mentorship programs, and resources that enable women to develop their skills, build confidence, and assume leadership roles within the industry. Additionally, I anticipate that 1MW will foster a global community where women can share experiences, collaborate on projects, and inspire one another, ultimately contributing to a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative design landscape.