Meet Bhavyata Shah | Product Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bhavyata Shah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bhavyata, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking has always been an integral part of my approach to life and my career. I firmly believe that taking calculated risks is necessary for personal and professional growth, as it opens doors to new opportunities and challenges that can lead to valuable experiences and achievements.

One of the most significant risks I took in my life was when I made the decision to leave my comfortable job at TCS in Mumbai, India, and pursue my higher education at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) in the United States. This decision involved a considerable amount of uncertainty and required me to step out of my comfort zone. The decision to leave my job, bid farewell to my familiar surroundings, and embark on a new journey in a foreign country was undoubtedly daunting.

Upon arriving in the United States, I faced the challenge of living in a new city, Atlanta, all alone. Navigating the complexities of student life and employment as an international student added an additional layer of difficulty. I had to adjust to a different educational system, cultural norms, and even the day-to-day aspects of life, such as managing finances, finding accommodation, and understanding the local transportation system. However, despite the initial challenges and moments of homesickness, I viewed this as an opportunity for personal growth.

The risk of leaving my job and coming to SCAD taught me invaluable lessons. It pushed me to embrace change, adapt to new situations, and develop resilience. It allowed me to explore different design perspectives, broaden my horizons, and enhance my creativity. It also provided me with the chance to network with industry professionals and build connections that have been instrumental in my career. In hindsight, taking this risk was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It transformed my career trajectory, opening doors to exciting opportunities and paving the way for personal and professional growth that I wouldn’t have achieved otherwise.

In hindsight, taking this risk was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am immensely grateful for the experience of graduating from SCAD as a Master of Arts student in Graphic Design and Visual Experience. It transformed my career trajectory, opening doors to exciting opportunities and paving the way for personal and professional growth that I wouldn’t have achieved otherwise. Overall, my experience of taking risks, such as the one I took by leaving Mumbai and joining SCAD, has taught me to embrace uncertainty, trust my instincts, and seize opportunities that have the potential to propel me forward. It has made me more adaptable, confident, and willing to push boundaries in pursuit of my goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is my diverse range of artistic interests and my ability to incorporate my unique illustration style into my product design and UI work.

My artistic journey began with a deep passion for doodling and spending hours painting canvases. These early experiences allowed me to explore different artistic techniques and develop my own distinctive visual language. Doodling became a form of self-expression and a way for me to convey ideas and emotions through imagery.

During my undergraduate studies, I discovered a fascination for typography. The art of letterforms and the power of visual communication captivated me. For my personal project in my undergrad, I designed an entire space, incorporating typography, for a café project. This experience allowed me to understand the impact of design in physical environments and how it can shape user experiences.

As my journey progressed, I delved into the world of product design. It was during my time working at TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) that I stumbled upon UI/UX design. This newfound focus ignited a passion within me, as I realized the potential to create meaningful and user-centered digital experiences. SCAD exposed me to a rich blend of storytelling, user research, understanding different perspectives, and designing for usability. It broadened my understanding of design beyond aesthetics, emphasizing the importance of creating impactful and empathetic experiences.

One project that I am particularly proud of is my plant care UX case study and app design called BUD. With this project, I combined my love for nature, my passion for design, and my understanding of user experience to create an intuitive and engaging app for plant enthusiasts. I incorporated my unique illustration style into the app’s visual language, infusing it with charm and personality while maintaining a focus on usability and functionality. Designing the BUD app was undoubtedly a challenging yet rewarding experience. One of the key challenges I faced was understanding the needs of novice users who were eager to explore the world of gardening but lacked knowledge and experience. It was essential to empathize with their perspective and develop a solution that catered to their unique requirements. The interviews revealed that many novice users were unaware of basic plant care practices, such as watering schedules, sunlight requirements, and pest control. They expressed a desire to learn and grow as gardeners, but needed guidance and simplified information. With these valuable insights, I focused on creating an app that would deliver intuitive and user-friendly features, ensuring a seamless experience for beginners.

Overcoming the challenge of understanding novice users taught me the importance of conducting user research and actively listening to their needs. It reinforced the significance of empathy in the design process and the impact it can have on creating user-centered solutions. By immersing myself in the experiences and difficulties of the target audience, I was able to bridge the gap between their aspirations and the app’s functionality.The key lessons I have learned along the way are the importance of staying curious, being open to new perspectives, continuously honing my craft, and embracing the iterative nature of the design process. I have realized that collaboration and empathy are integral to creating impactful designs that resonate with users.

In terms of my brand and story, I want the world to know that I am deeply passionate about creating meaningful and user-centric experiences through design. I strive to combine my expertise in product design and UI/UX with my unique illustrative style to craft visually captivating and emotionally resonant designs. My goal is to create experiences that not only delight users but also solve real-world problems and make a positive impact.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week, I would ensure they have an unforgettable time exploring the city’s vibrant art and culture scene, as well as enjoying some outdoor activities and indulging in delicious food.

Start the trip with a visit to the High Museum of Art, where we can immerse ourselves in the world of contemporary and classic art. Afterward, we can head to Piedmont Park, spread out a picnic blanket, and enjoy some doodling and relaxation while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Next day we could take a trip to the Georgia Aquarium, an incredible experience filled with marine life and stunning exhibits. In the afternoon, we can quench our thirst for knowledge and nostalgia at the World of Coca-Cola museum, exploring the history and tasting different Coca-Cola products from around the world.
After the tour, grab refreshing margaritas and tacos from Dos Bocas downtown.

On Day 3, we can immerse ourselves in nature at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We can wander through the stunning displays of flowers, plants, and sculptures, finding inspiration for our creative endeavors. Treat ourselves to an authentic Indian dining experience at Tabla, savoring the rich flavors and spices of the cuisine.

The next day, we can start with indulging in a delicious brunch at Murphy’s restaurant, known for its delectable dishes and cozy atmosphere. Later to catch the sunset, we can head to Stone Mountain for an outdoor adventure, hiking up the mountain and enjoying a scenic kayak ride on the lake.

Conclude the trip with a slice of heavenly cheesecake at Cafe Intermezzo, known for its wide selection of desserts and cozy ambiance. We can end the night by taking a stroll through the historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood, known for its charming houses, local shops, and vibrant restaurant scene.

This itinerary combines the best of Atlanta’s art, culture, nature, and culinary delights, ensuring a diverse and memorable experience for my best friend. With a mix of museums, outdoor activities, and delicious dining options, they would leave with a deeper appreciation for the city’s unique character and countless offerings.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate a shoutout to Prof. Holly Quarzo. She deserves tremendous credit and recognition in my story for her exceptional mentorship and unwavering support throughout my journey. During the four classes I had with Prof. Quarzo in web design, data visualization, and portfolio, she witnessed my struggles and challenges firsthand. However, instead of simply guiding me academically, she went above and beyond to provide me with valuable coaching for work, design, and life in general.

Prof. Quarzo’s office hours became a safe space where I could openly discuss my concerns, seek advice, and receive personalized guidance. Her mentorship was not limited to academic matters; she genuinely cared about my well-being and personal development.

One of her notable “Hollyisms” that she frequently mentioned was, “The familiar now was once very unfamiliar.” Prof. Quarzo encouraged us to step outside our familiar territories and explore unfamiliar territories to discover new perspectives, ideas, and growth opportunities. Beyond her insightful sayings, she shared personal anecdotes from her own experiences, illustrating real-life examples and lessons that enriched our learning. Prof. Quarzo’s storytelling skills also made classes intriguing and captivating. One memorable story she shared involved her passion for building her own camping van. She detailed the process of transforming a simple van into a comfortable and functional living space. Her story about the camping van became a metaphor for embracing the process, enjoying the ride, and finding satisfaction in the little triumphs along the way. It reinforced the idea that life is not just about the end result but also about the experiences and memories we create during the journey.

I am truly grateful for the wisdom and inspiration that Prof. Holly Quarzo shared through her emphasis on being a champion for our own lives, the importance of honesty, and the joy found in different moments. Her dedication to making classes interesting and relatable through her personal stories created an enriching and memorable learning experience that continues to influence me.

Prof. Quarzo’s mentorship has had a profound impact on my mindset and approach to work and life. Her reminders to take charge of my own destiny, be honest and authentic, and savor the journey have shaped my professional and personal growth. I am truly thankful for the unique and inspiring perspective she brought to our classroom discussions.

Website: https://www.bhavyatashah.com

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavyata-shah/