I’m Shalini.
I’m a researcher and designer at Urban Company. Most days, I spend my time learning why and how people do what they do. I use these insights in product design, industrial design, and content design. I collaborate with tech, business, and marketing teams to bring these solutions to life. This website is where I share my work, process, and experiences.
Career
Like many good students, I was encouraged to pursue engineering. However, I discovered design in 10th grade through a fashion design course, which I found very engaging. While I enjoyed traditional garment design, I was also fascinated by technology and how new-age companies are transforming the world with software and hardware design. So, I pursued a degree in Human-Centered Design (B.Des) at Srishti Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bangalore.
Batch of 2020.
Batch of 2020.
On campus, I chaired the ACM SIGCHI Student Chapter, enjoying the opportunities to meet new people and organise events. For my 3rd year internship, I worked at Cuddle.ai (now Crux Intelligence) as a UX Researcher. That’s when I discovered my passion for conducting studies and observing people. During this internship, I learned how to test a live app to drive design and product changes.
I was fortunate to receive a pre-placement offer from Crux Intelligence after graduation, which I accepted, working remotely due to Covid. Over 1.5 years at Crux, I explored ways for users to easily consume data using natural language and visualizations.
Later, I joined Urban Company to transition from a B2B to a more dynamic B2C environment. Over the past 2.5 years at Urban Company, I’ve worked on product design, service design, content design, new product development, and marketing projects. Check them out here.
Post-work
Just a heads-up, I have loads interests outside of work. I’m a movie buff and take a lot of inspiration from films. My favorite movie is Zero Dark Thirty. Fun fact: I applied to Arizona State University to study Criminal Psychology because I was so inspired by Maya, the main character who is a criminal psychologist. I also love Bahubali, The Great Gatsby, Avatar, and Dune for their ability to create worlds beyond our own.
I enjoy painting and doodling for fun. I mostly read non-fiction books; some of my favorites this year are Letters from a Stoic, Show Your Work, Predictably Irrational, and Unreasonable Hospitality.
Recently, I started running again after recovering from a minor leg fracture. I’ve realized how freeing it is to be able to go anywhere by foot, and I’ve grown quite fond of it. Running helps me think and clear my head. I’m currently training for an 11.2km run in Ladakh this year (2024).
