Ashwathy Satheesan
I’m a Product Designer and Researcher with over 6 years of experience, driven to combine research and strategy to drive design activism and futures thinking. Currently, I’m part of the Data Cloud Studio team at Microsoft. Before this, I worked as a Senior Design Researcher and Strategist with the Fractal Experience team, where I explored the intersection of AI and behavioral design.
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Throughout my career, I've embraced challenges—simplifying processes and transforming behavioral data into meaningful experiences. I’m a strong advocate for design thinking and firmly believe in its power to foster inclusivity and build a healthier, more equitable society.
Outside of work, I love exploring the potential of design in upcycling and wildlife conservation. Whether I’m experimenting with a new project or diving into an exciting idea, I’m always looking for ways to combine creativity and purpose.
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Last updated June 2024
Experience
Product Designer II
Bangalore | Dec 2024 - Present
Designing experiences for the Azure Data ecosystem as part of the Data Cloud Studio team.
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Sr. Design Researcher + Strategist
Bangalore | Oct 2023 - Nov 2024
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Design Researcher + Strategist
Bangalore | Dec 2021 - Sept 2023
Working at Fractal Experience team, focusing on the intersection of AI and behavioral design while uncovering and visualizing the factors that shape decision-making. Facilitating and driving solutions for major companies, including those in the US Fortune 10 list.
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Industrial Design Executive
Goa | April 2019 - Dec 2021
Collaborated with an international team as part of IFB Home Appliances’ Design Center, on research, design, and development initiatives for a range of products including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Focused on creating cohesive brand-aligned experiences and enhancing skills across various touch-points in both commercial and experimental domains.
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Product Design Intern
Goa | Feb 2018 - Aug 2018
Undertook a project within the scope of graduation thesis, centered on the creation of environmentally sustainable packaging solutions for IFB’s Front Load Washing Machines
TI Cycles of India
Product Design Intern
Chennai | May - July 2017
Contributed to the research, conceptualization, and ideation phases of the Roadster and Ladybird bicycle designs.
Railway Design Center | National Institute of Design
Product Design Intern
Ahmedabad | Oct-Dec 2016
Engaged in the research and redesign of the seating arrangement in platforms for the Indian railways.
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International Upcycling Research Network
Member | Since July 2022
IURN is a UKRI AHRC-funded international collaborative platform between De Montfort University, UK and University of Botswana, aiming to advance upcycling research and practices globally. Highlights- Researched and Developed Upshift: Upcycling Behavior Intervention Toolkit based on COM-B Model and Behavior Change Whee
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Volunteer | July 2021- Sept 2022
Design Volunteering for conservation technology not-for-profit organization based in Goa, India
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Jury Member India | 2020
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Team Member | Feb-Dec 2020
International design collective working on climate solutions
Selected Features
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Springer Publications - Designing for Second Life →
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OnManorama feature | Jute Mark India Logo→
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The Interview portal | Interview →
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NDTV interview JDA2020 Jury Members (India) →
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Rethinking the lifecycle of appliance packaging : Conference paper →
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Fleo - James Dyson Award 2019 →
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The Indian Express Article - JDA'19 →
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Awards
James Dyson Award 2019
National Winner | 2019
Healthcare innovation project : Fleo
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Bormioli Pharma Ophthalmic Dosing Design | Desall
Extra Award | 2022
Healthcare innovation project : OpthalD eyepen
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Jute Mark India Logo Design for National Jute Board
2022
Logo to be used on all Certified NJB Jute products.
Adobe Design Achievement Awards
Semifinalist | 2018
System design project : Possessed by possessions
Taiwan International Student Design Competition
Finalist | 2019 / 2017
Social innovation project : Watercycle Relief and Glow
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Honeywell Aerospace Design Challenge 2017
Finalist | 2017
Service design project : Swarm-I
Sir Ratan Tata Education Grant 2015
Academic excellence in foundation at NID
National Institute of Design
Ahmedabad, India
Product Design, Bachelor of Design
2014 - 2019
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St. Xavier’s High School,
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
HSC-Physics, Chemistry, Maths
2012 - 2014
Tools
Systems Mapping / Crafting Insights / Co-creation / User Experience Journeys / Personas / Sketching / Brainstorming / Behavioural intervention / Creative Coding / User Testing & Feedback
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Adobe Photoshop / Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator / Figma / Rhinoceros / Keyshot / Sketchbook pro / AutoCAD / Arduino / MATLAB / R Language / p5.js
Laser Cutting / 3D Printing / Vacuum Forming / Lathing / Metalworking / Woodworking
Publication, Conferences & Exhibitions
International Upcycling Festival 2024 - Paper presentation
De Montfort University, UK | April 2024
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Upshift: Upcycling Intervention Design Workshop
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Designing for Second Life - Published
Springer publications | June 2021
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Sanctuary Asia Article - Co-author
Sanctuary Nature Foundation | Aug 2022
Co-authored an article on 'The PARIVESH Portal: Pros, Cons And How To Use' for Sanctuary Asia Magazine with the Technology for Wildlife team.
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RSD10 - Paper Reviewer
TU Delft, Netherlands | June 2021
Invited as paper reviewer for the 10th Relating Systems Thinking & Design Symposium
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NIT Rourkela, Odisha | March 2021
Invited as the TEDx Speaker at the NIT Rourkela, one of the Premier Institutes of India
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IUS2020 Symposium - Paper presentation
De Montfort University, UK | Sept 2020
Paper presentation at the International Upcycling Symposium 2020
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RSD8 Symposium - Paper presentation
IIT, Institute of Design, Chicago | Oct 2019
Presentation of graduation project on “ Rethinking the lifecycle of appliance packaging”
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Hyderabad Design Week
HICC, Hyderabad | Oct 2019
Project 'Fleo' exhibited under the theme 'Humanizing Design' as part of NID
International Conference On Design For Social Development | National Institute of Design
Gandhinagar | Feb 2019
Documenting the conference through sketch notes including sessions by Don Norman, WDO board members, eminent design practitioners and industry experts
Souvenirs from the Future | Global Futures Lab
Ahmedabad / Rome | Feb 2017
Speculative design project guided by Paolo Cardini, RISD exhibited at Global Futures Symposium, Italy
Interests
Behavioral design / Healthcare / Wildlife conservation / Circular economy / Systemic design / Design Inquiry / Social innovation / Maker Culture / Future thinking