Nov 2020 – Jun 2024 · 3 yrs 7 mos · Shanghai, China

• While at KUKA as Chief Designer, I built and managed a team of industrial and UX designers to design and develop robotic hardware and software products. My main goals as Chief Designer were:
• A. To unify and integrate our HW and SW portfolio with KUKA brand values. This involved applying KUKA’s brand principles and core values to a dynasty of KUKA robot products which includes:
• 1. KR SCARA Family of products (~40 robots)
• 2. KUKA KR DELTA series of products (~4 robots)
• 3. KUKA KMP AMR family of AGV products (~12 AGVs, charging station and accessories)
• 4. KUKA KR Agilus family of small payload 6 axis robots (~8 robots)
• 5. KUKA KR Cybertech family of 6 axis welding robots (~8 robots)
• 6. KUKA Robot controllers (~4 controllers) etc
• All robots are also shipped with our software which are used at all levels - from the highest management level till control level. Some of these software products include:
• 1. KUKA Connect platform – fleet level management tool
• 2. KUKA Center platform – complete e-commerce ecosystem for robot parts and knowledge
• 3. KUKA Control Studio – robot level control software for small robots
• 4. KSS application platforms – multiple KUKA SmartPAD based widgets for specific tasks
• 5. R&D lab management platform – Internal inventory management tool for KUKA factory
• Many of these products have been awarded Red Dot, iF, G-Mark, USA Good Design, German Innovation Awards etc
• B. Build robust design capacity in the company. For this, I had to
• 1. Understand the business of making robots
• 2. Interview and hire high quality talent
• 3. Train the designers with specific tools and processes
• 4. Set guidelines with other stakeholders so that work happens smoothly and efficiently
• C. Improve Design-thinking across the organization
• This involved discussion and persuasion with stakeholders at every level (from CEO to warehouse technicians) to make them understand the importance of having a strong brand DNA and how it can bring value to the organization.

Jul 2020 – Nov 2020 · 4 mos · Shanghai, China

Nov 2019 – Jul 2020 · 8 mos · Shanghai City, China · On-site

• Led design projects for various clients including Angel inc, Kimberly Clark, and Haier.
• Provided guidance to junior designers to ensure project completion within aggressive timelines.
• Successfully applied Pininfarina design flair to household products for Chinese clients.

Nov 2018 – Nov 2019 · 1 yr · Shanghai City, China · On-site

• Led a team of 7 designers in creating innovative robotic and retail products at DeepBlue Technology Official.
• Designed a Panda-inspired service robot for hotels and a cleaning robot for airports, showcasing expertise in industrial and UX design.
• Developed the Deepblue brand identity, contributing to the company's market presence and recognition.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to bring concepts like the Smart AI bus shelter and KFC robot to life.

Sep 2017 – Jul 2018 · 10 mos · Shanghai City, China

• Managed design projects and coordinated designers and junior designers at TEAMS Design in Shanghai, China.
• Led an international team to successfully ship product stories for global clients like Haier, Hitachi, Bissell, and Bosch.
• Spearheaded concept designs for various products including vacuum cleaners, sewing machines, and power tools.

Nov 2016 – Sep 2017 · 10 mos · Shanghai City, China

Jan 2015 – Aug 2016 · 1 yr 7 mos · Hyderabad Area, India

• Worked on a number of Microsoft enterprise products including Backup feature for Microsoft Azure (Ibiza) cloud platform and Android mobile applications (Kaizala, Connections).

Dec 2014 – Nov 2022 · 7 yrs 11 mos

• Since my graduating year 2014, I have been a visiting professor at my alma mater - National Institute of Design. I had been involved in mentoring course modules related to product design and development.
• With the very definition of 'Product Design' changing at an unprecedented rate, I believe that the way in which it is learnt also should gracefully adapt to these changes. I believe in learning with a context - a larger picture of design itself - with special emphasis on cross discipline learnings.
• During my interaction with students, our discussion touches a wide variety of subject matter including but not limited to the following:
• 1. Industrial Design
• 2. Engineering (manufacturing processes, DFMEA, economics of manufacturing, supply chains)
• 3. Learnings from China's robust manufacturing supply chain systems
• 4. Graphic design (Visual design, branding, brand guidelines)
• 5. Basics of UX Design (UXD process - User research, wireframing, information architecture, low and high fidelity prototyping, pixel perfect asset creation, responsive design, UXD tools like Figma)
• 6. Useful tips: First principle thinking, 80-20 rule, types of organizations and working culture in each (start up, studios and corporates and everything in between), evolutionary thinking, cross-disciplinary learning etc.,
• 7. History, Economics and Sociology – Industrial revolution, history of manufactured goods, rise and fall of manufacturing in the USA, rise and fall of manufacturing in Japan, rise of manufacturing in South Korea, rise of China since it joined WTO in 2001, history of China and India, how demographics affect markets, future potential of India, future of manufacturing, economies of scale, how scale affects cost, quality and speed, status of infrastructure in China, USA and India etc etc

Dec 2014 – Jan 2015 · 1 mo

• Led workshops on hand sketching in multi media and Computer Aided Industrial Design at National Institute of Design.
• Conducted a module on Generative Design and Advanced Surfacing, focusing on Grasshopper Generative Plugin for Rhinoceros3D.
• Organized 3D printing workshops at MakerBot facility, NID, Ahmedabad.

Jun 2014 – Sep 2014 · 3 mos · Beijing City, China

• Collaborated with a team of designers at MADE Innovation to develop innovative products like the Air Purifier for HOYI Group and Smart Watch for MADE.
• Led the design process for projects such as the Medical Cart and Car Air Purifier, ensuring functionality and aesthetics met client requirements.
• Successfully launched multiple products in the market, showcasing strong project management and design skills.

Mar 2014 – May 2014 · 2 mos · Aarhus, Denmark

• Led the design and development of multiple packaging solutions for Arla Foods, Denmark at Designit Aarhus.
• Conducted co-creation workshops, prototyping, and material selection to refine packaging designs.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure innovative and impactful solutions for clients.

Aug 2012 – Aug 2013 · 1 yr · Ahmedabad Area, India

• Collaborated with a team of designers and engineers to develop innovative Medical products, Lab equipment, consumer electronics, and Sports goods.
• Assisted in the design process under the mentorship of the founder, Sanandan Sudhir, gaining valuable insights into industrial design and business operations.
• Contributed to the success of projects by applying skills learned during rigorous product design training at NID.
• Played a key role in the early stages of my career at Inventindia Innovations Pvt. Ltd. in Ahmedabad, India.

Oct 2011 – Dec 2011 · 2 mos · Mumbai Area, India

• Collaborated with mentor Jashish Kambli on redesigning refrigerator internals for Godrej and creating a portable water purifier for Aquaguard.
• Engaged in invaluable conversations with Jashish, gaining transformational insights and enhancing design skills.
• Developed skills in industrial design, product development, and client collaboration.

Feb 2009 – Jul 2009 · 5 mos · Bangalore

• Collaborated on various architecture projects including Rajpal residence and Clubhouse in Bangalore and Pune.
• Assisted in the design and planning of the TERI Sericulture farm module and Rohan Builders housing projects.
• Developed skills in architectural design, project management, and client communication.

Jan 2007 – Jan 2010 · 3 yrs · New Delhi Area, India

• Design, drafting and visualization of various Architectural projects in India.