Everyone has a story and this is mine
I am Shine, a Product & Experience Designer based in Auckland, New Zealand. I am passionate about problem-solving and designing customer-centric solutions through design thinking and data-driven decision-making.
My journey as a designer began with a childhood dream of being an artist, spending my days drawing, painting and creating art. However, I followed the conventional path of studying commerce, as art didn’t fit the mould for many Indian kids. After completing my studies, I found my passion and followed my heart into design.
Working with amazing individuals who shaped my professional path inspired me to enter UX. Over the last 12 years, I’ve collaborated with fantastic design gurus, weaving stories into digital products and human experiences.
In 2014, I left Bangalore for New Zealand, where I’m a Senior Experience Designer at Westpac. I enjoy collaborating with a diverse team to shape stories and journeys for customers and staff, making the Westpac experience truly special.
As an INFP-A (Mediator), I'm naturally inclined towards the human dimension of design, consistently eager to listen to others' narratives, ensuring that empathy and understanding are at the core of every project
And so, my story continues...
What I’m known for
Big picture thinking
Zooming out is my superpower. I connect the dots across customer lifecycles, using journey frameworks to build strategic foundations that guide design decisions.
Alignment
I bring ideas to life, whether on paper, walls, or screens, to simplify complexity and foster smooth conversations and alignment across teams and stakeholders.
Simplifying complexity
I unravel complexity by asking the right questions and listening deeply, uncovering solutions that truly resonate with users and stakeholders
Designing with purpose
I design with purpose—finding the balance between user needs and business goals to create experiences that deliver real value.
Leading with care
I bring calm, clarity, and collaboration to the teams I work with. I mentor with care and create space for others to share, grow, and do their best work.
My career so far…
I've had the privilege of working across diverse industries, including banks, telcos, software companies, and video startups, which has equipped me to tackle a wide range of challenges.
May 2020 - Present (4yrs, 5mos)
Westpac New Zealand
Sr. Experience Designer
Nov 2016 - Apr 2020 (3yrs, 6mos)
Spark New Zealand
Sr. Experience Designer
Sep 2015 - Oct 2016
Fastfilmz
Product Design Lead
Jul 2012 - Oct 2014 (2yrs, 3mos)
Cisco
Sr. UX/UI Designer
Human Factors Research & Design
Sep 2011 - Jun 2012 (9mos)
UXD Analyst
May 2007- Aug 2011 (4yrs, 3mos)
2Adpro Media solutions
Assoc. Art Director
Outside work, I find joy in
Photography: Capturing moments and exploring the visual stories life has to offer.
Movies: Immersing myself in diverse narratives and fresh perspectives through cinema.
Reading: Diving into knowledge, always seeking new insights and ideas.
Whether it’s designing experiences or pursuing personal passions, my goal remains the same: to create a meaningful, positive impact on the world around me