Aashutosh K, CPACC

Ditch the long PRD Too many PRDs are simply 'verbose feature lists.' They tend to promote the 'Ready! Fire! Aim!' approach to product design. No product concept survives an encounter with the customer. This is why doing even a tiny amount of UX work upfront allows you to course-correct before spending precious engineering resources. This reminds me of my favorite product management quote: "Months of programming can save you hours of critical thinking" https://lnkd.in/gGJaFDhd

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💥 Dropping this visual essay which is based on my talk at UX+ Conference Manila last year. It's a good way to catch up on the talk - but in written format. It covers a bunch of stories and practical lessons explaining what UX principles are and how to write them. 💪🏽 Do have a look and DM me any feedback or comments I would love to know what you think thanks so much!! #design #ux #writing #uxprinciples

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I keep getting this question from many "What do I do as a Design Manager?" I summarised my response with an Article "The Role of a Design Manager" https://lnkd.in/gDDxYcuG #design #manager #article #medium

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🚨 True Story Alert! 🚨 Ever wondered why some services win over customers for the long haul while others fall flat despite expertise? Let me share a personal experience with two freelance cooks, Mohan and Anuj. Mohan, the “pro chef,” thought his experience was all he needed. Anuj, on the other hand, was just starting out but took a different approach—he listened to his clients and adapted. In a surprising twist, Anuj ended up winning everyone’s hearts and contracts. The lesson? Expertise isn’t everything. Adaptability and a user-first approach are key to long-term success. Want to know how this story unfolds and what it teaches us about product and service delivery? 📖 Read my latest blog—based on a true story I witnessed firsthand! 👇 https://lnkd.in/gxdm5jZt #CustomerExperience #UserCentricDesign #ProductManagement #Adaptability #TrueStory #ContinuousLearning #userexperience

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Overcoming the fear of uncertainty is key for designers. My workshop at uxindiaconf (ux-india.org) focused on helping creatives recognize the link between ambiguity and innovation to drive positive outcomes, acknowledge their emotions, adopt a growth mindset, and develop strategies to navigate uncertainty effectively. Leaders, listen up! Neglecting your team's input can lead to a toxic environment. I want to thank Kaladhar Bapu, Jabeen Shaistha, and all the wonderful volunteers of UX India 2024 for helping to make this workshop a success! #design #innovation #uncertainty #ambiguity #psychologicalsafety #UXIndia2024

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🥌 Tone Mapping Tone mapping is a strategic tool that helps UX writers choose the correct tone for different contexts. To create a tone map: 1. Start by considering the key points in your users' journey. If you have a journey map — user actions with thoughts and emotions in a timeline — use the different stages written out in it. 2. Next, choose the dimensions that can represent your range. The easiest way is to choose two dimensions and draw a grid with two intersecting lines, where each axis represents a dimension. The dimensions in the example are fun/serious and concise/detailed. Keep in mind that the choice of dimensions will depend on your product. 3.Finally, plot each stage of the user journey onto the map. - Refer to a journey or empathy map and consider asking yourself the following questions: 1. How much space will those words take up on a screen? 2. Is it vital to have a complete comprehension of the message? 3. Is there a destructive action at stake? 4. How do you want users to feel at this point of the journey? All tone options should match your desired voice. If your brand voice is inspirational, it should stay consistently so. However, the tone will vary depending on the context, from serious to fun or concise to detailed. #UX #Mapping #UXwriting

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For all the UX enthusiasts out there, here’s a list of some fantastic UX conferences happening around and you can attend in India. These are some of my favourite ones as well. 🙂 1. UXIndia,  https://2024.ux-india.org/ 2. UXnow, https://www.uxnow.org/ 3. UX360 Research Summit, https://lnkd.in/gSJfXD_q 4. International Conference on Research Into Design, https://lnkd.in/gUCEVvQ9 5. Hatch conference, https://lnkd.in/guyvAaEN 6. UXInsight Festival, https://lnkd.in/gPHb5Zby 7. ConveyUX, https://conveyux.com/ 8. AIGA Design Conference 2024, https://lnkd.in/gsKmfRWT 9. George UX Conf, https://lnkd.in/gQgHwuRF For more information, plz visit the specific event websites. Top 5 benefits of attending the conferences: 1. Connect with other professionals 2. Stay ahead of Industry Trends 3. Inspiration and Fresh Ideas 4. Showcase work 5. Attend amazing workshops and masterclasses When people with the same passion come together under one roof, the conversations are truly unstoppable. These gatherings create an environment so vibrant and inspiring that you wish the day would never end. The energy and vibe are unmatched. UX conferences are more than just events; they’re incubators for ideas and catalysts for growth. Some ideas that start as casual conversations come to life, sparking innovations that can shape the future of design. For others, it’s a place of clarity, where the fog of uncertainty lifts, revealing the path forward in their career. Don't think. Just decide your next UX conference, you would like to attend soon. 😁 #UserExperience #UXConferences #UXEvents #UXSummit #DigitalDesignConferences #ProductDesignSummit #UXGathering #UXDesign #UserExperience #UXResearch #DesignThinking #InteractionDesign #UIUX #UXStrategy

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I’ve been mentoring designers for years, and there’s a worrying pattern I’m starting to see. For many, their excitement is fading, and there's a growing reluctance to embrace new adventures. They're crumbling under the weight of challenges that feel almost pandemic in scale. With social media (LinkedIn, FB, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) becoming the face of both work and life, new-gen designers are growing up constantly exposed to shiny, near-perfect posts and eye-catching designs. Add to that the flood of new tools—one seemingly popping up every two weeks—and it's leaving many feeling overwhelmed and lost. We’re facing deep-rooted issues that are impacting the joy of creation. These are more than just challenges—they're anomalies that have gradually crept into our work: ‼️ Imposter Syndrome ‼️ Portfolio Fatigue ‼️ Echo Chamber Effect ‼️ FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) ‼️ Tool Obsession These “symptoms” are creeping into their lives and hurting the creative process. The real problem? They're becoming so focused on trends and tools that they’re losing sight of the very joy that brought them into design. If we’re going to fix this, we need to do some serious soul-searching. It’s time to refocus on what truly matters: creativity, collaboration, and user-centered design. I’m drawing from my 20 years of experience to develop strategies that will help these designers overcome these hurdles. Stay tuned! Book time with me: https://lnkd.in/gx7cGWMa #UXProblems #DesignThinking #Creativity #ImposterSyndrome #FOMO #UXCommunity

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From a personal perspective, I've observed a troubling lack of respect for designers within Indian companies. Many organisations undervalue designers, not fully appreciating how impactful good design can be on user experience and overall growth. This lack of recognition can be disheartening, especially when design is crucial in creating effective, engaging products. I believe it's time for a shift in perception. If you've faced similar challenges or have insights to share, I encourage you to comment and join the conversation.

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UX Series: Fintech challenges in India Challenge 8: Ethical Concerns with Data Usage In India, ethical concerns surrounding data usage in the financial sector are becoming increasingly prominent, leading to growing user mistrust, particularly in digital financial services. Both rural and urban populations are cautious about how their personal information is collected, used, and shared by financial institutions, which hinders the full adoption of digital finance. In rural India, where digital literacy is relatively low, individuals are often hesitant to engage with digital financial platforms due to fears of data misuse. A 2022 report found that 65% of rural Indians expressed concerns about sharing personal information online, fearing that their data might be exploited for purposes beyond their consent. This mistrust is further amplified by a lack of transparency and understanding regarding data privacy policies, which keeps rural users dependent on cash-based systems, even when digital solutions are more convenient. In urban India, while there is greater digital engagement, the issue of data privacy is still a significant concern. A 2023 survey revealed that 48% of urban Indians worry about how their financial data is being used by companies, particularly regarding targeted advertisements and potential breaches. This lack of trust often leads users to limit their interaction with digital financial platforms, hindering the growth of the fintech ecosystem. To build trust and foster greater engagement, financial institutions must prioritize transparency and ethical data usage. Clear communication about data privacy, coupled with robust safeguards, can help alleviate concerns, empowering users across India to embrace digital financial services with confidence, whether they live in rural or urban areas.

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Highlighting my newest article on Making Research outputs actionable. https://lnkd.in/eS48shQz #design #designthinking #designbuild #designstrategy #product #producctdesign #productmanagement #productstrategy #designprinciples #innovation #designers #digitaltransformation #ux #uxdesign #uiux #uidesign #designinnovation #application #software #softwaredesign #usability #userresearch #research #usercentereddesign #productleadership #uxwriting #designsystems #empathy #interfacedesign #usabilitytesting #userexperience #productdesign #accessibility #ui

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This episode of the Finding Our Way podcast articulates, with such clarity, what’s been on my mind about the value proposition of design as a function. A business could leverage creating a stellar user experience as a strategic lever to succeed in the market, or NOT. The latter is totally acceptable where designers primarily focus on production tasks (like UI designs) in an org that prioritizes churning out features. Yet, it’s a bitter pill to swallow for many designers. They feel disgruntled and get exhausted speaking to the deaf ears about how great an outcome design can bring to the table and how influential they could be outside of Figma. This podcast talks about how many designer leaders are struggling to deal with this reality. As someone who is not in a leadership position, I feel the struggle too. But if I were to stay positive and constructive while prioritizing my mental sanity, these would be some options to consider. - Get hired by a company that REALLY values design (think Airbnb, Linear) - Be extremely good at your craft and find fulfillment in it, regardless of its direct impact on the bottom line—as long as you remain employed 🤷🏻‍♀️ - Elbow your way into cross-functional discussions as much as possible, at least within your team, to find opportunities to demonstrate what you can do outside of Figma. You can help expand the perspective on design that your cross-functional partners have, one person at a time. https://lnkd.in/gjheYY_f

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🎨 You know you're a UI/UX designer when... - You spend hours perfecting a single pixel 🔍 - You have strong opinions about kerning and leading 🔤 - You can spot a bad font from a mile away 🚫🔤 - You get irrationally angry at inconsistent button styles 😡🔘 - You have a love/hate relationship with Lorem Ipsum 😍😒 💡 Designing intuitive, user-friendly interfaces is an art and a science. It's about balancing aesthetics, usability, and psychology in a way that delights users. 🤯 But sometimes it feels like you're herding cats while juggling chainsaws. Stakeholders want to add 50 features, users want a minimalist design, and developers want pixel-perfect code. 🙌 Shoutout to all my fellow UI/UX designers out there who are making the digital world a more beautiful and user-friendly place, one pixel at a time. Keep fighting the good fight! 💪 Hire from us through https://lnkd.in/g59miHyq #UIDesign #UXDesign #GraphicDesign #WebDesign #ResponsiveDesign #UserInterface #UserExperience #CreativeLife #DesignProblems #DesignHumor #DesignTwitter #DesignCommunity #DigitalDesign #DesignInspo #DesignTips #DesignAdvice #DesignLife #DesignJokes #DesignMemes #DesignTwitter #DesignCommunity

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Highlighting my article on Lessons gathered from working in Product Design across different industries. https://lnkd.in/gE7c2QMS #design #designthinking #designbuild #designstrategy #product #producctdesign #productmanagement #productstrategy #designprinciples #innovation #designers #digitaltransformation #ux #uxdesign #uiux #uidesign #designinnovation #application #software #softwaredesign #usability #userresearch #research #usercentereddesign #productleadership #uxwriting #designsystems #empathy #interfacedesign #usabilitytesting #userexperience #productdesign #accessibility #ui

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My LinkedIn profile describes me as a successful design leader, but that's not even half of the story. Behind the scenes is a rollercoaster of job rejections, lack of self confidence , financial setbacks, navigating industry switch, balancing college and freelance assignments and countless lessons on professional and interpersonal skills with each year. Learning to be a good manager was totally another feat. The most challenging of it all was seeking an entry into the product design field while studying graphic design from National Institute of Design, two totally different things but here I was, pushing the boundaries! All of these shaped me into who I am today. From self-support to enduring over 15+ interviews in preparation for Product Design opportunity, All I was doing was striving for more. Now I realise nobody has all the answers, even if it may seem that way. So just believe in yourself and put in your best efforts. Pushing ahead is the only key to this game. My advice to anyone starting their career journey is to stay in the present and give your best efforts to achieve what you really believe you can :) #productdesign

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As UI/UX designers, we navigate a fascinating yet challenging landscape. Here are some key insights to help you thrive: 🎨 Embrace Empathy Understanding user needs is paramount. Dive deep into user research—interviews, surveys, and usability tests are your best friends! 🔄 Iterate Relentlessly Design is not a one-and-done process. Embrace feedback and be prepared to pivot. The best designs often emerge from multiple iterations. 📊 Balance Aesthetics and Functionality A stunning interface means little if it’s not user-friendly. Strive for that sweet spot where beauty meets usability. 🧠 Manage Stakeholder Expectations Clear communication is essential. Regular updates and transparent discussions can alleviate misunderstandings and keep projects on track. 💔 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome It’s common to feel like you’re not “good enough.” Remember, every designer has been there. Celebrate your growth and keep pushing your boundaries! 🚀 Continuous Learning The design world is ever-evolving. Stay curious, explore new tools, and keep honing your skills. Hire best and talented designers at https://lnkd.in/g59miHyq Let’s share our struggles and successes! What’s your biggest challenge as a UI/UX designer? 💬👇 #UIDesign #UXDesign #DesignCommunity #ContinuousLearning

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Allowance either in cash and/or time to spend on fitness or related activities. The reason a lot of people claim for not being fit, and in turn healthy, is that they don’t have time for it. Their job takes up most of it. I’d say time is more important than cash. So, a good workplace in my opinion, should aim to keep their employees healthy. Some companies provide gym memberships, reimbursements, subscriptions to random nonsense. But what’s the point if you keep your employees working from 9am to 9pm? Instead incentivise them or remove any barriers that could keep them from pursuing some form of physical fitness. Be it the gym, pool or badminton. Even the richest of folks struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle because of stress/lack of time. So I don’t think money is actually an issue. It’s the motivation + having time + the right kind of people around you. As a company you can’t control point 1, but you can definitely provide point 2 and foster point 3.

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Connecting doors to a bigger picture (part 2) Thinking back on my experience at the day 01 uxindiaconf (ux-india.org). “Have you hesitated, thinking your work is not good enough? “Asked the next speaker Nishita Mohta as she started the workshop on resilience toolkit against perfectionism. We realized how quickly the design conference turned into therapy as we had to go back in time and introspect our thoughts to noting them down on worksheets given. • Living in groups kept us alive, hence rejection by a group is a factor for our thoughts on perfectionism. • A small amount of perfectionism is beneficial, but too much of it can paralyze. •Self-worth on social media and in our society is seen to be considered acceptance. • To see self-criticism more objectively • Hustle culture - stagnation in the name of self-care • The opposite to perfection is not mediocrity, but healthy striving • Traditional goal setting vs intention-based routines (gentle goals) • Guiding us on how to collaborate with various other departments during the project work. • Split it into a series of steps - Awareness, Intention, knowledge gap, action, decision making, trust, isolation • Importance of having success teams, buddy system, understanding the context, respect, commitment, resource sharing, community There was a session on portfolio review with mentor panels that answered questions on topics like (i) How can design incorporate AI in workflow?, (ii) how to make the design impactful? (iii) Dos and don’ts in portfolios. It was also a space for networking and meeting some amazing people. Pushing my social battery to an extent, I did go ahead to clear out my doubts on various aspects of how designing works in the industry setting - from large scale validation, user testing and interviews. "Stuck trying to solve a creative problem?" questioned Harshita Hassani for the talk on “See the unseen: how to uncover the complex problems through visual mapping”. I could relate to why she leaned to healthcare and how much clarity comes with writing and organizing ideas. Using a framework to solve the problem on who/what, why, how, how much, where and when to guide us step by step. Tanishka B. talked about the difference between UX and CX, by giving us different examples. The problems faced on navigating through different websites and the pros and cons in customer experience of new features in applications. “All customers are users; not all users are customers” Great UX + positive CX = business There were various notable panel discussions on the fears and opportunities that comes with the advancements in AI that followed the next day. A sense of fears for the future with the questions “what next?” did follow, but the learning's gave perspectives, smiles were plenty. Overall, an inspiring day as I left awaiting the next day to experience it all again. #uxindia24 #designconference #uiux

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