Hi! I'm Vishaka,
or scroll to learn about me ↓
Designing in Seattle ☔︎
It all started with rearranging furniture. Learning my family's habits at home, I would often take it upon myself to reorganize the pantry, media console, or even furniture. How could I make sure the right spices were accessible as my mother cooked? How could I rearrange cabinets to help my sister find her contact solution easily? As a six-year-old, I didn't quite know what design was, but I was eager to understand my family's needs and positively impact my surroundings.
Even today, I still find my inspiration in the mundane. Can I learn from how people interact with a microwave? A puzzle? Or at a grocery store? I keenly observe my surroundings, hoping to learn from each trivial interaction.
Now, I get to build on these observations, designing solutions that enhance the everyday. Throughout my work, I strive to be an advocate for user needs, beautiful design, and functional experiences. I'm particularly interested in enhancing collaboration and understanding the complex social space we occupy.
When I'm not engrossed in a design problem, you can often find me walking my dog Olive through a new park in Seattle.
My recent inspirations 
Julie Zhuo - I had the opportunity to hear Julie speak at the HCDE graduation in 2021. Her perspective on the definition of success is something I'll keep with me. A memorable quote from this talk reads:
"Well, the first thing we learn in design is that you can't solve something if you don't understand the problem, right? That's where research comes in. You talk to the customer. You observe their day-to-day. You ask questions to dive deep into what's working well for them and what isn't.
So turn that research and observation towards yourself, too. Take the time to observe and reflect who you are, and what you care about."
Cooper Hewitt Museum - With a deep background in art history, I always love perusing new museums and exhibits across the country. I found immense inspiration in the interactive technologies used throughout this NYC-based museum, where devices and displays help lead you throughout the museum with both digital and physical interactions.
After hours...
I am a multi-media artist. I often use watercolor but have branched out into acrylics, wheel throwing, and photography
I began snowboarding during the pandemic, and have loved it. After a couple of years of practice, I now venture out into ♦ Black diamond runs on occasion!
I appreciate all things music. I taught myself the guitar, ukulele, and piano, and I do love to sing (mostly at karaoke, though!)
I consider myself a fusion cook, building from my Indian and American influences to create some new recipes
My most memorable trip was earlier this year, seeing my family in India for the first time in 6 years. We got to visit Munnar, Kerala, where many tea plantations are situated (I love all teas, but if you had to ask for a favorite, it'd be Earl Grey with a hint of lavender)
Long story short, I design creative and purposeful solutions.
If you're looking to create exciting work with me, find me at heyvishaka@gmail.com