Rakhi Parekh

I am a strategic thinker working at the intersection of human-centered design, data, and technology. 

What excites me most, on a day-to-day basis, about my practice as an experience designer, is the opportunity it affords me to apply my analytical and creative mind to real world problems. I like to look at a problem from all possible perspectives, to make sure every angle and eventuality is considered. Having been an entrepreneur for most of my life, wearing different hats and doing what it takes to solve a problem, comes as second nature to me, and I enjoy being involved in the entire process of the product development cycle.

I started my journey in design as a founder of a design consultancy working with clients in advertising, retail and films. After amassing a decade’s worth of experience as a leading professional in the fashion industry, I launched a fashion and lifestyle brand with one other co-founder. From my experiences as design entrepreneur, transitioning into exploring design in the context of technology was instinctive.  

In the past year, I have developed a keen interest in Data Analytics and Growth Frameworks and have begun a course to explore this interest. This has helped broaden my perspectives as a designer and allowed me to tap into a new stream in design technology. Working with emerging technologies to solve problems that elevate people's lives in a positive way is, for me, a very fulfilling endeavor.

Apart from design, I am committed to the study of yoga as taught by B.K.S Iyengar. Yoga speaks to my design work in an interesting way because it teaches me the core understanding of stillness, balance and rhythm.

Collaborations

I look for opportunities to connect and brainstorm with the broader design community, which allow me to share ideas and spend time in a playful exploration of creative possibilites.

Global Service Design Jam

I participated in the Global Service Design Jam in 2016 where I had an opportunity to work with designers from around the world. It was an exciting weekend, connecting and learning from the broader community.

In just 48 hours, we went through the entire design process from discovery to delivery, to designing a service prototype that would enable bridge building across global cultures.

Fly Garage

In 2013, I was chosen to participate in Fly Garage, a think tank that brought together advertising professionals and digital technologists for an intense two-week program. The goal was to create innovative brand engagement solutions for Oreo Cookies.

It was truly an exhilarating experience and I took away from this an insight into the creative facilitation experience, and how this was realized within a cross-functional team