Ashwathy Satheesan
I’m a Product Designer and Researcher with 8+ years of experience working at the intersection of data, AI, and user experience. I’m currently part of the Data Cloud experience design team at Microsoft, where I design experiences for complex, data-intensive systems with a focus on making technical workflows more intuitive and usable. Before this, I worked as a Senior Design Researcher and Strategist with the Fractal Experience team, exploring the intersection of AI and behavioral design.
My work is shaped by a curiosity for how people think, decide, and interact with systems. I’m drawn to problems that are complex and ambiguous, and I enjoy breaking them down into clear, structured experiences. I see design as a way to connect research, strategy, and craft to create solutions that are not just usable, but thoughtful and meaningful. I’m also deeply interested in how design can influence larger systems, foster inclusivity, and contribute to more human-centered outcomes.
Outside of work, I explore design in more hands-on and experimental ways, particularly in upcycling and wildlife conservation. These spaces give me the freedom to learn, build, and rethink what design can do beyond digital products.
Last updated June 2026
Experience
Product Designer II
Bangalore | Dec 2024 - Present
At Microsoft Data Cloud Studio, designing intuitive, AI-powered experiences for complex developer and data platform workflows.
Sr. Design Researcher + Strategist
Bangalore | Oct 2023 - Nov 2024
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Design Researcher + Strategist
Bangalore | Dec 2021 - Sept 2023
Working at Fractal Experience team, focusing on the intersection of AI and behavioral design while uncovering and visualizing the factors that shape decision-making. Facilitating and driving solutions for major companies, including those in the US Fortune 10 list.
Industrial Design Executive
Goa | April 2019 - Dec 2021
Collaborated with an international team as part of IFB Home Appliances’ Design Center, on research, design, and development initiatives for a range of products including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Focused on creating cohesive brand-aligned experiences and enhancing skills across various touch-points in both commercial and experimental domains.
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Product Design Intern
Goa | Feb 2018 - Aug 2018
Undertook a project within the scope of graduation thesis, centered on the creation of environmentally sustainable packaging solutions for IFB’s Front Load Washing Machines
TI Cycles of India
Product Design Intern
Chennai | May - July 2017
Contributed to the research, conceptualization, and ideation phases of the Roadster and Ladybird bicycle designs.
Railway Design Center | National Institute of Design
Product Design Intern
Ahmedabad | Oct-Dec 2016
Engaged in the research and redesign of the seating arrangement in platforms for the Indian railways.
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International Upcycling Research Network
Member | Since July 2022
IURN is a UKRI AHRC-funded international collaborative platform between De Montfort University, UK and University of Botswana, aiming to advance upcycling research and practices globally. Highlights- Researched and Developed Upshift: Upcycling Behavior Intervention Toolkit based on COM-B Model and Behavior Change Whee
Volunteer | July 2021- Sept 2022
Design Volunteering for conservation technology not-for-profit organization based in Goa, India
Jury Member India | 2020
Team Member | Feb-Dec 2020
International design collective working on climate solutions
Selected Features
Springer Publications - Designing for Second Life →
OnManorama feature | Jute Mark India Logo→
The Interview portal | Interview →
NDTV interview JDA2020 Jury Members (India) →
Rethinking the lifecycle of appliance packaging : Conference paper →
Fleo - James Dyson Award 2019 →
The Indian Express Article - JDA'19 →
Awards
James Dyson Award 2019
National Winner | 2019
Healthcare innovation project : Fleo
Bormioli Pharma Ophthalmic Dosing Design | Desall
Extra Award | 2022
Healthcare innovation project : OpthalD eyepen
Jute Mark India Logo Design for National Jute Board
2022
Logo to be used on all Certified NJB Jute products.
Adobe Design Achievement Awards
Semifinalist | 2018
System design project : Possessed by possessions
Taiwan International Student Design Competition
Finalist | 2019 / 2017
Social innovation project : Watercycle Relief and Glow
Honeywell Aerospace Design Challenge 2017
Finalist | 2017
Service design project : Swarm-I
Sir Ratan Tata Education Grant 2015
Academic excellence in foundation at NID
National Institute of Design
Ahmedabad, India
Product Design, Bachelor of Design
2014 - 2019
St. Xavier’s High School,
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
HSC-Physics, Chemistry, Maths
2012 - 2014
Tools
Systems Mapping / Crafting Insights / Co-creation / User Experience Journeys / Personas / Sketching / Brainstorming / Behavioural intervention / Creative Coding / User Testing & Feedback
Adobe Photoshop / Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator / Figma / Rhinoceros / Keyshot / Sketchbook pro / AutoCAD / Arduino / MATLAB / R Language / p5.js
Laser Cutting / 3D Printing / Vacuum Forming / Lathing / Metalworking / Woodworking
Publication, Conferences & Exhibitions
International Upcycling Festival 2024 - Paper presentation
De Montfort University, UK | April 2024
Upshift: Upcycling Intervention Design Workshop
Designing for Second Life - Published
Springer publications | June 2021
Sanctuary Asia Article - Co-author
Sanctuary Nature Foundation | Aug 2022
Co-authored an article on 'The PARIVESH Portal: Pros, Cons And How To Use' for Sanctuary Asia Magazine with the Technology for Wildlife team.
RSD10 - Paper Reviewer
TU Delft, Netherlands | June 2021
Invited as paper reviewer for the 10th Relating Systems Thinking & Design Symposium
NIT Rourkela, Odisha | March 2021
Invited as the TEDx Speaker at the NIT Rourkela, one of the Premier Institutes of India
IUS2020 Symposium - Paper presentation
De Montfort University, UK | Sept 2020
Paper presentation at the International Upcycling Symposium 2020
RSD8 Symposium - Paper presentation
IIT, Institute of Design, Chicago | Oct 2019
Presentation of graduation project on “ Rethinking the lifecycle of appliance packaging”
Hyderabad Design Week
HICC, Hyderabad | Oct 2019
Project 'Fleo' exhibited under the theme 'Humanizing Design' as part of NID
International Conference On Design For Social Development | National Institute of Design
Gandhinagar | Feb 2019
Documenting the conference through sketch notes including sessions by Don Norman, WDO board members, eminent design practitioners and industry experts
Souvenirs from the Future | Global Futures Lab
Ahmedabad / Rome | Feb 2017
Speculative design project guided by Paolo Cardini, RISD exhibited at Global Futures Symposium, Italy
Interests
Behavioral design / Healthcare / Wildlife conservation / Circular economy / Systemic design / Design Inquiry / Social innovation / Maker Culture / Future thinking