Journey into Design

Design is a journey of discovery – Derek Parker

As a designer, my background is deeply rooted in the diverse and vibrant Indian culture, which embraces art in many forms. Growing up in this lively creative environment, I developed a profound understanding and appreciation for every aspect of artistic expression. This early exposure ignited my passion for design, and ever since, my journey as a designer has been incredibly exciting.

In the early stages of my career, I explored various design disciplines and adopted new approaches by leveraging the latest technologies. I believe the talented people I’ve worked with played a significant role in my growth. Whether I was a graphic designer, animator, UX designer, or design leader, mentors and advisors provided me with invaluable guidance and support. Each role taught me new lessons, helping me grow in maturity, confidence, and expertise by blending the artistic and scientific aspects of design.

As a designer, I enjoy working across diverse industries and with clients around the world, designing for various form factors and leveraging cutting-edge technologies. Throughout my career, I have honed the ability to define and refine processes that enable my team and me to succeed, while fostering collaborative relationships with different teams to create exceptional product experiences.

As a design leader, I have overseen the development and growth of large design practices, mentoring designers at all levels and guiding them toward personal and professional success. I have played a key role in developing product vision, collaborating with business development to acquire new clients, and leading large-scale design engagements. My passion for design extends beyond my professional work, as I greatly enjoy conducting Design Thinking workshops for young students and teaching them how to apply this approach to solve complex problems.

Currently, in my role as an innovator, I lead the innovation and incubation of UX for customer experience products by harnessing cutting-edge technologies such as AI/ML and Web3. I have taken on multiple roles in various capacities to ensure success across all aspects of the design process. As a manager, I guide my team, steering them toward achieving both individual and business goals. As a design lead, I conceptualize comprehensive enterprise user experiences for Sales, Service, and Commerce Cloud users, fostering product innovation and implementing the Design Thinking framework. I work closely with a highly talented team of engineers, product managers, and designers, serving as a bridge to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.

My design journey goes beyond designing experiences, intertwining with my diverse passions like cooking, nature walks, yoga, and painting. These pursuits serve as meditative escapes, recharging my creative energies. My journey is a constant evolution, inspiring new creative avenues.