Neha Kodi
HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN STRATEGIST
DESIGN THINKING
WHAT IS IT?
My approach to design thinking is holistic, multi-disciplinary, and iterative in solving complex problems by using empathy to understand user needs, applying critical thinking to generate new knowledge, and developing strategy to realize value for all stakeholders involved.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?
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ENGINEER BY DISCIPLINE. DESIGNER BY PROFESSION. INNOVATOR BY PASSION.
As an innovation consultant, I integrate human-centered design thinking skills with an analytical background and a persistent curiosity to solve multi-faceted problems and create novel, visceral, and impactful experiences and services.
PORTFOLIO
A HIGHLIGHT OF MY EXPERIENCE. SEE MORE
DESIGN STRATEGY
EXPERIENCE DESIGN
UX RESEARCH
PROFESSIONAL
MY SKILLSET
Being a generalized specialist allows me to apply my breadth of skills across a wide range of industries and disciplines while my depth of focuses empowers me to produce high quality of work.
BUSINESS DESIGN
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
SERVICE DESIGN
INTERACTION DESIGN
EXPERIENCE DESIGN
PRODUCT DESIGN
QUALITATIVE + QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
RAPID PROTOTYPING
MY STRENGTHS
Based on The 10 Faces of Innovation
EXPERIENCE ARCHITECT
I understand that the way people experience a product, service, or brand can be just as important as the product itself, and I aim to design and create experiences that are intuitive, meaningful, and memorable. In designing experiences to be enticing, engaging, and extending well past any point of interaction, I am constantly experimenting and pushing the boundaries of what is possible to understand what people need and want and craft experiences that leave a lasting impression.
STORYTELLER
There is power in using emotive narrative to bring ideas to life and to inspire others. People are moved by stories, and a compellingly crafted story can help people understand complex concepts, envision new possibilities, and feel emotionally connected to an idea. I leverage my empathetic storytelling skills to frame problems in a way that makes them accessible and relatable, to help others see the world from a new perspective, and to inspire them to take action. I aim to present stories in a way that drives influence and persuasion over my audience.
CROSS-POLLINATOR
I thrive in bringing together ideas and concepts from different disciplines, industries, and cultures to create new and unique solutions. I leverage a diverse network and an open mind to see patterns where others might not. I draw inspiration from various sources to create opportunities for innovation by combining different perspectives and ways of thinking. I understand that innovation is not just about invention, but also about making connections and combining existing ideas in new and meaningful ways.
EDUCATION
A SUMMARY OF MY STUDIES
AUG 2017 - MAY 2018
DESIGN FOUNDATION
IIT INSTITUTE OF DESIGN
Chicago, IL
Over an immersive year, I gained essential design theory knowledge and mastered tactical techniques through extensive coursework on physical and digital prototyping under the guidance of industry professionals in design.
SEPT 2018 - DEC 2019
M.S. ENGINEERING DESIGN INNOVATION
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Evanston, IL
I gained a deep understanding of human-centered design thinking by building empathy with user in context, critically synthesizing findings from user research to develop actionable insights, and rapidly prototyping impactful solutions to learn iteratively.
AUG 2012 - MAY 2016
B.S. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Pittsburgh, PA
Through my undergraduate studies, I honed the ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and emerging innovations. Seeking a technical foundation towards a career in product design, I graduated with a focus in manufacturing and rapid prototyping technology.
