
Neha Kodi
HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN & STRATEGY
DESIGN THINKING
WHAT IS IT?
My approach to design thinking is holistic, multi-disciplinary, and iterative in solving human-centered problems by using empathy to understand user needs, applying critical thinking to generate new knowledge, and developing strategy to create 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 a design strategist, 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
UX PROTOTYPING
DESIGN STRATEGY
UX RESEARCH
PROFESSIONAL
MY SKILLSET
As a generalized specialist, I'm trained across a broad spectrum of design disciplines which grants me the ability to work on a wide range of complex and integrated cases while having a specialized skillset empowers to produce high-quality work in my areas of strength.
Market Research
Quantitative Data Analysis
Product Life Cycle
A/B Testing
Requirements Gathering
User Stories
Foundational
SQL
BUSINESS DESIGN
User Research
Qualitative Behavior Synthesis
Journey Mapping
Wireframing & Prototyping
Information Architecture
Visual & Interaction Design
Foundational
HTML, CSS, JS
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
INTERACTION DESIGN
EXPERIENCE DESIGN
SERVICE DESIGN
MY STRENGTHS
Portrayed in the 10 Faces of Innovation

EXPERIENCE ARCHITECT
Emotions are the drivers of human memories and are significant to experiences with products and services. In designing experiences to be enticing, engaging, and extending well past the point of interaction, I aim to enable users to associate the solutions designed for their specific needs to the lasting impact created in their lives.

STORYTELLER
Using compelling narratives to appeal to the human of human-centered design is a powerful tool to engage people in brainstorming, ideation and presentations. Through storytelling, I'm able to able to create a vision that drives my team forward and appeal to the emotions of users. I do this by storyboarding, communicative illustrating, and role playing.

CROSS-POLLINATOR
I am able to stitch together ideas from different areas and disciplines to create novel and unique solutions. While I’m able to approach any new problem to be solved from a blank page, I draw from the diversity of my upraising and my interdisciplinary studies to every project I take on so that I can leverage different experiences to present distinct perspectives.

EDUCATION
A SUMMARY OF MY STUDIES
AUG. 2017 - MAY. 2018
DESIGN FOUNDATION
IIT INSTITUTE OF DESIGN
Chicago, IL
Over the course of a year, I gained essential design theory knowledge and mastered tactical techniques through extensive coursework under guidance from industry professionals of design.
SEPT. 2018 - DEC. 2019
M.S. ENGINEERING DESIGN INNOVATION
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Evanston, IL
With a focus on the strategy of product and user experience and while solving the real needs of people, I am deeply immersed in design thinking — an innovative process of user observation, visualization, rapid prototyping, and iteration.
AUG. 2012 - MAY. 2016
B.S. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Pittsburgh, PA
Through my undergraduate studies, I honed the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing technologies and innovations. Seeking a technical foundation towards a career in product design, I graduated with a focus in manufacturing and rapid prototyping technology.