ABOUT ME
Since childhood, I've always been interested in both technology and design. I started my professional career as a Java and ABAP developer before I realized that my true passion was in design. I wanted greater control over the end user experience. After going back to school to study Human–Computer Interaction, I worked on Chatter and AppExchange at Salesforce, an email app for sales people at a stealth startup. I went on to head design for a social insights app formerly known as Refresh (acquired by LinkedIn). I currently manage a team of 3 talented designers at Rodan+Fields where we are rethinking the way our Consultants (mainly female entrepreneurs) grow and run their businesses.
In my spare time, I find inspiration through DIY projects, arts and crafts. I'm an avid dancer, donut-lover, and idea-generator that's always searching for ways to improve the world around me. I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my rambunctious puppy Kobe.
PROCESS
Once a problem has been identified, I get acquainted with the problem space. I take a deeper dive through literature reviews, competitive analyses, analytics and user research to gain empathy. I then interpret what I've gathered to help define the true problem and scope. Once I have have a strong understanding of the end user needs, I begin ideating. Once I have a few concepts, I test them with users, iterate and refine until we have an awesome solution. For me, innovation comes through iteration. It is a natural evolution which emerges when we find ways to greatly improve a process or provide enhanced satisfaction for the user.
As a manager, I can be as hands-on or hands-off as needed, based on the skills and preferences of the designers I work with. Before kicking off a new project, I work with the designer to map out UX deliverables, workshops and checkpoints based on the timeline and needs of a project. I have regular check-ins with the designers to offer support and feedback and am always ready to jump in to churn out mocks/flows when we face tight deadlines. I also encourage brainstorming a feature together before we jump into wireframes (it's always more fun to collaborate). On the Consultant Experience team, I hold weekly strategy sessions with the designers and user researchers on our team to give us time to discuss what is/isn't working, where we can improve, and how I can better support the team. We also use the time to conduct brainstorms, work on the Consultant Journey Maps, review designs, or simply take a breather to bond. I also hold weekly 1:1s and regular career goal check-ins. I care deeply about fostering a healthy, engaging and collaborative team culture.
FEATURED WORK
RODAN + FIELDS
Redesigning the way Consultants grow and manage their R+F businesses.
REFRESH
Helped business professionals get the most out of every conversation, one insight at a time.
SALESFORCE
Designed Chatter Screen Share, desktop application and an Android file sharing app.
“One of her biggest strengths is in design strategy & her real world application of design thinking methodologies. I continue to be impressed by Nisha’s approach to solving problems, her collaborative & inclusive stakeholder management style and her ability to turn those inputs into products and features that users love & meet business objectives. Nisha is a power partner to her peers in Product Management & Engineering - both of which see her as a mission critical asset in their partnered success.”
“She was able to take our product which was mostly engineering and founder led and transform it into a Webby Award Winning app used by professionals all over the country. Her UX decisions are grounded in user research and her approach to design is fresh and clean. ”
“I could not have asked for a better manager, mentor, and friend. Nisha taught me so much, and ensured I was set up for success. Nisha even got me to a place where I was able to take the lead on all things design when she moved on to her next play.”
