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Lavina Utamani

Founder, CEO at The Design Way

Professional Background

Lavina Sharma is an accomplished design strategist and design consultant known for her innovative approach to product design and user experience (UX). She is the founder and CEO of The Design Way, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations enhance their design processes and incorporate design thinking into their methodologies. With a rich background that spans various roles in the design sector, Lavina has honed her skills in design education, project management, and creative direction.

Lavina’s journey in design began as a product designer at SmartLogic Inc., where she developed key products that aligned with user needs and market trends. Her creative acumen was further recognized during her tenure as Creative Director at Makermela, where she led a team of designers and spearheaded projects that emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and digital fabrication techniques. In her role as a Design Educator at ImaginXP, Lavina was instrumental in developing the UX design curriculum and certification programs, showcasing her commitment to fostering the next generation of designers.

Her experience also includes valuable internships at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Jyoti Engineering Works, where she gained hands-on experience and practical insights into engineering and product development. Lavina has a passion for teaching and has worked as an art teacher at Beyondees, inspiring students to explore their creativity.

Education and Achievements

Lavina holds a Master's Degree in Product Design from the Unitedworld Institute of Design in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, where she deepened her understanding of design principles and product developmental methodologies. Her undergraduate studies in Biomedical Engineering at Thadomal Shahani Engineering College provided her with a strong technical foundation that complements her design expertise, allowing her to bridge the gap between engineering and design seamlessly.

In her quest for knowledge and innovation, Lavina also attended the Fabacademy program at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). There, she engaged with the principles of digital fabrication, which have significantly influenced her design strategies. Lavina’s educational background in science at Jai Hind College Basantsing Institute of Science and her early education at Infant Jesus School in Mumbai reflect her strong academic foundation and dedication to personal growth.

Notable Achievements

  • Founder and CEO of The Design Way: Lavina established her consultancy aimed at revolutionizing design practices in various organizations, helping them to adopt design thinking and user-centered design methodologies.
  • Design Educator: Played a pivotal role in shaping the UX Design curriculum and certification programs at ImaginXP, influencing many aspiring designers and advancing the field of design education.
  • Creative Direction: Successfully led projects at Makermela as Creative Director, focusing on interactive design and fostering hands-on experiences in the maker community.
  • Internships: Gained invaluable experience and insights while interning at Johns Hopkins University and Jyoti Engineering Works, which enriched her design thinking process and technical skills.
  • Teaching Initiatives: Inspired students through her role as an art teacher, encouraging creativity and individual expression among young learners.

Lavina Sharma embodies the spirit of innovation in the design field, with a strong commitment to making design accessible and relevant to contemporary challenges. Her journey reflects a blend of education, practical experience, and a passion for teaching and learning, making her a transformative figure in the realm of design. Her diverse experiences and knowledge equip her to lead organizations towards effective design strategies that resonate with users and enhance overall satisfaction.

Related Questions

How did Lavina Sharma transition from biomedical engineering to becoming a design strategist?
What inspired Lavina Sharma to found The Design Way?
How has Lavina Sharma’s education at MIT influenced her approach to design?
What challenges did Lavina Sharma face while developing the UX design curriculum at ImaginXP?
In what ways has Lavina Sharma integrated digital fabrication into her design projects?
Lavina Utamani
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Location

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India