Crafting Impact with Passion
At Believe in Me, we are incredibly fortunate to have a team of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and talents to support our mission. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight Pooja Bhatt, our volunteer UI Designer, whose creativity and expertise have significantly impacted our organization. Pooja’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and passion, and we are excited to share her story with you. Through this blog, we aim to delve deeper into her life, career, and the invaluable contributions she has made to Believe in Me.
Early Life and Influences
Growing Up in Ahmedabad
Pooja Bhatt was born and raised in Ahmedabad, a vibrant city in Gujarat, India, known for its rich culture and history. As an only child, Pooja enjoyed her parents’ undivided attention and support, who nurtured her interests and encouraged her to explore her passions. Her childhood was filled with love, learning, and countless opportunities, creating a solid foundation for her future endeavors. The bustling streets of Ahmedabad, with their unique blend of tradition and modernity, played a crucial role in shaping Pooja’s worldview and fueling her creative spirit.
Family Influence
Among the biggest influences in her life was her father, who saw great potential in Pooja and instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance. He encouraged her to pursue her interests, no matter how challenging they seemed, and supported her through school projects and extracurricular activities. His unwavering belief in her abilities laid the groundwork for her future success. Pooja fondly recalls her father’s patient guidance during school projects and his enthusiasm in celebrating her small victories, which instilled in her a sense of confidence and determination that continues to drive her today. This support from her family has been a crucial factor in Pooja’s success, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment in personal development.
Path to UI/UX Design
Educational Background
Pooja’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Annamalai University in India, where she developed her creativity and passion for design. This formal education in design honed her ability to visualize and execute aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. Later, she pursued a Master’s in Business Management at Dallas Baptist University in Texas, expanding her business strategies and management knowledge. This unique combination of design and business education shaped her holistic approach to problem-solving. Pooja’s time at university not only provided her with technical skills but also broadened her perspective, allowing her to see the intersection of design and business in creating impactful solutions. Her educational journey is a testament to the value of continuous learning and its role in personal growth.
Career Shift
After gaining experience in business management, Pooja realized she wanted a career that combined her business, analytics, and design skills. This led her to discover the UI/UX design field, which perfectly blends creativity with strategic thinking. UI/UX design allows her to use her diverse skill set to create user-centered designs that are both functional and visually appealing, inspiring her to pursue this path. The decision to pivot to UI/UX was not taken lightly; it involved a deep introspection and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone. Pooja invested time learning UI/UX design through online courses and hands-on projects, constantly pushing herself to master new tools and techniques.
Career Journey
Professional Experiences
Her adaptability and dedication have marked Pooja’s career journey. She began as a design consultant at Asian Paints Pvt Ltd in India, then transitioned to an analyst role at Samsung Electronics in the USA. In each position, she received recognition and awards for her dedication and performance, affirming her commitment to making a meaningful impact. Her experience at Asian Paints allowed her to understand the nuances of color theory, spatial arrangement, and customer preferences. At the same time, her role at Samsung Electronics provided her with insights into data analysis and strategic decision-making. These diverse experiences equipped Pooja with a unique skill set that she now brings to her UI/UX design work.
Current Role at Believe in Me
Pooja’s passion for making a tangible impact through design led her to her current role as a volunteer UI/UX designer at Believe in Me. Here, she leverages her creative and business skills to create user-centered solutions that look great, solve real problems, and meet user needs. Her contributions have been invaluable in enhancing our digital presence and user experience. Pooja’s approach to design is meticulous and user-focused; she begins with extensive user research, followed by iterative design and testing, ensuring that the final product is both intuitive and effective. Her work at Believe in Me has helped streamline our digital interfaces, making them more accessible and engaging for our community. Pooja’s meticulous and user-focused approach to design instills confidence in her skills and the impact of her work.
Personal Challenges and Triumphs
Career Pivot
One of Pooja’s most significant challenges was deciding to pivot from a career as an analyst to a role in design. Despite her strong analytical skills, she was passionate about creating impactful and user-centered designs. To make this shift, she invested time in learning UI/UX design through courses and hands-on projects, applying her analytical background to enhance her design approach. This transition required Pooja to continuously step out of her comfort zone, embrace new learning opportunities, and constantly iterate on her designs based on user feedback. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to follow her passion, inspiring others to do the same.
Significant Achievements
Pooja is particularly proud of her adaptability across diverse roles. Her ability to excel in different environments, from design consultancy to business analysis, has earned her recognition and awards. These achievements demonstrate her commitment and hard work in every position, making a meaningful impact. One of her most notable achievements was leading a project at Samsung Electronics that streamlined the user interface of a major product, significantly enhancing user satisfaction and earning her a commendation from senior management. These experiences have validated her skills and fueled her desire to continue making a positive impact through design.
Interests and Passions
Hobbies
Pooja’s love for exploring new places and her passion for cooking and homemade food are significant aspects of her life outside of work. She enjoys experimenting with recipes and has received positive feedback from family and friends, inspiring her to consider becoming a digital creator in the food space. Her culinary adventures allow her to express her creativity in a different medium, and she finds joy in sharing her creations with loved ones. Pooja’s travels also play a crucial role in her creative process; she draws inspiration from the diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes she encounters, bringing fresh perspectives to her design work. These personal interests and experiences make Pooja a relatable and inspiring figure in the design community.
Impact on Work
Pooja believes cooking is an art, just like design, and exploring new places fuels her creativity. These interests enhance her attention to detail and provide fresh perspectives, which inspire innovative solutions and help her create more engaging and user-friendly UI/UX designs. Her meticulous approach to cooking—experimenting with ingredients, perfecting recipes, and presenting dishes beautifully—mirrors her design process, where every element is thoughtfully considered and refined. The parallels between her hobbies and professional work underscore her holistic approach to creativity and problem-solving.
Advocacy for Accessibility
Pooja is particularly passionate about advocating for accessibility in design. She believes that everyone should have equal access to digital experiences regardless of their abilities. This drive motivates her to ensure all UI/UX designs are inclusive and user-friendly. Pooja stays abreast of the latest accessibility standards and best practices, incorporating them into her designs to create experiences that are not only visually appealing but also accessible to users with diverse needs. Her commitment to accessibility reflects her broader philosophy of empathy and inclusivity in design.
Support and Inspiration
Key Supporters
Pooja’s father and husband have been her greatest supporters throughout her journey. Her father instilled in her the confidence to pursue her passions, while her husband has consistently encouraged her and provided invaluable advice. Their firm belief in her abilities has been a driving force behind her achievements and career growth. Pooja’s father’s early encouragement laid the foundation for her aspirations, and her husband’s support during her career transitions provided the stability and motivation she needed to succeed. Together, they have been her pillars of strength, helping her navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of her journey.
Role Models
Her father and husband have been pivotal role models and mentors in Pooja’s life. Her father’s wisdom and encouragement laid the foundation for her confidence and career aspirations. At the same time, her husband’s support and guidance have been crucial in navigating her professional journey. Their combined influence has shaped her approach to both personal and career growth. Pooja’s father taught her the importance of perseverance and hard work, and her husband’s insights and constructive feedback have helped her refine her skills and strategies. Their mentorship has been instrumental in her continuous development as a designer and professional.
Vision and Goals
Future Vision
Pooja’s vision for our UI/UX efforts at Believe in Me is to create intuitive and engaging experiences that truly resonate with users. By focusing on user-centered design and incorporating feedback throughout the development process, she aims to enhance usability and ensure our solutions meet user needs effectively. Pooja envisions a future where Believe in Me’s digital platforms are not only functional and accessible but also emotionally engaging, fostering a deeper connection between the organization and its community. Her strategic vision includes leveraging the latest design trends and technologies to create innovative and impactful user experiences.
Career Goals
In the next few years, Pooja aims to lead innovative UI/UX projects that set new standards for user experience and drive significant engagement. She stays motivated by continually learning about emerging design trends and seeking inspiration from diverse sources, which fuels her passion for creating impactful designs. Pooja’s career aspirations include:
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to tackle complex design challenges.
Mentoring aspiring designers.
Contributing to the broader design community through thought leadership and advocacy.
Her long-term goal is to leave a lasting, user-centered, and inclusive design legacy.
Advice and Reflection
Advice to Aspiring UI/UX Designers
Reflecting on her journey, Pooja advises aspiring UI/UX designers to build a strong foundation in design principles and practice those in passion projects. She emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback, staying curious about user needs, and keeping up with industry trends. Practical experience and a portfolio showcasing diverse projects will also set you apart. Pooja encourages aspiring designers to embrace a growth mindset, continuously seek out learning opportunities, and be open to experimenting with new ideas and approaches. Her advice underscores the importance of resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving UI/UX design field.
Lessons Learned
The most important lesson Pooja has learned in her professional journey is the value of adaptability and continuous learning. These qualities are essential for growth and success in a constantly evolving field. Embracing change and seizing new opportunities have been pivotal in navigating challenges and achieving her career goals. Pooja’s journey illustrates that staying adaptable and committed to lifelong learning enhances one’s skills and opens doors to new possibilities and career advancements. Her experiences serve as a reminder that resilience and a proactive approach to learning are vital to thriving in the dynamic world of design.
The Heart of Our Digital Transformation
Pooja Bhatt’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and continuous learning. Her contributions as a volunteer UI Designer at Believe in Me have significantly enhanced our digital presence and user experience. We are immensely grateful for her dedication and passion and look forward to seeing her future achievements. Pooja’s story is an inspiring example of how combining diverse skills and embracing one’s passions can lead to impactful contributions and personal fulfillment. Her journey inspires us to strive for excellence and make a positive difference through our work. Thank you, Pooja, for your incredible contributions and unwavering commitment to Believe in Me.
Visit our website to learn more about Believe in Me and how you can support our mission.
