From Frugal Beginnings to Global Impact: Aadhya Krishna Redefines UX Design Leadership
01/08/2025
Step into a world where creativity meets impact in an exclusive conversation with Aadhya Krishna—a trailblazer whose journey from the vibrant streets of India to the forefront of UX design is nothing short of inspiring. In this riveting interview with SVUX, Aadhya unpacks her evolution from an innovative problem-solver to a visionary leader in design, sharing how she transformed early challenges into award-winning solutions and groundbreaking strategies. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or simply curious about how intuitive insight blends with data to create meaningful experiences, this engaging story promises a fresh perspective on innovation and the art of human-centered design.
Thank you for joining us, Aadhya. Can you tell us about your background? Where are you from, and how did you become interested in design?
Aadhya Krishna: I’m from India, and my fascination with design began early in life. Growing up, I was inspired by the blend of everyday ingenuity and problem-solving known as jugaad—those frugal, creative solutions people use to improve their lives. This mindset of addressing real problems with creativity stayed with me. Later, I pursued Industrial and Product Design at CCA (California College of the Arts), graduating with honors. It was a transformative experience that laid the foundation for creating people-centered solutions. Over time, I evolved from an industrial designer to a UX strategist and design leader, and now I’m the co-founder of the Academy of Arts, Design, and Strategy. My journey reflects a passion for empowering individuals and organizations to innovate and create human-centered experiences.
SVUX: What drew you specifically to UX design?
Aadhya: UX design stood out because it allowed me to deeply understand people—their behaviors, needs, and goals. While working as a product designer, I often saw designs prioritizing aesthetics over functionality. That didn’t sit well with me. One of my early projects, AXO—a breathable arm cast—won international recognition and reinforced the importance of creating solutions that solve real problems. UX design became my focus because it’s about making lives easier through products that are not only usable but also delightful and effective.
SVUX: How did your early experiences shape your approach to design today?
Aadhya: Early in my career, I struggled with public speaking and effectively expressing my ideas. Mentors like Vivian Gomes, a renowned design leader, and my grandmother and mother were instrumental in helping me overcome those barriers. They taught me resilience, collaboration, and empathy. These lessons shape my design philosophy today, emphasizing inclusivity and clear communication and engaging all stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard throughout the design process.
SVUX: What have been some of the key milestones in your career?
Aadhya: Transitioning from an independent product designer to a Design Director at SHNORH was a defining moment. Leading customer strategies and winning over 12 international awards validated my ability to deliver meaningful solutions. Co-founding the Academy of Arts, Design, and Strategy has been another significant milestone. It’s a platform for mentoring and empowering individuals globally to leverage design and strategy in building a better future.
SVUX: Can you share your most challenging design experience?
Aadhya: One of the most challenging projects was restructuring a fragmented design operations system for a client in the Philippines. Teams were working in silos with outdated workflows, leading to inefficiencies. It was daunting to break long-standing habits and implement collaborative workflows. We transformed their operations through empathy, patience, and co-creating a tailored strategy with their leaders. The result was increased efficiency and a more collaborative culture, which was incredibly rewarding.
SVUX: Who inspires you in the design community?
Aadhya: Vivian Gomes has been a tremendous influence, shaping my approach to design and leadership. On a personal level, my grandmother and mother have been my anchors of strength and resilience. Their ability to navigate life’s challenges inspires me to aim higher and give back through design.
SVUX: How do you balance intuition and data in your design process?
Aadhya: Intuition often sparks ideas, especially when empathizing with users, but data ensures that those ideas are grounded in reality. I conduct usability tests, A/B testing, and ethnographic research to validate and refine designs. This iterative process marries creative instincts with actionable insights, resulting in solutions that resonate with users and deliver results.
SVUX: What trends in UX design excite you the most?
Aadhya: Ethical AI and hyper-personalization are game-changers. Designing inclusive, bias-free experiences is critical as AI takes center stage. I’m also excited about AR/VR advancements that significantly redefine how users interact with technology as consumer-facing headsets improve. These trends open new doors for creating meaningful, immersive experiences.
SVUX: How do you mentor the next generation of designers?
Aadhya: Mentorship empowers individuals to discover their unique voice in design. I prioritize building trust and creating an open space for questions. Sharing my journey, from overcoming confidence issues to leading international projects, helps mentees see challenges as opportunities. Through the Academy of Arts, Design, and Strategy, I’ve formalized this approach to help aspiring designers excel in a dynamic industry.
SVUX: What keeps you passionate about UX design after all these years?
Aadhya: It’s the ability to make a positive difference. Seeing users interact with products I’ve contributed to and knowing they’ve benefited is incredibly fulfilling. Mentoring the next generation and witnessing their growth inspires me. Design is about creating impact, and that mission drives me daily.
Aadhya’s journey reflects what it means to be a design leader: a relentless focus on solving real problems, empowering others, and pushing boundaries to create meaningful experiences. Her story inspires designers and innovators worldwide.
