From Sculpture to Screen: Marcus Aurelius Bothsa Unveils His UX Journey
02/28/2025
In the dynamic world of UX design, Marcus Aurelius Bothsa brings a thoughtful and dedicated perspective to his work. Growing up in Visakhapatnam, South India, he was immersed in art from an early age, shaping his approach to design. In this conversation with SVUX, we explore the roots, challenges, and visions that have shaped his career in UX design.
SVUX: Can you tell us about your background? Where are you from, and how did you become interested in design?
Marcus Aurelius Bothsa:
“I’m originally from Visakhapatnam in South India. I was fortunate to grow up in a home filled with art—sculptures, paintings, and thoughtful conversations about why certain compositions or colors worked well together. Although I followed a traditional education focused on Math and Physics, art was always close to my heart. I attended art school for a time but later discovered that studying computer science would offer practical tools for the future. During my undergraduate studies, I found interaction design, which allowed me to blend my passion for art with technical skills. Moving to the US to pursue a design degree was a humbling experience that taught me how these fields can complement each other.”
SVUX: What inspired you to pursue a career in UX design specifically?
Marcus Aurelius Bothsa:
“I have always been motivated to help people connect with and understand the world around them. UX design felt like a natural way to combine my art and technology interests and contribute meaningfully to everyday experiences. I feel grateful that my work has had the opportunity to touch many lives, and if I weren’t in UX, I might have pursued music—another form of creative expression.”
SVUX: How did your early experiences shape your approach to design today?
Marcus Aurelius Bothsa:
“My upbringing encouraged me always to ask questions about the art and design around me. My parents fostered an environment of curiosity, engaging me in discussions about why a particular drawing or composition resonated. Although these conversations were sometimes challenging, they taught me the importance of paying close attention to detail and approaching every design decision thoughtfully.”
SVUX: What has been the most challenging product experience you’ve designed, and what made it particularly difficult?
Marcus Aurelius Bothsa:
“One of the most challenging projects I worked on was my first major assignment at Google. We encountered design problems that were entirely new to us, with no clear examples to follow, which was initially quite intimidating. I saw these challenges as opportunities to learn and collaborate with my team. Additionally, our research showed that our target users were not as interested in the product as we had originally envisioned. Convincing everyone that we needed to pivot was difficult, but trusting our collective intuition ultimately led us to a solution that better met user needs.”
SVUX: How do you approach mentoring the next generation of designers?
Marcus Aurelius Bothsa:
I try to focus on three key areas when mentoring:
Foundation: Developing a solid understanding of the core principles of design.
Tools: Becoming proficient with the necessary tools of the trade.
Current Trends: Staying informed and engaged with evolving design practices. A balanced approach across these areas can help emerging designers build skills that will serve them well throughout their careers.
From growing up in an art-filled environment to working in UX design, Marcus’s journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and a sincere desire to improve user experiences. His story offers valuable insights for aspiring designers, emphasizing the importance of blending creativity with technical skills while always remaining open to learning and growth.
