Crafting Connections: An Interview with Shantanu Salgaonkar

In the ever-evolving landscape of design, specific individuals stand out for their ability to blend simplicity, engagement, empathy, and aesthetics into experiences that resonate deeply with users. Shantanu is one such designer. With a rich background influenced by art and performance and a passion for problem-solving, he has carved a niche in the UX world that is both innovative and profoundly human.

I had the opportunity to speak with Shantanu about his journey, his inspirations, and his approach to creating delightfully functional designs.

From Artistic Roots to UX Innovation

Kendall: Can you share your journey into UX design? What inspired you to enter this field, and what experiences have shaped your career?

Shantanu: I’ve always been fascinated by how thoughtful design bridges the gap between form and function, improving lives in meaningful and delightful ways. This fascination was shaped by my father, who helped me articulate my passion. He studied fine arts at the JJ School of Arts while my mother was a stage actress and an Indian classical dancer. Growing up in such a creatively charged environment, I was encouraged to explore my artistic side. I spent hours drawing imaginary characters, creating posters for school events, and playing with my father’s beautiful stationery collection (he gave me my first Lamy pen when I got into design school).

When choosing a career, I initially leaned toward computer science. However, my father encouraged me to consider design—a choice for which I’m incredibly grateful. I was accepted into the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, India, where I studied Graphic Design. 

My wife encouraged me to pursue UX design. She noticed my affinity for problem-solving and asked me to partner with her on a hackathon she was organizing. This sparked my interest in UX design and led to roles at several start-ups, where I honed my skills.

My most significant career turning point came at Itu Chaudhuri Design. There, I learned to view design as a problem-solving exercise. Itu himself inspired us with thought-provoking conversations during lunch breaks, challenging us to think beyond conventional norms. He championed being 'T-shaped' designers: having a broad understanding of culture, semantics, and the zeitgeist, combined with deep expertise in the design craft and practice.

Navigating Complex Challenges

Kendall: What has been the most challenging product experience you’ve designed, and what made it particularly difficult?

Shantanu: The AWS Search experience is one of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on. Beyond the recognition it received, including a Webby Award and a patent, what truly stayed with me was the journey—watching an initial sketch in my notebook evolve into a live product and then seeing real users share their feedback on social media after its launch.

The design's uniqueness was its departure from traditional search interfaces. There was no separate search page; the typeahead function was the search interface. It was designed to be navigated entirely with the keyboard, eliminating the need for a cursor. This feature was particularly critical for our primary users, programmers, and engineers, who often prefer keyboard-based coding interactions.

Crafting this tailored, innovative experience that resonated with users and collaborating closely with engineering teams to bring it to life was challenging and profoundly fulfilling.

Inspiration from Design Legends

Kendall: Who do you look up to for inspiration in the design community, and why?

Shantanu: There are so many! Dieter Rams, Charles and Ray Eames, Frank Lloyd Wright, Stefan Sagmeister, Erik Spiekermann, and David Carson are just a few of the names that inspire me. While not all are UX designers, designers should immerse themselves in the discipline to become effective problem-solvers. Studying diverse design philosophies and approaches broadens one's perspective and enriches one's ability to tackle complex challenges.

The Beauty of Functional Design

Kendall: Is there a physical product you believe is beautifully designed that more people should know about?

Shantanu: Some of the best examples of great design can be found in furniture and architecture. The Eames chair perfectly symbolizes what design should be: functional and delightful. It’s like a love letter to exceptional design, embodying everything I admire about human-centered, purposeful creations. From its molded plywood shell and mid-century modern aesthetic to its ergonomic shape, it achieves sophistication without compromising integrity.

As designers, let's study furniture and industrial design closely. These disciplines offer valuable insights that can broaden our understanding and enhance our work, regardless of our specialty.

Balancing Intuition and Evidence

Kendall: How do you balance intuition with user research when developing a design? What is the ideal mix to create an exceptional product experience?

Shantanu: I’ve always believed that great design begins with a spark of intuition—a gut feeling about what might resonate with users. This intuition isn’t innate; it’s something you cultivate over time by becoming a T-shaped designer: observing patterns, experimenting (and sometimes failing), and engaging with people. However, intuition alone isn’t enough. To create designs that are both impactful and delightful, it must be balanced with rigorous validation through data.

For me, design is like a conversation between intuition and evidence. Intuition proposes ideas, infusing the design with heart and creativity, while data refines those ideas, ensuring they are functional, practical, and aligned with real-world needs. Together, they create solutions that are both inspired and grounded.

Mentoring Tomorrow’s Designers

Kendall: How do you approach mentoring the next generation of designers?

Shantanu: anyone in the design industry guides new graduates and young designers as they find their footing. The early stages of a design career can be challenging, even overwhelming, and having a mentor to provide guidance and support can make all the difference. I owe much of my journey to the help of senior designers like Prat Ganapathy, Derek Kohn, and Radhika Boros. Their advice and encouragement were invaluable. I’d also be remiss, not to mention my wife, whose deep understanding of the corporate landscape has been a constant source of insight and perspective.

A Passion That Endures

Kendall: Finally, what keeps you passionate about UX design after all these years in the industry?

Shantanu: The most rewarding aspect of design is its impact on people’s lives. Each project presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to improving the world. I’ve been fortunate to work with large companies where the effects of design are felt on a much larger scale. The idea that billions of people can use my designs is humbling and incredibly exciting.

Shantanu’s journey is a testament to the power of combining artistic intuition with strategic problem-solving. His dedication to creating simple yet engaging, empathetic yet aesthetically pleasing designs embodies the pillars we celebrate at the Silicon Valley UX Awards. As technology continues to evolve, designers like Shantanu remind us that at the heart of every innovation is a desire to improve the human experience.