The Design Diary of Tathagata

A political leader playing Garba, or Morgan Freeman saying “I’m not Morgan Freeman”, or be it Tom Cruise on TikTok, all of this was definitely strange because humans could create something that never happened!

The Beginning

"Design is interactive art influenced by psychology, understanding how people interact and behave."

I always had a passion for art and craft. I studied Bengali literature, and was a drama practitioner. I was part of a theatre group, wrote dramas, and was deeply involved in the craft. I loved working on stage design, lighting, and other crafty stuff.

But my journey into the world of design began at Jadavpur University's CAD Center. I was introduced to graphics design and a fascinating thing called web design in the second semester.

The idea that you could create interactive art by writing some lines of code was mind-blowing. It wasn't just about the craft anymore; it was about psychology. I loved the idea of understanding how people interact and behave, and that's what got me hooked onto UX design.

Challenges Along the Way

Unlike many designers, I am not from a school of design. I am a self-taught designer and I continue to learn every day.

One of the major challenges I faced during my learning phase was the lack of guidance. Sure, there was design thinking and a double diamond process, but nobody told you about the need to communicate effectively with stakeholders and developers.

I remember designing something that eventually got canceled because it wasn't feasible from a development perspective.

That was a tough pill to swallow. But over time, I've learned to communicate better with developers and understand the principles of design better.

Staying Creative & Motivated

My secret to staying creative is my curiosity. I have an insatiable appetite for learning, be it about design, development, or anything else.

I believe that you have to be passionate about learning. It helps you stay updated with what's happening and predict future trends. And it's not just about design; learning new things in general boosts your creativity.

Another thing that helps me stay motivated is being open to criticism. I encourage people to critique my designs because it helps me understand what I don't know and learn from it.

It pushes me to think out of the box, ask questions, and ultimately design better for the people.

Dealing with the 'Designer's Block'

We've all been there, right? The dreaded moment when ideas stop flowing, and we're left staring blankly at our screens. What do I do in such situations? I disconnect. It's as simple as that.

"When you hit a wall, step away. Your subconscious mind continues to process problems even when you detach from work."

Do something else that doesn't require much thinking. Listen to music, watch a movie, take a walk. Your ideas don't come from the active parts of your brain but from the subconscious.

So, when you detach yourself from your work, your brain still processes the problem in the background. Sooner or later, you'll find yourself stumbling upon an idea.

If that doesn't work, I turn to the internet. An abundance of inspiration and ideas are just a few clicks away. Once I have a spark of inspiration, I begin jotting down my own ideas before jumping back into work.

The Journey of Designing: Turning Criticism Into Pride

Let me share my journey of designing Etherapy, one of our products at TechUp Labs. When I first started, my initial design faced a lot of criticism.

It was a tough pill to swallow, but I decided to use the feedback constructively. I worked hard on the design, refining it until I was proud of what I had created. Today, Etherapy has a user-friendly interface that's loved by all.

Another challenging project was Feedspace, a platform to capture, collect, and import any sort of content. Since it was a new product, we didn't have a clear understanding of the users.

So, I had to design with limited knowledge and assumptions, but I didn't let that discourage me. Instead, I took it as a learning opportunity and continued to refine the design. Now, the product has a clean, intuitive interface that users find easy to navigate.

Impactful Designs : The Ultimate Reward

The designs I've created at TechUp Labs have had a direct impact on the end users, and that's something I'm really proud of. Knowing that my work is helping people and making their lives easier is the ultimate reward for meD

When asked about the design project I'm most proud of, one name pops into my head: E-therapy. My first project at Techup Labs, E-therapy was a learning experience like no other. Though I've worked on various projects since then, the lessons I learned from E-therapy remain invaluable.

The Value of Real-Life Experiences

"Real-life work experiences here have been more enriching than any course could offer."

Every day at TechUp Labs is a new learning experience. The work we do here, the challenges we face, the solutions we create—all these have taught me more than any course ever could. I've realized that real-life work experiences can make you learn and grow in ways that traditional learning methods can't. They give you an understanding of the practical aspects of design, something that can't be taught in a course.

TechUp Labs’ Vibes: Nurturing the Best

"TechUp Labs is a place that brings the best out of you. It maintains a culture that promotes learning, creativity, and growth."

TechUp Labs is not your average workplace. It’s a place that encourages you to experiment, to learn, and to grow. When you’re here, you’re not just doing a job you are given the freedom to strive for nothing but the best. It’s this unique culture that not only allows but also encourages everyone to put their best foot forward. It's a place where creativity and innovation thrive.

Little Advice for Those Just Getting Started

"Criticism is not a roadblock, but a stepping stone in your learning journey."

Alright, to all the newbies out there - just starting their journey in the wild world of design, here's a piece of advice from someone who's been there and done that.

First things first, you're going to face criticism. It could be from your team, your clients, or even from yourself. And let me tell you, it can sting. It can feel like a bucket of cold water being thrown at you.

Don't let it get you down. Do the exact opposite. Embrace it. Hold it close. Because criticism, as hard as it can be to take in, is one of the most powerful tools you have for growth. It's a stepping stone, leading you towards becoming a better designer.

When you face criticism, don't just shrug it off. Instead, dissect it. Understand what it's trying to tell you. Use it as a learning opportunity to improve your skills and refine your designs.

And remember this golden rule - always stay curious. Curiosity is like fuel for your creative engine. It's what drives you to explore new ideas, learn new techniques, and push the boundaries of your designs. It's what keeps you going when the going gets tough. So, keep that sense of wonder alive. Keep asking questions. Keep discovering.

Because at the end of the day, learning is a never-ending journey. There's always something new to learn, something new to discover. And that's what makes this journey so exciting. So, keep that fire of curiosity burning brightly. It's what will keep you motivated, keep you creative, and ultimately make you a better designer.

So there you have it, folks. Embrace criticism, stay curious, and never stop learning. Because as long as you're learning, you're growing. And that's what this journey is all about.

So, that's it, folks! That's my design adventure in a nutshell. It's been a fun ride with lots of learning and a few bumps along the way.

And remember, stay curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to make a few mistakes.

They're all part of the journey. Catch you on the flip side!