ABOUT
Hello!
I'm Harini, a design and market research strategist whose perspectives have been shaped by eclectic experiences across the globe. Having studied in schools in India, Sweden and Italy, my professional experience includes teaching design thinking and working on design research projects with several global clients across Europe, Asia and the United States over the last 9 years.
With a varied background and an open mind, I pride myself on being passionate about making a difference and adding value at every stage. My focus is on finding key insights to solve business problems with imagination and build impactful ideas.
Thank you for stopping by my site.
RÉSUMÉ
Detail oriented professional with 10+ years experience in design research and insights. A highly motivated fast learner and enthusiastic collaborator with expertise in ethnography, participatory consumer research, focus groups and one-on-one consumer interviews, user journey mapping and psychological interviewing techniques. Clear communicator with an eclectic background and multi-disciplinary skills to analyze and strategize in a dynamic business environment.
EXPERIENCE
Nordstrom, Seattle, Senior Innovation Strategist (Jan 2018-Present)
In my role at Nordstrom, I help identify new and innovative business opportunities through user research, collaborative workshops, design thinking and creative problem solving to shape insight and strategy across emerging and existing channels of retail.
Attune LLC, Global Footprint Senior Design Research Strategist (Sept 2014- Jan 2018)
Attune LLC is a global research and strategy firm that employs a multidisciplinary approach to research to bring unparalleled clarity to our clients. Attune specializes in identifying subconscious sensory cues for design. Notable clients of Attune include Colgate, Unicef, Frito Lays, Duracell, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Escada fragrance, Procter & Gamble and Capital One among many others. Research conducted across the globe including UK, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India and the United States.
Arnold Worldwide, Boston User Experience Training (June 2014- Aug 2014)
Worked on a variety of brands including Tyson Food Services, Jack Daniels, University of Phoenix and Progressive Insurance. User research lead on website www.drivesafetodayday.com
Therefore Design, India Design Researcher and Partner (Oct 2009- Jan 2013)
Led day-to-day ideation and brainstorming sessions with partners and clients, collaborated in strategy and fueled insights for design development. Was key in detailing the company’s product portfolio mix and developing a 5 year strategy for expansion and growth.
Quattroporte Agency, Sweden Qualitative Trend Researcher (Sep 2007 - Sep 2009)
Identified“ Top ten Microtrends in New Delhi”, “The Future of Entrepreneurship” and “Values of the 90’s generation in India”. Analyzed insights, mined emerging trends through qualitative and quantitative means. Designed field studies and conducted focus groups to forecast product trends and strategy. Agency clients included Nokia, McDonald's, Absolut Vodka, Coca Cola.
Politechnico Di Milano, Italy Strategic Design Exchange (Aug 2008- Dec 2008)
Implemented a series of multi-disciplinary research based design projects with clients across Italy (Valcucine, Roberto Cavalli, Dado Motors) through DIMI- Design Innovation: Made in Italy - a prestigious collaboration in partnership with the Italian Ministry.
EDUCATION
Emerson College - Boston Jun 2013- Jun 2014
Masters in Global Marketing Communication and Advertising (Dean’s Award)
Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design - Stockholm Jan 2006-Jul 2006
Recipient of Linneas Palme award from the Swedish Ministry (Merit Scholarship)
National Institute of Design - Ahmedabad Jun 2004-Jun 2007
Masters in Industrial Design with a specialization in Textiles (Honors student)
Stella Maris College, University of Madras - Chennai April 2001-Jun 2004
Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts(Gold Medalist)
SKILLS
Ethnography, Observational Research, Moderation and Interviewing, Designing field studies, One on one consumer research, Conducting Focus Groups, Design Thinking, Iterative Research Techniques, Metaphor Elicitation Techniques, Projective Techniques, Image Based Research, Insight Mining, Psychological Research Techniques, Project Management Adobe Suite, Illustration
