My design approach
While I broadly follow the traditional ‘double diamond’ design process, I have evolved my design approach to include systems thinking as a larger framework within which to situate design thought and activities.
Building on the Design Council’s systemic design framework, this is a visualization of my approach to Design.
* Design in the real world is rarely this neat - it requires iterative cycles of research, design and testing - that can look messy, but if done right, the end result will be simple and elegant.
Skills map
I take complexity and build clarity.
My digital design process is complemented by my multidisciplinary experience in industrial, visual, and strategic design.
Design Research
Ethnographic research
End-to-end journeys
Systems, process mapping
Design workshops
Usability testing
Design Strategy
Ecosystem mapping
Opportunity mapping
Systems design
Training in HCD & Agile
Experience strategy
Digital Design
Information architecture
Heuristic analysis
Journey mapping
UX, UI design
Content/editorial
Prototyping
Interaction design
Web/app design
User testing
Visual Design
Brand identity
Design systems
Brand guidelines
Logo design
Packaging design
3D design
Design Mgmt
Planning & PM
Process & frameworks
X-Functional Teaming
Collaborative partnerships
Hiring, mentoring designers
Enabling a positive work culture
Design evangelism
Industrial Design
New product development
Concept visualisation
Model making
Rendering
Prototyping
Design Leadership
Thought Leadership: I provide thought leadership on UX, strategic and systems design, and help enable culture transformation through training in HCD and Agile methodologies. I engage with stakeholders across functions and levels - from the C-suite to frontline and back-end workers who enable and deliver last-mile products and services. I have driven design-led transformations for 100+ organizations across 22+ sectors, that have positively impacted the lives of millions of people.
Design Teams: Over the past 20 years I have interviewed 1000s of designers and built, mentored and managed design and cross-functional teams across multiple organizations. I have taught several design courses, created design curriculum, and mentored dozens of thesis students and design professionals.
Working Style: Working with me is to be part of an optimistic and collaborative team effort, leaving politics at the door and being in an expressive, experimental and nurturing mindspace.
Being extremely hands-on, I immerse myself in all aspects of the design process - from research and strategy to sweating the design details, and learning through testing how to elevate the end product. I am adept at training non-design teams in design-led and Agile thinking and processes, and facilitating organizational shifts towards a culture of cross-functional collaboration and innovation..
“I had the pleasure of working with Abhimanyu on a large scale fast paced digital transformation project involving multiple retail and enterprise design transformation pieces, which he was heading. He is an effective and empathetic leader, a thought partner and steerer to his clients and a kind and caring manager to his team. Not only did he provide the most innovative recommendations to steer the clients innovation and design strategy, he also went above and beyond to create new avenues which they hadn't considered before. I had a great learning experience with Abhimanyu and look forward to working with him again.”
Shreya Sharma, Project Leader | BCG Platinion Berlin
Design Writing: My writing covers design research that’s led to the creation of new design standards, reporting on the situation of Indian design for the Dutch government, knowledge and insights on design processes for upskilling, several articles and a cover feature in journals, magazines and newspapers. I have written curricula for several design programs, and go-to-market propositions and strategies for BCG’s design offerings, which have been adopted globally.
Design values and philosophy
Dedication to the craft of design through constant application and development of my skills and expertise
Taking the broad view and designing for ecosystems
Actively involving stakeholders and end users in interdisciplinary collaboration
Making ideas visible, to foster shared purpose and understanding
Designing with human values and ecological awareness for responsible business growth
The future of inclusive design lies in addressing the diversity of humanity - socio-economics, neurodiversity, gender etc.
I am deeply passionate about my work and constantly push my learning journey across technology, design, and other areas to ensure I can deliver the most effective solutions.