1. Your journey into product designing—what sparked your passion for it?
Ever since I was a kid, creativity seemed to be my calling card. You know those kids who are always doodling, painting, and making things look pretty? Yep, that was me. I was the go-to guy for drawing competitions, class boards, and anything artsy. My childhood was a canvas of colors and creativity, and I loved every bit of it.
Funny thing about life, it often takes you on paths you never planned. As a teen, I found myself in Kota, preparing for IIT. But deep down, I knew engineering wasn't my cup of tea. Around that time, a close friend dreamt of becoming an architect. With no clear vision of my own, I thought, "Why not?" and plunged into the world of architecture.
The journey was nothing short of an adventure. I cleared the NATA and NIFT exams, standing at a crossroad between architecture and fashion. Despite having no strong inclination towards fashion, NIFT's allure was undeniable. It was there I discovered that while I didn't bleed fashion, I did find a love for graphic design. It wasn't just about making things look good; it was about communicating ideas, telling stories through visuals.
My professional journey began in the graphic design realm, but it was my mentor, Malik Sheikh, a seasoned product designer, who introduced me to the broader canvas of product design. This was where the magic happened. Product design wasn't just about how to convey an idea; it was about shaping the idea itself. It was about weaving the narrative, having control over not just the 'how' but also the 'what.'
Embracing product design required grit. My routine was grueling - long hours of work, followed by nights of replicating designs from Dribbble, refining my skills. By day, I delved into graphic design, but by night, I dedicated myself to mastering product design. This dual life wasn't easy, but it was driven by passion. Eventually, my efforts paid off. Recognizing my dedication and skill, Topper offered me the opportunity to transition into a product designer role. This was a pivotal moment in my career, where I moved from just conveying ideas to shaping them.
So, what sparked my passion? It's the blend of freedom and control that product design offers - the ability to shape not just the aesthetics, but the very essence of an idea. That’s the charm of design, isn’t it? It’s about crafting stories, not just visuals.
2. How do you incorporate user feedback for innovative designs?
In the grand theater of design, there are two lead actors: Innovation and Intuition. Now, let's talk about user feedback. It's like the secret sauce in the intuition burger – it helps you understand user habits and preferences. This intel is gold when you're crafting experiences that need no learning curve, just smooth sailing.
But innovation? Ah, that's a whole different ball game. Innovation is like asking users to switch from bicycles to flying cars. At first, they're going to be like, "What is this sorcery?" It’s a radical shift. Remember the wise words of Mr. Ford about faster horses? That's innovation in a nutshell. It's not about giving users what they ask for; it's about giving them what they didn't even know they needed.
In the world of design, being an observer is more powerful than being a surveyor. It’s about spotting those hidden gems of opportunities, not just listening to what users say they need. Think about the evolution of phones – from simple call-and-text gadgets to mini supercomputers in our pockets. No user back then was dreaming of ordering pizza or hailing cabs through their phones. That’s innovation – spotting opportunities and running with them, even if it means teaching users new tricks.
Let's not forget the beauty of AI in today's world. Did anyone really ask for a digital genie that can sift through the entire internet's wisdom? Probably not. But here we are, loving every bit of it. That's the magic of innovation – it surprises, delights, and sometimes bewilders.
Sure, not every innovation gets a standing ovation right away. I remember when multimedia phones hit the market. My parents were like, "Eh, our old phones are just fine." Fast forward to now, and they're WhatsApp wizards. That's the bet innovators make – that eventually, people will not just adapt but embrace these changes.
In my designs, I love playing the dual roles of an intuitionist and an innovator. I ride the waves of user feedback where it makes sense and leap into the unknown where innovation beckons. Making bold bets? That's part of the fun. Being right often enough earns you trust and support, while the occasional misstep is all part of the game.
So, there you have it. In the world of product design, I'm proudly waving the flag for those bold, sometimes crazy, innovative ideas. It’s a minority camp, sure, but a fun one.
3. Tech Trends Shaping Your Approach to Product Designing
When it comes to tech trends, AI is the showstopper! It's like having a Swiss Army knife in the digital world - versatile, powerful, and a bit of a game-changer. For someone who's not exactly a fan of typing (I mean, who has the time, right?), AI has been a lifesaver. It's like having my personal assistant, ChatGPT, turning my thoughts into polished communication. Talk about convenience!
In the realm of product design, AI is like the cool new tool that does the heavy lifting. Think about those time-consuming tasks - they're now a breeze thanks to AI's muscle. Take FigJam’s brainstorming feature, for instance. It’s like having a brainstorming session with a supercomputer! Drop a topic, and voilà, you’ve got a cascade of ideas tailored to your needs.
And let's not forget UX copy. Imagine dropping a screenshot into ChatGPT and getting the perfect copy that fits like a glove - right character limit, right message, right everything. The conversational mode is like brainstorming with a buddy who's read every book in the library. Infinite knowledge at your fingertips – now that's what I call a design partner!
As we cruise into the future, generative AI is set to revolutionize even more - from website assets to screen designs. I get it, the whole “AI taking our jobs” fear is real. But remember when calculators first came out, and accountants thought they were done for? Spoiler alert: they weren’t. They adapted, evolved, and used calculators to do more, faster.
That's the key with AI in design. It's not a job-snatcher; it's an ally. Tech has always been a part of our lives, and it's our job to stay on top of it, not be overrun by it. We need to see AI as a tool, a partner in our creative journey.
So, what's the bottom line? Embrace AI, keep up with the times, and keep leveling up your skills. The only real enemy is standing still while the world races forward. AI in design? It’s not just a trend; it’s a boon.
4. Briefly, how do you refine a product from concept to execution?
The secret sauce to refining a product from concept to execution? It's making sure you're solving the right problem. Early in my career, I learned the hard way that crafting brilliant solutions to the wrong problems is like being the fastest runner on the wrong track – impressive, but not really helpful.
Step one for me is always about validating the 'why' before diving into the 'how'. It's like being a detective in a world of problems, making sure the case I'm solving is the one that truly matters. Once I've got my 'why', it's time for some good old-fashioned market research. Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from others' stumbles and strides, right?
Next up, sketching out solutions. This isn't just about drawing lines and shapes; it's about aligning stakeholders. It's crucial to ensure everyone's on the same page before the real magic begins. In the design world, surprises are fun at parties, not in project timelines.
Now, at CRED, things get a bit more interesting. Once we have a solution that looks good and ticks all the boxes, we don't just stop there. We ask ourselves, "How can we turn this into a memorable, magical experience?" It's like turning a regular old cloud into the Northern Lights – mesmerizing, memorable, and something people can't help but talk about.
From there, it's a journey of refinement. Team reviews, feedback implementation, walkthroughs with the front-end team – it's all part of the dance. Our devs are like artisans, turning designs into polished code. A bit of user accessibility testing, some internal dogfooding, and voila – we're ready to meet our audience.
The release might be full throttle or a controlled rollout, but the journey doesn't end there. Product design is an ongoing conversation with users, a cycle of evolution based on real-world use and feedback. It's about staying agile, adaptable, and always ready to iterate.
So, that's my playbook – part detective work, part artistry, and a whole lot of collaboration. It's a fluid process, changing with every project's unique rhythm, but always aimed at creating something that doesn't just work beautifully but also wows and wins hearts.
5. Non-design sources that inspire your creativity?
Do you know what fuels my creativity? It's not a sketchbook, a design seminar, or even a stroll through an art gallery. It's the gym. Yep, you heard that right. My gym routine is like my creativity crucible.
For over a decade now, hitting the gym has been as routine for me as brushing my teeth. It's not just 'something I do' – it's woven into the very fabric of my daily life. And the best part? I can't meditate to save my life (short attention span, you know the drill), but my gym time? That's where my mind shifts into overdrive, untangling problems and churning out some of my wildest, most radical ideas. I even have a name for it – my 'gym pondering period.'
But it's not just about the ideas. The gym is a physical manifestation of pushing boundaries, striving for improvement, and embracing the grind. It's an environment pulsating with positivity and progress. Everyone there is united by a single goal – to be better. And in such an optimistic, forward-looking space, how can one not be inspired?
This isn't just about physical
Bio:
Hello, I am Atul Khola. I suck at maths, but one equation I never get wrong: Beautiful UI + Efficient UX + Delightful Interactions make a Timeless Product. I am a proud graduate of the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology in Mumbai, where I mastered the art of design. Over the past nine years, I've been fortunate to work with some of the coolest startups and renowned companies in India and beyond, including Cure.fit, toppr, media.net, and a few others. Right now, I'm rocking it as the lead IC designer at CRED, bringing innovation and creativity.
Interviewed By- Mishika Goel
Edited By - Pragya Lamba
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