Hi again!

Waving hand emoji

I'm Bhuvana (pronounced boo-vuh-nah).

At OCN.ai, I'm helping revolutionize ocean conservation and management. I also take on independent projects, helping early-stage startups shape their digital products. Previously, I gained valuable experience at a design agency in India, delivering client projects across multiple industries.

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

A little bit about me

My unconventional journey in Product Design began with online learning, self-study and a winning a global design challenge. The win led to an internship, then a full-time role, launching my career.

My knack for balancing details and big picture thinking—refined through a few years in architecture, now guides my product design process.

Outside work, I seek out backpacking adventures across Arizona. Between adventures, I explore new hiking trails around Phoenix. To unwind, I enjoy discovering new board games with family and friends, playing the guitar and singing.

Experience

Product Designer • Dec 2023 - Present

Freelance

Product Designer • Feb 2024 - Present

Product Designer • Sep 2022 - Jun 2023

Architectural Designer • Aug 2020 - Oct 2021

+3 experiences in the Architecture, Interiors and Construction industry

Achievements

Design X Social Global Innovation Challenge 2022

Alertera - an end-to-end emergency response service

In collaboration with Ankur Kalle, Gauri Mullerpattan, Ankita Chandavarkar & Aditya Nataraj.

Berkeley Essay Prize 2014

Topic: Architect and a healthful environment

The essay compared two major lakes in Bangalore, examining their fragility and impact on urban well-being.

Skills

UX Design

Product Strategy

User Research

Systems Thinking

Web Design

Visual Design

What people I've worked with say about me

  • Lea Szymcek

    UX Lead, Ocean Currency Network

    I have been having a pleasure to work with and lead Bhuvana at OCN. Bhuvana is both a very thoughtful UX Designer and a researched-based problem solver with an effective process structure and a collaborative mindset. She has high capability in solving complex experiences and good eyes on the product UI. I believe that Bhuvana will bring great value to any product and team that she will be working with.

  • Oswaldo Mendoza

    UX Lead, Terrakeet

    Bhuvana helped us design our product payment and account creation workflows. She provided all deliverables on time and was responsive when it came to changes requested. She provided additional recommendations to improve usability for some of our existing features. I recommend Bhuvana to any team looking to partner with a designer that's dependable and a strategic thinker.

  • Aditya Nataraj

    Product Manager, Maltego

    Bhuvana excelled in UX Research and UI/UX Design for our disaster management app. Her empathetic approach to user interviews and expertise in Figma for prototyping were invaluable. She demonstrated strong visual design skills and contributed significantly to our information architecture. Her proactive, communicative nature made her an essential team member.

  • Kushagra Srivastava

    Developer, Happening Design Studio

    Over 18 months, Bhuvana impressed me with her exceptional UX design skills. She blends creativity and technical expertise with a user-centric approach. Her attention to detail and knowledge of design trends significantly contributed to our projects' success. Bhuvana's versatility and positive attitude make her a valuable asset to any team.

  • Jonathan (Kyle) Hobson

    Researcher & AI Analyst

    Bhuvana impressed me with her deep understanding of UX design and cultural influences. Her approach combines creativity, technical expertise, and a user-centric philosophy. Her commitment to continuous learning, evidenced by her participation in various programs and insightful articles, sets her apart. Bhuvana's unique blend of analysis, creativity, and user-focused design makes her a standout in the field.

  • Kasey Luber

    VP OF OPERATIONS, OCEAN CURRENCY NETWORK

    Bhuvana is an exceptional designer with unmatched focus and attention to detail. She excels at building robust design systems and consistently delivers high-quality work on time. Her precision and ability to bring clarity to design processes make her a valuable asset to any team.

A little bit about me

My unconventional journey in Product Design began with online learning, self-study and a winning a global design challenge. The win led to an internship, then a full-time role, launching my career.

My knack for balancing details and big picture thinking—refined through a few years in architecture, now guides my product design process.

Outside work, I seek out backpacking adventures across Arizona. Between adventures, I explore new hiking trails around Phoenix. To unwind, I enjoy discovering new board games with family and friends, playing the guitar and singing.

Experience

Product Designer • Dec 2023 - Present

Freelance

Product Designer • Feb 2024 - Present

Product Designer • Sep 2022 - Jun 2023

Architectural Designer • Aug 2020 - Oct 2021

+3 experiences in the Architecture, Interiors and Construction industry

Achievements

Design X Social Global Innovation Challenge 2022

Alertera - an end-to-end emergency response service

In collaboration with Ankur Kalle, Gauri Mullerpattan, Ankita Chandavarkar & Aditya Nataraj.

Berkeley Essay Prize 2014

Topic: Architect and a healthful environment

The essay compared two major lakes in Bangalore, examining their fragility and impact on urban well-being.

Skills

UX Design

Product Strategy

User Research

Systems Thinking

Web Design

Visual Design

What people I've worked with say about me

  • Lea Szymcek

    UX Lead, Ocean Currency Network

    I have been having a pleasure to work with and lead Bhuvana at OCN. Bhuvana is both a very thoughtful UX Designer and a researched-based problem solver with an effective process structure and a collaborative mindset. She has high capability in solving complex experiences and good eyes on the product UI. I believe that Bhuvana will bring great value to any product and team that she will be working with.

  • Oswaldo Mendoza

    UX Lead, Terrakeet

    Bhuvana helped us design our product payment and account creation workflows. She provided all deliverables on time and was responsive when it came to changes requested. She provided additional recommendations to improve usability for some of our existing features. I recommend Bhuvana to any team looking to partner with a designer that's dependable and a strategic thinker.

  • Aditya Nataraj

    Product Manager, Maltego

    Bhuvana excelled in UX Research and UI/UX Design for our disaster management app. Her empathetic approach to user interviews and expertise in Figma for prototyping were invaluable. She demonstrated strong visual design skills and contributed significantly to our information architecture. Her proactive, communicative nature made her an essential team member.

  • Kushagra Srivastava

    Developer, Happening Design Studio

    Over 18 months, Bhuvana impressed me with her exceptional UX design skills. She blends creativity and technical expertise with a user-centric approach. Her attention to detail and knowledge of design trends significantly contributed to our projects' success. Bhuvana's versatility and positive attitude make her a valuable asset to any team.

  • Jonathan (Kyle) Hobson

    Researcher & AI Analyst

    Bhuvana impressed me with her deep understanding of UX design and cultural influences. Her approach combines creativity, technical expertise, and a user-centric philosophy. Her commitment to continuous learning, evidenced by her participation in various programs and insightful articles, sets her apart. Bhuvana's unique blend of analysis, creativity, and user-focused design makes her a standout in the field.

  • Kasey Luber

    VP OF OPERATIONS, OCEAN CURRENCY NETWORK

    Bhuvana is an exceptional designer with unmatched focus and attention to detail. She excels at building robust design systems and consistently delivers high-quality work on time. Her precision and ability to bring clarity to design processes make her a valuable asset to any team.