Women in Design with Ashwini Lahane: Bringing Logic into Creativity

Despite women making up nearly half of the design industry, few hold leadership positions and many still need help to be equally compensated and recognized for their work. Design is one of the few industries that offers multiple paths for entry, from earning a standard degree to being self-taught. The Women in Design series aims to highlight the unique stories and lessons of women in the design industry, across different experiences and expertise, at every stage and niche.

Starting in engineering, Ashwini Lahane soon found her strength in blending technical knowledge with user-centric perspectives. As a product designer, she has work experience ranging from large-scale consultancies to design agencies and healthcare startups. In addition to creating positive impacts through design, she also helps young professionals navigate their careers. 

In this interview, Ashwini shares her diverse experience in product design and discusses how she stays sharp in the industry.

"My love for solving problems creatively has always been at the core of my interest in design.” —Ashwini Lahane

Can you share a bit about your journey into the design field?

My journey into design began with a strong foundation in engineering, where I was encouraged to explore the intersection of technical knowledge and user-centric thinking. This led me to pursue a master's in Product Design, where I discovered my passion for Human-Machine Interface and user-centered design. I started my design career with a large international consultancy, Deloitte Digital, where I gained valuable experience working on global-scale projects.

However, I’ve always been curious about exploring different domains and working environments, which led me to pursue opportunities beyond the traditional consultancy path. I worked with design agencies and startups, gaining exposure to diverse challenges and solutions. My desire for new experiences eventually took me from India to Germany where I embraced the role of Product Designer in a global environment. This move allowed me to deepen my expertise in product design and work alongside international teams, broadening my perspective on how design can impact various industries.

Throughout this journey, I’ve refined my skills in UX/UI design, strategy, and user research, while also taking pride in mentoring young designers and continuously learning from new experiences. This blend of curiosity, creativity, and adaptability has been instrumental in shaping my career as a designer.

What inspired you to pursue a career in design?

My love for solving problems creatively has always been at the core of my interest in design. 

During my academic years, I found that design allowed me to combine creativity with logic in a way that was both fulfilling and impactful. I used to facilitate creative camps for kids and organize various design drives, which further fueled my passion. While studying engineering, one of my professors noticed how well I could blend technical knowledge with a user-centric perspective and encouraged me to pursue a master's in Product Design.

During my early days in the master's program, I developed a keen interest in Human-Machine Interfaces, and I honed my skills by participating in design competitions, securing several recognitions along the way. These experiences helped me grow both technically and creatively. Just before completing my master’s, I was selected by Deloitte Digital as a campus hire, which was a pivotal moment in my career.

I have always been inspired by how technology can be leveraged to create user-centric solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Early in my career, working on my first few UX projects confirmed that design was the right path for me. Seeing users interact positively with something I helped create was incredibly rewarding, and that experience solidified my passion for design.

What does a typical day look like for you in your current designer role?

My mornings are typically my focus time, where I dive into planning my design tasks, responding to important communications, and aligning ongoing projects in JIRA. I use this time to ensure that production timelines are on track and to dedicate some creative hours to craft design work. I work closely with three different teams, and our primary objective is to drive product growth, focusing on increasing user engagement and organic growth rates.

A significant part of my day involves tracking OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and ensuring they are aligned with our design strategies. I also participate in daily stand-ups, collaborating with various stakeholders to review progress, gather feedback, and refine our approach. Apart from these core activities, I make sure to set aside time each week for self-learning and professional growth. Staying up-to-date with new tools, trends, and design methodologies is essential in maintaining both personal development and contributing meaningfully to the team.

Can you describe one of your favorite projects that you've worked on? What made it memorable?

One of my favorite projects was working on Briota, a healthcare startup focused on improving the lives of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This project stands out for me because it pushed me beyond just creativity—it tested my productivity, efficiency, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced startup environment.

Working at a startup meant that I had to wear many hats. I wasn’t just designing a healthcare app for patients and web portals for healthcare professionals; I was also guiding a team, aligning with business goals, and pitching the product to investors. Every day brought a new set of challenges, whether it was figuring out how to make complex medical information simple for users, or coordinating with different teams to stay on track.

What made this project truly memorable was the sense of purpose. I knew that the design we were creating could have a real, positive impact on people’s health. The startup environment kept me on my toes, and I learned how to be both creative and efficient, balancing the need for innovation with the need for results. It was rewarding to see our work come to life, knowing that we were solving real-world problems.

I loved that this project allowed me to grow, not just as a designer but as a leader. It taught me how to handle multiple responsibilities, think strategically, and still deliver great design. That’s what made it one of my most memorable and rewarding experiences.

How do you cultivate creativity in your work? Are there any particular sources of inspiration you turn to regularly?

The sources of inspiration for me often change depending on the project or domain I’m working in. In my current role, where growth and conversion rates are key KPIs, I’ve focused on picking up inspiration from various industry-specific sources. I frequently read about educational tech products to understand how they drive user engagement. I also follow industry leaders through podcasts like Design Better and Growth Mates, which provide valuable insights into the intersection of design and business growth.

Some of my go-to resources include Smashing Magazine, Dribble, and Medium, which keep me up-to-date on design trends and innovative solutions. I also find Baymard Institute and NN Group particularly helpful for in-depth research on usability and user experience best practices. Their case studies and articles offer actionable insights that I can apply directly to my work. 

Whether it’s through reading, listening to podcasts, or exploring platforms like Dribble, I’m always seeking new ways to push the boundaries of design while staying aligned with the business goals. These diverse sources help keep my creativity fresh and relevant, especially when it comes to enhancing user growth and engagement.

What is a current design trend that you're most excited about?

I’m particularly excited about three key design trends shaping the future of design: AI-driven design, dark mode and low-light UI, and inclusive design. These trends highlight how the design industry is evolving to better meet user and business needs.

AI-Driven Design is transforming the way we work. AI now automates tasks like generating drafts, writing documentation, and conducting research, allowing designers to focus on creative and strategic elements. With AI, we can explore ideas faster, iterate more efficiently, and deliver solutions that align better with user needs. What excites me is how AI acts as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it, enabling more experimentation without sacrificing productivity.

Dark Mode and Low-Light UIs are also gaining popularity. Dark mode offers a visually striking, sleek design while reducing eye strain for users in low-light environments. However, designing for dark mode presents challenges in ensuring colors and contrast are both accessible and appealing. It encourages designers to rethink contrast, depth, and usability in various lighting conditions. 

Lastly, Inclusive Design is something I’m deeply passionate about. Designers are now responsible for creating products accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. Inclusive design isn’t optional anymore; it’s a necessity, ensuring that all users, including those with disabilities, have a seamless experience.

Looking back, what is one thing you wish you had known when you started your career in design?

I wish I had known about different frameworks for effective time management and techniques to manage mental burnout in the IT industry. Burnout is, unfortunately, a common reality for many designers, regardless of experience level. In the fast-paced and often high-pressure environment of tech, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and that can take a toll on your creativity and overall well-being.

Maintaining good mental health is crucial for sustaining creativity and productivity, and I’ve learned that managing your time well and setting boundaries are key to avoiding burnout. If I had understood these principles earlier, I think I would have been able to maintain a healthier work-life balance and keep my creative energy flowing consistently. It’s a lesson I now carry with me and actively incorporate into my work routine.

What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of being a woman in design?

The most rewarding part of being a woman in design is the opportunity to help and uplift others in the industry. I believe in the power of mentoring, and I’ve had the privilege of mentoring many designers, especially women, through platforms like ADPList, helping them navigate their careers and achieve their goals. Seeing someone grow and succeed because of the guidance I’ve shared is incredibly fulfilling and reminds me of the importance of supporting one another.

However, the most challenging part can be breaking through the biases and barriers that still exist in the tech and design industries. As women, we sometimes have to work harder to have our voices heard and our contributions recognized. But by staying persistent and supporting each other, I believe we can continue to create a more inclusive and equitable space for future generations of women in design.

What's your (recent) favorite design tool?

Recently, Figma has been my go-to tool for design. Its real-time collaboration features are a game-changer, allowing me to work seamlessly with team members, share feedback, and iterate faster. Figma’s ability to create design systems and its extensive plugin library make it incredibly versatile, whether I’m working on wireframes, prototypes, or final designs.

For user research, I’ve found UserTesting.com to be invaluable. It’s an excellent tool for designers working solo or on small teams, as it enables you to gather high-quality user insights quickly and efficiently. Having access to real user feedback is crucial for delivering designs that truly resonate with the end users.

Additionally, when it comes to building a portfolio, I rely on platforms like UXFolio and WIX. A designer’s portfolio is one of their most important assets, and both of these tools make it easy to create polished, professional showcases of your work, which are essential for attracting clients or potential employers

Stay in Touch with Ashwini!

Follow Ashwini on LinkedIn and visit her website for more.

Discover more in Women in Design, our interview series where talented designers share their creative journeys and personal thoughts.