Hey! I'm Arvind, a nature-inspired designer, currently working as a strategist at Big Dreams Studio, RI. I have a Master's degree in Industrial Design (MID 23) from the Rhode Island School of Design and Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering.
Previously at Biodesign Challenge, Curiosity Gym, and IIT Bombay as a designer, engineer, strategist, researcher, writer and photographer.
WORK
Research & Strategy
01
Xcimer Energy
2024
Communication Strategy and Experience Design
04
Glaucoma Screener
2019-20
Medical Device Design and Engineering
02
Collins Wingwalker
2024
Market Research and Stakeholder Interviews
05
Cane Palkhi
2019-20
Sustainable Materials and Local Craft
03
Ocean Tech Report
2024
Sustainability Research and Futures Thinking
06
Seaweed Packaging
2019-20
User Research and Packaging Design
Industrial & Product
MID THESIS
Mycotype
Mycotype is an initiative that spun out of the RISD Somerson Sustainability Innovation Fund during my Masters thesis 'Fungi in Flux', exploring experimental approaches to designing and prototyping with functional biodegradable materials grown on local waste and fungi; for makers, artisans and students to create with nature.
After co-founding Myco-Type in 2022, it has reached exhibitions, workshops and events at Autodesk, Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University and NMIMS School of Design.
APPROACH
Map, Make, Measure
Having a process that is non-linear, multi-directional and flexible, I tend to embrace navigating the complexity of new and changing systems, and finding the path of least resistance to insights, actions and outcomes. It's approached with rigorous research, rapid prototyping and responsible thinking.
Biomaterials and Sustainability
Utilizing both hand tools and machine operations with traditional materials like rattan, wood, metal; and grown biomaterials such as fungi (mycelium), green algae (seaweed), kombucha (scoby), starch and cellulose-based bioplastics, my biodesign approach ties together biomaterial science, experimentation, engineering tests, and lifecycle design for biologically circular systems.
Design for Additive Manufacturing
Since running an early venture from 2019-2021 on 3D printing 'Dimiour Design' which eventually failed, I have been consistently connected to the 3D printing space, practicing FDM, SLA, ceramic and paste printing, creating educational resources and guides, and developing 3D CAD, CAM and slicing methodologies to enhance geometry, finish and material-time efficiency.
Healthcare and Medical Devices
Getting to work with different teams of doctors and engineers on three medical device projects for glaucoma screening, heart surgery and lower-limb prosthesis, I realized the critical influence of preventive, diagnostic and rehabilitative care for patients to be able to reach their necessary quality of life, prioritizing timeliness, affordability, safety and accessibility of the intervention.
Digital Interfaces and Experinces
To make engaging digital experiences on the online interfaces, my process generally involves conducting discovery interviews for developing a communication strategy that informs the architecture, design and prototyping. It creates intuitive navigation, articulate copywriting, purposeful visual graphics, and informative data visualizations for websites, apps and digital interactions.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Quadrants
SERVICES &
Capabilities
01
Research, Analysis and Writing
-
Qualitative Interviews and Quantitative Surveys
-
Thematic Data Analysis and Data Visualization
-
Creative Storytelling and Technical Writing
02
User Interfaces and Experiences
-
Customer Journey Mapping and Architecture
-
Wireframing, Prototyping and Interaction Testing
-
Cloud-based Web Design and Development
03
Industrial Design Engineering
-
Conceptualization and Product Sketching
-
Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design
-
3D CAD Modeling, Simulation and Rendering
04
Prototyping and Digital Fabrication
-
Machine Tools and Operations on Wood, Metal
-
3D Printing, CNC, Vacuum Forming, Laser Cutting
-
Circuit Design, Arduino, Mechatronics
05
Sustainable Development
-
Biomimicry and Nature-Inspired Design
-
Biofabricated and Bioplastic Materials Design
-
Lifecycle Mapping and Systems
06
Brand and Business Strategy
-
Brand Identity, Communications and Engagement
-
Positioning, Differentiation and Growth Strategy
-
Photography, Multi-Media and Digital Marketing
Experience
Clients and Work
Collaborations
