Hey! I'm Arvind, a nature-inspired designer, currently working as a strategist at Big Dreams Studio.
I have a Master's degree in Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Symbiosis Institute of Technology.
Previously worked with clients including Xcimer Energy, Collins Aerospace, Biodesign Challenge, Overproof, and IIT Bombay as a designer / engineer / strategist / researcher / writer / photographer.
WORK
Strategic Experience Design
06
Seaweed Packaging
Coming soon
User Research and Packaging Design
Industrial Design Engineering
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 build with biology.
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 failed, I have been constantly connected to the 3D printing space, practicing FDM, SLA, ceramic and paste printing, creating educational resources and guides, and refining my 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 medical device projects for glaucoma diagnosis, heart surgery and lower-limb prosthesis, I learnt to embrace a highly collaborative, rapid concept-to-testing approach for patients to reach a functional quality of life, by prioritizing proper care, timeliness, affordability, safety and accessibility of the intervention.
Web and App Experiences
To craft engaging digital experiences and interfaces, my process starts with conducting discovery interviews for a communication strategy that informs the architecture, design and prototyping of the customer journey in the product. It leads to intuitive navigation, articulate copywriting, purposeful visual graphics, informative data visualizations, and simple, meaningful interactions.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Quadrants
SKILLS
Capabilities
01
Research, Analysis and Writing
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Qualitative Interviews and Quantitative Surveys
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Thematic Data Analysis and Data Visualization
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Creative Storytelling and Technical Writing
02
Digital Interfaces and Experiences
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Customer Journey Mapping and Architecture
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Wireframing, Prototyping and Interaction Testing
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Cloud-based Web Design and Development
03
Industrial Design Engineering
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Conceptualization and Product Sketching
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Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design
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3D CAD Modeling, Simulation and Rendering
04
Prototyping and Digital Fabrication
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Machine Tools and Operations on Wood, Metal
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3D Printing, CNC, Vacuum Forming, Laser Cutting
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Circuit Design, Arduino, Mechatronics
05
Biodesign and Sustainable Development
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Biomimicry and Nature-Inspired Design
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Biofabrication and Bioplastic Material Design
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Lifecycle Mapping and Systems
06
Brand and Business Strategy
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Brand Identity, Communications and Engagement
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Positioning, Differentiation and Growth Strategy
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Photography, Multi-Media and Digital Marketing
CLIENTS
Experience
Collaborations