A world without creativity is like a Harry Potter’s novel without magic. Having been involved in the field of design for over seven years, I frequently embark on a quest to discover new and innovative solutions to the unique challenges that come my way.
By day, I am a UX designer, while my evenings are devoted to my passion for painting. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Human Centered Design and Engineering at the esteemed University of Washington in Seattle. In addition to this, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Communication Design and a Master's degree in Visual Design.
Prior to joining the University of Washington, I served as an Interaction Designer with the UX Consulting Team at ValueLabs, and also worked as a Visual Designer with Dorling Kindersley books.
When I'm not engrossed in my work, I take pleasure in traveling, meeting new people, taking photographs, and indulging in my love for food. As a painter, you will often find me engrossed in my canvas, lost in the act of creation.
Status: Published
Crafted visual design experience for 50+ travel books impacting readers of all ages around the globe
Dorling Kindersley
Designing books for thousands of people across different age groups
In my role as a book designer at DK Books, I've had the privilege of crafting visually appealing and engaging layouts for a diverse global audience. Over the span of two years, I've worked on a variety of projects catering to readers of all ages and backgrounds, from captivating children's picture books to informative travel guides for adults.
My responsibilities included designing jackets, creating style guides and illustrations, as well as crafting spreads. This experience has allowed me to refine my skills in tailoring designs to the unique preferences and interests of each target audience.
DK EYEWITNESS
DK EYEWITNESS LIKE A LOCAL
DK EYEWITNESS TOP 10
Design Objectives
Our core principle was to ensure that our spreads inspire people to visit the depicted location. We pursued diversity in images, including captivating angles, highlighting key details, showcasing various demographics, and incorporating a balanced mix of interior, exterior, and intricate shots. Authenticity was paramount to avoid misrepresentation.
Additionally, we strived for uniqueness in each spread, infusing abundant creativity and flair to make each design distinct. Our goal was for every spread to stand out, creating its own unique essence.
Consistency across all our design work.
Reworked on the workflow across teams for efficient delivery of work.
Reimagined all the elements in the style guide across different book series.
Digitalization of books in a form of audiobooks and online assets to cater to a wide variety of audience.
DK EYEWITNESS TOP 10 SERIES
The DK Eyewitness Top 10 series excels in presenting information visually and navigably. Packed with stunning photography, detailed maps, and insightful descriptions, these guides cover a broad range of topics, including historical landmarks, cultural insights, and hidden gems.
In my two-year involvement with the series, I contributed to redesigning over 40 books. Leading the design of a fresh style guide, I played a key role in unifying the design systems across the travel team. My focus on both big-picture concepts and intricate details facilitated the introduction of a new color palette and the creation of a comprehensive library of assets, ensuring scalability for years to come. Here are some of the Top 10 series books I take pride in.
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DK EYEWITNESS LIKE A LOCAL
The DK Eyewitness Like a Local series offers an insider's perspective on travel, focusing on lesser-known neighborhoods, offbeat attractions, and unique experiences often overlooked by mainstream guides. Readers discover local markets, quirky cafes, and cultural events that capture the authentic spirit of a destination, revealing its true essence.
I played a crucial role in the series' 2019 inception, contributing to the initial storyboarding, template development, and defining styles for icons and illustrations. Our collaborative efforts resulted in the development of a cohesive visual style carried throughout the entire book series. Below is an example of our initial brainstorming illustration and iconography.
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DK EYEWITNESS
SERIES
The DK Eyewitness Travel Guide series offers comprehensive and visually engaging information on global destinations, covering countries, cities, regions, and attractions. Known for its emphasis on visual presentation, each guidebook features high-quality images, colorful maps, and detailed diagrams, enhancing both the reading experience and travel planning.
In my two-year tenure, I contributed to over 10 books in the series. Being part of a team crafting visually stunning and informative guides fulfilled my dream as a designer and travel enthusiast. Researching each location's unique characteristics, from history to local traditions, expanded my knowledge and deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures.
Witnessing the transformation from concept to printed guidebook was one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
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Work experience at DK Eyewitness Travel team in India
Working with the talented designers, authors, and editors at DK Eyewitness Travel was both inspiring and enriching. The designers showcased not only exceptional skills but also a keen eye for aesthetics and detail, ensuring each page was visually captivating.
Editors played a vital role in refining content, maintaining accuracy, and ensuring engagement. Collaborating with them allowed me to optimize design and visuals for an enhanced reader experience.
The team's collaborative spirit fostered creativity and mutual respect, with open sharing of ideas and constructive feedback. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives enriched the guidebooks, creating a supportive and inspiring environment.
Takeaways & Reflection
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CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY
The project focused on establishing scalable elements such as color guidelines, a cohesive design language, and templates. Despite requiring significant effort and resources, this groundwork ensures consistent and unified presence for both the team and the brand over time.
MAKE AN IMPACT
As lead designer for the DK Eyewitness Top 10 series' style guide, I deepened my understanding of the series and expanded my expertise. This role established me as a key resource for series-related inquiries, enhancing my leadership skills, and earning consecutive awards for my impactful contributions.