Tejaswini Nagesh
Experimental designer with expertise in systems thinking, design research, and industrial design. I combine analytical frameworks with hands-on making to create innovative solutions for complex challenges.
Approach & Philosophy
My work is driven by a deep curiosity and experimental mindset. I believe in learning through making, testing ideas through rapid prototyping, and embracing an iterative approach to design. By combining systems thinking with hands-on fabrication, I create solutions that address both immediate needs and systemic challenges.
Experimental Process
I embrace uncertainty and use experimentation as a tool for discovery. My process involves rapid prototyping, material exploration, and iterative testing to uncover unexpected solutions.
Systems Perspective
I approach complex problems by mapping relationships, identifying patterns, and finding leverage points where small interventions can create significant impact.
Making & Fabrication
With a background in industrial design and mechanical engineering, I bring ideas to life through digital fabrication, physical prototyping, and material exploration.
Experience
Amsterdam Fashion Institute | Researcher
June 2024 – Present | Amsterdam, NL- Led the Loopholes Toolkit initiative under the EU Horizons Project, producing 400+ toolkits to support sustainable transitions in the fashion industry.
- Designed and maintained a GitHub repository to improve accessibility and usability of toolkit resources.
- Developed certification courses on sustainable business practices to help organizations implement long-term environmental strategies.
- Trained AI models to integrate with the Loopholes Toolkit, refining research insights for real-world application.
Digital Society School | Design Researcher, Trainee
Feb 2024 – June 2024 | Amsterdam, NL- EU Horizon project, developing a Toolkit for sustainable transitions in the textile industry by 2030.
- Studied the product development and production processes for toolkit design, focusing on ecological, social, and economic sustainability using SCRUM and AGILE processes.
- Collaborated with a multicultural and multidisciplinary team and successfully managed the project.
WWF | Design Researcher
November 2020 – December 2023 | Tezpur, IN- Led user research to develop site-specific solutions for 165km of high-risk railway sections, using qualitative research (stakeholder interviews, field studies) and quantitative analysis (collision data, landscape factors) to mitigate train-elephant conflicts.
- Collaborated with Indian Railways, the third largest railway network in the world, to integrate sustainable solutions into linear infrastructure, ensuring data-driven decision making.
- Designed and implemented communication strategies to enhance stakeholder engagement, drive community adoption, and facilitate long-term behavioral change for conflict mitigation measures.
- Co-authored, designed and published an official guideline document in collaboration with WWF and the India Forest Department, distributed in 3 different languages across multiple states in India, with 1,000+ copies distributed to promote human-elephant conflict mitigation strategies.
Cardiac Design Labs | Product Designer
April 2020 – November 2020 | Bangalore, IN- Designed a patented wearable technology for vital signs monitoring, including a patented device critical for COVID-19 patient care during staff shortages.
- Led user testing and wearability adaptations, ensuring functionality, usability, and comfort for extended patient use.
- Developed usage models and service solutions tailored to pandemic-related challenges through market research and patient feedback.
- Secured funding from the India Startup Fund, instrumental in developing and deploying 100 wearable units for COVID-19 patient monitoring in hospitals.
Education
Masters in Design
2020National Institute of Design | Ahmedabad, IN
Industrial Design
Bachelors in Engineering
2016V.T.U | Ahmedabad, IN
Mechanical Engineering
Skills
Design & Research
- User Research (Qualitative & Quantitative)
- Systems Mapping & Causal Loop Diagrams
- Participatory Design & Co-creation
- Speculative Design & Future Scenarios
- Design Thinking & Workshop Facilitation
- Service Design & Experience Mapping
- Data Analysis & Visualization
- Agile & Scrum Methodologies
Making & Technical
- 3D Modeling & CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks)
- Digital Fabrication (3D Printing, Laser Cutting)
- Physical Prototyping & Model Making
- Material Exploration & Testing
- Electronics & Physical Computing (Arduino)
- Mechanical Design & Engineering
- Sustainable Materials & Circular Design
- Visualization & Rendering