Aishwarya Mago

User Experience Researcher & Designer

LocOttawa, ON · Canada

Profile

Design as a tool for empowerment — minimal intervention, maximum impact.

I am deeply passionate about addressing global issues such as poverty, homelessness, and lack of access to basic necessities like clean water. Design, to me, isn't just a profession; it's a powerful tool for creating meaningful change. It's about crafting solutions that not only assist but also empower individuals and communities. I firmly believe in providing people with the resources they need to uplift themselves.

I embrace the philosophy of continuous growth and learning, recognising that there's always more to understand and discover, both professionally and personally. My approach to problem-solving is rooted in minimal intervention — striving to tweak systems to maximise impact.

Summary of Qualifications

Research, design, tools, and creative practice — the full stack of a human-centred designer.

UX Research Methods

Human-Centred Design

Data-driven analysis, surveys, structured & semi-structured interviews, affinity mapping, personas, system mapping, opportunity mapping, journey mapping, usability testing, thematic analysis, ethnography, information architecture.

Design Skills

From sketch to ship

Sketching, initial & iterative prototyping, storyboarding, wireframing, design & concept development, rapid prototyping, UI/UX design, product ideation, systems thinking.

Tools & Technical

Design + dev fluency

Illustrator, Miro, Figma, Photoshop, Keyshot, Rhinoceros, HTML5, CSS, basic JavaScript, Visual Studio, Adobe Premiere Pro, Slack, AutoCAD, Google Workspace.

Creative Skills

Stories, sessions, channels

Social media management, video making & editing, storytelling, workshop facilitation.

Achievements

Awards, submissions, and academic recognition.

HUBUB 2024People’s Choice Award at HUBUB 2024 — CityStudio Ottawa.
EDIDA 2021Sofa designed for Saar.tfa submitted to the Elle Décor Awards EDIDA 2021.
Academic TopperTopper in the Bachelor’s entrance exam.

Professional Experience

Government, non-profit, founded studio, and design house — research and design across contexts.

UX Designer & Researcher City of Ottawa Ottawa, ON

2023 — 2024
- Conducted human-centred research to support initiatives for skilled-immigrant integration; analysed user behaviours, identified systemic barriers, and translated findings into actionable solutions that improved user experience.
- Designed and tested interventions, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and ethical compliance under the Ethics Board Canada.
- Presented research insights and recommendations to stakeholders, demonstrating strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills.
Founder & Designer Dhyana — Art & Pottery Studio

2022 — 2023
- Established and led a creative practice combining art, pottery, and meditative workshops, engaging diverse community participants.
- Conducted user feedback sessions to iteratively improve workshop experiences and participant satisfaction; designed inclusive experiences while mentoring participants — showcasing empathy, facilitation, and leadership.
- Managed social media, edited promotional videos, and applied data-informed decision-making to grow engagement.
Designer & Researcher Eco Echo Animal Rescue Foundation Volunteer · Nashik

Feb — Apr · 2023
- Contributed to a research-driven project addressing human–leopard conflict in and around Nashik city. Conducted field research and stakeholder interviews, analysing community behaviours to inform solutions.
- Designed educational materials and interventions, balancing community needs and practical outcomes with collaboration and cultural sensitivity.
Designer · Design Intern Saar.tfa

Jul 2021 — Jan 2022 · Nov 2020 — Jan 2021
- Led design and manufacturing of functional furniture, integrating user-centred insights. Conducted user testing and prototyping, iterating designs based on feedback.
- Collaborated with clients and interior designers to ensure alignment with functional needs and space constraints, demonstrating communication and project-management skills. Supported prototyping, 3D modelling, and research into user needs for a furniture design project.

Case Studies

Five projects across government, community, sanitation, well-being, and furniture.

Government · City of Ottawa

The Canadian Dream Paradox

Skilled-immigrant integration · HUBUB 2024 People’s Choice

Conducted interviews, surveys, and usability testing to identify employment barriers; created personas, journey maps, and empathy maps to guide interventions.
Designed and tested human-centred solutions empowering job seekers.
Presented findings to stakeholders, demonstrating effective communication and collaboration.

Read full case study →

Cultural · Maharashtra

Changing ‘Chumbad’

Warkari community collaboration

Conducted ethnographic research to improve safety and comfort during a 21-day pilgrimage; co-designed culturally embedded, multi-functional products, integrating community feedback.
Produced prototypes and iteratively tested them for usability, comfort, and alignment with traditions — showcasing systems thinking and iterative problem-solving.

Systems · Sanitation

Perspective

Slum sanitation redesign

Conducted interviews and field observations to identify hygiene and safety issues.
Designed and tested prototype solutions, creating local employment opportunities.
Applied human-centred design principles and iterated based on resident feedback — highlighting empathy, collaboration, and analytical thinking.

Read full case study →

Graduation · Well-being

Mehfil

Office-space mood experience

Designed office-space experiences to improve mood and productivity.
Developed UI wireframes, interactive prototypes, and live video demonstrations.
Iteratively tested solutions with users, applying feedback-driven problem-solving and design thinking.

Industrial · Furniture

Saar.tfa — Furniture Design

L-shaped couch · functional + aesthetic

Led development of an L-shaped couch integrating functional and aesthetic principles; conducted user testing and prototyping to refine design and optimise usability.
Collaborated with clients and interior designers to ensure alignment with space and functional needs, demonstrating teamwork and client communication.

Education

Interactive Media Management

Algonquin College · 2024 — 2025
Human-Centred Design

Algonquin College · 2023 — 2024
Bachelor’s in Product Design

2017 — 2023

Volunteering

Member of Rotaract Club, Nashik Youth Force.
Volunteer for CAPCHI — Capital Computer-Human Interaction, a UI/UX community.
Community volunteer for OPMMA · 2024.

View case study: Perspective →

References available on request