hi (again)! i'm diya.

I'm a recent UCLA grad with a degree in Cognitive Science (with a specialization in Computing) and a minor in Statistics & Data Science. As of right now, I'm based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

My Design Journey

I started "designing" when I was around 14 by posting collage edits of my favorite lyrics and and artists! It was a therapeutic outlet for self-expression, and I loved seeing other fans connect with my work. Fueled by my interest in psychology, math, and coding (especially the problem-solving aspects) while still craving that creative fulfillment, I naturally gravitated toward product design.

In college, I was a product designer for LA Blueprint, a student-run organization striving to promote public welfare and accessible technology. I also interned at Kardder, an instant networking app. Currently, I am the principal product designer at Rivet, a startup fan community tool for musicians.

My Design Values

Human-Centered Design: I prioritize understanding users' needs, behaviors, and motivations at the core of the design process to create intuitive experiences. I'm also committed to creating accessible designs that consider diverse user perspectives. Design should be impactful for everyone!
Data-Informed Decisions: As a Data Science minor, I balance creativity with strategy, using data and user insights to inform design choices and make sure solutions resonate and drive impact.
Collaboration & Iteration: In my opinion, design should never be done in isolation. I value open collaboration, continuous feedback, and iterative improvements to refine my ideas and achieve the best possible outcome.

Get To Know Me!

I am a huge music and film lover and although my tastes may be a bit basic (I lovee Taylor Swift), I think basic things are popular for a reason! :D I've also developed an obsession with making my own matcha lattes at home — I've experimented with some pretty amazing flavor combos, and it's become somewhat of a daily ritual for me!

A few other things that bring me joy are hiking, basically anything Snoopy-related, and experimenting with fashion and makeup. (I'm in the middle of the 329349th iteration of my dream closet made up of mainly thrifted pieces!)