Soumya Basnet

Finally, as we talked about, commuting two days a week from Denholme might be challenging for me. I hope there can be some flexibility regarding the frequency of travel required for the role.

 I am a UX designer, passionate about problem-solving, storytelling, and creating immersive user-centric experiences driven by research and business needs. I have 8 years of industry experience, wherein I had the opportunity to work in various countries, such as France, Germany, India, and the UK, with a primary focus on the retail and health sectors.   

In my recent role as a UX designer at Pharmacy 2U, I have been instrumental in redesigning and optimising user journeys across their digital platforms. With a strong background in design thinking methodologies and extensive experience leading of experience of design for physical environments, I have seamlessly transitioned my skills to the digital realm. I bring a unique combination of UI design skills and visual storytelling abilities to create compelling user experiences. I excel in problem-solving and thrive in the end-to-end design lifecycle, leveraging my diverse skill set to deliver outstanding results.

I am well equipped with design thinking methodologies, research, and analytical techniques and can help with design thinking across the whole design life-cycle. I also do a bit of coding using developer’s tools, which helps me work closely with developers till their final execution. I can communicate with both technical and nontechnical people and cross-functionally collaborate across teams.  

I am currently on the lookout for an exciting opportunity that is hands-on and challenging and am looking to join immediately.

UX Designer, Pharmacy2U, Leeds, United Kingdom, Feb 22’ - May 23’

• Analyzed trends and best practices through third-party research, interviews, and usability tests to inform design decisions
• Created wireframes, interactive prototypes, and user flows to effectively communicate design concepts and validate ideas
• Utilized information architecture principles to enhance user navigation on the P2U website
• Developed optimized user journeys, including registration and checkout processes, for Pharmacy2U and Chemist Direct websites on both desktop and mobile platforms
• Created a responsive modular design system for health tools and widgets, ensuring adaptability for future service introductions
• Collaborated closely with developers to ensure seamless implementation and resolve design challenges
• Designed UI components using a design library and UI patterns, developed creatives, and designed an icon suite for the website launch.

User Experience Designer & Illustrator, Freelance, Denholme, United Kingdom, Nov 19’ – Jan 22

• Conducted research and website design, designed logo, branding, and collaterals for Polaris Energy Solutions, a sustainable energy solutions company based in Yorkshire
• Built and deployed weather forecast apps using JavaScript and React, currently live on Netlify
• Created illustrations for commissioned projects, including packaging, interiors, and online shops
• Illustrated and published the children's book, "Red Rock Road," in collaboration with a New York-based author during the lockdown

Experience Designer, Foley Design Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore, India Sep 17’- Aug 19’

• Conducted research, and led design, execution, and user tests for an office furniture range at WIPRO Ltd., prioritizing collaboration enhancement
• led research, design, and execution of  brand retail experience store for DUROFLEX Mattress in Bangalore
• Developed FF&E (furniture, fixtures, equipment) and brand displays for alcohol brands such as Grand Royale, Burma, and India
• Designed and installed a blown glass installation at Jaquar HQ in New Delhi
• Conducted research, designed and executed a brand experience cafe for Goli Vada Pav in Mumbai

Experience Designer, Idiom Design and Consulting Bangalore, India Mar 16’- Aug 17’

• Led team in conducting 1-2-1 user surveys, research, design, and execution of brand experiences in large format retail stores, specifically Brand Factory for The Future Group Pvt. Ltd. (100 stores, 4 floors)
• Collaborated cross-functionally to develop user-centered designs and optimize user experience in co-working spaces across Mumbai and Bangalore offices, fostering collaboration and productivity
• Designed and implemented FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) and fit-outs to enhance user experience and align with the brand's identity.

Experience Designer Rajeev Sethi Scenographers Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, India Sep 14’– Aug 15’

• Contributed to research, design, and execution of large-scale installations using indigenous art and craft of India which covers a total area of 3.2 kilometers for the installations for JayaHe, GVK, New Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, India
• Collaborated with artisans, craftspeople, and designers nationwide 
• Conducted research, design, and execution of installations for Hyatt Residency in Ahmedabad and Delhi

Experience Designer Design Innovation and Craft Research Centre Ahmedabad, India Dec 10’ – Dec 11’

• Conducted research and designed innovative modern spatial elements using indigenous arts and crafts of India
• Coordinated workshops and exhibitions to showcase the products
• Designed books and brochures for the exhibitions
• Partially illustrated two published books: "Matra: Ways of Measuring Vernacular Built Forms of Himachal Pradesh" and "Prathaa: Kath-Khuni Architecture of Himachal Pradesh", which won 1st prize for Zumtobel Group Award

• Masters in Arts, Narrative Environments, Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, University of the Arts, London, UK Sept 12’ – Jul 14‘
• Bachelor in Interior Design, School of Interior Design, CEPT University, Gujarat, India. Jul 05’ – Feb 11’, 
• Book illustration, Short course, Chelsea College of Art,, University of the Arts, London, UK Aug 15’