During my research internship at ZLabs (Research Wing),ZOHO, Chennai, I had the opportunity to bridge my academic learning from Manchester Metropolitan University with real-world challenges in a tech-driven environment. Working with the Research Wing of 30+ software developers (with 2–10 years of experience), I explored how design thinking could add value in a company known primarily for its engineering expertise.
Facilitating this workshop reaffirmed my belief that design transcends disciplines. Whether it’s a built space or a conceptual framework, the essence lies in creating clarity and connection. This experience honed my skills in facilitation, visual strategy, and systems thinking — bridging my architectural understanding of space with my evolving interest in product and communication design.
Type : Workshop Facilitation
Location: Chennai, India
Year : 2024
Team: Z Labs(Research Wing), Zoho
Role: User Research Intern
Roles Performed : Workshop Facilitation
IMPACT & REFLECTIONS
DESIGN EVOLUTION
MATERIAL LANGUAGE
Drawing from my background in architecture and interior design, I approached this challenge much like designing a space — one that encouraged interaction, collaboration, and curiosity. The workshop was structured to shift participants from analytical to intuitive thinking, helping them translate abstract concepts into simple, shareable visuals.
Instead of tangible materials, our medium was thought and communication. Pens, sticky notes, and sketchpads became tools for constructing meaning — much like how spatial designers use material to express function. The tactile nature of drawing helped participants connect logic with intuition, transforming dense information into fluid visuals.
After discussing with the manager, I was encouraged to draw upon my artistic background to help the team think more visually. Building on our first-semester Design Thinking learnings, I collaborated with the team to identify key challenges and developed a plan to conduct a Visual Thinking Workshop aimed at enhancing creative problem-solving across the group.
FINAL OUTCOME
WHAT HAPPENED
By the end, participants had not only produced a visual library but also adopted a new mindset: that design isn’t just aesthetic—it’s a problem-solving process applicable to any field. Communication within teams became quicker and more intuitive, with developers beginning to implement visual frameworks in their daily workflow.
The workshop evolved into a collaborative environment where ideas flowed visually rather than verbally. Over two hours, more than 75 icons were created, representing complex internal processes in a way that anyone in the team could instantly understand. What began as a set of exercises turned into a shared visual vocabulary — a product of collective design thinking.
