Hi there! I’m Poonam.
My approach to design is continuously shifting, and I’m on a mission to move from human-centred design to humanity-centred design, digging deeper to understand complex systems and relationships that affect important and often ignored areas of inclusion, ethics, and equity.
I spent the last 10 years collaborating with a diverse range of professionals and industries. From designing costumes and textiles to starting my own apparel company and curating a fashion week, to teaching kids art through science, to helping increase job opportunities in India and East Africa – I’ve enjoyed understanding problems and solving them in diverse contexts.
In my free time, I like engaging in first-time experiences, backpacking to learn about people and places, doing origami, and exploring storytelling through photos, videos, and music.
I’d love to meet you!
At 23, I became an entrepreneur. My clothing line went on to win an award by acclaimed fashion magazine Grazia.
I spent a summer volunteering on a farm in Italy and learnt about horticulture, cooking, and Sicilian culture.
I spent a summer learning at the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design Summer School. People with diverse age groups, cultures, and backgrounds came together to solve problems within the United Nations Sustainable Goals.
I love taking pictures and evoking moods through filters and colours. This picture is from a remote part of north-east India.
I like to challenge myself to do things out of my comfort zone. It’s been a key contribution to my growth.
A storytelling exploration I did with two wooden dolls about love and friendship.
I was once part of a 3 ukulele band called The Gummy Bears. There’s always a first time!
I enjoy Origami, paper-crafts and exploring interactions in different dimensions.
Experimental photo series I did inspired by the traditional Indian open-air laundromat. There’s so much invisible art around us!
A flyer from the month-long experimental arts and crafts workshop I curated and facilitated for kids.