Namaste, I am Nandini and I work as a User Experience Designer with Cisco Systems in San Jose, California. I am responsible for the user experience of multiple Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) related products. Creating efficient design solutions, where the data and the constant flow of information must be visualized and structured in the UI in order to optimize the user experience for network professionals. My role includes giving higher importance to common design language and system to get consistency amongst all the ACI related applications. I work with UI developers and backend engineers for the best usability and effectiveness of the products while understanding technical limitations. Back in 2011, I graduated with Bachelors in Electronics and Communication Engineering and worked as a Senior Software Engineer with Infosys Ltd for about three and a half years. 2016 was a turning point in my career. I realized that I am a creative enthusiast who gets fascinated by the thought of solving complex problems and the irony that the solution has to be simple. Hence, I got an opportunity to convert my passion into a job that I love and could pursue day and night. 💛 The transition was not easy but there were a lot of people along the way who helped me with this journey and made it successful. I am really excited to help fellow UXers in this journey to get that first kick start in the real world by using my experiences and learning something new from them in the process. Thank you The Mentoring Club for this opportunity to give back to the community. 😇
My Mentoring Topics
- UX Interview Tips
- UX Interview Prep Topics
- UX Design
- Portfolio Review
- Prototyping
- Wireframing
- Visual Design
M.
22.November 2021Nandini was very helpful and answered all the questions I had regarding her experience and interviewing in UX design. She was very kind and thorough.
H.
21.November 2021I have been very pleased with the mentoring session, Nandini helped me a lot to validate my idea and answered all my questions. Thank you for your time and information Nandini I really appreciate it.
S.
13.September 2021Dear Nandini, thanks again for taking the time for our recent mentoring session. I really appreciated that you actively listened to me explaining my situation and the different options arising from it. Your assessment of it and the advice you gave, based on the experiences of your own journey, were very helpful for me. Especially as it provided me a better understanding on the skills and level of experience the job market currently demands of UX Designers. It was also very cool that you were committed to use the remaining time to support me in issues apart from the questions I had prepared in advance. Keep up the good work! All the best, Sabrina
M.
21.July 2021It was super useful, thank you very much. Really appreciated the Linkedin job search tips and your feedback on my Linked In profile and portfolio.
M.
4.July 2021Nandini, is really really essential if you wanna have great visual design even as bloody beginner like me. Other than that she‘s just a really nice person to talk to.
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The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
Key Facts and Insights Theme of Guilt and Redemption: The protagonist, Amir, grapples with guilt over betraying his friend and seeks redemption throughout the story. Depiction of Afghan History: The novel provides a vivid portrayal of Afghanistan's turbulent history, including the fall of monarchy, Soviet invasion, and rise of Taliban regime. Class and Ethnic Tensions: The story explores the societal divisions and tensions between Pashtuns and Hazaras, the two main ethnic groups in Afghanistan. Theme of Father-Son Relationships: The complex relationship between fathers and sons, as personified by Baba and Amir, and Ali and Hassan, is a central theme of the novel. Symbolism of the Kite: Kites symbolize freedom, joy, but also guilt and betrayal in the narrative. Violence and its Consequences: The book explores the physical and psychological effects of violence, both on a personal and national level. Immigrant Experience: The novel delves into the struggles and challenges faced by immigrants, as seen through Amir's life in America. Power of Storytelling: The narrative emphasizes the transformative and healing power of storytelling. Religion and Morality: The book examines the concept of morality in the light of Islam and personal beliefs. Theme of Brotherhood: The story presents a powerful narrative on the bonds of brotherhood, transcending societal norms and barriers. An In-Depth Analysis of The Kite Runner "The Kite Runner" is a riveting tale embedded with profound themes and symbols that not only narrate a captivating story but also offer deep insights into human nature, societal divisions, and historical events that shaped Afghanistan. Guilt and Redemption are the driving forces behind the protagonist, Amir's actions. His guilt over betraying his childhood friend Hassan, a Hazara boy who is also his half-brother, and his subsequent quest for redemption forms the backbone of the narrative. The kite, which symbolizes their shared happiness, also becomes a symbol of Amir's guilt when he fails to intervene as Hassan is assaulted. This guilt haunts Amir well into his adulthood and propels him back to a tumultuous Afghanistan to find redemption. The novel provides a visceral portrayal of Afghan history. It elegantly captures the tranquil days of the monarchy, the horror of the Soviet invasion, the brutal rule of the Taliban, and the aftermath. These historical events serve as more than just a backdrop, they actively shape the characters and their destinies. One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of class and ethnic tensions. The relationship between Amir, a Pashtun, and Hassan, a Hazara, illuminates the deep-seated prejudices and discrimination that exist in Afghan society. This societal divide contributes to Amir's guilt and shapes his path towards redemption. The complex father-son dynamics are another significant theme. The strained relationship between Amir and his father, Baba, stems from Amir's perception of not living up to his father's expectations. Conversely, Baba's guilt over his illegitimate son Hassan further complicates their relationship. The book insightfully portrays how these relationships evolve with time and circumstances. The novel also delves into the immigrant experience, as seen through Amir and Baba's life in America. It captures the struggles of adapting to a new culture, the longing for the homeland, and the challenges of forming a new identity. Violence and its consequences are another central theme. The violence inflicted upon Afghanistan and its people, as well as the personal violence suffered by characters like Hassan and Sohrab, serves to demonstrate the long-lasting effects of trauma. The power of storytelling is a recurring motif. The stories within the book, told by characters like Rahim Khan and Amir, become a means of understanding, healing, and redemption. The narrative also probes into the concept of religion and morality. It explores how characters grapple with their faith, and how their moral choices are influenced by their understanding of Islam and personal beliefs. Through exploring the profound bond between Amir and Hassan, the book underscores the powerful theme of brotherhood. Despite the societal norms and barriers, their bond endures, underscoring the timeless and universal nature of such relationships. In conclusion, "The Kite Runner" is a deeply moving narrative that explores themes of guilt, redemption, societal divisions, father-son relationships, and the power of storytelling. It serves as a window into a country ravaged by war and a testament to the enduring human spirit. By delving into these themes and insights, the readers can acquire a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and societal dynamics.
ViewThe God of Small Things
Arundhati Roy
Key Facts and Insights from "The God of Small Things" Exploration of the Post-colonial Indian Society: The book provides a vivid depiction of the post-colonial Indian society with its entrenched caste system and socio-economic disparities. Non-linear Narrative: The novel's non-linear narrative style provides an intricate account of the story, revealing its many facets in a disjointed, but masterful manner. Importance of Small Things: The title itself suggests the significance of seemingly trivial aspects of life, which often hold profound meanings. Concept of Love and Sexuality: The novel boldly explores love and sexuality in all its forms, defying conventional norms and societal constraints. Communalism and Religious Polarization: The book critically examines the impacts of communalism and religious polarization within the society. Power Dynamics: The novel delves into the power dynamics at play within families, communities, and the larger society. Impact of Western Influence: The story discusses the influence of westernization on Indian society, both positive and negative. Environmental Activism: The author, an ardent environmental activist, subtly weaves ecological concerns into the narrative. Language and Communication: The book highlights the role of language in shaping perceptions and communication within and across cultures. Childhood Trauma: The book provides a deep insight into the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. Theme of Loss: The overarching theme of loss, both physical and emotional, runs through the narrative. An In-Depth Analysis of "The God of Small Things" Set in Ayemenem, Kerala, "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy is a poignant narrative that delves into the intricacies of human life, love, and loss, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing post-colonial Indian society. The novel primarily revolves around fraternal twins, Rahel and Estha, their complex childhood experiences, and their reunion as adults. The story unfolds through a non-linear narrative, oscillating between past and present, painting a vivid picture of the characters' lives. Roy's exploration of the post-colonial Indian society serves as a critical backdrop for the story. She meticulously describes the rigid caste system, socio-economic disparities, and the impact of western influence on the Indian society. The 'touchable' and 'untouchable' divide, as well as the society's attitude towards Anglo-Indians, highlight the deeply ingrained prejudices prevalent during the period. At its core, the novel explores the concept of love and sexuality, challenging societal norms. It presents love in various forms - the forbidden love between Ammu (the twins' mother) and Velutha (an untouchable), the complicated relationship between Sophie Mol and the twins, and the incestuous relationship between Rahel and Estha. These relationships, although controversial, are portrayed with great sensitivity. Power dynamics are present at various levels – within the family, where Pappachi's moth symbolizes his unfulfilled aspirations and Mammachi's blindness represents her ignorance towards her husband's abusive behavior; within the community, where Baby Kochamma wields power through manipulation and deceit; and within the society at large, where the caste system and colonialism dictate power structures. The novel also brings to the fore the issues of communalism and religious polarization. It portrays the tensions between various religious communities and how these divisions impact individuals and families. Environmental activism, a cause close to Roy's heart, subtly finds its way into the narrative. The author describes the natural beauty of Ayemenem, while also hinting at the devastating impacts of human activities on the environment. Language and communication play a significant role in the narrative. The use of 'Malglish' (a mix of Malayalam and English) showcases the linguistic diversity of India and reflects the impact of colonization. The book provides a deep insight into the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma, manifested in the lives of Rahel and Estha. Their traumatic experiences shape their identities and influence their actions as adults. Lastly, the theme of loss permeates through the narrative. Each character experiences loss - loss of innocence, love, identity, life, and even sanity. Through this, the novel underscores the fragility of human life and the profound impact of personal losses. In conclusion, "The God of Small Things" is a rich tapestry of complex themes, brilliantly woven together by Roy's masterful storytelling. The novel delves into the depths of human emotions, societal norms, and the imperfections of life, providing readers with a wealth of insights to ponder upon.
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A.
25.February 2024Thank you, Nandini, for generously sharing your time, even while feeling under the weather! Your insights into your background, your current role at Cisco, and the valuable feedback you provided on my first flow chart were very helpful. I'm excited to expand the flow chart and further build out my app feature. I look forward to chatting with you again soon!