One time my mum asked me to arrange some pillows because I’m “the creative one.” The power went straight to my head.

Now I create playful excuses for people to stop overthinking and start making.

Focused Product Designer
Stylized white handwritten script text reading Anushka Patel against a solid black background.
Stylized white handwritten script text reading Anushka Patel against a solid black background.

Sometimes the playful excuse is a prompt that gives someone somewhere to begin. Sometimes it is a rule that removes the pressure of endless choice. Sometimes it is a game that leaves the whole table equally confused.

Whatever the form, my work explores what helps people feel comfortable enough to join in.

I use play to design the conditions around participation: how people are invited in, where they begin and how much pressure they feel to get it right.

Smiling young woman with long dark wavy hair wearing a black cardigan and gold necklaces against a grey background.
Smiling young woman with long dark wavy hair wearing a black cardigan and gold necklaces against a grey background.
A simple black and white child-like line drawing of a smiling figure inside a white circle.
A simple black and white child-like line drawing of a smiling figure inside a white circle.

A lot of paper, even more arrows and one clear pattern: people, play and participation.

How I See the World graphic with sticky notes for Noticing, Inviting, and Enabling through design and interaction.
How I See the World graphic with sticky notes for Noticing, Inviting, and Enabling through design and interaction.

My Design Approach

Four distinct cyan-colored abstract digital brush strokes and dots isolated on a solid black background.
Four distinct cyan-colored abstract digital brush strokes and dots isolated on a solid black background.
A simple black and white child-like line drawing of a smiling figure inside a white circle.
A simple black and white child-like line drawing of a smiling figure inside a white circle.
Lit A Bit Differently
Abstract geometric art on a black background featuring colorful shapes and winding grey lines.
Abstract geometric art on a black background featuring colorful shapes and winding grey lines.
White handwritten text on a black background reading What it Becomes in a stylish cursive font.
White handwritten text on a black background reading What it Becomes in a stylish cursive font.
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When We Start Making Things Up

I’m very easy to talk to, so please do!

Tell me about a project, an idea, an opportunity, or what you ate for dinner.

I’d love to hear about it all.