Shachi P

I’m Shachi Parmar—a design educator, strategist, and facilitator passionate about shaping inclusive futures through human-centered design, UX strategy, and social innovation. I work at the intersection of education, industry, and community to bring design thinking into spaces where it can make a tangible difference: classrooms, boardrooms, grassroots initiatives, and digital products. My journey spans 14+ years across India, Ireland, and Aotearoa New Zealand, shaping how I approach empathy, systems thinking, and co-creation across cultural and social contexts. What I Do: My core practice lies in teaching and facilitating design thinking, UX research, and ethical branding within higher education and startup ecosystems. I currently lecture in marketing and innovation at Yoobee Colleges, while also contributing to program development and executive education at MIT ID Innovation (India). I’ve taught and mentored over 2,000 students, designed 10+ future-focused curricula, and advised 50+ startups and businesses across domains like gaming, climate tech, blockchain, and e-commerce. I specialise in: Embedding human-centered design in business, branding, and entrepreneurship education Designing inclusive curricula that reflect DEI and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles Facilitating design sprints and workshops that bring together diverse voices Guiding early-stage entrepreneurs in aligning product thinking with ethical UX My workshops are often hybrid: equal parts facilitation and unlearning, filled with sticky notes, open-ended questions, and laughter. I believe in designing with, not for—and centering voices often excluded from the conversation. My Human-Centered Design Alignment Human-Centered Design (HCD), for me, isn’t a process on a whiteboard—it’s a mindset rooted in listening, humility, and reimagining systems. My work is deeply aligned with HCD values: Empathy and Context: My cross-cultural experience allows me to design and teach with a global lens, exploring how different communities perceive and participate in design. I often start workshops with culture-mapping and storytelling exercises that highlight lived realities. Co-Creation and Accessibility: Whether developing a design thinking module or mentoring a social startup, I embed collaboration and accessibility. From gamifying assessments for neurodiverse learners to mentoring refugee entrepreneurs—I advocate for systems that don’t just look good, but include well. Systems Thinking: As a facilitator with TU Dublin's Climate-KIC and Green Week programs, I’ve worked on sustainability-focused innovation challenges. This work reinforced my belief in designing for regenerative systems—not just linear user journeys. Ethics and Reflection: My teaching integrates critical design, behavioural economics, and reflective practice. I explore how algorithms influence bias, how marketing can uplift or exclude, and how design can be leveraged for justice—not just conversion. Some Highlights Curriculum Designer: I co-designed executive programs on Design Thinking & Digital Transformation for MIT ID Innovation and experience design courses at Kingston University (UK-India). I bring academic rigour and real-world messiness into structured learning. Innovation Facilitator: At TU Dublin, I led cross-disciplinary design sprints on culinary innovation, student wellbeing, digital literacy, and sustainability—creating live prototypes and pathways for institutional change. Speaker and Mentor: I’ve delivered talks and facilitated sessions at TEDx, UXDX Dublin, GEN NZ Unconference, and the Presidents Innovation Hackathon. I regularly mentor student-led projects, accelerator participants, and early-career professionals navigating the design industry. Author and Storyteller: My book Positive Excuses (published by Penguin’s Sandycove) is a creative reflection on motivation, identity, and reclaiming space. I also served as Managing Editor of the Lotus Design Book, championing emerging voices in design. What I Offer I offer a unique fusion of: Cross-cultural design education and workshop facilitation UX, branding, and product thinking for ethical, inclusive growth Coaching and mentorship for creative professionals and social entrepreneurs Public speaking on the intersections of design, identity, and social impact I love working with people and teams who are curious, kind, and committed to change—from design educators rethinking pedagogy to founders building with empathy. Whether you're developing a new product, navigating team dynamics, or designing a course, I’m here to support with frameworks, facilitation, and a lot of sticky notes. Let’s Connect I’m open to collaborations, co-facilitation, speaking gigs, and research opportunities that align with: Inclusive and decolonized design education Cross-cultural UX research and systems thinking Storytelling, ethics, and sustainability in digital innovation Let’s co-create learning spaces, brands, and systems that care—for people, planet, and possibilities.