Hello & Welcome!
I'm Shadi, a design thinker, team leader, and lifelong art + tech enthusiast. Since 2014, I’ve been passionate about turning complex problems into elegant, intuitive digital experiences. I specialize in UX research, strategy, interaction design, UI design, digital accessibility, and building cohesive design systems. I’ve led design workshops, tackled end-to-end product design challenges, and yes, even made things “pop” when needed.
As a Product Design Manager, I now focus on empowering design teams, shaping product vision, and aligning design with business goals. I thrive on mentoring others, cultivating cross-functional collaboration, and crafting meaningful experiences that deliver real impact.
Outside of design, I find joy in experimenting in the kitchen, nurturing my garden, tuning into thoughtful podcasts, and spending quality time with my dog.
My Story
My journey began in the world of fine arts, where I earned a BA and developed a deep appreciation for visual storytelling and creative expression. Driven by curiosity, I went on to pursue two master's degrees; one in Digital Arts & Media, and the other in Digital Experience Innovation at the University of Waterloo.
Throughout this path, I’ve always been fascinated by both art and technology. Discovering UX felt like finding the perfect intersection of my two lifelong passions. It gave me a space where I could blend aesthetics with function, emotion with logic, and creativity with problem solving.
Before fully transitioning into UX, I spent a few years teaching as a faculty member; sharing my knowledge of art history, philosophy, critique, and digital arts. Eventually, my passion for UX took over. Since then, I’ve been immersed in designing for users, learning constantly, and truly enjoying what I do for a living.
Random Facts
I'm into interior design.
I love to drink green tea.
I love to cook (and eat).
If being organized were an Olympic sport, I'd have a gold medal and a color-coded trophy!
When I'm not busy rearranging furniture or whipping up gourmet meals, you can find me stargazing and pondering the mysteries of the universe; like my own personal episode of Cosmos, with a side of green tea, of course.
Also, my dog thinks he's the boss around here. (He might be right!)
Contact
Whether you want to chat about design, collaborate on something exciting, or just share your favorite green tea blend, I’d love to hear from you.
Feel free to reach out at davarian.shadi@gmail.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shadi-davarian
Let’s make something great together.