Sandeep Nandi

Prof. Siddhartha is a design professional and academician with over seven years of professional engagement across diverse product and service domains spanning technology, mobility, e-commerce, and education. His academic background reflects both breadth and excellence, with a Diploma in Fashion Photography, a BFA in Applied Arts from Pune University as a university rank-holder, and a first-class Master of Design.

He has worked across corporate and non-profit projects with organizations such as Plan B Enterprises, Tata Motors, Decathlon, BSNL, and the Delhi Government. In the EdTech sector, he has served as a UX Researcher and Corporate Trainer. Earlier in his career, he worked as a fashion photographer with global brands such as Kenneth Cole and L'Oréal, enriching his visual storytelling and design sensibilities.

Before joining UPES, he was associated with MIT-ID, Unitedworld Institute of Design, and Mody University, and also served as a visiting professor at multiple design schools across India. He has mentored over 100 students who now contribute to leading organizations including IBM, Airbus, Boeing, NetBramha, Post Office Studios, and Microsoft.

Prof. Siddhartha brings rich experience across academia and industry. As an Assistant Professor (Senior-Scale) at UPES and former faculty member at MIT-ID, he has contributed to curriculum development and academic governance. He has taught and designed courses in User Experience Design, Interaction Design, and Communication and Visual Experience Design, while also serving on the Board of Studies and Academic Council at MIT-ID.

His industry experience includes roles as Lead Researcher, UX Architect, Corporate Trainer, and Fashion Photographer. He has facilitated national design workshops and co-founded Mint Design Studio (Karnataka) and Basweshwar Design Studio Pvt. Ltd. (Maharashtra).

User Research | User Experience Design | Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) | Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) | Accessibility | Inclusive Design | Design Systems | Visual Functionality | Digital Financial Services (DFS) | Human-Centred Innovation

Prof. Siddhartha's teaching philosophy is rooted in Anand (Joy), Chikirsha (Will), and Jigyasa (Curiosity). He believes learning becomes meaningful when students experience joy, cultivate intrinsic motivation, and remain curious explorers.

His integrative teaching approach connects concepts with real-world contexts, enabling students to relate deeply to the subject matter. Through a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment, he positions himself as a co-traveller in their learning journey, encouraging accountability, reflective practice, and ownership of design outcomes.

User Research | UX Research | User-Centered Design | Design Thinking | Usability Testing | Cognitive Psychology | Research Methodology | UX Design | Interaction Design | Service Design | Information Architecture | User Interface | Information Design | Visual Experience Design | Communication Design | Corporate Identity Design | Advertising & Communication

Recipient of the Extra Mile Award (UI/UX) at Design Hackathon India, DQ Labs, recognized for outstanding contribution as Design Faculty. Honored with the Best Faculty in Teaching (Student's Choice) award for excellence in pedagogy and student engagement. Awarded Best Faculty for Innovative Teaching Methods and Academic Responsibilities for implementing creative teaching strategies and academic leadership.

Prof. Siddhartha's scholarly work focuses on advancing inclusive, human-centered, and socially responsible design practices. His research spans Universal Design, User Experience Design, Design Systems, Design for Special Needs, Visual Functionality, Digital Financial Services, Social Design, and Design for Social Responsibility.

He has actively contributed to curriculum development by integrating research-led insights into B.Des. and M.Des. programs and promoting project-based, experiential learning. He has mentored students in research methodologies such as user-centered research, usability testing, and evaluation of interaction systems.

His academic pursuits bridge theory and practice by combining insights from cognitive psychology, design thinking, and social innovation to inform strategies that enhance user experience, societal well-being, and inclusive technological adoption.

Email: siddhartha1@ddn.upes.ac.in