UX Designer

Hi, I'm Sonali

I believe the best products don't just work well -- they spark something. I design with deep empathy for the people behind the screen, creating enterprise experiences that feel human. Right now I'm designing for AI and enterprise products at Appian.

Get In Touch→
LinkedIn|Open to senior UX roles

Selected Work

Case Studies

AI/MLEnd-to-End UX DesignDocument ProcessingAppian

DocCenter

I shaped the experience for Appian's intelligent document processing platform -- making AI-powered features feel approachable and even enjoyable for users of all skill levels.

View Case Study
DocCenterAI/ML / End-to-End UX Design / Document Processing / Appian
Contract WritingEnterprise UX / Usability Testing / Government / Appian
Appian AI: Generate Sample DataAI UX / End-to-End UX Design / User Research / Appian
Maya's MindUX Research / Accessibility / AI / Healthcare Technology / Graduate Thesis

4 case studies spanning AI, enterprise, and accessibility

Results

Impact by the Numbers

Good design should make people's lives better in ways you can actually see. Here are a few highlights from across my projects.

DocCenter

75K+

Documents processed through DocCenter

DocCenter

45 → 1 day

Audit backlog reduction for a mortgage company using DocCenter

DocCenter

75%

Faster review time on physician statements via DocCenter

Generate Sample Data

98%

Time reduction to generate realistic test data with AI

Background

Experience

User Experience Designer II

Current

Appian Corporation

Jun 2022 - Present

In this role I've had the opportunity to work on both platform and solutions features, supporting multiple agile teams. From running research to shipping production-ready designs for AI, document processing, and government procurement products, I've designed dozens of features end-to-end and helped shape Appian's approach to AI experiences. I also mentor junior designers and regularly lead design critiques.

Design LeadershipAI/ML ProductsDesign SystemsMentorship

Producer, Greenhouse Fellowship

Deloitte Greenhouse

Feb 2021 - Feb 2022

I was selected from 40+ applicants for a competitive 12-month Presidential Greenhouse Fellowship during the 2021 Presidential Transition. My job was to design and facilitate immersive lab experiences for executive-level government clients -- 30+ total. It taught me how to get a room of senior stakeholders aligned around a shared direction, fast.

Experience DesignStakeholder ResearchWorkshop Facilitation

Consultant

Deloitte Consulting

Aug 2019 - May 2022

I led a functional design team that redesigned a state government website used by thousands of citizens to access health benefits. I also supported the development of the National COVID-19 Response Tool through user testing and rapid prototyping. Beyond the design work, I was the Communications Lead managing relationships with 50+ client stakeholders.

UX ResearchPrototypingClient ManagementData Analytics

Education

Master's in UX Design

Maryland Institute College of Art

2021 - 2023

B.S. in Commerce: IT, Marketing, Business Analytics

University of Virginia

2015 - 2019

Skills

Design StrategyAI Prompt EngineeringUser Research & TestingProduct DesignDesign LeadershipCross-functional CollaborationWireframing & PrototypingAI/ML Experience DesignAccessible DesignMentorship & Critiques

Tools

FigmaKiro CLIGeminiv0 by VercelMiroJiraAdobe Creative SuiteSketchCanvaMicrosoft OfficeAppian SAILApple Procreate

Get In Touch

Let's create something people love to use

I'm looking for my next senior UX role -- somewhere I can bring empathy to complex products and help teams create experiences that spark joy for the people who depend on them. If that sounds like your team, I'd love to chat.

ssimhal@gmail.com
Send Email
Find me onLinkedIn
Open to senior UX design roles