About Me
Hi, I'm Sonali
I’m a product designer driven by a simple goal: making technology feel less like a barrier and more like a bridge. I care deeply about people and their stories, and I believe that the best products are the ones that actually meet users where they are. My work is focused on creating accessible, thoughtful experiences that improve lives by making complex systems easy for everyone to navigate.
6+
Years in UX & Design
20+
Features Shipped
8
Agile Teams Supported
My Story
I didn't take the straight path to UX. I started in strategic consulting at Deloitte, where I got to work on all sorts of problems -- from redesigning government websites to helping build the National COVID-19 Response Tool. Somewhere in the middle of that, I realized the work I loved most was the design work: figuring out how people actually use things and making those things better.
So I went to grad school at Maryland Institute College of Art, got my Master's in UX Design, and made the switch. Now I'm at Appian, where I've had the opportunity to work on multiple teams across Process Automation, AI, and Government Solutions. The common thread? Complex systems that real people have to use every day.
What drives me is empathy -- not as a buzzword, but as a daily practice. I talk to users, I sit with their frustrations, and then I design something that respects their time, their intelligence, and maybe even brings a small moment of delight to their day. I think people deserve to feel good using the tools they depend on, even at work.
Outside of work you can find me:
Learning to take aesthetic pictures
Living in sunny San Diego makes this easier!
Exploring coffee shops
Chasing good vibes and great cold brew
Reading thrillers
My Kindle is one of my most prized possessions
Hanging out at home
Quality time with my husband
How I Work
Listen first, design second
I don't jump to wireframes. I start by understanding the people -- their frustrations, their workarounds, the moments that drain their energy. That empathy shapes every decision I make.
Design with engineering, not just for them
The best work I've done has come from sitting side-by-side with engineers and PMs. I care about what's buildable, and I think that makes the designs better, not worse.
Ship, learn, make it better
I'd rather get something in front of users and watch their reactions than spend months polishing in isolation. The joy is in seeing someone use what you built and it just clicking.
Ask Me About
Conversation starters for our next chat
Designing AI features that users actually trust
Why I think enterprise software deserves more joy
Navigating accessibility in government tech
My thesis research on autism care coordination
The best cold brew in San Diego (I have opinions)
Thriller book recommendations that will keep you up at night
How consulting taught me to present to skeptical stakeholders
Photography tips from someone still figuring it out
Design Interests
Let's Connect
I'm always happy to talk -- whether it's about a role, a tricky design challenge, or just swapping notes on what we're learning.