Dhairya Sathvara is a seasoned User Researcher, Service Designer, and Design Strategist with over seven years of experience leading cross-disciplinary innovation. 

He specializes in orchestrating the human-centered design process, from in-depth user research to developing, testing, and implementing innovative solutions.

He is currently based out of San Francisco, — where he is setting up his new home, swimming and exploring California.

A graduate of Parsons School of Design with an MS in Strategic Design & Management, Dhairya integrates systemic, ethical, and economic perspectives into his work. 

His academic background, coupled with hands-on experience as a Research and Student Assistant, has given him a deep understanding of design’s potential to drive meaningful change.

Dhairya has led high-performing innovation teams within a prominent brand consulting firm, collaborating with over 20 clients, including Fortune India 500 companies.

His strategic vision has been instrumental in driving transformative design solutions across India and Asia, making a lasting impact in the region's design landscape.

Skills & Interest Areas

  • A seasoned design researcher, Dhairya is adept at crafting impactful user experiences through rigorous, data-driven insights. With a penchant for scrappy design research, he excels at uncovering hidden opportunities through deep ethnographic fieldwork and expert interviewing. Dhairya possesses a unique ability to frame the right research process, ensuring that every insight delivers maximum value. From concept to execution, he partners closely with teams to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations that drive innovation.

  • Dhairya is a strategic design thinker who aligns business objectives with user needs. He excels at crafting compelling brand narratives and translating them into tangible design experiences. With a deep understanding of organizational culture, Dhairya is adept at building high-performing design teams and fostering innovation. He believes in creating human-centered solutions that drive growth and create lasting impact. By focusing on culture, process, and people, Dhairya empowers organizations to achieve their full potential.

  • Dhairya is a venture design expert skilled in turning innovative concepts into thriving businesses. mHis expertise lies in crafting compelling investor pitch decks that clearly articulate value propositions and market potential. Through rigorous validation testing, he identifies opportunities and mitigates risks. Dhairya excels in building high-performing teams and designing organizational structures to optimize growth and efficiency. With a focus on user-centric design, he creates exceptional customer experiences that drive market share and profitability.

  • Dhairya is a service design expert focused on creating seamless and delightful customer experiences. By employing techniques like customer journey mapping and service blueprinting, he identifies opportunities to optimize service delivery and enhance customer satisfaction. Dhairya excels at crafting comprehensive current and future state service blueprints that visualize the entire service ecosystem. His ability to translate complex information into clear and actionable insights empowers organizations to deliver exceptional experiences at every touchpoint.

  • Dhairya is a master storyteller with the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. He transforms complex ideas into engaging stories that inspire and persuade. Through the art of storytelling, Dhairya builds emotional connections and drives action. His expertise in crafting narratives that align with brand values and customer journeys creates memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact.

  • Dhairya is a visionary strategist skilled in predicting future trends and shaping organizational direction. By analyzing data, market dynamics, and emerging technologies, he develops robust forecasts that inform decision-making and drive innovation. His foresight enables organizations to identify opportunities and mitigate risks, ensuring long-term success.

Beyond work Dhairya is a mentor at ADPList, where he shares his expertise with aspiring professionals, guiding them on their career journeys.

His passion for design education extends beyond the workplace as he conducts engaging design workshops at renowned institutions worldwide, inspiring the next generation of designers with his insights on storytelling and future forecasting.

A voracious consumer of new ideas, Dhairya is an avid TEDster, constantly seeking inspiration from global thought leaders.

Moreover, his commitment to creating a more inclusive tech industry is evident through his involvement as a mentor with Out in Tech.

  • "Execution, execution, execution: defined as getting your hands dirty by Ram Charan, the Indian born globe trotting management guru, has underlined execution as the key weakness in Indian Managers. Dhairya excels at this. He persists till the job is done. He persists until the costs are within control. He persists till the final finish is up to scratch."

    Kiran Khalap, Managing Director at Chlorophyll Brand & Communications Consultacy