My Skills
Over the past decade, I’ve honed a diverse set of skills that shape every part of my design process, spanning roles across both the public and private sectors. From deep user research to crafting intuitive interfaces, my expertise lies in creating meaningful, user-friendly, and delightful experiences. Below are the core skills driving my approach to impactful design:
User Research
Empathy and data-driven insights guide my process, ensuring user needs are at the heart of every solution.
Storytelling
I build compelling user journeys and roadmaps that align business goals with user needs.
Problem-Solving
I excel at turning ambiguity into innovation, delivering practical, impactful solutions.
Design Systems
Experienced in creating and maintaining design systems that ensure consistency across digital platforms.
Visual Design
Expertise in typography, color, layout, iconography, and motion design allows me to craft visually engaging and intuitive experiences.
Accessibility
I prioritize WCAG-compliant standards to design inclusive experiences for all users.
Stakeholder Management
I collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, driving clarity, alignment, and project success.
End-to-End Design
From ideation to delivery, I bring concepts to life through wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
Purva Sawant - Senior Product Designer, Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Brand Strategist working at the intersection of Social Innovation, Visual Arts and Human-Centered Design.
Purva Sawant - Senior Product Designer, Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Brand Strategist working at the intersection of Social Innovation, Visual Arts and Human-Centered Design.
My Skills
Over the past decade, I’ve honed a diverse set of skills that shape every part of my design process, spanning roles across both the public and private sectors. From deep user research to crafting intuitive interfaces, my expertise lies in creating meaningful, user-friendly, and delightful experiences. Below are the core skills driving my approach to impactful design:
User Research
Empathy and data-driven insights guide my process, ensuring user needs are at the heart of every solution.
Problem-Solving
I excel at turning ambiguity into innovation, delivering practical, impactful solutions.
Visual Design
Expertise in typography, color, layout, iconography, and motion design allows me to craft visually engaging and intuitive experiences.
Stakeholder Management
I collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, driving clarity, alignment, and project success.
Storytelling
I build compelling user journeys and roadmaps that align business goals with user needs.
Design Systems
Experienced in creating and maintaining design systems that ensure consistency across digital platforms.
Accessibility
I prioritize WCAG-compliant standards to design inclusive experiences for all users.
End-to-End Design
From ideation to delivery, I bring concepts to life through wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
About me
About me
New York, NY
I’m a Senior Product Designer driven by a passion for tackling complex, ambiguous problems through user-centered design. With over a decade of experience in visual design, systems thinking, and innovation, I’ve partnered with the United Nations, UNICEF, and UNDP to solve high-impact challenges affecting millions worldwide. For me, design is about digging deep, asking the right questions, and creating solutions rooted in empathy and inclusivity.
Design is more than aesthetics—it's about uncovering the 'why' behind challenges to deliver meaningful, data-driven solutions. As a design leader, I prioritize strategic thinking, shared growth, and creating spaces where teams thrive.
I’m also an artist—I illustrate, paint, and create watercolor paintings, exploring creativity with new media and tools. In both product design and art, I aim to connect, inspire, and make a positive impact ✨
10 years of experience in Human-Centered Design and User Research.
5+ years of specialization in end-to-end product design.
My Work Experience
Senior Product Designer / Submittable Inc, Remote, NY. Aug 2022 - Present
Senior Product Designer / Monstarlab, New York, NY. June 2021 - July 2022
Digital Design Specialist / United Nations Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, New York, NY. Feb 2021 - June 2021
Digital Product Designer / United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), New York, NY. Oct 2019 - Feb 2021
Design Strategist / United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New York, NY. Sept 2018 - Oct 2019
Designer / United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New York, NY. June 2016 - Sept 2018
Designer / THINX, New York, NY. June 2015 - June 2016
Designer / Niksun AdWorld Inc, Mumbai, India. Dec 2012 - June 2014
Communication Designer / Disruptive Innovation Center, Goderj & Boyce group, Mumbai, India. May 2012 - Dec 2012
10 years of experience in Human-Centered Design and User Research.
5+ years of specialization in end-to-end product design.
My Work Experience
Senior Product Designer / Submittable Inc, Remote, NY. Aug 2022 - Present
Senior Product Designer / Monstarlab, New York, NY. June 2021 - July 2022
Digital Design Specialist / United Nations Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, New York, NY. Feb 2021 - June 2021
Digital Product Designer / United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), New York, NY. Oct 2019 - Feb 2021
Design Strategist / United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New York, NY. Sept 2018 - Oct 2019
Designer / United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New York, NY. June 2016 - Sept 2018
Designer / THINX, New York, NY. June 2015 - June 2016
Designer / Niksun AdWorld Inc, Mumbai, India. Dec 2012 - June 2014
Communication Designer / Disruptive Innovation Center, Goderj & Boyce group, Mumbai, India. May 2012 - Dec 2012
Testimonials
I've seen her navigate some tricky dynamics with grace and utmost professionalism, always circling back to focus on the central "why" or goal at hand.
Lauren Ambielli Cardoni
Director of Design, Submittable
Purva has consistently led teams of junior designers on projects and has a holistic knowledge of new technologies and methodologies, of techniques that simplify and package a message to be conveyed in the most effective way possible.
Natalia Adler
Manager, UNICEF
Purva was the first designer on a major account, building a strong relationship with the client from the beginning and going the extra mile in her deliverables.
Leandro Butteri
Head of Design, Monstarlab
What impressed me most was Purva's ability to collaborate effectively across teams. She worked seamlessly with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders, all while maintaining a strong advocacy for user needs.
Parker Crawford
Principal Product Manager, Submittable
On a personal level, Purva provided invaluable feedback on my work, that improved my designs. From the start she shared her deep knowledge of our product and industry with me.
Sharan Bath
Senior Product Designer, Submittable
Case Studies
Explore a selection of case studies that highlight my design process and approach to tackling complex challenges. Contact me for access to additional case studies from previous projects.
View Case Study
End-to-End Awards and Payments Solution to Unlock $9M Sales Pipeline and Meet Compliance Needs
Organization: Submittable Inc
Year: 2024
B2B
SaaS
Feature Development
Data Visualization
Fintech
View Case Study
Empowering Grant Makers to Speed Up Reviews and Reduce $910K Churn Risk
Organization: Submittable Inc
Year: 2023
B2B
SaaS
Admin Experience
Feature Redesign
View Case Study
Bias and Backlash: A Decade of Stalled Progress on Gender Equality
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Year: 2019
Global Impact
Multimedia Story
Web Stories (AMP)
Motion Design
Testimonials
I've seen her navigate some tricky dynamics with grace and utmost professionalism, always circling back to focus on the central "why" or goal at hand.
Lauren Ambielli Cardoni
Director of Design, Submittable
Purva has consistently led teams of junior designers on projects and has a holistic knowledge of new technologies and methodologies, of techniques that simplify and package a message to be conveyed in the most effective way possible.
Natalia Adler
Manager, UNICEF
Purva was the first designer on a major account, building a strong relationship with the client from the beginning and going the extra mile in her deliverables.
Leandro Butteri
Head of Design, Monstarlab
What impressed me most was Purva's ability to collaborate effectively across teams. She worked seamlessly with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders, all while maintaining a strong advocacy for user needs.
Parker Crawford
Principal Product Manager, Submittable
On a personal level, Purva provided invaluable feedback on my work, that improved my designs. From the start she shared her deep knowledge of our product and industry with me.
Sharan Bath
Senior Product Designer, Submittable
Case Studies
Explore a selection of case studies that highlight my design process and approach to tackling complex challenges. Contact me for access to additional case studies from previous projects.
End-to-End Awards and Payments Solution to Unlock $9M Sales Pipeline and Meet Compliance Needs
B2B
SaaS
Feature Development
Data Visualization
Fintech
Organization: Submittable Inc
Year: 2024
View Case Study
Empowering Grant Makers to Speed Up Reviews and Reduce $910K Churn Risk
B2B
SaaS
Admin Experience
Feature Redesign
Organization: Submittable Inc
Year: 2023
View Case Study
Bias and Backlash: UNDP Data Reveals a Decade of Stalled Progress on Gender Equality
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Year: 2019
Global Impact
Multimedia Story
Web Stories (AMP)
Motion Design
View Case Study
Purva Sawant - Senior Product Designer, Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Brand Strategist working at the intersection of Social Innovation, Visual Arts and Human-Centered Design.
About me
New York, NY
I’m a Senior Product Designer driven by a passion for tackling complex, ambiguous problems through user-centered design. With over a decade of experience visual design, systems thinking, and innovation, I’ve partnered with the United Nations, UNICEF, and UNDP to solve high-impact challenges affecting millions worldwide. For me, design is about digging deep, asking the right questions, and creating solutions rooted in empathy and inclusivity.
Design is more than aesthetics—it's about uncovering the 'why' behind challenges to deliver meaningful, data-driven solutions. As a design leader, I prioritize strategic thinking, shared growth, and creating spaces where teams thrive.
I’m also an artist—I illustrate, paint, and create watercolor paintings, exploring creativity with new media and tools. In both product design and art, I aim to connect, inspire, and make a positive impact ✨
10 years of experience in Human-Centered Design and User Research.
5+ years of specialization in end-to-end product design.
My Work Experience
Senior Product Designer / Submittable Inc, Remote, NY. Aug 2022 - Present
Senior Product Designer / Monstarlab, New York, NY. June 2021 - July 2022
Digital Design Specialist / United Nations Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, New York, NY. Feb 2021 - June 2021
Digital Product Designer / United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), New York, NY. Oct 2019 - Feb 2021
Design Strategist / United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New York, NY. Sept 2018 - Oct 2019
Designer / United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New York, NY. June 2016 - Sept 2018
Designer / THINX, New York, NY. June 2015 - June 2016
Designer / Niksun AdWorld Inc, Mumbai, India. Dec 2012 - June 2014
Communication Designer / Disruptive Innovation Center, Goderj & Boyce group, Mumbai, India. May 2012 - Dec 2012
Case Studies
Explore a selection of case studies that highlight my design process and approach to tackling complex challenges. Contact me for access to additional case studies from previous projects.
End-to-End Awards and Payments Solution to Unlock $9M Sales Pipeline and Meet Compliance Needs
B2B
SaaS
Feature Development
Data Visualization
Fintech
Organization: Submittable Inc
Year: 2024
View Case Study
B2B
SaaS
Admin Experience
Feature Redesign
Organization: Submittable Inc
Year: 2023
View Case Study
View Case Study
Bias and Backlash: UNDP Data Reveals a Decade of Stalled Progress on Gender Equality
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Year: 2019
Global Impact
Multimedia Story
Web Stories (AMP)
Motion Design
Web Stories (AMP)
Testimonials
I've seen her navigate some tricky dynamics with grace and utmost professionalism, always circling back to focus on the central "why" or goal at hand.
Lauren Ambielli Cardoni
Director of Design, Submittable
Purva was the first designer on a major account, building a strong relationship with the client from the beginning and going the extra mile in her deliverables.
Leandro Butteri
Former Head of Design, Monstarlab
What impressed me most was Purva's ability to collaborate effectively across teams. She worked seamlessly with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders, all while maintaining a strong advocacy for user needs.
Parker Crawford
Principal Product Manager, Submittable
Purva has consistently led teams of junior designers on projects and has a holistic knowledge of new technologies and methodologies, of techniques that simplify and package a message to be conveyed in the most effective way possible.
Natalia Adler
Manager, UNICEF
On a personal level, Purva provided invaluable feedback on my work, that improved my designs. From the start she shared her deep knowledge of our product and industry with me.
Sharan Bath
Senior Product Designer, Submittable
My Skills
Over the past decade, I’ve honed a diverse set of skills that shape every part of my design process, spanning roles across both the public and private sectors. From deep user research to crafting intuitive interfaces, my expertise lies in creating meaningful, user-friendly, and delightful experiences. Below are the core skills driving my approach to impactful design:
User Research
Empathy and data-driven insights guide my process, ensuring user needs are at the heart of every solution.
Problem-Solving
I excel at turning ambiguity into innovation, delivering practical, impactful solutions.
Visual Design
Expertise in typography, color, layout, iconography, and motion design allows me to craft visually engaging and intuitive experiences.
Stakeholder Management
I collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, driving clarity, alignment, and project success.
Storytelling
I build compelling user journeys and roadmaps that align business goals with user needs.
Design systems
Experienced in creating and maintaining design systems that ensure consistency across digital platforms.
Accessibility
I prioritize WCAG-compliant standards to design inclusive experiences for all users.
End-to-end design
From ideation to delivery, I bring concepts to life through wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.