My name is Gaurav Anand, and I am a highly motivated and passionate UX professional skilled in end-to-end problem solving, from task flows to pixels, using user-centered methods. An effective collaborator and communicator, I thrive on conceptual and strategic analysis, immersing into complexity, and rapidly visualizing the details. With 7+ years of corporate and agency experience, I have worked on a variety of projects including enterprise products, mobile apps, and websites for clients ranging from startups to leading brands like Coca Cola, Microsoft, P&G, Michelin Tires, Discover Financial Services, Fifth Third Bank, Abbott Nutrition, ConAgra Foods and more. 

Multidisciplinary background

In 2009, I graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master's degree in Information with dual specializations in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Information Economics Management and Policy (IEMP). My training involved interdisciplinary studies in social sciences, user-centered design, and human behavior. I also hold BA in Economics from the University of Delhi.
 

Aesthetics of interaction

I am interested in applying an understanding of human-centered disciplines like psychology, anthropology and culture to the design of interfaces that support complex human behaviors and interactions. Read my essay that samples my observations on the Design of Behavior on Facebook.

I am passionate about understanding aesthetics, particularly what it means for digital product design. How should we design information products that also convey pleasure, emotion and excitement apart from function and utility? Within a broad theme of "Aesthetics of Interaction", I am exploring relevant literature from other creative disciplines including architecture, graphic design, film, media and storytelling. I occasionally tweet interesting learnings via @interactionA.   

Economics and human interactions

My background in economics helps me in understanding fundamental human motivations that manifest in online interaction environments.

Fundamentally, economics tells us how to organize social institutions such that private interests of millions of people are met while conforming to larger social goals. With the advent of Web 2.0 and Social Computing, computers mediate interactions between thousands of users. Such class of online environments has assumed a role akin to social institutions. If we want to design systems for social activities, we have to identify and balance deeper individual interests, vis-a-vis collective, social goals. Because a balance between individual interests and social goals is difficult to achieve in online environments, role of economic theory — especially Information Economics — is central to their success.

I believe this training uniquely contributes to my thinking, and bolsters my toolkit in becoming a thoughtful human interactions designer.

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