About me.
A designer, a baker and an empathetic change-maker.
Designer
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Researcher
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Empath
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Strategist
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Designer | Researcher | Empath | Strategist |
Hey there! I’m a purpose-driven designer with a Master's degree in Service Design from the prestigious Royal College of Art, and a foundation in Communication Design and Design Research. Proficient in utilising meticulous research methods and strategic foresight, I offer a rich background cultivated in the varied design landscapes of India, Singapore and UK. My expertise lies in adaptive and holistic problem-solving methodology focused on enriching lived experiences in complex systems anchored by service design and behaviour change principles. Empathy is at the core of my practice, alongside facilitating in-depth research, strategic planning, and transformative design solutions. With experience in private and public sectors, especially in healthcare, social innovation and impact, I strive to catalyse meaningful change, one project at a time.
How I stand out.
My Specialisation
Focused on comprehensive brand, visual design and strategy projects, Specialisation in design research and social impact projects, including social innovation frameworks to deliver service design processes with strategic foresight.
My Core Proficiencies
Systems thinking, collaboration, empathy, and user-focused problem-solving. Articulation, communication, and reflective learning that drive measurable impact across healthcare, community, and corporate sectors.
My Expertise Edge
With a unique blend of service, system, and communication design, I bring expertise in crafting transformative, user-centred solutions for complex challenges with strategic foresight, meticulous research, and innovative design approaches.
Education.
Postgraduate
Royal College of Art, London | MA Service Design
LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore and Goldsmiths University | MA Design
Undergraduate
National Institute of Design | Bachelor of Design, Communication Design
Experience.
Communication Design Intern
Chrisaldo Goldilloy, Mumbai, India (2019 - 2021)
Directed creative projects for luxury brands, including JW Marriott, St. Regis, and Ritz-Carlton, enhancing brand visibility and market positioning.
Crafted high-impact narratives and strategic presentations instrumental in acquiring new clientele.
Led branding initiatives encompassing storytelling, brand strategy, and visual design.
Design Intern
PwC Singapore (Feb 2022 - Jul 2022)
Spearheaded the integration of user-centered enhancements into a digital Operations and Change Management platform, driving seamless adoption across stakeholder groups.
Developed process flows and system designs to support client-facing employees navigating new operational frameworks.
Design and Project Associate
Lien Centre for Social Innovation, Singapore (2023 - 2024)
Designed and animated narratives for the "What's Good in the Hood" initiative, empowering diverse communities to participate in social impact projects.
Conceptualized a social capital framework to address post-pandemic child abuse, promoting 'Child Protagonism' for children aged 9-12, fostering agency and resilience.
Service Design Residency
Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore (Jul 2023)
Conducted in-depth interviews with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to address barriers to eco-conscious inhaler use.
Designed shared decision-making tools and educational materials to support behavioral change and sustainable health practices.
Challenge Lab Project
Royal College of Art x Catch22, London (Oct 2023 - Apr 2024)
Developed an Impact System: Collaborated on a system for Catch22 to assess probationers' reintegration and service efficiency, with a focus on emotional well-being.
Empowered Progress and Funding: Enabled probationers to track self-improvement, bolstering Catch22's Ministry of Justice reports and funding prospects.
Graduation Project
Royal College of Art, London (Mar 2024 - Jul 2024)
Co-created "Spark," an innovative service concept supporting families affected by Parkinson’s disease through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Earned recognition at RCA's public showcase for delivering actionable, insight-driven solutions validated by healthcare professionals.
My Values.
Creative Director, Chrisaldo Goldiloy
“Ms. Desilva's strong academic knowledge, coupled with her curiosity and motivation to further her knowledge, made her a valuable asset at Chrisaldo Goldiloy.
As an active participant in several discussions, it soon became evident that Ms. Desilva is a team player. Her dedication and hard work are an inspiration to many. If a project demanded it, Ms. Desilva would not hesitate to go the extra mile. She has used her creative abilities to contribute to several noteworthy projects that have been appreciated by numerous industry professionals. During her tenure with us, Daneeshah was found to be kind, duty bound, and a team player”
Senior Tutor, Royal College of Art
“You exhibited an exceptional ability to manage, organise, and make sense of vast amounts of complex information. You have a deeply considered service proposition which approaches your challenges in a novel way for the industry,
delivering value through a couple-orientation that maximises agency + changes the way people enter their later stages of PD. You nurtured one of the most successful team cultures of your cohort. Not just delivering an effective service design project but having fun while you did it. Your also just clearly lovely, kind people which is never to be underestimated.”
Amalgamating empathy, strategic foresight, interdisciplinary collaboration and behaviour change to drive meaningful change.
Let’s work together.
If you like what you see, have questions or would like to chat, email me:
daneeshah.desilva7@gmail.com