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Aishwarya Bhave

MA 2024
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About

As a service designer, I am deeply passionate about creating emotionally resonant, user-centered experiences. My work is driven by a commitment to transforming services across various sectors, with a particular focus on the finance sector, where services often remain merely transactional. I strive to design solutions that transcend basic functionality, ensuring they are accessible, intuitive, and closely aligned with the real needs of users. Through the application of human-centered research and design thinking, I aim to craft services that not only meet practical demands but also foster genuine connections with users, transforming their interactions into meaningful, engaging experiences.

During my time at the Royal College of Art, I collaborated with Aegon UK on a significant project under the Finance Lab. This project was centered on reimagining pension investment experiences to better align with users' evolving values and life goals. Through the ideation process, we identified the need for a more personalized approach to pension plans—one that could cater to individuals at various life stages, from recent graduates to those nearing retirement. Our solution offered a tailored investment experience that resonated with users' personal values, ultimately increasing their engagement and long-term commitment to their financial goals.

Building on these insights, my final thesis project, eMpower, focused on creating a speculative policy initiative aimed at supporting young working mothers. eMpower proposed a tax-free savings fund to assist with childcare costs, facilitating quicker returns to work post-maternity leave. This project involved extensive research, including interviews with a diverse group of mothers, fathers, and HR professionals. We also collaborated with an NGO in Wales to gather detailed and targeted data. The result was a well-rounded solution that addressed the specific needs of young working mothers, offering them financial support and greater flexibility as they transition back to work.

These projects exemplify my approach to service design—grounded in thorough research, driven by empathy, and focused on creating practical, impactful solutions. I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of service design, developing solutions that truly make a difference in people's lives.

Final Project

eMpower is a government-led service for young corporate adults, especially women in their reproductive years, that helps them create a tax-free fund within their workplace pension to provide financial security for childcare.

WIP project 2022

FINAL PROJECT PROPOSAL