
Hi!
My name is Inika (pronounced In-i-ka; just sound it out—don’t overthink it).
I’m a Design Researcher currently based in San Diego, CA, working at the intersection of UX Design, Service Design, and Industrial Design. With 4 years of experience in UX and design research, I specialize in making complex systems more intuitive, particularly in highly regulated and service-driven industries like healthcare and financial services.
Currently seeking roles for: UX Research, Design Research & Service Design
In my most recent role as a UX Researcher and Design Strategist at LPL Financial, I led qualitative and quantitative research initiatives within the Corporate Strategy and New Ventures team. I established research frameworks, conducted usability studies, and synthesized insights that shaped advisor experiences, business strategies, and new service opportunities.
With a BFA in Industrial Design and a minor in Service Design, I bring a multi-disciplinary approach to research and strategy, helping organizations design better products, services, and experiences—both digital and physical.
At my core, I’m a storyteller and problem-solver who loves turning messy, complicated challenges into clear, actionable solutions. Whether it’s mapping service ecosystems, designing human-centered experiences, or uncovering new opportunity areas, I thrive at the intersection of research, strategy, and design. My work has spanned industries from finance to healthcare, where I’ve tackled challenges related to complex workflows, compliance, and user trust—always with the goal of improving experiences that truly impact people’s lives.
Fun things about me
• 🧁 Novice baker, but getting much better—always looking for taste testers!
• ☀️ Sunlight enthusiast—I take notes from the best on how to be a human ray of sunshine.
• ⛰️ Currently conquering my fear of heights by hiking every trail I can find.
• 📚 Rediscovering my love for reading—mostly fantasy, some sci-fi, and a few historical dramas.
• 🐯 Obsessed with wildlife (especially Indian wildlife). If I could, I’d spend my days tracking tigers in the forests of India.
• 🏌️♀️ Catch me on the golf course—been playing since childhood, and it’s still my go-to happy place.
• 🐱 Proud cat parent to Saya and Hobbes, which means I’m permanently covered in cat fur.
Let’s Talk!
If you have any feedback on my projects or if you want to chat, feel free to reach out.
inikashetty@yahoo.com
Ph: +1 (469) 719-9355