VIDYA NAYAK
PRODUCT DESIGN DIRECTOR

Blog

Finally decided to jot down my road trip adventures from the Memorial day weekend. Never knew a 3-day weekend would be so action-packed and adventurous. Driving through the 150 degree desert route with my best buddy, and experiencing a certain high whilst passing the snow-clad mountain terrain was perhaps the most amazing experience I have ever had. Read more..

UX or UI? Which one is better?

UX or UI? It's like asking "cake or pie, which one is better?" 
Often times I get asked, how would you define UX and UI? Are they the same? Which one is more important? 

My answer... 
Ever owned a horse? Ever held the reigns? What would you do with them if you do not know how to ride a horse? Trust me I've tried being on both ends - starting afresh and taking lessons. It's makes a huge difference when you know the A-Z of something. Knowing how to hold the reigns, how to ride the horse, reign your cattle is what matters! User Experience entails all of that. Although good UI is your reigns, but your riding lessons are your true UX skills.
Still puzzled? Don't be! It is really simple. Read on...

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Worth Waking Up for...

Woke up unusually early this morning, and decided to go for a run. Mind you, this is one of my favorite things to do (among other things that involve nature) - catch the sunrise by the water, the sky filled with beautiful warm colors, listen to the sound of waves, and embrace a new day. It is said, the quietness of the morning clears up your mind. And for all that digital junk we retain in our tiny brain space, perhaps we humans need some extra cleansing more than ever. It is the most peaceful time of the day, and I ask myself, why haven't I been doing this on a daily basis..? 

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Half a Lifetime Without My Mom

It's been over a year that I lost my Mother, and not a day goes by when I don't think of her. Not a single day has passed when I haven't sorely missed her and grieved. Still feels unreal, and her absence is a painful realization. 

Initially it feels like you're looking outside of an aircraft window, and all you see is the endless sky, the clouds, and an endless horizon with no sign of civilization, and nowhere to go. There is a huge void, one that will take decades to fill. After my Mom's passing, I struggled to find myself, and in many ways I think I have rediscovered myself all over again. Her absence defined and restored me. 

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40 Years of Marriage!

Lately I have been so absorbed writing about tech topics and job industry trends, that I completely forgot what a wonderful blog topic 'marriage' would make.

This year my parents celebrate 40 wonderful years of being married. '40 Years!! Wow!' I thought to myself. These days if couples survive 3 years or less, it is considered a miracle. Isn't it? 

I am no expert on marriage, but seeing my parents married for 40 long years has given me a lot to look up to, and a lot to think about. My parents had an 'arranged marriage'. Yes! You heard it! Dad, accompanied by his parents, and younger brother, went to meet Mom for the first time (typical arranged marriage set-up). A well-educated and beautiful woman that my Mom is, my dad was quick to say yes! And before even they knew, they were married. 

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