About Me
I'm Shivani R, a UI/UX designer transitioning from a background in database administration. At TCS, I spent close to two years managing enterprise data systems, optimizing queries, and working closely with analysts and product teams —
work that taught me to think in structures, systems, and user needs before I ever touched a design tool.
Between 2022 and 2024, I took a break for personal and family reasons. I used that time to complete the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate and begin structured UI/UX training,
which led me to formally transition into design in 2026.
My process is research-first: I start by understanding the user problem, sketch and test low-fidelity wireframes, then move to high-fidelity design — checking each decision against user needs rather than personal preference. My database background means
I default to asking "what does the data or user behavior actually show" before I commit to a design choice.
Professional Summary
Former Database Administrator (TCS, 2020–2022) transitioning into UI/UX design. Completed the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate and hands-on UI/UX training during a self-directed upskilling period (2024–2026). Combines a structured, analytical background with user research and interface design skills — currently building a portfolio (BookChâteau, Sculpt & Heal) focused on research-driven design decisions. Seeking an entry-level UX role where a technical-plus-design skill set adds value.
Skills
Design Process: User Research · Wireframing · Usability Testing · Information Architecture · Accessibility Basics
Previous Experience
Database Administrator
Tata Consultancy Services(TCS),Siruseri, India (Nov '20 — Jul '22)
- Managed enterprise data warehouses and supported Teradata & Linux-based environments with high data availability
- Optimized complex SQL queries and indexing strategies, reducing reporting latency by 30%
- Automated backup and monitoring processes, decreasing downtime incidents by 20%
- Developed stored procedures, triggers, and ETL scripts, reducing manual reporting effort by 25%
- Conducted root cause analysis for recurring system/data issues, improving data accuracy by 15%
- Collaborated with developers, product managers, and analysts to ensure high-quality data for business dashboards
- Supported workloads handling millions of records daily, coordinating with infra teams for performance tuning
Skills and Tools
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
Balsamiq
Figma
Wordpress
Featured Projects
Tech: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
BookChâteau is a reader-focused platform that helps users discover, track, and review books across multiple formats, including ebooks, audiobooks, comics, podcasts, web comics, and web novels.
Challenge
Readers using multiple formats (ebooks, audiobooks, comics, web novels) had no single place to track progress — forcing them across 4-5 separate apps.
Process
Researched existing tools (Goodreads, StoryGraph) to identify gaps, sketched low-fidelity wireframes in Balsamiq to test navigation structure, then built high-fidelity screens in Figma before development.
Solution
A unified tracking platform with a consolidated navigation (reduced from 9 top-level items to 6) and a tabbed "My Library" view (Reading Now, Completed, Archives, Wishlist).
Experience
A castle-inspired visual identity — parchment textures, warm tones — designed to make tracking feel less like admin work and more like part of the reading experience.
Tech: WordPress, Elementor
Sculpt & Heal is a wellness platform offering guided Pilates and recovery programs tailored for women at different life stages. It addresses common UI/UX challenges like cluttered layouts and lack of structured navigation through a calm, intuitive design that supports healing and ease of use.
Challenge
Existing fitness platforms for women were cluttered, had confusing program structures, and lacked integrated shopping — creating friction between discovering a program and starting it.
Process
Built directly in WordPress/Elementor, iterating on layout and navigation based on usability walkthroughs to simplify the path from browsing to booking.
Solution
A curated program structure with clear categorization and simplified navigation, reducing the steps between landing and enrollment.
Experience
A calm, minimal interface with soft tones — designed to feel supportive rather than transactional, appropriate for a wellness audience.
Tech: Wireframing(Figma and Balsamiq)
A high-fidelity UI/UX design of a medieval-inspired book discovery platform, focused on visual hierarchy, immersive aesthetics, and intuitive navigation.
Wireframing (Balsamiq)
Low-fidelity wireframes focused on defining layout, navigation, and core user flows before visual design.
