Beyond Pixels: My Uber Internship Journey
Embracing the Challenges, Celebrating the Triumphs — A Product Design Intern’s Journey in a Rapidly Evolving Tech Landscape
Dec 2022 | After 1st NID placements was over
- Before the Ride: Embracing Failures, Learning, and Growth.
Before we embark on this thrilling journey through my Uber internship, I want to share a little snippet from my past — a time when I stumbled, fell, but then picked myself up, wiser and more determined than ever.
Pre-NID, I had engaged in numerous large-scale projects, wearing multiple hats from design to development to execution. However, the corporate landscape was uncharted territory for me. I realized that success in this realm hinged on designing for end-users, devoid of personal biases.
In my early days at NID, I missed out on promising opportunities due to my inexperience and naivety about the world of design. A earlier version of a pivotal project didn’t pan out as expected, serving as a stark reminder of the need to understand the market, empathise with end-users, and adopt a structured design process. My portfolio lacked depth, failing to showcase my strengths effectively. These lessons, distilled into three core principles — Learn the fundamentals, Follow the rules, Keep the end goal & users in mind — became my guiding light.
May 2023 | End of NID Journey
In the dynamic landscape of career choices, I found myself at a pivotal moment, faced with the decision to embark on an internship journey that would shape my professional trajectory. Two compelling paths stretched out before me, each leading to a distinct destination. On one side, ServiceNow beckoned, guided by the magnetic aura of Adit Gupta, a figure whose reputation preceded him. On the other side was Uber, a familiar entity thanks to the intriguing insights from Anurag Arora, shared on the DesignedThisWay podcast by Kawal Obroi, and little did I know the thrilling tale that would unfold once I stepped into the world of Uber.
Before joining Uber, I found myself immersed in the vibrant ambiance of the ‘Design Night at Uber.’ It was a captivating blend of creativity and innovation, hinting at the stimulating environment I was about to step into. This event set the stage for what would be an enlightening and enriching chapter in my career.
July 2023 | Start of Internship
During start of my Internship, I was initially selected to work within the Customer Obsession Team, under the adept leadership of Sanya Malik. But, I was transitioned into the UberEats - Merchant Team, led by the dynamic Rupa Chaturvedi. In the company of my colleagues Shailly and Tanvi, and guided by the experienced Julian & Anurag, I delved into the heart of Uber’s projects.
August 2023 | Start of main internship project
At the core of my internship lay the pivotal project, “Enhanced Chargeback Communication for Merchants.” My mission? To bridge the transparency gap between Uber Eats and its merchants. The complexities of order issue management loomed large, requiring innovative solutions. My role as a data-driven digital product designer was to simplify this labyrinthine system, presenting data in a manner that was not just comprehensible but also user-friendly. It was a puzzle waiting to be solved, and I was determined to crack it. This project became my focal point, a canvas where I could apply my design skills to real-world problems, creating user-friendly interfaces for transparent order issue details and payment status.
October 2023 | Lots of work
Beyond my main project, I had the opportunity to engage in various small-scale end-to-end priority projects. These endeavours allowed me to gain insights into the entire product development cycle, collaborating closely with Design, Engineering, Product, and Operations teams. This multidisciplinary exposure enriched my understanding, enabling me to deliver optimized products to merchants, enhancing their experiences and streamlining their workflows.
October 2023 | Planning!
One of the most important aspects of my internship was my involvement in the Planning Cycle for the Merchant Team. Here, I witnessed firsthand the significant role that design plays in the strategic planning process. In a profit-driven economy, where the balance between user experience and financial viability is crucial, the role of a design leader emerged as pivotal. The dichotomy between providing an exceptional user experience and ensuring the smooth flow of revenue became a thought-provoking challenge, shaping my perspective on the intricacies of design in a corporate setting.
November 2023 | Work & Learning continues…
My journey at Uber has not just been a professional working experience; it was a profound learning experience that transcended the confines of a conventional internship. It taught me the importance of collaboration and the delicate balance between creativity and practicality. The agile methodology, coupled with my interactions with various teams, provided valuable insights into the intricacies of product development in a fast-paced environment.
With this experience at Uber, I carry with me a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and newfound perspectives. This internship was not just a stepping stone in my career; it was a mosaic of lessons, challenges, and triumphs. I have deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities and mentorship that have shaped my growth as a product designer at Uber.
Michael Gough had an idea. Actually, he had 77 of them — 77 thoughts and insights that he’d developed over a lifetime spent crafting his design thinking, including stints at Adobe and Microsoft and working as an architect. Now, as then the Uber’s new head of design, team found an opportunity to share these ideas with the world. Read more.
As I venture into the next chapter of my professional journey, I do so with a profound appreciation for the art of crafting user experiences. Armed with these experiences, I am ready to navigate the complexities of the design world, equipped with the lessons learned and the connections forged during my time at this innovative tech giant.
TBC.
Please feel free to contact to chat more.
Email: mohnish_l@nid.edu
Portfolio: portfolio.mohnishlandge.com
