👋 Hi, I’m Riya Rao!

I’m studying Cognitive Science: Design & Interaction and minoring in Marketing at UCSD. I’m currently designing at the UCSD Design Lab and the Societal Computing and Innovation Lab. I previously designed at Capital One (Financial Services/Auto).

I’m motivated by the belief that design can spark meaningful social change. While I value beautiful interfaces, I’m most enamored by the problem solving side of design. I’m energized listening to people and empathizing, uncovering what’s not working, and shaping solutions that truly meet their needs.

I’m especially drawn to service design and the challenge of making design more accessible to everyone. Beyond my own projects, I help others grow as designers while supporting local nonprofits in my role as Nonprofit Design Program Manager at UCSD Design for America. For me, design is as much about building community and equity as it is about crafting thoughtful solutions.

Outside of work you can catch me thrifting, laying at the beach, trying out a new restaurant, or packing for my next flight!