I’m Deeksha, a Brighton-based UX researcher combining user insights with business strategy through curiosity and good conversation.
What makes me different
A decade of client-facing experience across agencies, corporates, and startups. I know how to translate research into language that actually gets things done.
At ActHive, my research didn’t just improve the user experience. It drove a complete B2C to B2B pivot that grew users from 100 to 2000+ with 60% paid conversion. Recently, I designed inclusive research methodology for a freelance client’s international platform that balanced user needs with business compliance.
I combine rigorous research with practical business sense, and my MSc in UX Design (Distinction from the University of Brighton) gives me the methodological foundation to tackle complex challenges at growing companies.
My path to UX started in Mumbai’s media world, where I spent seven years understanding audiences and creating content that resonated. At BuzzFeed India, I turned data insights into multi-million view videos, essentially user research for entertainment.
When I joined ActHive as their sole UX resource, I brought this audience-first mindset to product design. Six months in, I’d launched their native app end-to-end, but the real breakthrough came from my research with 100+ users. The insights revealed our B2C model wasn’t working as well as we’d hoped, so I led the complete strategic pivot to B2B. We created a new user architecture and analytics dashboard that helped HR teams gamify wellness programs.
Results? 20x user growth and a transformed business model.
My recent MSc refined my research methodology further. Leading a cross-functional team project that won 1st place at the International Educational Games Competition reinforced what I’d learned: the best UX outcomes happen when solid research meets collaborative execution.
How I work
I believe great research goes beyond understanding what users do. It’s about understanding why, and what that means for the business. My inclusive design approach creates better experiences for everyone, whether that’s addressing physical accessibility or designing multi-user scenarios.
My client-facing background means I treat stakeholder relationships strategically. I focus on building alignment around shared goals rather than just delivering reports. Colleagues often mention my ability to make complex findings actionable, switching between C-suite presentations and dev team collaborations as needed.
Beyond Work
Brighton’s become home in the best way. I’m co-organising UX Camp Brighton and Ladies That UX Brighton, bringing together 100+ professionals around shared challenges and learning. There’s something energising about building community that mirrors how I approach cross-functional collaboration.
When I’m not deep in research synthesis, you’ll find me exploring Brighton’s food scene with my partner, building an impressive Google Maps collection of hidden gems. I pride myself on applying the same research rigour to restaurant choices that I do to user insights, with the result being I almost never have a bad meal.
We share our home with three dogs who serve as excellent user testing assistants. They’re particularly good at identifying when I’ve been staring at screens too long and need a walk to gain fresh perspective.
I’m genuinely curious about how systems work and how people navigate them. Whether it’s understanding checkout abandonment, enterprise software adoption, or what makes community events engaging, I’m drawn to the patterns that explain behaviour. This curiosity, plus my get-things-done work ethic, means I thrive where ambiguity is the starting point.
(L to R) Ozzy, Dotty, Reggie
Let’s Work Together
Looking for a UX researcher who bridges user insights with business strategy? I’d love to explore how we might collaborate.
Whether you’re scaling research practices, navigating a strategic pivot, or ensuring product decisions are truly user-informed, let’s discuss how my approach can contribute to your team’s success.