About | Kshitij | Portfolio

[k sh ih - ti ih j]

/'kSHITij/
noun

Kshitij is a Sanskrit word that refers to the horizon.

As an Engineer and a UX researcher, I embrace the meaning of my name by bringing creative solutions to technical problems.

Kshitij Chhabra

The Accidental UX Researcher

Graduate Student @ University of Washington

My life is a journey with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, new experiences to enjoy

If there's one lesson life has taught me, it's that things rarely unfold as we expect. I cherish the thrill of new experiences and the beauty of capturing meaningful moments along the way.

Each challenge I encounter is an opportunity for growth, and every lesson learned adds depth to my journey.

My Story so far...

I'm from India, but it's difficult to say from where...

I was born in Meerut and spent my childhood in Amritsar, Indore, and Lucknow. My college years took me to the vibrant shores of Goa, while my career has led me to the bustling cities of Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

As a result, I’ve become familiar with five different Indian languages, which gives me a unique perspective—feeling like a stranger in every place and yet at home everywhere.

Zeal to understand the workings of things took me to Engineering

It may sound cliché, but as a child, I was always fascinated by how things function and often break things apart in the process.

Learning, "how to fix them up" was what motivated me to pursue engineering. In 2021, I graduated from BITS Pilani with a major in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering

Curiosity guided me to UX Research

I used to think to myself, "Sure, I can create a that claps and sings to me, but do I really need one?"

After graduating from college, I was on the hunt for a role that would let me dive into understanding real user needs and shape products that make a difference. This exciting journey opened my eyes to the world of User Experience and led me to my first amazing opportunity at MathWorks!

Jumped continents to hone my skills

My manager said I was doing "pretty good" at my, but I wanted take my skills to the next level! So, I made the bold decision to leave my full-time job, leap across continents, and dive into my graduate studies at the University of Washington in their amazing Human Centered Design and Engineering program!

Aviation flows through my veins

I’m the person who stops in awe whenever I hear the roar of an aircraft engine overhead. Sometimes while travelling, I'd take really long connections just so I can spend more time around airplanes.

I am a drone pilot myself and enjoy whiplashing my DJI around the city!

Outside of work, I am a shutterbug

I am passionate about capturing the world through my lens. My constant effort goes towards changing the aperture of my eye to capture the perfect frame.