What internationalization, expansion/compression, and culture taught me about scalable design.

Before I begin this story, I would start by briefly introducing myself, for those who don’t know me or my journey.

I’m born and brought up in India, where more means more. We are not a ‘minimalist’ country, and neither are our apps or digital products. Our markets or bazaars are noisy, crowded, with posters and billboards screaming for attention. The world where I come from is strikingly different from the world where I am living in right now.

In 2019 after I got married, I moved to the Netherlands. And before I actually made the move, experienced the country, the people, the products by myself, I had no idea about what to expect from the UX or job market here.

My maximalist portfolio did not work! My designs were too loud and brandish for most companies I initially applied to. I toned down my work. I learned how to express myself with minimalism.