Meet

Dashaan is a Product Designer and User Experience Strategist with decades of practical knowledge across various disciplines – from user experience to branding, visual design, advertising, marketing, print design, and photography. He has worked on national and international brands in-house and at multiple advertising agencies. His creative approach begins with studying human-centered motivations and impulses and how users interact with objects and technology within the project’s scope. He starts by looking at what drives people: What motivates them? How do they interact? What impulses do they have? Using these insights, he develops models, products, and services that satisfy emotions while providing functionality.

As technology progresses, things tend to get more complex. Through design, Dashaan sees a unique opportunity to make these complex processes simple, delightful, and joyfully used daily. Everybody values design, either consciously or unconsciously. The design allows companies to differentiate themselves by showing attention and care to their users.

This is why Dashaan loves creating thoughtful, meaningful, and polished experiences, making the creators and customers happy.

Interesting Soundbites:

Dashaan graduated from Otis College of Art & Design in 2001, receiving a B.F.A. with an emphasis in Communication Design.

In addition to being a designer, he is also a passionate photographer and artist. Visit his photography/art site here: dashaanstudios.com. More importantly, he’s a Pisces.

He constantly embraces change for personal and business growth.

A $500 scholarship for one of his paintings at his community college started him on the path to a career in design. (Although he loved to paint and draw as a child.)

He enjoys watching TED Talks.

He prefers reading books over watching television. (He averages just 0.5 – 1 hour of TV a week, primarily documentaries.)

Current read: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey.

Doesn’t listen to mainstream music. (He’s a huge fan of Motown, neo-soul, and jazz. He’s also a devoted listener of NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, Soundcloud, and A Colors Show.)

He loves Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Sade, SiR, Tom Misch, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, and J Dilla, just to name a few.

Has been to over fifteen Maxwell concerts. He’s a super fan!

Toilet paper must constantly be rolled over, NOT under. (Pet peeve of his.)

His wardrobe consists of All Saints, John Varvatos, and Demobaza. (90% of it is black/grey.)

His biggest regret is not taking instrument lessons at a young age.

Prefers a cozy 1,000 sq. ft. home near the beach or in the mountains over a 10,000+ sq. ft. house in an urban community.

He’s a dog person.

Well-traveled, but there are so many places he hasn’t been to yet.

He plans on riding the Trans-Siberian Railway someday.

He’s an avid cyclist. (Yes, he wears Lycra bib shorts.)

Is willing to try the 10-day Vipassana Meditation.

He was vegan for a year but reverted to being an omnivore. He thought turning down a home-cooked meal because of his dietary needs when traveling to other countries was rude.

He likes to watch people at the airport.

One day he would like to grow his food.

His favorite color is orange.

No matter how busy he is, he always takes brief walks every hour from sitting at his desk.