Hey there! Thanks for stopping by.
I'm a Product Designer / Innovation Strategist on a career mission to take a sustainable leap forward for humankind.
I'm especially passionate about solutions that increase kinship/empathy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect biodiversity.
I've been involved with a wide range of projects in my career, and love helping others – if you are looking for a creative solution to a pain point in your life, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out to me (adinakar@alumni.stanford.edu).
Quick links:
On the personal side :
I'm now a Californian, but I had an incredible midwestern childhood (grew up in Kansas). If I'm not in design-studio mode, you'll likely find me sketching architectural blueprints, recording electric violin covers, writing short-story mysteries, hanging rim on the basketball court, cooking really spicy Asian food, or pampering my six backyard chickens.
What I'm currently up to :
• Tangible Teleportation, creating magical tech products that let distance-separated couples & families feel physically present with far-away loved ones.
• Climate-focused Research, Activism, & Advising. In addition to volunteering with Citizens' Climate Lobby, I've WWOOFed on a farm and spent a month living in Copenhagen (Europe's "climate capital"), where I studied electrification, environmental governance, and ecofeminism.
I'm currently providing guidance to a handful of climate startups, as well as using generative AI to imagine a more regenerative future (check out Imagine.Climate). And I've been dabbling in tidal power!
A few notable initiatives I've led in the past:
• NYO-U, a growing collection of mini-masterclass videos for aspiring classical musicians, which I founded in partnership with Carnegie Hall.
• The Stanford Flashmob Orchestra, a group that serendipitously performed arrangements of pop songs in public to spread delight.
• FroSoHappy, a movement within college dorms to spread joy.
Older projects & published works are shared below!
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Past Projects
PRODUCTS
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Stikato : nanosuction music stands for traveling musicians.
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Diya : IKEA-style laser-cut bamboo lamps.
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Puff : remotely inflating plushies for long-distance families.
PROSTHETICS
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Moonwalk : haptic balance feedback for neuropathy patients.
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Stradavinci : bow a violin by flexing your toes.
EXPLORATIONS
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Imagine.Climate : using genAI to create climate concept art.
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Tidal Generators : capturing energy from crashing waves.
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IV Stand Base : protecting patients from foot injuries / bruises.
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Ostomy Bag : for comfortable irrigation in public restrooms.
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Terrain : shape-shifting matrix, responsive to location-pressure.
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Vibraflow : modular & low-cost 3D-printed electric violins.
JUST FOR FUN
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Beatclipse : cosmic-themed loveseat that transforms into an eclipse when the heartbeats of users sync up.
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Frictionless : spinning foot massage robot.
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Glowbes : adorable orbs to keep you company in the dark.
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Party Suit : LED costume with lasers & in-built speakers.
Digital Portfolio (UI/UX) linked here.
Writing
Creative Current : 50 Ideation Techniques to Spark Your Lightbulb. (Amazon)
Intentional Living : A guide to using the design mindset to improve your living space & community. (Amazon)
Will You Play With Me? : A children's book on empathy & inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. (Amazon)
The Top 30 Things I Learned at Stanford : Snippets of knowledge & golden rules from my undergraduate experience, from the perspective of a designer. (LinkedIn)
Tasting Clouds : My mini-book of original poetry. (Amazon)
The Exhibition : A handpicked original short story from my collection. (Short Story)
I Scream : An original poem.