Meet Aditi Soni the RCA graduate implementing service design at the UNDP

Learn more about Aditi Soni’s journey to the RCA and the transformational impact of Service Design MA on her career.

Aditi Soni with her project Learning Pods, realised with Richard Larsen in collaboration with UNDP.

What did you study before the RCA?

I completed a Bachelor’s in industrial design at MIT Institute of Design in Pune, India. While my undergraduate studies were centred on fundamental design principles and product development, I consistently pursued projects that extended beyond tangible outcomes. I focused on learning experiences, promoting awareness through design thinking, and understanding how diverse users engage with concepts from various perspectives. This foundation equipped me with the skills to venture into design research, ethnography, and a deeper understanding of human behaviour.

What brought you to studying Service Design MA at the RCA?

My decision was driven by a strong passion for social innovation and design research. I wanted to go beyond research and learn how to create user-centred solutions that consider diverse perspectives and cultural nuances. The programme’s excellent reputation and exposure to real-world projects in various sectors, including government, were major attractions for me.

Throughout my journey at the RCA, I not only deepened my understanding of service design principles but also broadened my perspective on its wide-ranging applications. Armed with a comprehensive skill set and a dedication to making a positive impact, I’m eager to create purposeful solutions that improve the lives of individuals and communities. The Service Design programme has been an invaluable stepping stone, setting me on a path to a fulfilling and impactful career in the field.

Camden Communities, team project with Aditi Soni, Tanushka Karad, Jihyeon Park, Kenjiro Taniguchi and Yi Tzu Chang

How did you find studying in London as an international student?

Studying in London as an international student was a lovely experience! London became more than a mere academic destination; it became a place where people from all walks of life converged. Engaging in conversations and exchanges with individuals of diverse backgrounds significantly broadened my perspectives.

London quickly transformed into a home away from home, offering the perfect amalgamation of art, food, theatre, and more. Each borough exuded its unique charm, and the course structure provided the opportunity to seamlessly apply our work within the dynamic context of the city. Working closely with longstanding communities was a privilege, enriching our understanding of the intricacies involved.

Camden Communities, team project with Aditi Soni, Tanushka Karad, Jihyeon Park, Kenjiro Taniguchi and Yi Tzu Chang

Is there a particular project you worked on at the RCA which has had a big impact on you?

One project that left an indelible mark on me was centred around fostering grassroots communities within the London Borough of Camden. The emphasis on participatory methods allowed us to tackle various challenges firsthand. Engaging with people throughout the borough, participating in their activities, and becoming an integral part of their community helped us understand the willingness of everyone to collaborate and support one another.

Witnessing the diversity of life stories and perspectives within a single borough underscored the complexity of designing for people and the planet. This experience fuelled my passion for community-centric projects, shaping my practice and leading me to explore the realms of systems thinking and interconnected ecosystems for communities across the globe.

Camden Communities, team project with Aditi Soni, Tanushka Karad, Jihyeon Park, Kenjiro Taniguchi and Yi Tzu Chang

What is your fondest memory of your time at the RCA?

Our cohort faced the challenges imposed by the pandemic, altering our modes of engagement and collaboration. What stands out vividly is the resilience and camaraderie exhibited by my class and tutors during this period. Despite the hurdles, we not only sustained collaborative efforts but also deepened our connections as a cohort. Many of my fellow students have now become my closest friends and fellow-designers.

Beyond my immediate class, engaging with the broader RCA community was equally delightful. The college introduced me to a vibrant, creative, and thought-provoking crowd. My time at the RCA was not only academically enriching but also gifted me with fond and fulfilling memories.

What is your proudest achievement from your career in Service Design to date?

My proudest achievement centres around my ability to leverage the principles of service design to meet the unique needs and demands of organisations. One aspect that I truly appreciate about service design is its adaptability, allowing me to tailor my role and the value I can offer based on the challenges faced by the organisation.

Currently, I work at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and this flexibility of service design played a crucial role in positioning myself as a service designer within the organisation. By incorporating the tools and methodologies I had acquired through deep immersion in service design, I became the first service designer at UNDP.

Being at the forefront of service design implementation within the organisation has been immensely rewarding. Not only has it enabled me to contribute to the organisation's exceptional quality of work in the development sector, but it has also allowed me to make a significant impact on the lives of the people we serve.

Overall, my ability to adapt and apply service design to address the unique challenges of UNDP has been a source of great pride for me. It has not only solidified my role as a service designer but also enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the UNDP's mission of fostering sustainable development worldwide.

Camden Communities, team project with Aditi Soni, Tanushka Karad, Jihyeon Park, Kenjiro Taniguchi and Yi Tzu Chang

What impact has studying Service Design had on your career? Are there methods from your time studying that you use in your work day to day?

Studying Service Design has had a transformative impact on my career. The course equipped me with actionable tools and hands-on methods that I now apply daily in my work. These skills have not only made me more proficient in service design principles but also enhanced my ability to engage with stakeholders, collaborate with diverse professionals, and contribute effectively to large-scale projects at UNDP.

Moreover, the programme has fostered my growth as a communicator, facilitator, and storyteller. This has been invaluable in conveying ideas, conducting workshops, and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with colleagues and beneficiaries alike. Overall, Service Design has been a significant and enriching addition to my professional life, empowering me to drive positive change and make meaningful contributions to impactful projects.