About

I've always loved creating digital things. One of my earliest memories is creating pixel grid wallpapers on my dad's Windows 3.1 Toshiba laptop. In my teenage years, I created flash websites, video game mods, and 3D animations.

I graduated with a masters degree in Architecture + Civil Engineering. I managed public construction projects at my first job, but I kept creating infographics, websites and comics as passion projects in my free time.

My Inception infographic side projectwent viral, and I decided to switch careers.

I got my foot in the UX door at Publicis.Sapient, where I worked initially as a visual designer creating data visualizations for the world's biggest financial companies.

At E*TRADE, I continued to hone my skills: leading design on the Stock Plan platform and supporting its acquisition by Morgan Stanley.

I currently lead the design practice at Focused, helping clients increase revenue and efficiency by designing better AI agent experiences.

Aside from design, I enjoy playing board games and staying physically active. My current dream is to visit all the US National Parks.

Shahed Syed, Product Designer

Principles

Guiding my design and leadership decisions

  • Do it. Do it right. Do it better.

    It's easier to edit than to create.

  • Get out of the comfort zone.

    Do things that help you grow. Functional perfectionism is a silent killer.

  • Outcomes over outputs.

    Good design changes human behavior in ways that benefit people, the planet, and profit.

  • Systems over goals.

    Intensity impresses, consistency transforms.