Niharika Mishra · Design Leader at Capital One

Hi, I'm Nikki.

I make complex things feel human. Let me take you on my journey so far.

So, what keeps me going?

I became an engineer because I've always wanted to know how things work. Moving into design felt natural: I wanted to get closer to the why behind how people think, struggle, and make decisions. I think in systems, design for humans, and build to ship.

Vibe coding lets me move from insight to working product faster than ever, and my engineering roots mean I'm not guessing at what's possible. That combination is why I still love building.

Travel keeps me curious, and so does being a little out of my depth. I surf despite not growing up athletic, and I've hiked volcanoes for the same reason: I'm happiest when something is stretching me.

My design principles

I think in systems

I want the things I make to keep working long after I've moved on, so I start by mapping systems and thinking strategically about the problem we're solving.

When I'm not building

Where I learned to trust my body and breathe.

Where I learned to trust my body and breathe.

Vegan eats in Tokyo.

Vegan eats in Tokyo.

My first solo concert: just me and Dylan.

My first solo concert: just me and Dylan.

Hiking Acatenango, my first 13,000-foot volcanic summit.

Hiking Acatenango, my first 13,000-foot volcanic summit.

A tea ceremony in a Kyoto garden.

A tea ceremony in a Kyoto garden.

Taking in Japan's temples.

Taking in Japan's temples.

Freshly made empanadas in Antigua.

Freshly made empanadas in Antigua.

Eighty feet down a Costa Rican waterfall.

Eighty feet down a Costa Rican waterfall.

Hiding in a Manhattan tea shop with a book.

Hiding in a Manhattan tea shop with a book.

My sixth time seeing my favorite, Quinn XCII.

My sixth time seeing my favorite, Quinn XCII.

The best vegan sushi, from two grandmothers in Kamakura.

The best vegan sushi, from two grandmothers in Kamakura.

Wandering into the Sahara.

Wandering into the Sahara.

Skills

Product StrategyClaude CodeInteraction DesignUX DesignDesign SystemsPrototyping & WireframingFigmaUX ResearchAWSPython

If you're building for impact and appreciate ownership, let's talk.