Aashna Poddar

Designer, Idea generator, Technologist

I am a designer who believes in intentional design. My work lives at the intersection of function and feeling, creating experiences that aren’t just usable but deeply meaningful. When done right, design is invisible yet deeply impactful. I don’t just design products; I design behaviors, choices, and futures.

intentional design, storytelling, psychology, human behavior, everyday rituals, design for social good, future, space travel, and alternative realities.

Choice is always with us, in both small moments and life-changing ones. Sometimes it’s clear; other times, it’s hidden beneath habit, fear, or expectation. Yet deep inside, we often know what feels right. Life isn’t about avoiding struggle, but about making conscious choices despite it. These choices don’t just guide our path, they shape who we become.

Weekends were sacred for me and my husband, wandering through cafes and local shops in Palo Alto, working on passion projects, sharing ideas, and meeting strangers who quickly turned into inspiring conversations. We found joy in discovering stories of baristas, bakers, creators, travelers, and somewhere between coffee refills and brainstorms, we felt a desire to amplify these everyday inspirations. That’s when TEDx came into the picture. Hosting a TEDx event felt like a natural extension of our weekend rituals, a way to bring people together, give ideas a stage, and celebrate the creative spark in our community.

Baking cheesecakes (yes, with that perfect texture), and bringing people together over food, candles, and conversation.