Meet Monica Bhyrappa | Industrial Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Bhyrappa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Chennai, India—a South Indian city in a country rich in culture, diversity, and resourcefulness. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by creativity—whether it was the intricate patterns of rangoli during festivals, the handcrafted textiles in local markets, or the ingenious ways everyday objects were repurposed around me. This environment shaped my perspective on design and problem-solving in ways I didn’t fully realize until later.

As a child, I was naturally curious and always engaged in creative pursuits—drawing, crafting, pottery, or making things out of whatever I could find. I actively participated in school competitions, from poster-making to rangoli design, often choosing themes that raised social awareness on issues like global warming and pollution. Looking back, I realize that this early inclination toward purposeful creativity played a significant role in shaping my approach to design today.

My upbringing also instilled in me the concept of Jugaad—a frugal, innovative mindset deeply embedded in Indian culture. It was the ultimate form of waste reduction, where objects were creatively repurposed instead of being discarded—newspapers became makeshift snack containers, empty paint cans turned into flower pots, and so much more. Seeing how people around me extended the life of everyday items inspired my work in sustainability, which later became a core focus of my design philosophy. This influence is evident in my thesis project, Jugaatronics, where I explored repurposable consumer electronics to reduce e-waste.

Moving to a different country for my master’s at RISD was a significant turning point. It exposed me to new perspectives while reinforcing the values I carried from home—adaptability, resilience, and the belief that design should be both beautiful and meaningful. One of the biggest culture shocks I experienced was seeing the excessive use of plastic in packaging, especially coming from a city that had already banned single-use plastics. Moments like these only deepened my commitment to designing products that are not just functional and aesthetically appealing but also sustainable and inclusive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career in industrial design started with problem-solving. My undergraduate experience at NID shaped my thought process and helped me discover my true passion—inclusive design. Every designer has a niche, and mine was consumer electronics. I was drawn to the idea of merging inclusive design with technology, which became the foundation of my work.

During college, I dedicated time outside coursework to personal projects that strengthened my portfolio and allowed me to explore my interests deeply. This initiative helped my work stand out, leading to internships at top tech companies. One of the projects I’m most proud of is Spectrum, a noise-canceling headphone designed for individuals with autism. Not only did it receive recognition through awards, but it also opened doors to incredible opportunities—one of the most significant being a mentorship with Braun for my undergraduate thesis. Working with Braun was an enriching experience, as I had the chance to study their design legacy while developing a concept that honored their timeless aesthetic while integrating modern trends.

Graduating during the pandemic came with its own set of challenges. I realized I needed to refine my skills before stepping into the professional world. RISD had always been a dream of mine—their design philosophy, curriculum, and even their library had left a lasting impression on me. I took a bold leap by applying only to RISD, deciding that if I didn’t get in, I would work for a year and reapply. Fortunately, I was accepted with a scholarship, and that decision profoundly shaped my career.

However, breaking into the industry as an international student came with hurdles. Getting internships was tough, and without referrals or an established network, I had to rely solely on the strength of my portfolio. Despite the challenges, I secured internships at Logitech and Bose—two of the most renowned names in consumer electronics. Working with some of the best creative minds in the industry fueled my passion every single day and reinforced my belief in pushing boundaries in design.

From the outside, my journey may seem like a series of successes, but in reality, every achievement was built on multiple setbacks. For every opportunity I secured, there were far more rejections and failures along the way. However, those challenges only reinforced my resilience. I learned that failure isn’t an endpoint but rather a redirection—an opportunity to refine, adapt, and grow.

Today, my focus remains on designing products that are not just aesthetically appealing but also purposeful, inclusive, and sustainable. Although my projects are just conceptual at the moment, I believe addressing them is one step closer to an inclusive and sustainable world. I want my work to challenge the way we think about consumer electronics—not just as disposable objects but as adaptable, long-lasting solutions. If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from my journey, it’s that perseverance is key. The most rewarding innovations often come from those who refuse to give up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m quite new to the city as well so I’m still exploring and I’ll have a better answer in a couple months. I went to a few shopping malls and I like Ponce city market the most. I love pottery so I would definitely take my friends on a pottery class date! I recently went to mudfire studio with my friend and enjoyed it thoroughly.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering love and support of my parents and my brother. Their belief in me—however biased—gave me the confidence to pursue my passion fearlessly.

I also owe a great deal to my mentors. At NID, Nachiketa Charkhwal introduced me to the world of industrial design and opened my eyes to the endless possibilities within it. At RISD, Ayako Takase and Paolo Cardini shaped my perspective on design, showing me that industrial design doesn’t always have to be about solving serious problems—it can also be playful, experimental, and thought-provoking.

Each of these individuals has played a crucial role in my journey, and I’m deeply grateful for their guidance and influence.

Website: https://monicabhyrappa.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: monica_bhyrappa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicabhyrappa/

Other: My behance portfolio – https://www.behance.net/monicabhyrappa

My RISD Grad thesis – https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2338&context=masterstheses