Meet Antara Dave | Lead Product Designer

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

Hi Antara, why did you pursue a creative career?
I started my career as an engineer with a focus on data analytics and visualization. While working at The Home Depot, I realized that what excited me the most was solving real-world problems—simplifying complex workflows, optimizing processes, and developing strategies that drive meaningful impact. As a data analyst, I designed multiple dashboards, and I found myself drawn not just to making them visually compelling but also to the deeper analytical side—asking critical questions, challenging assumptions, and uncovering insights that shaped key decisions.

That’s when I recognized my unique strength: the ability to merge analytical thinking with design. I wasn’t just creating beautiful interfaces; I was solving problems at a strategic level, ensuring that data-driven decisions translated into intuitive, effective user experiences. This realization led me to transition from data analytics to product design and development.

At Microsoft, I’ve worked on Azure Experimentation, combining deep analytics with design to improve enterprise experimentation workflows. I’ve also contributed to AI-driven medical imaging products and AI safety and security initiatives—continuing to bridge the gap between data, strategy, and human-centered design.

Beyond my work in enterprise design, I also focus on social impact projects. My recent initiative, “WorkFlow: Period Health is Workplace Health,” is particularly close to my heart. It addresses the stigma around menstruation in the workplace and provides actionable solutions to create more inclusive work environments. This work has received multiple national and international awards, highlighting the importance of design in driving meaningful change.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Career Journey
I am most proud of being a nonconformist—someone who follows their heart and believes in self-discovery. I give my all to everything I do, and that mindset has shaped my career.

My journey started at Arizona State University, where I studied Industrial Engineering with a focus on data analytics and statistics. After graduation, I moved to Atlanta to work at The Home Depot, where I developed optimization models for warehouses, built internal product dashboards, and set up a cloud data warehouse to streamline data movement and accelerate processes. My work also extended to creating dashboards for the Design Center team, which is where I discovered my passion for Product Design and UX.

That realization led me to take a big leap—switching careers from data analytics to product design. I moved to Washington to join Microsoft’s Computational Design Team, where I am now the Lead Designer for multiple areas, including Azure Experimentation, AI Safety & Security, and AI Medical Imaging. My work sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and human-centered design, helping users make informed decisions through seamless digital experiences.

Overcoming Challenges
Taking risks and embracing change has been a defining part of my journey. Switching careers and moving across the country was not easy, but I firmly believe that growth happens outside your comfort zone. Life is about learning, adapting, and allowing new experiences to shape you.

Lessons Learned
Be curious and explore without fear – You don’t need to have everything figured out; every experience teaches you something.
Take risks, even when they feel intimidating – Some of the best opportunities arise from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Find mentors who inspire you – The right guidance can make a huge difference in your growth.
Mistakes are valuable lessons in disguise – Every misstep is an opportunity to learn and improve.
What I Want the World to Know
Beyond my corporate work, I am also passionate about social impact design. My initiative, “WorkFlow: Period Health is Workplace Health,” addresses the stigma around menstruation in the workplace and provides solutions for creating more inclusive environments. This work has been recognized with multiple national and international awards, proving that design has the power to drive meaningful change.

At the core of my story is a belief in curiosity, adaptability, and purpose-driven work—values that continue to shape my journey in strategy, product development, and innovation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite restaurants in Seattle are : Bangrak Market, Mint Progressive Indian Cuisine, and Kedai Makan, La Vita E Bella

For sightseeing, I would recommend a walk at The Olympic Sculpture park, MOHAI, and hiking at the Mount Rainier!

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?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, who is an incredibly strong woman. She has pursued everything she set her mind to with dedication, hard work, wit, and deep empathy. Her resilience and drive constantly inspire me to push myself further and make an impact through my work.

I am also grateful for two colleagues who played pivotal roles in my career journey. Bill Anderson introduced me to Product Design and had a significant influence in shaping my early days in the field. Additionally, David Dirring, my former boss at The Home Depot, encouraged me to explore what I truly loved. His passion for his work was contagious, and his support gave me the confidence to transition into a career that blends strategy, analytics, and design.

Their mentorship and belief in me have had a lasting impact, and I’m incredibly thankful for their guidance along the way.

Website: https://www.antaradave.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antara-dave/