We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Sara Fallahi ("SF").
Sara Fallahi is a multidisciplinary designer specializing in user experience, visual design, and architectural innovation. Her work integrates human-centered methodologies and technology, with expertise spanning UX/UI design, interactive interfaces, and adaptive spatial environments. With extensive experience in digital product design, architecture, and creative technology, she applies research-driven strategies to enhance user interactions across various platforms. Fallahi actively contributes to the advancement of sustainable and inclusive design practices, bridging gaps between technology and human well-being. Her approach is characterized by an integration of analytical thinking, storytelling, and technical proficiency, providing practical solutions that resonate across diverse user communities.
Sara Fallahi Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Sara Fallahi.
Sara Fallahi Design - Serenity Sojourn Community Matching App
Designer Interview of Sara Fallahi:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
SF : My journey into design started in architecture. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architectural engineering from a fine arts university, where I learned to think critically about form, space, and how people interact with their environments. While working as an interior and exterior architect, I became increasingly drawn to the human-centered aspects of design — how thoughtful choices in form, color, texture, and interaction could impact people’s emotions and experiences. That curiosity led me to pivot into UI/UX design, where I saw an opportunity to blend my architectural understanding of space with digital interfaces and experiences. I pursued an MFA in UX/UI Design (Human-Computer Interaction), focusing on mobile applications, automotive HMI, and interactive installations. What drives me is storytelling through design — whether it’s a physical space, a digital product, or an immersive experience, I’m passionate about creating meaningful, intuitive interactions that make people feel seen, connected, and inspired. I don’t think I always knew I’d be a designer in this exact form, but I’ve always wanted to create. I see design as a language — a way to tell stories, solve problems, and spark emotions. That’s what keeps me excited about this work every day.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SF : I currently work as an HMI UX Performance Engineer at Stellantis, where I focus on optimizing user experiences for in-vehicle digital systems. While I don’t operate a formal company or design studio, my creative practice extends beyond my professional role. Alongside my position at Stellantis, I actively engage in independent design and research projects, collaborating with creative teams and cultural institutions. Recently, my work was showcased at Ars Electronica 2023 as part of the Motown Techno project — an immersive VR experience celebrating Detroit’s cultural identity through music and digital storytelling. Additionally, my Serenity Sojourn app, designed to foster meaningful human connections in nature, was honored with an A’ Design Award, furthering my commitment to socially driven, human-centered design. I’m also proud to serve as a judge for the 2025 Detroit Month of Design, contributing to the growth and celebration of our local and global creative community. This balance of industry work, independent projects, and design advocacy enables me to stay deeply connected to emerging technologies, meaningful storytelling, and the evolving role of design in shaping both digital and physical spaces.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SF : For me, design is a language — a way of understanding people, their needs, emotions, and aspirations, and translating those insights into meaningful, intuitive experiences. It’s not just about aesthetics or function, but about creating connections between individuals, technology, and their environments. Coming from an architectural and UX background, I see design as a bridge between physical and digital worlds. It has the power to influence behavior, shape culture, and improve quality of life. Whether it’s an in-vehicle interface, an immersive installation, or a social impact app like Serenity Sojourn, I approach every project as an opportunity to tell a story, solve a problem, and create a sense of belonging for its users. Ultimately, design is about empathy — listening, observing, and crafting solutions that are thoughtful, responsible, and human-centered.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SF : I’m most passionate about designing solutions that support mental well-being and help people bridge the gap between their personalities and their deeper needs. I believe design has the power to create meaningful connections — not just between people and technology, but between individuals and themselves. I especially enjoy working on projects that empower users to improve their emotional and mental health, fostering environments where they feel understood and supported. Serenity Sojourn, for instance, was an app concept I designed to address loneliness through community matching and nature retreats. These types of projects allow me to blend thoughtful interaction design with human-centered research, storytelling, and social impact. For me, the most fulfilling work is where design serves as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and building healthier, more connected communities.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SF : One of my favorite designs is Serenity Sojourn, a community matching app I created to address loneliness and promote mental well-being. The concept was born from my research into the emotional effects of social media and digital disconnection. The app connects like-minded individuals and organizes nature-based retreats where people can build real, meaningful relationships offline. What makes this project special to me is how it merges technology, psychology, and design with a social purpose. It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful interface — it was about crafting an experience that could improve people’s lives, help them feel less alone, and reconnect them with themselves and others. Winning an A' Design Award for this project was especially meaningful because it affirmed the importance of designing with empathy and intention.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SF : The first project I designed for a company was during my time collaborating with General Motors on an advanced transportation experience. As the UX/UI Designer and Researcher, I was responsible for developing an innovative and intuitive infotainment system tailored to meet and exceed the expectations of luxury car users. We integrated biometric data, facial recognition technology, and steering wheel sensors to monitor driver emotions in real time. This data enabled an AI-powered assistant to adapt the vehicle’s environment to match the user’s mood — promoting relaxation, focus, or energy when needed. Drawing on instructional design principles, color psychology, and GM’s brand identity, I crafted four immersive modes: Luxury, Calming, Focus, and Energized. This project allowed me to merge research-driven insights with emotionally intelligent interfaces, ultimately redefining what a modern luxury automotive experience could feel like. It was an exciting milestone in my career that deepened my passion for creating emotionally aware, human-centered design solutions.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SF : I’m especially drawn to immersive and interactive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), as well as digital platforms that support emotionally intelligent design. I believe these tools have incredible potential to create meaningful, transformative experiences that respond to human emotions and behaviors in real time. Additionally, I enjoy working with design tools like Figma and Blender, where I can seamlessly blend storytelling, user-centered design, and visual interaction. My favorite materials are the ones that allow me to bridge technology with human emotion — creating solutions that feel personal, intuitive, and genuinely helpful.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SF : I feel the most creative when I’m surrounded by nature or when I’m traveling to new places. Being exposed to unfamiliar environments, diverse cultures, and different ways of thinking naturally fuels my imagination and helps me see problems and solutions from fresh perspectives. I also find late-night hours incredibly inspiring — it’s a quiet time when ideas flow freely without distractions. Whether I’m sketching concepts, building a prototype, or brainstorming user journeys, those moments of solitude or immersion in new experiences consistently spark my best ideas.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SF : When designing, I focus most on the emotional connection between the user and the product. For me, it’s essential to understand how a design makes people feel, how intuitively it fits into their daily lives, and whether it truly addresses their needs. I pay close attention to user flow, accessibility, and interaction design, ensuring that every touchpoint is seamless and meaningful. Visual storytelling, color psychology, and usability are also key elements I emphasize, because a great design should not only function well — it should resonate with people on a deeper, personal level.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SF : When I design, I often feel a mix of excitement, curiosity, and calm focus. There’s a unique joy in the process of transforming abstract ideas into something tangible and meaningful. Especially when I’m working on projects that support mental well-being or human-centered experiences, I feel deeply connected to the people I’m designing for. It’s both humbling and motivating, knowing that a thoughtful design can improve someone’s day or even their state of mind. The creative process becomes a space where empathy, innovation, and intuition all come together — and that’s a feeling I truly cherish.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SF : When my designs are realized and come to life, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. It’s incredibly rewarding to see ideas I’ve nurtured transform into real products that people can interact with and benefit from. There’s also a deep sense of validation when users respond positively or when the design effectively solves a problem. At the same time, it inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and improving my craft, knowing that thoughtful design has the power to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
DI: What makes a design successful?
SF : A successful design is one that effectively solves a real problem while creating a meaningful and enjoyable experience for the user. It should be intuitive, accessible, and visually engaging, guiding users effortlessly toward their goals. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, a successful design resonates emotionally, builds trust, and meets users’ needs in a way that feels natural and empowering. Ultimately, success comes from a deep understanding of users, continuous iteration, and balancing creativity with practicality.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SF : When evaluating a design, the first aspects I consider are its usability and how well it meets the needs of its intended users. I look at whether the design is intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring it provides a seamless and meaningful experience. Functionality and clarity come next—does the design communicate its purpose clearly without causing confusion? I also assess the emotional impact and aesthetic appeal, as these elements contribute to user engagement and satisfaction. Finally, I consider innovation and how effectively the design balances creativity with practical problem-solving.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SF : I believe designers have a profound responsibility to shape experiences and products that not only serve individuals but also positively impact society and the environment. Our work influences how people feel, interact, and live — so it’s essential to design with empathy, inclusivity, and sustainability in mind. As designers, we should advocate for ethical solutions, create accessible and meaningful experiences for diverse communities, and minimize environmental impact through thoughtful material choices and mindful digital practices. Ultimately, our role extends beyond aesthetics; we’re responsible for contributing to a healthier, more equitable, and human-centered world.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SF : The design field is evolving rapidly, becoming more interdisciplinary, data-informed, and deeply human-centered. Design is no longer limited to creating visually appealing products — it’s now about crafting meaningful, emotionally intelligent, and responsible experiences that address complex social, environmental, and technological challenges. I believe the future of design lies in the integration of AI, immersive technologies like AR/VR, and biometric data to create personalized, adaptive, and ethical experiences. Designers will increasingly act as cultural interpreters and ethical stewards, bridging technology with human values. The emphasis will shift toward well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability — using design not just as a tool for innovation, but as a force for positive social impact.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SF : My last exhibition was at Ars Electronica Festival 2023 in Linz, Austria. I was part of the team behind Motown Techno, an immersive project that blended Detroit’s rich cultural heritage with techno music in a VR experience. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase how design, music, and technology can create meaningful cultural narratives. As for the future, I would love to hold or participate in my next exhibition within the next year — ideally in a space that highlights the intersection of design, mental health, and immersive technology. I’m passionate about creating experiences that foster emotional well-being, and I’m eager to share that work with a broader audience soon.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SF : My design inspiration often comes from human stories, emotions, and environments. I’m deeply inspired by the way people interact with technology, spaces, and one another — especially in moments where design can ease stress, foster connection, or improve mental well-being. I feed my creativity by staying curious and exploring different fields beyond design, like music, psychology, architecture, and cultural history. Traveling, photography, and attending festivals like Ars Electronica or Detroit Month of Design also fuel my ideas. I also turn to color psychology, nature, and immersive digital experiences for inspiration. And conversations with other creatives, whether in tech, art, or music, constantly push me to rethink and refine my approach to designing meaningful, human-centered experiences.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
SF : I would describe my design style as human-centered, emotionally intuitive, and minimalist. I believe good design should feel natural and effortlessly serve people’s needs, while also creating moments of emotional connection. My style often focuses on clean, purposeful layouts with intentional use of color, typography, and interactive elements that quietly guide and support the user experience. What drew me to this approach was my belief that design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a tool to improve lives, shape behaviors, and foster meaningful connections. Over time, I’ve become increasingly interested in the intersection of technology, well-being, and immersive experiences. The main characteristics of my style are: User-centered solutions driven by empathy and research Clean, minimal visuals with a focus on functionality and clarity Thoughtful integration of color, sound, and interaction to evoke emotion Adaptability across different platforms — from mobile apps to automotive interfaces to immersive installations My overall approach to design involves listening first, solving second. I begin with understanding human needs and contexts, then explore visual and interactive languages that feel authentic to those experiences. I aim to design not just products, but experiences that resonate with people and quietly enhance their everyday lives.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
SF : I currently live in the United States, but I was born and raised in Iran, a country with a rich cultural heritage rooted in art, architecture, poetry, and craftsmanship. This deep cultural background naturally influences the way I approach design, especially when it comes to storytelling, composition, and symbolism. Iranian culture places strong emphasis on visual harmony, intricate patterns, and meaningful narratives — values that have subtly shaped my sense of aesthetics and the way I think about human experiences in design. Even though much of my work is rooted in contemporary, digital, and immersive mediums, I often find myself drawing inspiration from traditional forms, nature, and storytelling techniques that reflect where I come from. The advantage of this background is the unique perspective it brings — blending Eastern philosophies of balance and emotional depth with Western design methodologies focused on innovation and usability. However, one of the challenges has been navigating different expectations and design languages in global contexts, ensuring that my work resonates universally while still carrying traces of my personal identity. Ultimately, living and working in diverse environments has taught me to embrace cultural contrasts as creative opportunities and allowed me to build design solutions that feel both globally relevant and personally meaningful.
DI: How do you work with companies?
SF : When working with companies, I approach every collaboration as a partnership built on open communication, empathy, and shared goals. I begin by deeply understanding the company’s vision, target users, and business objectives. Whether I’m joining as part of an internal team or collaborating as an external consultant, I always prioritize human-centered design principles, ensuring that every solution we craft addresses real user needs while aligning with the brand’s identity and strategy. I enjoy participating in cross-functional teams, working closely with developers, product managers, marketers, and stakeholders to translate research insights into thoughtful, effective design solutions. I believe in an iterative, feedback-driven process — embracing user testing, data, and conversations to refine ideas and improve outcomes. Currently, as an HMI UX Performance Engineer at Stellantis, I’m part of a dynamic, fast-paced environment where collaboration is key. I work with diverse automotive and digital experience teams to enhance in-vehicle interfaces and connected experiences, ensuring seamless, intuitive user journeys. Ultimately, my goal when working with any company is to deliver designs that are not only aesthetically engaging and technically sound, but also meaningful and impactful for the people who will experience them.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SF : When working with a designer, companies should view them as strategic partners, not just visual contributors. My first suggestion is to involve designers early in the process — from research and ideation to development and testing. Designers bring valuable insights about user needs and behaviors that can influence the direction of a product or service in meaningful ways. When selecting a good designer, companies should look beyond portfolios alone. A beautiful interface is important, but it’s essential to assess a designer’s ability to solve problems, think critically, communicate ideas clearly, and collaborate within cross-functional teams. Asking about their design process, how they handle feedback, and how they’ve navigated challenges in past projects can provide deeper insights into their capabilities. Additionally, companies should seek designers who are empathetic, curious, and adaptable — those who continuously learn, stay aware of emerging trends, and care about the social and emotional impact of their work. A good designer doesn’t just deliver aesthetically pleasing results; they create thoughtful, user-centered solutions that balance business goals, technical constraints, and human needs. Finally, fostering a collaborative, open environment where designers feel encouraged to experiment and challenge assumptions often leads to the most innovative outcomes. Good design thrives when it’s part of the conversation from the very beginning.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SF : My design process is deeply human-centered and iterative, built around understanding people’s needs and the context in which a product or experience will exist. It typically begins with research and discovery — identifying user pain points, market gaps, and emotional triggers through interviews, surveys, and competitive analysis. Once I have a clear understanding of the problem, I move into ideation and concept development, where I sketch, storyboard, and map out possible user flows or interaction patterns. I like to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams during this stage, as different perspectives often spark unexpected and valuable ideas. From there, I create prototypes and visual concepts, whether it’s a mobile app interface, an in-vehicle HMI system, or an interactive VR experience. I incorporate principles to ensure the product not only functions well but resonates with people on a personal level. I place a lot of emphasis on testing and iteration. I believe good design is shaped by feedback, so I run usability tests, gather reactions, and continuously refine until the solution feels intuitive, emotionally engaging, and aligned with both user needs and business objectives. Throughout the process, I always strive to balance functionality with empathy — ensuring that my work is not just aesthetically pleasing, but meaningful and impactful for the people who interact with it.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SF : Five of my favorite design items at home are: A minimalist wooden desk — it’s both functional and warm. A sleek ergonomic chair — supports comfort during long work hours. A smart speaker — blends technology with everyday convenience. A vintage camera — inspires my love for photography and storytelling. A handmade ceramic vase — adds a touch of art and nature to my space.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
SF : A typical day for me starts early with some quiet time to focus my mind. Then I dive into my work as an HMI UX Performance Engineer at Stellantis, collaborating with teams to create user-friendly automotive interfaces. I balance design thinking with technical problem-solving throughout the day. After work, I like to go to the gym or go hiking to stay active and clear my mind. In the evening, I unwind by exploring creative hobbies like photography or learning new design tools. This mix keeps me inspired and energized.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SF : My advice to young designers is to stay curious and never stop learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and always keep the user’s needs at the center of your work. Build strong communication skills, because design is not just about visuals—it’s about solving real problems collaboratively. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and persistent. Success in design comes with experience, reflection, and passion.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SF : Being a designer is incredibly rewarding because you get to create solutions that improve people’s lives and express creativity daily. It’s fulfilling to see your ideas come to life and make an impact. On the downside, design can sometimes be challenging due to tight deadlines, changing client demands, or balancing creativity with practical constraints. However, these challenges often push you to grow and become better at your craft.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SF : My golden rule in design is to always prioritize the user’s needs and experience. A design should be intuitive, meaningful, and solve real problems while maintaining aesthetic appeal. If it doesn’t genuinely serve the user, then it’s not truly successful design.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SF : The most important skills for a designer include strong problem-solving abilities, empathy to understand users’ needs, effective communication, creativity, and technical proficiency with design tools. Adaptability and collaboration skills are also crucial to work well within teams and evolving project requirements.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SF : My design toolbox includes software like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Blender for 3D modeling, and Unity for interactive prototypes. I also use React and basic coding for UI implementation. Hardware-wise, I rely on a high-performance laptop and a drawing tablet for precision work. For inspiration, I turn to design blogs, art books, nature, and cultural experiences to keep creativity flowing.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SF : I manage my time by breaking projects into clear, manageable tasks and setting realistic deadlines for each. I prioritize work using tools like to-do lists and calendars, and I avoid multitasking to maintain focus. Taking regular breaks, exercising, and keeping a healthy work-life balance also help me stay productive and creative throughout long design sessions.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SF : The time it takes to design an object varies depending on the project’s complexity, scope, and requirements. For simpler designs, it might take a few days to a couple of weeks, while more complex projects—especially those involving research, prototyping, and testing—can take several months. I always focus on balancing quality and efficiency to deliver the best results within the given timeframe.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SF : The most frequently asked question I get is: "How do you balance creativity with practical functionality in your designs?" People are curious about how to create something that is both visually appealing and truly useful for the end user.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SF : One of my most important job experiences is my current role as an HMI UX Performance Engineer at Stellantis. In this position, I focus on optimizing human-machine interfaces and vehicle ergonomics to create seamless, intuitive, and comfortable user experiences. Working in this cutting-edge, technology-driven environment, I collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance safety, usability, and overall driver satisfaction. This role has been pivotal in advancing my skills in automotive UX design and performance engineering.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SF : Currently, I work primarily with Stellantis, one of the world’s leading automotive companies. Through this role, I collaborate closely with various internal teams and partners involved in designing and developing advanced human-machine interfaces and user experiences for their vehicles.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SF : I enjoy designing user-centered solutions that improve people’s daily lives, especially projects focused on mental health and well-being. Creating designs that bridge the gap between users’ personalities and their needs gives me a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SF : My future plans include continuing to grow as a designer and professional, working on innovative projects across various fields that improve user experience and well-being. I aim to explore diverse opportunities, including technology and mental health solutions, using design to create meaningful and positive impacts on people’s lives.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SF : I believe in the power of collaboration and often work as part of cross-functional teams, especially in larger projects like automotive and digital product design. However, I also enjoy developing concepts independently when exploring personal ideas or smaller projects. Both approaches have their value — teamwork brings diverse perspectives, while solo work allows for deeper creative reflection.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SF : At the moment, I don’t have any active design projects in progress. I’m focusing on my current role as an HMI UX Performance Engineer at Stellantis while continuously exploring new ideas and keeping myself inspired for future opportunities.
DI: How can people contact you?
SF : People can reach out to me through my LinkedIn profile or via email. I’m always open to connecting with fellow designers, collaborators, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful user experiences.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SF : I’d just like to emphasize how important it is for designers to stay curious and adaptable. The design world is evolving rapidly, especially with emerging technologies like AI, immersive experiences, and sustainable design practices. I believe continuous learning and staying connected with diverse communities and industries is key to creating designs that are not only functional and beautiful but also responsible and future-forward.