Rahul Alindib Akber
Design Principal -IBM Research | Product Design · Ecosystem Strategy · Creative Direction
📍 Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | 📞 817-798-0627 | ✉️ alindib@yahoo.com
🌐 rahulakber.com | LinkedIn | Behance
Profile
Multidisciplinary design leader with two decades of experience in product design, creative direction, and strategy. Currently a Design Principal at IBM Research, shaping user-centered ecosystems and guiding complex research workflows. Known for blending design thinking, human-computer interaction, and systems thinking with business strategy. A lifelong learner and mentor to over 30 aspiring designers, I bring clarity to complexity with a deep-rooted belief in design’s power to make technology more human.
Experience
Design Principal - IBM Research | 2024–Present
Leading the design of a unified research environment through tool and service ecosystems, enhancing user experience and compliance.
Leading the design of a unified research environment through tool and service ecosystems, enhancing user experience and compliance.
Senior Design Strategy Lead - IBM Research| 2021–2024
Directed ecosystem strategy for research tools, aligning researcher archetypes with design outcomes to elevate usability and efficiency.
Directed ecosystem strategy for research tools, aligning researcher archetypes with design outcomes to elevate usability and efficiency.
Creative Director, IBM GSC | 2015–2021
Built and led a cross-functional design team. Drove product vision, team culture, and design excellence across sectors, including finance, telecom, and retail. Delivered user-focused solutions powered by research, design thinking, and cutting-edge tech (AI, Cloud, Blockchain, IoT).
Built and led a cross-functional design team. Drove product vision, team culture, and design excellence across sectors, including finance, telecom, and retail. Delivered user-focused solutions powered by research, design thinking, and cutting-edge tech (AI, Cloud, Blockchain, IoT).
Spaceodd (Independent Studio)
Founder & Creative Director | 2011–2015
Ran a global remote studio delivering digital products and campaigns across industries. Clients included Paramount, Mary Kay, Emirates Airlines, Pepsico, and JCPenney. Oversaw UX/UI, product design, branding, and marketing.
Founder & Creative Director | 2011–2015
Ran a global remote studio delivering digital products and campaigns across industries. Clients included Paramount, Mary Kay, Emirates Airlines, Pepsico, and JCPenney. Oversaw UX/UI, product design, branding, and marketing.
Senior Art Director, UX & Digital - Texas Instruments | 2012–2014
Led creative for education tech initiatives. Delivered video, print, and interactive experiences backed by design research and UI/UX best practices.
Led creative for education tech initiatives. Delivered video, print, and interactive experiences backed by design research and UI/UX best practices.
Creative Group Head, Art & Digital - Grey Group | 2011–2012
Managed teams and campaigns, trained creatives, and contributed to award-winning work.
Managed teams and campaigns, trained creatives, and contributed to award-winning work.
Web & Brand Consultant - Orion Security Services Ltd. | 2008–2012
Built the digital and brand presence, created guidelines, and developed long-term marketing strategies.
Built the digital and brand presence, created guidelines, and developed long-term marketing strategies.
Junior Designer to Senior Art Director - Burson-Marsteller | 2005–2011
Worked across branding, design, and campaigns. Grew into leadership, managing creative output and ideation.
Worked across branding, design, and campaigns. Grew into leadership, managing creative output and ideation.
Education
North South University – BBA, Marketing (2005–2009)
Skills
Design Strategy · UX Research · Product Vision · Creative Leadership · Design Systems · Human-Centered Design · AI & Emerging Tech
Languages
English (Fluent) · Bengali (Native)
Awards & Recognition
Winner, Fabulous Four, Adfest 2010
Winner, Young Lotus & Sharpner, Asia Pacific Adfest (2007–2008)
Certifications
IBM Recognized Teacher · AIGA Design Leader · IBM Design Principal · IBM Design Mentor · IBM Design Thinking Collaborator · iOS Design · Affordance & Intuitive Interfaces
Contact me
Thank you!
With the spirit of making things, I have created a deck of playing cards with my personal design and life philosophies as quotes and prompts.
AIGA Design Leadership Certification