1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
My name is Mahaboobsubani Shaik, and I have over 20 years of IT experience, including extensive work in RPA, Intelligent Automation, and AI technologies. Currently, I serve as Senior Manager / Tech Architect at a top American Hospitality industry, where I lead global teams in developing intelligent automation solutions. My expertise spans technologies like C#, .NET, Blue Prism, OpenAI's GPT, CoPilot and various cloud platforms, with a strong focus on digital transformation and innovation.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a digital designer/artist?
My journey into digital innovation was driven by a passion for creating solutions that simplify complex processes. Designing automation bots and AI-powered tools allows me to combine creativity with technology, transforming ideas into impactful outcomes that benefit businesses and people alike.
3Tell us more about your business / company, job profile, and what you do.
At my work, I oversee the design and deployment of intelligent automation systems that streamline operations across multiple countries. My role involves leading global teams, architecting solutions, and ensuring seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies. I focus on delivering automation bots that save time, reduce errors, and improve productivity.
4What’s your favorite kind of digital design and why?
I am most drawn to designs that merge functionality with user experience, particularly in intelligent automation. Tools like automation bots that improve productivity while maintaining simplicity and accessibility excite me because they directly impact lives and businesses positively.
5To you, what makes a “good” design?
A good design is one that is intuitive, efficient, and scalable. It should solve a problem effectively while being adaptable to future needs. The best designs often blend creativity and technology seamlessly, offering a delightful user experience.
6Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
My design style is rooted in clarity and efficiency. I prioritize modularity and scalability, ensuring that the solutions I create can evolve with changing requirements. I focus on clean, structured workflows that align with the end-users’ needs.
7Tell us about your design process.
My process starts with understanding the problem and gathering requirements. I then move to conceptualizing solutions, developing prototypes, and iterating based on feedback. Collaboration with stakeholders ensures the design aligns with business goals, and thorough testing guarantees its functionality and scalability.
8Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from cutting-edge technologies and industry leaders. Observing advancements in AI, automation, and user-centered design motivates me to push boundaries and innovate. Additionally, real-world challenges often serve as a catalyst for creative solutions.
9What current trends in digital design (or really anything digital related) are you most excited about?
The integration of AI and machine learning into digital design is incredibly exciting. Technologies like generative AI and large language models are revolutionizing industries, enabling new levels of personalization, automation, and innovation.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 Vega Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Winning the Vega Award is a testament to the hard work and creativity of my team. It highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence in digital solutions. For my company, it reinforces our position as a leader in leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 Vega Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
We entered the Ringo BOT project, which automates the conversion of RTF files to Excel formats for hotel finance teams. This project was chosen because of its significant impact, saving over 50 FTE hours globally and transforming how financial data is processed across multiple countries.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The biggest challenge was ensuring the bot's scalability and adaptability across diverse global environments with different data formats and user requirements. We addressed this by designing a modular architecture and incorporating robust error-handling mechanisms.
13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Winning this award has strengthened my credibility as a leader in digital innovation. It has opened new opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders and further motivated my team to pursue excellence in future projects.
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?
• Continuous Innovation: The digital industry evolves rapidly, offering endless opportunities for creativity and problem-solving.
• Global Connectivity: It bridges gaps between people, industries, and technologies.
• Impactful Solutions: Digital tools can transform lives and businesses on a massive scale.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the digital industry?
India's unique blend of technical expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit makes it a global leader in the digital industry. The country’s talent pool, coupled with its adaptability to emerging technologies, drives innovation and growth.
16Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?
The next decade will see greater integration of AI, quantum computing, and decentralized systems. We can expect more personalized, secure, and efficient digital experiences powered by advancements in machine learning and blockchain technology.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring Vega Award submitter, what advice would you give them?
Focus on building a strong foundation in both technical and creative skills. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and prioritize collaboration. Always be open to learning and adapting to new trends in technology and design.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?
I recommend exploring platforms like Coursera and Udemy for technical courses, staying updated through tech blogs like Medium and Dev.to, and joining communities like IEEE and GitHub to network and learn from industry experts.
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
One of my biggest inspirations has been my parents, who taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and creativity. Their ability to approach challenges with resourcefulness and optimism has deeply influenced my mindset and work ethic.
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?
One of the individuals who inspires me greatly is Ibn Khaldun, a renowned Muslim scholar and historian. His groundbreaking work in sociology, economics, and philosophy, as seen in his magnum opus Muqaddimah, showcases his visionary thinking and ability to analyze complex systems. His emphasis on innovation, critical thinking, and the cyclical nature of societal growth continues to be a source of inspiration for me.
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
The key to success is staying adaptable and committed to lifelong learning. Be open to feedback, embrace challenges, and remember that collaboration and innovation go hand in hand.
22Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I’d like to thank the Vega Awards for recognizing excellence in digital innovation. This acknowledgment motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity to make a meaningful impact.