About

About

Naren Katakam is a complete product leader and a complete design leader who specializes in creating cutting edge AI/ML & data products and experiences.

Over the last 15 years, I have worked on all aspects of a digital product, from rough ideas on paper to complete usable products, from interface design to product strategy from blue sky conceptualization to thin slice solutioning, from creating user journey flows to information architecture, from defining key product metrics to growth hacking, from building machine learning logic models to assessing data readiness and addressing data bias.

One of the things I’ve noticed is that building a product is a continuous journey, it is never done and everything can always be made better.

The impetus to make things better with good design, to me, is fundamental and this is what I strive to do, every day and each waking hour. Design just doesn't mean what a product looks like and feels like. Design is how a product works from the veneer to the bolts and nuts. Design at its core is pure problem-solving. Problem-solving needs a deeper understanding. A deeper understanding brings clarity. And clarity is everything.

My philosophy combines systems thinking, platform thinking, product thinking and design thinking to solve any problem space or solution space challenges. The final outcome could be in any form — from an idea to a concept to a hypothesis to an experiment to a fully scaled successful product serving millions of users. I apply the same fundamentals to my personal life, physical health and mental well-being as well. Trying to bring in non-linear thinking to understand systems can help us see the problem from an unseen perspective sometimes. It helps with innovative and better solutions.

I am currently working with ThoughtWorks as a principal consultant who specializes in data and machine learning products.

Selected open talks I've given recently:

I am always on the lookout for interesting innovative projects, to collaborate and partner with. However, it is very important to me that the project as well as the expectations around any collaboration really fits well together. If something excites you and if you’re interested in collaborating with me in any form, tell me a bit about yourself, your idea, and how I can help. I’ll definitely get back to you.

Here's how to reach me!

If you prefer to use a contact form, follow the form instructions below and leave a message:

Thanks for visiting my digital space. Cheers! 🥂