Sri Lankan UX Designer Transitions to AI Communications Role

The moment things shifted

In 2025, Sajani Lokuge, a 26-year-old from Colombo, Sri Lanka, made a significant career pivot. At that time, she was working as a lead UX designer, but her technical background and interests led her to transition into AI communications. This change marked the beginning of a new chapter in her professional life.

Sajani's move into AI communications allowed her to leverage her existing skills in explaining complex concepts to a broad audience. She developed AI adoption messaging and hosted global town halls, engaging with diverse stakeholders across various domains. Her work focused on facilitating understanding and adoption of AI technologies among different sectors.

The decision to transition was not taken lightly. According to Sajani, "I wasn't looking to leave, but when this opportunity came up, I couldn't say no" (Source: AOL interview, May 2026). This quote highlights the serendipity that often accompanies career changes.

What they tried

As Sajani navigated her new role, she experimented with various approaches to communicate AI concepts effectively. She developed a range of messaging strategies and content formats to cater to different audiences and preferences. Her efforts included producing and hosting the 'Voices of Industry' podcast series, which featured conversations with senior leaders from diverse sectors.

Sajani's experience in UX design provided her with a solid foundation for creating engaging and accessible content. She applied this expertise to her new role, tailoring her messaging to resonate with different stakeholders. Her work aimed to demystify AI technologies and promote their adoption across various industries.

The 'Voices of Industry' podcast series was a key component of Sajani's efforts to facilitate understanding and engagement around AI. By hosting conversations with senior leaders, she aimed to provide insights into the practical applications and implications of AI in different sectors.

What worked, what didn't

Sajani's journey was not without its challenges. As she navigated her new role, she encountered instances where her UX design background did not directly translate to the demands of AI communications. She had to adapt to new technical requirements and develop a deeper understanding of AI concepts and their applications.

Despite these challenges, Sajani's efforts paid off in terms of building a strong personal brand. Her LinkedIn following grew significantly, reaching around 26,000 connections focused on design careers and AI. This achievement reflects her ability to create engaging content and connect with professionals across various domains.

Sajani's experience highlights the importance of leveraging existing skills when transitioning into emerging fields like AI communications. By building on her technical background and adapting to new demands, she was able to establish herself as a credible voice in the field.

What they'd tell someone else

For those considering a career pivot or transition into emerging fields, Sajani's story offers valuable insights. Her experience demonstrates that leveraging existing skills and building a personal brand can facilitate successful career changes. By applying her UX design expertise to AI communications, she was able to create engaging content and connect with professionals across various domains.

Sajani's journey serves as a reminder that career transitions often involve experimentation and adaptation. By being open to new challenges and opportunities, individuals can unlock their potential and establish themselves in emerging fields like AI communications.