I'm a Senior Principal Product Designer at Ingram Micro, where my focus lies in UI/UX design. My professional journey began in the realm of software engineering and accessibility. This early career phase was instrumental in shaping my understanding of how technology interfaces with human needs.

However, it was the transformative potential of design in enhancing human experiences that truly captivated me, prompting a shift towards a career in design. My approach to design is deeply rooted in problem-solving, striving to create intuitive and impactful user experiences that address complex challenges in simple, elegant ways.

Transitioning from software engineering to design was a pivotal moment in my career, marked by the realization that my true passion lay not in the incremental improvements of machine efficiency, but in enhancing human experiences. My early career as a software engineer and accessibility specialist was foundational, yet it gradually dawned on me that while technological advancements are crucial, they lacked the human touch I yearned to contribute to.

It was in the realm of accessibility that my eyes were opened to the broader implications of design. I observed firsthand the frustrations and challenges faced by real people when interacting with technology. These experiences drove home the understanding that many of these challenges weren't just technical but fundamentally design-related. Technology should be accessible and easy to use for everyone, right from its conception. This realization reshaped my approach to design, putting a human-centric perspective at the forefront of my work.

Design, to me, became the ultimate form of problem-solving—an endeavor to delve deep into the root of issues, addressing them not just through technical fixes but by fostering emotional connections, simplifying complex interactions, and ultimately enhancing the human experience. It's about touching lives, resonating with humanity, and making technology a seamless, empowering extension of daily life. This shift in focus from machine efficiency to human satisfaction has not only defined my career path but continues to inspire my work every day.

In my professional capacity, I design for Ingram Micro, but beyond that, I devote my spare time to addressing societal challenges through design. I'm passionate about tackling real-world problems, such as the transition back to office life in a post-hybrid world or the struggles faced by individuals with ADHD in productivity. My goal is to leverage design to simplify and improve people's lives, making a meaningful impact on the world around me. I also participate in design awards independently, driven by my desire to contribute to the greater design community and showcase my individual accomplishments.

At Ingram Micro, often likened to a B2B version of Best Buy, my role as a Senior Principal Product Designer is pivotal in transforming the traditionally manual and effort-intensive selling process into a streamlined, technology-driven operation. This transformation is not just about enhancing efficiency but revolutionizing the industry by integrating information technology at its core.

Through both my professional endeavors at Ingram Micro and my personal design initiatives, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in people's lives.

At its essence, design is fundamentally about problem-solving. It's a discipline that, for me, centers on making life easier, more delightful, and ensuring technology is not just accessible but also comprehensible and engaging. This perspective on design places human needs, emotions, and experiences at the forefront, viewing technology not as an end but as a means to enhance the human condition.

The role of design, from my vantage point, extends beyond the creation of aesthetically pleasing objects or interfaces. It's about deeply understanding the challenges people face and employing creativity, empathy, and technological innovation to devise solutions that not only address these challenges but also elevate the human experience. Design, in this context, acts as a bridge between the current realities of technology and the infinite possibilities for making everyday life more intuitive, seamless, and enriching.

To me, design's ultimate goal is to simplify complexity, making the intricate web of technology we live with more approachable and enjoyable. It's about creating systems, products, and experiences that resonate on a personal level, making the digital and physical worlds more navigable and meaningful. In this way, design doesn't just solve problems; it transforms our interaction with the world, making it a richer, more accessible, and delightful experience.

My favorite design approach is seamless design. This preference stems from the belief that the best designs are those that enrich user interactions in the most unobtrusive ways. A seamless design integrates itself into the user's life, enhancing their experience without demanding undue attention, making every interaction delightful yet effortlessly intuitive.

A "good" design, in my view, is characterized by its simplicity and ease of use. It should serve as an intuitive guide for users, making complex processes straightforward and enhancing the usability and accessibility of products or services. A design that achieves this, while also being aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant, is what I consider truly successful.

Growing up in China during 2000, I was surrounded by a culture that often favors complexity in design. However, my personal style has evolved in the opposite direction, towards simplicity and minimalism. I believe in the power of minimalist design—its clean lines, intuitive layouts, and the way it reduces cognitive load while still engaging users.

My design philosophy is a blend of cultural influences, striving for simplicity to not just solve problems but to do so in a way that delights and surprises users. My work is marked by this balance, seeking to provide experiences that are as enriching as they are straightforward.

My design process is a comprehensive journey that begins with active engagement with people to deeply understand the problem at hand. I meticulously delve into the root cause, ensuring clarity on the exact problem I seek to address.

Brainstorming sessions follow, where creative solutions are generated and refined through iterative cycles. Prototypes are then rigorously tested with end-users, allowing for valuable feedback and insights. This iterative approach continues until the design achieves optimal usability and effectiveness.

Studying and working in the U.S., at the forefront of design thinking, HCI, and technological innovation, has deeply influenced my approach to design. Immersed in a culture that champions innovation, user-centricity, and technological advancement, I've learned the importance of integrating empathy and understanding into my design process.

This experience has underscored the power of design not just as an aesthetic tool but as a crucial bridge between users and technology, aiming to solve real problems and enhance lives. It has inspired me to seek solutions that are impactful, inclusive, and seamlessly integrated with technology, embodying the pioneering spirit of the U.S. design and tech communities.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Design Award is more than just a professional milestone—it's a testament to resilience and self-discovery. Reflecting on the past year, filled with uncertainties and setbacks, I found myself amidst the upheaval of layoffs, questioning my abilities and purpose. The opportunity to apply for the muse award wasn't just about recognition; it was about reclaiming my passion and reaffirming my identity as a designer.

As I poured my heart into the application, each word became a testament to my journey, my struggles, and my unwavering determination. And now, to stand here as a recipient of this esteemed award is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is light. It's not just about winning; it's about finding myself again, reigniting my passion, and embracing the journey ahead with newfound confidence and purpose.

After witnessing firsthand the hesitance and complex emotions my colleagues and I felt about returning to the office post-pandemic, I was driven to find a solution that could rekindle our excitement for in-person collaboration. This personal observation led me to create Desky, a project born from a desire to seamlessly blend the benefits of remote flexibility with the invaluable interactions of office life. Desky is my response to the nuanced challenge of motivating people to embrace the office again, aiming to simplify the transition while enriching the workday experience.

Desky is more than just a scheduling tool; it's a personal project that reflects my commitment to improving how we work in a hybrid model. By integrating features like a strategic weekly overview, desk booking, and an interactive map highlighting office events and colleague schedules, Desky encourages thoughtful planning and spontaneous social interactions.

It was designed with the belief that a well-crafted workspace management system could transform the office into a place where employees want to be, not just have to be. Choosing to enter Desky into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards was a decision fueled by the conviction that this project could inspire others to rethink and rejuvenate their approach to hybrid work.

The most significant challenge in developing Desky was navigating the intricacies of the hybrid work model to determine the most effective way to present a wealth of information in an engaging, accessible, and action-oriented manner. The hybrid model, with its blend of remote and in-office work, requires a nuanced understanding of employees' needs and preferences.

My goal was to design an interface that not only streamlined the complexity of scheduling and office activities but also made the process inviting and enjoyable. The task was to distill various data points—office attendance, desk availability, events, and colleague schedules—into a coherent, visually appealing format that encouraged interaction rather than overwhelming users. Achieving this balance between fun, functionality, and user-friendliness was a considerable hurdle, demanding innovative design solutions and a deep empathy for the user experience.

Winning an award at the MUSE Design Awards has been a transformative experience for my career and practice. It has not only validated the hard work and innovation behind Desky but also significantly elevated my profile as a designer. This recognition has opened new doors for professional opportunities, facilitating conversations with industry leaders and potential collaborators who are interested in pioneering solutions for the future of work.

The award has also enriched my design perspective, inspiring me to push the boundaries of what's possible and to continue exploring how design can solve complex challenges in the workplace and beyond. On a personal level, it has bolstered my confidence in my creative vision and my ability to make a tangible impact through design.

My top three favorite aspects of our industry are its profound care for humanity and society, the boundless creativity it nurtures, and the deep appreciation for aesthetics. Beyond just creating visually appealing products, our industry's commitment to solving real-world problems showcases a dedication to meaningful impact. The freedom to innovate and experiment with new ideas is truly exhilarating, offering endless possibilities for growth and discovery.

Lastly, the emphasis on aesthetics goes beyond surface-level beauty, delving into how form and function can coalesce to improve daily life, making our interactions with technology both enjoyable and inspiring. This blend of empathy, creativity, and aesthetic appreciation makes our field not just a profession, but a passion.

The United States holds a unique position in the design industry, largely due to its pioneering spirit and its role as a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and innovations. This blend of diversity and creativity fosters an environment where groundbreaking design philosophies, such as design thinking and human-computer interaction (HCI), have flourished. American design is characterized by its readiness to embrace new technologies and its ability to adapt and evolve rapidly, reflecting the nation's broader culture of innovation and forward-thinking.

Over the next 5-10 years, I envision the design industry evolving towards an even more user-centered and technology-integrated future. Personally, I'm excited about the potential for design to become even more intertwined with emerging technologies like AI and VR, which I believe will open up new avenues for creating immersive and intuitive user experiences. I also see sustainability and inclusivity becoming central to design practices, reflecting a growing awareness of our social and environmental responsibilities.

For me, this evolution represents an opportunity to explore new frontiers in design, pushing the boundaries of what's possible to create solutions that are not only innovative but also meaningful and accessible to a wider audience. I'm particularly keen on leveraging these advancements to address real-world challenges, making design a key driver of positive change in society. The future of design, in my eyes, is one where empathy, technology, and sustainability converge to create a more inclusive and user-friendly world.

If I were to offer advice to students entering the design industry or aspiring MUSE Design Awards participants, it would be straightforward: Just do it. Dive in. The hesitation and doubt, often stemming from the all-too-common imposter syndrome, can be paralyzing. Many young designers spend too much time questioning their worth or the value of their work, wondering, "Am I good enough?" This doubt is a natural part of the creative process, but it shouldn't hold you back.

My encouragement to them would be to embrace confidence in their own voice and contributions. The world of design is vast and varied, and there's room for your unique perspective and ideas. Starting early, taking risks, and being open to learning from both successes and failures can significantly shape your career.

The MUSE Design Awards, like any other platform, offers a valuable opportunity to showcase your work, receive feedback, and grow as a designer. So, to those on the brink of stepping into the industry or contemplating participation in awards: Believe in your potential, be bold, and seize the opportunities that come your way. Your journey might just inspire the next generation of designers.

For anyone looking to sharpen their skills in the design industry, I recommend diving into 2 books that span the breadth of design theory and application. Here are a few resources that have profoundly influenced my understanding and practice of design:

"Articulating Design Decisions" by Tom Greever: This book is invaluable for understanding how to effectively communicate design choices to stakeholders, team members, and clients. It’s a crucial skill for ensuring that your design vision is understood and implemented as intended.

"About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design" by Alan Cooper: This is a seminal work that dives deep into goal-oriented design, providing insights into creating user-centered interfaces that resonate with end-users' needs and preferences.

I secretly swapped my guitar dreams for a ukulele because my hands couldn't wrap around the chords—literally. Turns out, big musical dreams can fit into small packages (and hands), teaching me to play to my strengths, quite literally!

My dad has been my biggest inspiration, both in life and in my journey into design. As a denim designer, he embodies the essence of creativity, constantly seeking innovative solutions to challenges and possessing an incredible sense of aesthetics. Growing up, I was immersed in the world of fashion through the magazines scattered around his office, which unknowingly planted the seeds of my design dreams.

His limited use of technology has become a running joke between us, but it also grounds my approach to design—I aim to create intuitive, accessible designs for people just like him. This personal connection to design, rooted in my admiration for my dad’s work and values, has profoundly shaped my perspective and aspirations in the design industry.

My key to success? Well, to be honest, I've always had a complex relationship with the term "success." It's not a label I actively pursue or use to define my journey. Instead, my focus lies in the passion I hold for my work, coupled with an insatiable curiosity, a deep-seated empathy, and a flexibility that allows me to adapt to the ever-changing environment around me. These elements are what drive me forward, rather than the pursuit of success as an endpoint.

If I were to offer any parting words of wisdom, it would be this: Embrace who you are and what you love. Let your passion guide you, stay curious about the world and the people in it, and remain adaptable to the twists and turns of life. Success, in any conventional sense, may or may not come your way, but the fulfillment from living a life true to yourself and open to growth and change is a remarkable journey in itself. Always remember to embrace your unique path and the value you bring just by being you.

I'd just like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences. It's been a reflective and insightful journey, not just through the questions asked but in articulating my journey, beliefs, and aspirations within the design world.

I hope everyone in the design community to keep pushing boundaries, stay curious, and embrace the diverse array of human experiences and challenges that fuel our work. The future of design is limitless, and it's our collective creativity, empathy, and innovation that will shape it.