Today we’d like to introduce you to Yue Yuan.
Hi Yue, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was younger, I was constantly fascinated by exploring the various possibilities of fundamental principles and the genuine physical world rather than getting used to “the way things are”. This mindset prompted me to adopt an observer’s perspective, keen on discerning intricate details for a genuine perception of the world. Through drawing, I illustrated my imagination of emotions, lives, and cultures.
My pursuit of a graphic design degree at the School of Visual Arts in NYC in 2014 was driven by my childlike curiosity for experimentation and learning. This educational journey left an indelible mark on my design thinking. I came to realize that design transcends the confines of aesthetics and visuals. It involves a myriad of factors that converge to shape the ultimate design outcomes. Understanding the cultural focus that underpins our choices, perspective, and behaviors is paramount. Without profound insights, we cannot hope to effectively engage the imagination of those we design for.
It wasn’t until I unexpectedly met a homeless girl that my career path took a different turn. As I conducted my research, she opened up about her feelings of powerlessness while trying to transition out of her difficult situation. This conversation was a turning point, leading me to the realization that my passion is product design. I am driven by the idea of using design to assist people in solving problems and enabling them to achieve a better life.
After identifying my passion and career direction, I pursued a Master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University to gain further knowledge in technology, design, psychology, and business. Following my graduation, I worked as a product designer at MIT and Verizon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been both rewarding and challenging. There were hurdles to overcome, and it has also been filled with magical moments and opportunities for professional growth.
Empathy is a skill I’ve continually honed. In my role as a product designer, it’s crucial to immerse myself in the user’s reality and view the world through their eyes. While it may seem straightforward, our distinct backgrounds, life journeys, and cultural contexts contribute to our individual viewpoints and identities. This becomes particularly significant when catering to diverse user groups in order to create user-centric design solutions.
In Verizon – Energy Transformation Team, I worked as a designer, primarily focusing on designing a cloud-based analytics product tailored to serve three distinct user groups. These groups represented diverse technical domains, each harboring their own specific needs, desires, and pain points. In approaching this challenge, I maintained an open mindset and utilized various research methodologies to gather and analyze valuable insights.
As the project progressed, I realized the importance of delving deeper into the understanding of our users. To address this need, I embarked on a special trip from LA to Denver, where I had the opportunity to observe their behaviors and task execution within their authentic work environments. This hands-on experience allowed me to fine-tune the design solutions to accurately align with the end-user’s needs.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I view everything through the lens of possibilities and advancement, constantly seeking solutions to problems and envisioning new, improved approaches. My creative energy thrives when I’m tackling challenges and devising innovative methods. My attention is deeply rooted in the world around me, where I explore structures and systems, always striving to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
I possess a natural inclination for taking risks and a relentless drive to venture into unexplored territories. I’m not one to follow established conventions; instead, I excel in roles that foster experimentation and idea exploration. I find great satisfaction in the “messy middle” of any endeavor, not just the excitement of the beginning or the sense of accomplishment at the end.
My endurance and commitment allow me to transform ideas from mere concepts to fully realized creations, emphasizing the value of taking things one step at a time rather than rushing toward the finish line.
What matters most to you? Why?
Ideas may flow freely, but it’s the strategy that truly matters.
Generating ideas may come naturally to designers, enabling them to conceive innovative solutions. However, formulating an idea for an entirely novel product, one with a completely unique value proposition, demands a considerably greater investment of time and effort.
In contrast, strategy entails making intentional decisions to carry out activities in a unique way. This strategic design approach offers a chance to introduce a game-changing element. What adds to the intrigue of strategy is its ability to significantly reduce the subjectivity often present when clients assess design. Ultimately, success is determined by its capacity to generate a return on investment for the client.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yyuane.com/
