Check Out Stella Huang’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stella Huang.

Hi Stella, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
I’ve always been deeply fascinated by art and design, a passion that began in my childhood with painting. This early interest led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, where I was intrigued by the blend of design and technology. After graduating, the growing prominence of interaction research and design—spurred by technological advancements and the rise of major tech companies—captivated my attention. To delve deeper, I joined the ArtCenter College of Design for a master’s in Media Design Practices. There, I explored design methodologies in emerging technologies and developed critical perspective for my practice. 

Post-graduation, I began my career in UX/UI design, focusing primarily on apps and websites design. Yet, I felt a compelling urge to broaden my creative horizons beyond screen-based designs. This drive coincided with an opportunity to shift into the electric vehicle industry as a Product Designer, where I now design holistic experiences that integrate both software and hardware interactions. This role not only satisfies my creative aspirations but also positions me at the forefront of innovation in mobility. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Embarking on this path hasn’t been without its hurdles. As a first-generation designer and artist, I faced the added challenge of navigating a field where I had little guidance and fewer resources than some of my peers. This often felt like exploring unfamiliar territory without a map. Yet, the support of my family, friends, and mentors has been instrumental in my journey. 

One of the biggest internal battles I faced was choosing between pursuing speculative, futuristic user experiences and developing market-targeted user experiences that solve real-world problems and transform into actual products. This dichotomy was initially a source of conflict until mentorship helped me see that it was, in fact, a unique advantage that sets me apart. 

On the professional front, collaborating with engineers and adjusting designs to fit timelines, technological constraints, and product scopes has been challenging. Yet, these challenges have honed my ability to craft pragmatic solutions that satisfy all stakeholders, balancing creativity with practicality. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Product Designer in the electric vehicle industry, my role is holistic, extending beyond the traditional bounds of UX/UI design. I crafted the entire user experience, encompassing not only the time spent driving but also the moments before and during the ride of the vehicle. This includes conducting user research, strategizing product development, and designing both the user experience and user interface. My designs are not limited to digital screens within the vehicles; I also focus on how users physically interact with the vehicle itself. For me, designing for mobility transcends creating a mere commute tool—it involves shaping a space, whether shared or private, where people spend significant time and form experiences. 

I take immense pride in seeing my designs come to life and being enjoyed by customers, often receiving accolades within the design community. My work aims not just to solve problems but to enhance lives by promoting sustainable practices and encouraging a shift towards a greener future. 

What distinguishes me in the field is my balanced approach that marries user-centric empathy with data-driven strategies. I design with a keen focus on practical use cases, ensuring that my solutions are not only visually appealing but also perform well, meet business objectives, and align with technological possibilities. 

Beyond my professional duties, I continuously explore my creativity through side projects that have earned global recognition, including prestigious awards like the iF Design Awards, RedDot Design Awards, Muse Design Awards, and European Product Design Awards. Additionally, my passion for media art has led to exhibitions at major international venues such as the London Design Festival and NYC Design Festival. This aspect of my work underscores my commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and art, bringing innovative ideas to a worldwide audience. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The Covid-19 crisis reignited my love for hands-on crafting. Spending extended periods at home, I embraced hobbies like cooking, ceramics, and crochet, which have brought immense personal joy and a deeper appreciation for the tactile aspects of design. 

Professionally, the crisis underscored the value of flexibility and remote collaboration. The shift toward online platforms has broadened the scope of who and how we can work, paving the way for more dynamic and diverse creative interactions across the globe. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stellaszh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stella.huang/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-sizhe-huang-33b0a515b/

Image Credits
Stella Sizhe Huang