Meet Weiting Gao of Seattle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Weiting Gao

Hi Weiting, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey in design with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Hunan University, where I developed a strong foundation in design principles. My passion for human-computer interaction led me to pursue a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University.

My professional career started at Microsoft, where I crafted end-to-end UI/UX designs for the Bing wallpaper mini-app and other Microsoft products. This experience solidified my interest and skills in UX design. Currently, at Amazon Business, I lead projects to streamline e-procurement and logistics processes for business customers. I collaborate with multiple teams to drive significant initiatives, such as improving bulk order purchasing and enhancing reconciliation processes, resulting in substantial sales volume growth and risk mitigation.

In addition to my corporate experience, I have also worked on innovative projects like the Besty.ai APP, powered by AI to provide sex education to adolescents, and the Yushang APP, where I utilized Generative AI to enhance dating skills and style advice.

My journey has been driven by a desire to blend creativity with technology, always aiming to create meaningful and impactful user experiences.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. Like many in the design and tech industry, I have faced a variety of challenges. Early on, I struggled with finding the right opportunities to showcase my skills and had to navigate the competitive landscape of tech internships. Transitioning from academic research to corporate projects required adapting to different expectations and workflows. Additionally, managing multiple high-impact projects simultaneously, such as those at Amazon, demanded balancing creativity with efficiency. Despite these struggles, each challenge has been a learning experience that has significantly contributed to my growth as a designer.

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 specialize in user experience (UX) design with a focus on creating innovative solutions that enhance user interactions with technology. My work spans various domains, including e-procurement, logistics, and AIGC.

One of my proudest achievements is the creation of Besty.ai, a conversational AI mobile app designed to provide accessible and comprehensive sex education to adolescents. This project was recently awarded the 2024 Muse Design Awards and 2024 DNA Paris Design Awards. The app offers a safe space for teenagers to ask questions about sensitive topics such as sexual and reproductive health, puberty, and relationships.

What sets me apart is my human-centric approach to design. I aim to foster trustworthy human-technology interactions by focusing on users’ needs and emotions. In the case of Besty.ai, I designed a customizable AI character that evolves with users, providing accurate and compassionate guidance through their pubertal growth. This approach not only ensures the delivery of reliable information but also helps users navigate complex feelings, thereby empowering them to advocate for their well-being.

Overall, my ability to blend empathy with innovative design techniques allows me to create solutions that significantly impact users’ lives, setting me apart from others in the field.

What are your plans for the future?
As I look to the future, my plans involve continuing to push the boundaries of user experience (UX) design, particularly in the realm of emerging technologies. I am excited to work on projects that integrate AI and machine learning to create more intuitive and personalized user experiences.

Additionally, I am eager to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex design challenges that address real-world problems. For instance, I plan to explore new applications in sustainability (especially in my corporate work at Amazon Logistics) and education, where innovative design can make a significant impact. Expanding my expertise in these areas will allow me to contribute even more effectively to the field and continue making meaningful advancements that benefit society.

Overall, I am looking forward to leading projects that drive both technological innovation and user-centric design, ultimately contributing to the betterment of the industry and society at large.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weitinggao.com