Check Out Yue (Abby) Gao’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yue (Abby) Gao.

Hi Yue (Abby), 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?
My journey into the realm of design consulting was a natural evolution of my diverse background and insatiable curiosity. My architecture training in college provided me with the foundational experience honing my understanding of how people interact with their environments, a perspective I carried forward into product design. As an entrepreneur, I learned firsthand the impact of design on user engagement and business success. It was a hands-on masterclass in not just designing but also understanding the business and user implications of my design choices.

When I leap into design consulting, I found myself applying the design thinking process—conceptualize, design, iterate, and implement—to digital products and services, creating business impacts for my clients with the approach of design.

As I climbed the ranks, I realized that what I had achieved was not just a testament to my skill and hard work but also to the many mentors who had guided me to where I was. These relationships have been fundamental in shaping my career, providing me with insights that only experience can teach.

So, I decided it was time to give back. I became a design mentor on ADPList, sharing my experiences at the intersection of architecture, UX/UI design, and entrepreneurship. I not only shared my knowledge of design principles but also imbued my mentees with the philosophy of impact-driven work. I encouraged them to see beyond the screen or the structure—to design with empathy and responsibility.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, transitioning from architecture to product UX design is an exciting move but comes with its own set of challenges. While there are many transferable skills between architecture and UX design, like the understanding of user experience, I still need to acquire specific skills such as user research, interface design, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing, and familiarize myself with the tech industry, its language, processes, and best practices.

The most challenging part is that I need to build a new network within the UX community. So, I attended UX conferences, joined online communities, and participated in design workshops. Establishing trust and rapport without seeming transactional can be a subtle art.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by the belief that design should be impactful. Whether it’s through accessibility, sustainability, or usability, I’ve strived to create products that make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Besides, I see education presents a profound opportunity to make an impact. By engaging in design education, a mentor can influence the next generation of designers. They instill not only design skills but also values such as empathy, ethics, and a focus on sustainable and inclusive design practices.

Reflecting on my journey, I realized the value of guidance and support I received along the way. This insight inspired me to become a mentor, aiming to empower upcoming designers with the skills and mindset to approach design with a conscientious and user-centric philosophy. Through my mentorship, I multiplied my impact on the world, not just through the products she helped design but through the designers that I helped shape. I have become more than a product designer; I am an enduring influence on the fabric of design.

How do you think about luck?
Good luck with serendipitous connections is important in my career. Chance encounters can lead to long-term professional relationships. For example, during my career transition, I met my mentor through a career fair at UC Berkeley. We talked casually, and I asked her if she could help me with a portfolio review. She provided me with great feedback throughout the way. I realize that mentorships often start informally, perhaps from a casual conversation at a workshop or through mutual acquaintances, and can make invaluable impacts on each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: abbygaoy.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbygaoy/

Image Credits
Photo credit: Jingran Chu Outfit Club teammate: Yifeng Wang