Daily Inspiration: Meet Hannah Jiao

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Jiao.

Hi Hannah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved writing and drawing, recording my ideas, and realizing them in different ways. 

I’m a Data-driven Product Designer working at Remitly skilled in crafting delightful human experiences. With a background in journalism and brand management, I bring a unique ability to intelligently tell compelling stories that resonate with both users and businesses. 

Previously, I worked at Coinbase. Regardless of industry, I’ve always been able to solve real user problems through design. I began my career in journalism in China, where I cultivated my passion for storytelling and connecting with people. Inspired by my love for understanding people and solving problems, I decided to pivot towards UX design—a field that seamlessly integrated my journalistic skills with my deep interest in design, technology, and human-centered design. 

My focus is predominantly product design now, but I also dabble in create experimental experiences, and I love photography. I’m inspired by life and engaged in diversity and equality. I hope to design better products and services for people around the world and make technology more human. 

Artificial Intelligence, Crypto, NFT, Blockchain, and other new technologies fascinate me! During the daytime, I think about applying design thinking to harness these innovative forces to design digital experiences. I hope to push the limits of the web and solve right problems. In my spare time, I like to work out and record the beauty of the day with words and lens. 

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?
While my journey has been fulfilling and rewarding, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Like any path of growth and self-discovery, I’ve encountered my fair share of obstacles and challenges along the way. 

I like solving problems by design and I am also curious about the world engaged with business and technology. I consider myself a continuous entrepreneur and traveler; my life is filled with adventure, challenges, and the constant pursuit of new opportunities and experiences. Throughout this journey, I encountered many challenges but also gained invaluable experiences and memories. 

The journey of an entrepreneur is often fraught with twists and risks. From finding the inspiration for ideas to turning them into sustainable businesses, every step requires courage and determination. For example, when I start my business “Meetin Gallery”, I want to find a tech cofounder. I went to different events to pitch my ideas and business and talk with people. Finally, I found my co-founder. She is a really good problem solver and engineer. Along with my entrepreneurship, I also face challenges such as funding shortages, fierce market competition, team management, and more, but it is these challenges that shape my leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. 

I was born and raised in China, and then I came to the USA for my master’s school. As a traveler, I explore cultures, landscapes, and humanities around the world, embracing different lifestyles and values. I like using a different lens to look at the world and experience different cultures and societies. It gives me a good way of problem-solving from different angles. Traveling is not only a way to relax and unwind but also an opportunity to broaden my horizons and open up my mind. All of these experiences have enriched my life and contributed to my growth. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a product designer, my work revolves around crafting intuitive and visually appealing digital experiences for companies and clients across various industries. I specialize in several key areas: 

Product Design: My primary focus is on product design, where I collaborate with cross-functional teams to conceptualize, prototype, and iterate on digital products. Whether it’s mobile apps, web platforms, or software solutions, I strive to create seamless and user-friendly experiences that meet both user needs and business objectives. 

Brand Asset Management: In addition to product design, I also specialize in brand asset management, including brand identity and visual identity systems. I work closely with clients to develop cohesive branding strategies that effectively communicate their values, personality, and messaging across different touchpoints. 

Market Fit Identification: Another area of expertise is in identifying market fit for products and services. Through market research, user feedback analysis, and competitor analysis, I help clients pinpoint opportunities and refine their offerings to better meet the needs and preferences of their target audience. 

What I’m most proud of is my ability to understand users deeply and solve their problems effectively. I prioritize empathy-driven design and user research, allowing me to gain valuable insights into user behavior, pain points, and preferences. This approach ensures that the products I design are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and impactful. 

What sets me apart from others is my holistic approach to design, combining technical expertise with strategic thinking and a strong emphasis on user-centricity. I bring a diverse skill set and a breadth of experience across different industries, allowing me to tackle complex design challenges with confidence and creativity. Additionally, my passion for experimenting with innovative experiences and my commitment to continuous learning keeps me at the forefront of design trends and best practices. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
One of the best things about Los Angeles is its rich cultural diversity. From vibrant neighborhoods like Little Tokyo and Chinatown to the bustling arts scene in Downtown LA, the city offers a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and traditions. I am a fan of pop culture, and I feel that LA has the best pop culture! In addition, as the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles boasts a thriving arts and entertainment scene. From iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Walk of Fame to world-renowned museums and theaters, I felt like I was immersed in this cultural soil. 

LA is not like Seattle, which rains a lot. Los Angeles is known for its sunny skies and mild climate year-round. Whether I am lounging on the beaches of Santa Monica or hiking in the Hollywood Hills, the pleasant weather makes my outdoor activities enjoyable nearly every day. 

Los Angeles has lots of good food, with an eclectic mix of culinary offerings from around the world. 

Something I don’t like here: 

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States, with high housing costs, utility bills, and taxes. The cost of living can be prohibitive for many residents, particularly those on lower incomes. Another one may be the transportation. The city is sprawling layout and lack of efficient public transportation can make it challenging to get around, especially for those without access to a car. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hannahjiao.webflow.io/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sun_harryyya/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shangshang.jiao/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-jiao/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sun_Harryyya
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shangshangjiao5764

Image Credits
Hannah Jiao