Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanshan Yuan.
Hi Shanshan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a UX/UI designer based in Boston, and I’ve been the lead UX/UI designer for REEKON Tools for the past 2.5 years. During this time, I’ve led the end-to-end design of multiple core products, shaping the user experience of innovative digital tools for professionals in the construction industry. My work has been recognized globally, earning prestigious awards such as the Red-dot Design Award, Muse Design Award etc, for both independent and company projects.
I began my journey in design while helping my father at his traditional Chinese medicine store. There was a time where our business was struggling. I observed customers struggling to describe their symptoms and unsure of the benefits of herbal remedies. Inspired by this challenge, I created a simple system that categorized herbs and explained their uses clearly. This not only improved communication but also transformed the customer experience, sparking my passion for using design to solve practical problems and enhance understanding.
From there, I pursued a degree in Interaction Design at Miami University and a Master’s in Entertainment Technology Design from Carnegie Mellon University. My passion for blending technology with intuitive design has shaped my career, and today, as the lead UX/UI designer at REEKON Tools, I’ve led the end-to-end design of multiple core products, shaping the user experience of innovative digital tools for professionals in the construction industry. My work has been recognized globally, earning prestigious awards such as the Red-dot Design Award, Muse Design Award etc, for both independent and company projects.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge I faced when I first joined REEKON Tools was adapting my design approach. I’ve always relied on putting myself in the user’s shoes, but in this case, I found it difficult to understand and empathize with professional construction workers, a user base so far removed from my own experiences. As a result, many of the designs I initially created felt disconnected, and I struggled to make them truly resonate with the users.
To address this, I made some significant changes. I started by immersing myself in the construction industry, reading blogs and learning the specific terms and nuances of their work. I also asked my manager to give me more direct access to users, allowing me to visit construction companies and observe their day-to-day tasks. We even built a forum to facilitate direct communication with users, where I could read their feedback and understand their pain points more deeply. Over time, these efforts helped me develop a stronger understanding of the users, and I was finally able to empathize with them. This shift dramatically changed my design approach, making it more grounded and user-centric, and ultimately led to more successful and meaningful solutions.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in UX/UI design, focusing on creating intuitive and user-friendly experiences by blending cutting-edge technology with human-centered design. I’m known for simplifying complex systems, especially when working with advanced tools like AI, AR, and VR, and making them accessible to a wide range of users.
One of my proudest achievements is MindEase, an award-winning project that combines conversational AI with immersive AR through Apple Vision Pro. The goal was to create a seamless, personalized relaxation experience that allows users to disconnect from the world and focus on mental well-being.
What sets me apart is my commitment to making advanced technology feel effortless for the user. With MindEase, I ensured that the interface was simple and calming, despite the powerful technology behind it. By focusing on minimal design elements, like soft gradients and open layouts, I created an experience where users could fully immerse themselves in meditation without feeling overwhelmed by the technical complexity. My work is driven by the belief that innovation and simplicity can coexist, making even the most advanced tools approachable for everyone.
(for more detail see: https://museaward.com/winner-info.php?id=230451)
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is my very first design experience: help my father with his traditional Chinese Medicine Store. I was about 10 years old. At that time, computer started to get popular in China. With all the mixed information, people started to question about traditional Chinese Medicine. And that significantly influenced our business and my parents would work day and night just to keep our little store alive.
That’s when I start to think about reshaping the experience. I observed the two biggest blocker: one that people start to lose trust with traditional medicine, two people often struggled to articulate their symptoms clearly, causing the meds that we made for them is incorrect, which further amplifies the first point.
I spent my days at school and nights with my father at our store. We create ad system where we categorized the most common medicines and their purposes. We presented these bundles at the front of the store, explaining each component and how it could help.
The new experience is a game-changer. Gradually, we have more customers who trust us and brought us more customers. Till today, our little store is still alive and stable and have helped countless people along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ysshan3.com/
