Today we’d like to introduce you to Junru Xu.
Hi Junru, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello! 👋 My name is Junru, and I hold the position of Senior Product Designer. Beyond my professional role, I wear many hats as an artist, educator, volunteer, and entrepreneur. My mission is to forge a future in which creativity is the cornerstone for inspiring positive social transformation. With my eyes set on impactful design innovation, I am dedicated to crafting experiences that not only anticipate the future but are also deeply rooted in addressing the challenges faced by society today.
My approach to design revolves around empathetically and creatively catering to customer needs, striking a delicate balance between functionality and visual appeal. My academic journey in design at Columbia University has equipped me with the skills to excel in this endeavor. My practical experience spans across human-centered design industries, having contributed to projects at DIRECTV, CayabaCare, Giveshop App, and 2×4.
In addition, I have ventured into entrepreneurship as the co-founder of TA Design Studio and a partner at HMW Design Studio, where I continue to apply my design expertise to generate innovative solutions.
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?
This journey has not been smooth sailing; I have encountered many obstacles and setbacks. Before deciding to become a UX designer, I dedicated seven years to studying and practicing architecture, and switching fields was a huge challenge. However, I knew where my interests lay—I wanted to commit to UX design and focus on product design with social impact. Transitioning from architecture to UX design took me a year, but thanks to my strong design background, I quickly started working in UX design. Along the way, I also faced a lot of skepticism and lack of support, even from my parents, who did not support my career change. But I firmly believed that I could excel in this design work. Determination, a stable mindset, and relentless effort are the three main elements of my current achievements. A positive attitude has also propelled me forward on the path of UX design. Recently, I won the Asia Design Award Gold Winner and London Design Award Gold Winner and was nominated for a UX Award. These awards are the greatest affirmation of my efforts.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am dedicated to forging a future in which creativity is leveraged as a powerful force for driving positive social transformation. My focus on creating impactful design innovations enables me to develop experiences that are not only forward-thinking but also deeply embedded in addressing the pressing challenges of our society.
My commitment extends to championing the causes of the underprivileged. Through my work at Cayaba Care, I have designed services aimed at supporting low-income pregnant mothers by improving their access to maternity navigator services and psychological support. The web-based application I developed provides a seamless system for mothers to establish uninterrupted communication and support with maternity navigators throughout their pregnancy. My website design for Giveshop aids entrepreneurs without resources in finding suitable volunteers to realize their dreams together. At Directv, my efforts are geared towards serving users nationwide, with my design in the privacy sector enhancing users’ ability to protect their personal data and privacy more effectively. My packaging designs facilitate a better shopping experience, allowing customers to more easily select their preferred options. My passion projects take a broader look at social issues and the underprivileged. My “Hear Me” project focuses on assisting the deaf and mute community by addressing their communication challenges in daily life, work, and education through cutting-edge AI technology, designing an AI assistant that provides sign language translation in various situations. Meanwhile, the “YOYO” project employs the engaging design of a yo-yo to help socially isolated children engage more effectively in social life and communicate with their parents promptly.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I’ve always believed that the mind’s thought processes and cognitive capabilities govern our behaviors and actions, which is why I am drawn to reading books on psychology. These readings help train my cognition and elevate my thinking. For instance, “The Crowd” has been an exceptional psychological primer for me, sparking my understanding of the significance of recognizing my own psychological patterns and brain functions. Medium serves as an invaluable open platform resource, offering a wealth of dynamic perspectives. It’s a place where both expert and emerging voices share their insights on a myriad of topics, constantly inspiring me with groundbreaking ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hmwdesign.studio/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junru_xu/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junru-xu666/
- Other: https://sites.google.com/view/hmwdesign/home?pli=1&authuser=1
