We recently connected with Hannah Jiao and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Taking the risk to transition from journalism to product design led me to my current life. While journalism had been my comfort zone for years, I felt a growing sense of restlessness and a desire to explore new horizons. The decision to pursue product design was driven by my passion for understanding people’s needs and creating meaningful solutions. Despite the uncertainty and fear of the unknown, I was fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a belief in the transformative power of design.

As I delved deeper into the world of product design, I found myself energized by the endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. I relished the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams, conduct user research, and translate insights into intuitive designs that improved people’s lives. Each project presented new challenges and opportunities for growth, allowing me to refine my skills and expand my professional horizons.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the courage to take that leap of faith and pursue a career in UX design. It has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and fulfillment—a testament to the power of embracing uncertainty and following one’s passion. While the path may have been challenging at times, the rewards have far outweighed the risks. Today, I’m proud to be making a meaningful difference in the lives of users and contributing to the exciting field of product design. I would love to take more risks to grow my capability as a product designer and use design to better serve the business and be creative.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a product designer. My background in journalism instilled in me a love for communication and storytelling. I thrive on engaging with people, understanding their perspectives, and finding innovative solutions to their challenges. I help clients to grow their business by meeting customers’ needs. As a product designer, I leverage my storytelling abilities to craft intuitive and user-centered experiences that address real-world problems. For instance, I work closely with clients to analyze customer service interactions and identify areas for improvement. By shadowing customer service calls and analyzing user mental models, I develop strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline processes.

One concrete example of my work involves redesigning mortgage portals to empower customers with easy access to critical information, reducing the need for lengthy customer service calls. By visualizing data and optimizing user interfaces, I ensure that users can efficiently manage their accounts and make informed decisions.

What sets me apart is my adaptive mindset and commitment to finding effective solutions. I believe in approaching challenges with both short-term and long-term strategies, constantly monitoring performance data to drive iterative improvements. Whether it’s optimizing user interfaces or streamlining processes, I prioritize user needs and deliver impactful results.

I take great pride in my ability to adapt to diverse situations and deliver tangible outcomes for my clients. Whether it’s crafting compelling user experiences or optimizing operational efficiency, I’m dedicated to driving positive change and exceeding expectations.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I’m committed to delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations. Whether it’s through innovative design solutions or strategic insights, I’m here to empower businesses and improve the lives of their customers. Let’s collaborate to create experiences that truly make a difference.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

There are several ways that society can do to develop friendly environment to support artists and creatives:

Community Spaces and Events: Creating more venues and events where artists and creatives can gather, showcase their work, and interact with each other is crucial. These spaces can range from art galleries and studios to community centers and pop-up events. Regular meetups, workshops, and exhibitions can foster collaboration and networking.

Resource Sharing Platforms: Establishing platforms or online communities where artists can share resources, experiences, and insights can be invaluable. This could include forums, social media groups, or dedicated websites where artists can exchange tips, discuss challenges, and provide support to each other.

Education and Skill Development: Offering accessible and affordable educational opportunities tailored to artists and creatives can help them enhance their skills and navigate the business side of their careers. Workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs covering topics such as marketing, finance, and intellectual property rights can empower artists to thrive professionally.

Funding and Grants: Providing financial support through grants, fellowships, and funding programs can enable artists to pursue their creative projects without the burden of financial constraints. These initiatives can be targeted towards emerging artists, underrepresented communities, and projects with societal impact.

Public Art Initiatives: Encouraging the integration of art into public spaces can enrich communities and provide exposure for artists. Municipalities can allocate resources for public art installations, murals, and cultural events, fostering a vibrant arts scene and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods.

Cross-Sector Collaboration: Facilitating collaborations between artists and other sectors such as technology, science, and business can lead to innovative projects and mutually beneficial partnerships. Initiatives like artist-in-residence programs in non-arts organizations or interdisciplinary workshops can spark creativity and foster cross-pollination of ideas.

Recognition and Appreciation: Recognizing the contributions of artists and creatives to society through awards, exhibitions, and public acknowledgments can elevate their status and reinforce the value of artistic expression. Celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the creative community is also essential for ensuring representation and fostering a supportive environment for all artists.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Several years into my career, I found myself deeply entrenched in the fast-paced world of corporate finance. While the work was intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding, I gradually realized that it was consuming my life. Long hours, constant pressure to perform, and a lack of fulfillment outside of work left me feeling drained and disconnected from the things that truly mattered to me.

Reflecting on my values and priorities, I recognized that my career was meant to serve the kind of life I desired—a life filled with meaning, fulfillment, and balance. I realized that I valued experiences, relationships, and personal growth more than the pursuit of professional success at any cost. With this newfound clarity, I knew I needed to make a significant pivot in both my career and lifestyle.

Embracing the idea that my career was an integral part of my life, I made the conscious decision to prioritize my well-being and pursue a more balanced approach. This meant stepping away from the high-pressure corporate environment and exploring alternative paths that aligned better with my values, which is to become a designer.

The pivot wasn’t easy. It required courage, self-reflection, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone. I had to let go of societal expectations and redefine success on my own terms. It was a journey of self-discovery and transformation—one that ultimately led me to a career that felt more authentic and fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: hannahjiao.com
• 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/channel/UCwNuQxqACu8CdTHpGH6b4Yg
• Other: Please feel free to email me at [email protected] to connect! Happy to chat!

Image Credits
Hannah Jiao