We recently connected with Shuchen Wang and have shared our conversation below.

Shuchen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a personal project called hiTRIBE. This is a browser extension designed to help online community organizers enhance engagement by offering seamless services for event registration, participation, follow-up, and improved collaboration with moderators.

In today’s digital age, technology has revolutionized how people connect with strangers. Social media apps and platforms abound, facilitating countless online interactions daily. However, these online connections often lack the depth and durability of offline meetings. While it is possible to interact with hundreds of users in a single day, meaningful connections remain scarce.

Through extensive research and interviews, I discovered that most individuals felt a greater sense of understanding and connection within a community. These communities, where people with similar interests and thoughts can discuss topics in depth and share their perspectives, provide an immersive experience. Particularly for adult users, communities offer a straightforward way to form deep friendships and foster meaningful interactions.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift of community activities to online gatherings and virtual meetings. However, many event organizers struggle to create online events as engaging as their offline counterparts. The rise of Community as a Service (CaaS) has highlighted the importance of information sharing and network building, yet there remains a shortage of tools to aid organizers in boosting community member retention and engagement.

In response to these challenges, I designed hiTRIBE to create a better online collaboration platform, enabling organizers to efficiently manage and coordinate online community activities. This project is particularly meaningful to me as it addresses a significant need in the current landscape, fostering deeper connections and enhancing the overall online community experience.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born in Hubei Province, China, and pursued an undergraduate degree in Industrial Design at Hubei University of Technology, focusing on product design. I then earned my master’s degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, USA. Currently, I serve as a User Experience Designer at Goldman Sachs.

My journey into this field began during my undergraduate studies, where I developed a keen interest in user research and user-centered design. This passion led me to further my education and career in user experience and product design.

I offer a range of services, including user experience design and product design. My primary focus is on understanding the target user group through various research methods such as User Interviews, Field studies, Research Synthesis, etc. This deep understanding allows me to formulate solutions that cater to users’ needs, preferences, and behaviors. I continually refine these designs through iterative user testing.

In the design process, I emphasize creating products with a smooth, intuitive, and engaging user experience. Additionally, I collaborate closely with product managers, software engineers, marketing teams, and other departments to ensure that the design solutions are not only user-friendly but also technically feasible and commercially viable.

What sets me apart is my dedication to truly understanding the user and my ability to translate this understanding into effective design solutions. I am most proud of my ability to integrate user insights into the design process, creating products that resonate with users and meet their needs.

The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about my work are that I am committed to delivering exceptional user experiences and that my designs are always grounded in thorough research and iterative testing. My goal is to create products that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also deeply aligned with the users’ expectations and requirements.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the opportunity to connect with and learn from other creative individuals. Throughout my career, I have been consistently inspired by the people around me. As a designer, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to meet a diverse range of creative minds, each bringing their unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table.

These interactions are invaluable. They not only broaden my own thinking but also push me to explore new approaches and techniques. Creative people often have a natural curiosity and a willingness to share their insights and knowledge, which fosters a collaborative and enriching environment. This exchange of ideas and the constant flow of inspiration from my peers help me grow both personally and professionally.

Moreover, being part of a creative community means being exposed to a variety of viewpoints and problem-solving strategies. This diversity encourages innovation and drives me to think outside the box. It’s this continuous learning and the dynamic nature of creative collaboration that I find most fulfilling.

Ultimately, the ability to create alongside others who are equally passionate about their craft, to be inspired by their creativity, and to contribute to a collective pool of knowledge and innovation is what makes being a creative so rewarding. It’s a journey of perpetual learning, growth, and inspiration that I cherish deeply.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

It’s the film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” This iconic movie, directed by Stanley Kubrick, masterfully combines technology, music, visual art, and philosophy to create a groundbreaking narrative. What amazes me most about this film is its ability to use multiple channels to tell a story, seamlessly integrating various elements to break boundaries and push the limits of imagination.

Released in 1968, “2001: A Space Odyssey” was far ahead of its time. It challenged conventional storytelling techniques and explored profound themes about human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the unknown. The film’s innovative use of special effects, its hauntingly beautiful score, and its deep philosophical questions have left a lasting impression on me.

It underscores the necessity of pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. The way Kubrick envisioned and executed this film inspires me to think creatively and to approach problems from multiple angles. Additionally, the movie’s exploration of technology and its implications for the future resonates deeply with my work in user experience and product design. It serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the broader impact of technological advancements and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shuchen.org/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shuchenw

Image Credits
Image 1(Revolve project) credit to Frank Kimaya and Hyelim. Image 2(Focus project) credit to Jingdian Li