We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shanshan Yuan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shanshan below.

Shanshan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

In a startup, where resources are limited, the journey from idea to execution involves managing all the core UX design steps—research, brainstorming, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iterating, where each of these steps might be distributed across different specialists in big company.

Every designer in a startup develops their own approach to balancing these demands. For me, the key is maintaining a strong, open feedback loop with our users. We achieve this through various means, including regular surveys, user panels, and review sessions. This direct line to our users allows us to stay closely aligned with their needs and challenges.

Another essential part of my approach is fast, iterative development. I don’t aim to get everything perfect on the first try. Instead, I prioritize rapid prototyping and iteration, with clear documentation at each stage. By actively listening to user feedback and quickly adjusting, we can reach effective solutions faster. This combination of user engagement and agile iteration helps us deliver impactful designs while keeping pace with the demands of a startup environment.

Shanshan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a UX/UI designer based in Boston, and I’ve been the lead UX/UI designer for REEKON Tools. 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 have a diverse design background, with expertise in traditional UX design and Entertainment Technology design. I’m passionate about integrating cutting-edge technologies like AR/VR into my work, but I always prioritize creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences that are accessible to everyone. My academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Interaction Design from Miami University and a master’s degree in Entertainment Technology Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a passion for exploring new possibilities in technology while ensuring that the end result remains simple, meaningful, and enjoyable for users. To me, creativity is about pushing the boundaries of what design and technology can achieve, but always with the human experience in mind—making the complex feel effortless and intuitive.

This approach has guided me in projects like MindEase and LifeLink, both of which have been recognized with several awards. MindEase focused on reimagining mental wellness support, and LifeLink addressed digital legacy management in an increasingly online world. These projects allowed me to explore how emerging technologies could tackle complex problems, while keeping the solutions user-friendly and impactful. My goal is always to create experiences that blend innovation with simplicity, making advanced technology accessible and engaging for everyone.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing firsthand how my work makes a difference in people’s lives. There’s nothing quite like hearing users share how a product genuinely helps them or improves their daily routines. Knowing that something I’ve designed is not only functional but also valuable to the user is incredibly fulfilling.

User feedback plays a big role in this. It’s inspiring to hear directly from people about how a product has simplified a task or met a need they didn’t know how to address. This feedback fuels my creative process, reminding me why I design and helping me continuously improve. Seeing a product go from an idea to something that users genuinely find helpful—that’s what keeps me passionate about my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ysshan3.com/