Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Augustina(Ao) Liu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Augustina(Ao), thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

People are stressed! 10.7% of people worldwide have a mental health disorder, with anxiety being the most common illness affecting 284 million people. One effective way to reduce stress levels is mindfulness journaling. Encouraging people to record and reflect on their daily life experiences in a mindful way has been proven to improve mental health and is associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.

However, I found out not everyone can successfully cultivate this habit despite the proven benefits, so I built MindUp. MindUp app allows people to form the habit of mindfulness journaling. It reduces the time needed for mindfulness journaling and helps users reflect on their daily experiences efficiently. Users can collect daily punches over time to visualize their progress by completing mindfulness journaling. The daily punch system’s aesthetically pleasing gamification elements make the entire experience more enjoyable and motivating. Curated meditation playlists also help strengthen users’ mindfulness.

Augustina(Ao), 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 am an innovative product/user experience designer at Seattle, Washington, USA. My journey in design was catalyzed by my early experiences volunteering at the No.1 Social Welfare House in my hometown, Changsha, China, where I assisted seniors with degraded abilities in their vision, hearing, and mobility to adapt to modern technologies. This formative experience sowed the seeds of a deep commitment to making technology empowering and accessible to all.

Eight years ago, I came to the United States for my college at the University of Washington, Seattle. It was during this transformative period that I began pondering a profound question: how to create designs that empower people, regardless their levels of abilities? This question became my driving force, spurring me to explore the realm of design as a means to unlock solutions. I swiftly recognized the power of design when it comes to human wellbeing.

My academic pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering at University of Washington became my platform for translating my passion into tangible action. Today, I stand as a testament to the importance of accessibility and inclusion in product design. My career has been defined by a dedication to creating accessible inclusive designs that empower users of all backgrounds and abilities.

After graduating from college, I have explored design in various fields, including healthcare, lifestyle, airline, and smart technologies. I have left an indelible mark on other renowned organizations. Currently, I work as a Senior Product Designer at Toast to envision the next generation of retail management experience. My commitment to user-centric design strategies and pursuit of excellence has played a pivotal role in propelling Toast to new heights. Before this experience, I worked on the designs of a laboratory management platform for life scientists at Genemod, a trust-worthy recommendation-sharing platform at Fresh Chalk, an airline operational and control system at Alaska Airlines, and a solution that elevates health and wellness for air quality at Wynd Technologies.

My design expertise and commitment to innovation have received numerous accolades, including recognition in the iF Design Award 2024, UX Design Awards 2023, Muse Creative Awards 2023, DNA Paris Awards 2023, Creative Communication Awards 2023, London Design Awards 2023, Titan Health Awards 2023, Best Brand Awards 2023, CES Innovation Awards 2023, and Design Intelligence Awards 2023. Furthermore, I actively participate in design communities, serving as a mentor, workshop speaker, judge, and panelist, and have made valuable contributions to the design community.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My work is a reflection of the transformative power of design. It is a canvas upon which I explore the intricate interplay between technology, empathy, and human experience. I was inspired by my volunteer experiences at the No.1 Social Welfare House in Changsha, Hunan, where I assist seniors with degraded abilities like vision, hearing, and mobility to adapt to modern technologies. This experience intrigued my interest in creating socially responsible designs that are empathetic, inclusive, and accessible to people with different levels of abilities. My work goes beyond aesthetics; it is a testament to the transformative potential of design in creating a more equitable world. My commitment to user-centric design and unwavering pursuit of excellence have not only enhanced user experiences but have also driven substantial business growth.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has been a journey of passion, dedication, and genuine connection. My journey began with a deep commitment to design and its profound impact on human welfare. As my artistic contributions gained recognition in prestigious design competitions, I realized the potential of social media as a platform to amplify my message and engage with a wider audience.

My strategy for building a social media presence centered around authenticity and value creation. I didn’t just share my work; I shared the stories behind it, the insights I gained, and the lessons learned along the way. I believe that authenticity resonates with people on a deeper level, fostering genuine connections and building trust.

In addition to showcasing my work, I actively engaged with the design community on social media. I shared insights as a mentor, participated as a workshop speaker, served as a judge in design competitions, and joined panels to discuss emerging trends and best practices for the design industry. By actively contributing to the community, I not only added value but also positioned myself as a thought leader in the field.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to focus on authenticity, consistency, and engagement. Share your journey, your passions, and your expertise authentically. Building a social media presence takes time and patience. Consistently post valuable content that resonates with your audience and showcases your unique perspective. And most importantly, engage with your audience genuinely. Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and build meaningful connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://augustinaliu.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustinal/

Image Credits
All image credits to Augustina(Ao) Liu