Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yue Yuan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yue, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

I strongly believe that “design is not just about design.”

Effective design requires a deep understanding of interconnected disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, and economics. Comprehending cultural contexts helps us engage our target audience and empathize with users to address their needs. As a product designer, each project caters to a specific user group within a broader business context, emphasizing innovation, risk, and design craft.

For instance, while working on a clean energy platform at Verizon, my target users were facility managers—a demographic I was initially unfamiliar with. Empathy became crucial in bridging this gap and creating a successful product. I employed multiple research methods to understand their workplace context, gaining insights into their perceptions and behaviors. This process, akin to a “detective game,” helped me analyze key information to build a solid foundation for the project.

To generate potential solutions, I immerse myself in the user’s context. The process involves draw, draw and talk. And argue and disagree. And talk some more. It is a combination of a computer and a slot machine – I have a pile of stuff in my brain, a pile of stuff from all the research articles I’ve read and every conversation that’s inspired me. It’s all in there. It’s all on one side of the brain. And on the other side of the brain is a specific brief that comes from my understanding of the project and says, okay, this solution is made up of A, B, C, and D. And if you pull the handle on the slot machine, they sort of run around in a circle, and what you hope is that those three cherries line up, and the cash comes out.

Then trust your instinct, the stakes are high and you have to elaborate on the intentionality behind every single design choice. The amount of detail that gets challenged is unbelievable and you can see that the brightest people are looking after the user experience so these products are easy and simple to use.

I call this entire process “The beauty of harmony”—a fitting testament to the magic that unfolds when design seamlessly integrates empathy, research, and collaboration.

Yue, 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?

As a product designer with experience at MIT and Verizon, my work is driven by a desire to create meaningful, impactful solutions that resonate with people. My love for art, cultivated from a young age, has played a crucial role in shaping my perspective on design as a powerful tool for understanding the world and expressing oneself.

My time at the School of Visual Arts further solidified my belief in design’s potential to improve people’s lives. This realization has motivated me to seek a sense of purpose and worth in my life and career. Every project I undertake is an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

My design approach is heavily influenced by empathy and sensitivity to the nuances of human behavior. This allows me to uncover hidden insights and design solutions that cater to the needs and desires of users. By challenging habituation and questioning the status quo, I strive to create innovative designs that push boundaries and elevate the user experience.

During my time at MIT, I successfully designed and deployed a web semiconductor training tool that streamlined complex procedures, significantly enhancing the accessibility of hands-on training for technicians across various skill levels. The platform was successfully implemented at AIM Photonics Boot Camps in March 2022, further demonstrating its effectiveness. In my role at Verizon, I spearheaded the development of a B2B data analytics platform aimed at assisting businesses in reducing energy consumption, lowering operational costs, and promoting sustainable practices. This platform not only contributed to the companies’ financial goals but also supported their environmental responsibilities.

In every project, I draw on my ability to observe patterns and empathize with users, consistently seeking ways to improve and grow as a designer. I believe that by looking broader and closer at problems, we can uncover innovative solutions that truly serve humanity. This daily pursuit of experiencing the world better fuels my passion for product design and drives me to create work that matters.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to design valuable products and experiences from the inside out of businesses, aiming to differentiate by making a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One resource I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey is the power of storytelling in design. I’ve learned that effective storytelling can greatly influence people and help build consensus around projects. Throughout my career, I’ve seen designers use storytelling to share their work, from small progress updates to major presentations.

A key lesson for me was realizing the importance of speaking with passion, not only when presenting work but also during everyday meetings. By demonstrating genuine excitement about my work, I found that others became more engaged and interested in the projects I was involved in.

Ultimately, making ideas understandable and memorable through storytelling has proven invaluable in my creative journey. People may not recall the exact details of what you say, but they will remember how your passion and enthusiasm made them feel. Cultivating these skills early on can help creatives build stronger connections with their audience and move their projects forward more effectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yyuane.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yueyuan9/