We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yunran Zhang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yunran thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My journey into the world of creativity started back in high school when I first fell in love with coding and graphic design. I quickly realized how powerful blending technology with artistic expression could be. But what really captured my imagination was the field of user experience design. What excited me most about UX design was how it never stood still. It was always changing and evolving, and I found myself eager to keep up with the latest trends and advancements. Learning new things wasn’t just a task—it was something I genuinely enjoyed.

Yunran, 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?

Hey there, I’m Yunran. I love making digital stuff that’s easy to use. With a strong foundation in Human-Computer Interaction, I’ve developed a keen understanding of user behavior and how to translate that into user-friendly designs. In my approach, I prioritize user-centered design principles. Through rigorous user research and testing, I gather insights that inform every aspect of the design process, from wireframing to prototyping. But what really makes me stand out is my resilience. I don’t give up easily. When things get tough, I keep pushing forward. Whether it’s dealing with tight deadlines or unexpected problems, I stay focused and get the job done. That means my clients can always count on me to deliver great work, no matter what.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that planning everything out to perfection is the key to success and that avoiding mistakes at all costs is paramount. I used to meticulously map out every detail of my endeavors, striving for flawless execution and fearing any deviation from the plan.

However, through experience and reflection, I’ve come to realize the limitations of this mindset. I’ve learned that while planning is important, it’s equally crucial to remain open to spontaneity and embrace the possibility of making mistakes along the way. These mistakes often serve as valuable learning opportunities and can lead to unexpected discoveries and innovations.

Moreover, I’ve discovered the immense value of immersing myself in unfamiliar environments. Stepping outside of my comfort zone has not only brought me new perspectives and opportunities but has also ignited a sense of hope and possibility. By embracing the unknown, I’ve found the courage to pursue new paths and seize opportunities that I never would have considered otherwise.

In essence, I’ve learned that perfection is not attainable, and mistakes are an inevitable part of the journey. By letting go of the need for absolute control and embracing uncertainty, I’ve opened myself up to new experiences, possibilities, and ultimately, personal and professional growth.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In my journey as an interaction designer, I’ve come to understand that keeping up with the constant changes in technology is essential. The field of interaction design is always evolving, and new trends emerge frequently. Therefore, my primary goal is to continuously learn and adapt to these changes.

For me, there’s no ultimate destination or endpoint in this journey. Instead, it’s all about the experience of learning and growing as a designer. Every new skill I acquire, every trend I explore, and every challenge I face adds to my expertise and helps me become a better designer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yunranzhang.com
• Instagram: yunran120
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yunran/