Interviews med Chengcheng Hou

I’m a senior product designer with a background in digital health and systems thinking. I studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York and have since worked across wellness, telehealth, and clinical operations. At Tia, I led the design of our electronic medical record system (TLC), used by over 42,000 patients across the U.S., and developed tools that reduce care team burnout while improving patient outcomes. I also mentor emerging designers through ADPList and Project Alpaca.

I’ve always been curious about how things work—and how they could work better. In school, I realized design wasn’t just about making things beautiful, but about making systems more humane. I studied interaction design at SVA and began building tools that bridged empathy and complexity. Healthcare design gave me the opportunity to use those skills to solve high-stakes, real-world problems. What started as an interest in storytelling and interfaces became a commitment to designing for care.

My top priorities are:

Clarity – making the complex understandable.

Empathy – centering the lived experience of users, especially in high-stress environments like healthcare.

Sustainability – designing scalable systems, not just single screens.

I start projects with workshops or interviews to uncover pain points. I rely heavily on Figma, user testing, and stakeholder reviews. My style balances minimalist clarity with subtle personality—clean interfaces with just enough warmth to feel human.

When I’m designing, I feel focused, engaged, and often energized by discovery. I love the “click” moment—when messy problems start to untangle into elegant solutions. It’s fulfilling to know the work will reduce someone’s cognitive load or improve their workflow. The pleasure comes from alignment: when user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility all intersect in one thoughtful solution.

Being biracial—half Chinese and half Mongolian—taught me early on to navigate and reconcile different perspectives. That cultural awareness shaped how I listen and design for diverse users. Outside of design, I practice photography, which sharpened my eye for composition and timing. My interest in psychology helps me understand user behavior. All of this—combined with my experience in healthcare—makes me deeply attuned to the emotional and functional layers of design.

I’m focused on building more equitable and emotionally intelligent health technologies. My growth path includes deepening my skills in AI-driven design, pursuing graduate education in design engineering, and eventually launching my own studio focused on care systems. My dream project is an open-source, AI-assisted mental health tool that’s accessible globally—something that combines clinical credibility with emotional resonance, designed to scale across cultures and languages.

Don’t obsess over being the most talented—focus on being the most curious. Learn to tell the story behind your work, not just show the screens. Ask great questions, stay close to the problem, and always design with context. I also advise joining communities, whether that’s ADPList, meetups, or mentorship groups. You’ll learn more from conversation than any tutorial.

Never stop auditing your biases. Listen more than you speak. Design not just for usability but for lasting usefulness. One tip I live by: the best solutions often come from reframing the problem, not polishing the interface. And if your design isn’t solving a meaningful need—it’s decoration.

I usually start my morning reviewing Slack and Notion updates from clinical stakeholders. Mornings are for focused design work—Figma explorations, system diagramming, writing specs. Afternoons are for collaboration—user interviews, async reviews, cross-functional meetings. I end my day writing reflections or iterating based on team feedback. What makes me happiest? When someone says, “This just made my job easier.”

I follow trends lightly—more out of curiosity than adherence. I track shifts in interaction design, data visualization, and AI through newsletters, Medium, and conferences like Config and Interaction. But I don’t chase aesthetics. I focus on timeless clarity over timely decoration. Great design should age well and adapt easily.

Good design reduces friction and increases clarity—it should feel inevitable. I know something is well designed when users don’t have to think about it, but they feel supported by it. I look for emotional alignment and functional flow. Common mistakes? Designing for edge cases as the norm or over-prioritizing visual flair over usability. Good design is invisible—but deeply felt.

A design is ready when it solves the right problem with clarity, and further iterations produce diminishing returns. I always document what we didn’t include and why—that’s part of readiness too. You never stop improving, but readiness is about confidence, not perfection. I know it’s successful when it saves time, drives adoption, or brings a real sigh of relief from the user.

My biggest design work is the Tia Life Chart (TLC)—an electronic medical record system I led that unified mental, physical, and reproductive health in one timeline. It reduced documentation time by 44%, helped scale patient care across the U.S., and changed how providers experience their tools. It wasn’t just a UI project—it was a systems transformation rooted in empathy. I’m proud it’s now used by over 42,000 patients and a wide range of clinical staff.

I admire Kenya Hara for his work on emptiness and sensory design, and Giorgia Lupi for turning data into poetry. I’d love to talk to Dieter Rams about restraint and ethics, and to Paola Antonelli about design’s role in shaping cultural discourse. These are people who elevate design beyond screens or objects—into thinking and systems.

I live in New York, in Bed-Stuy—a place constantly in transition, which mirrors how I see design: always evolving. Being half Chinese and half Mongolian shaped my sense of contrast, nuance, and cultural empathy. I believe good design is incremental—it shapes how we experience health, identity, and trust every day. Outside of work, I shoot street photography and document urban change, which keeps me rooted in observation and storytelling.

I believe in collaborative clarity. I work best in environments where mutual respect, curiosity, and autonomy coexist. I value teammates who challenge ideas, not people—who lead with questions, not ego. In healthcare design especially, the stakes are high, so I prioritize thoughtful pacing over rushed decisions. I believe a good designer listens more than they speak, aligns cross-functional goals, and doesn’t just deliver screens—but outcomes.

Mentorship is core to my practice. I’ve mentored over 100 designers through ADPList and Project Alpaca, a non-profit helping under-resourced NYC college students break into tech. I also share frameworks and open-source design thinking tools to democratize access to product strategy. Design changed my life—and I try to pass that forward by making the path more visible and inclusive for others.

Winning the A’ Design Award validated the impact of my work beyond the healthcare space—it amplified the voices of patients and providers we designed for. Three key benefits:

Visibility – it brought global attention to our EMR redesign, which otherwise lives behind the scenes.

Credibility – it strengthened how I advocate for design in executive conversations.

Community – it connected me to designers across industries tackling equally complex challenges.

Being named Designer of the Day is a huge honor—and a reminder that thoughtful, behind-the-scenes systems deserve the spotlight too.

The core principle was to bring clarity and compassion to women’s health records. Inspired by integrative care models, the Tia Life Chart visualizes a patient’s mental, physical, and reproductive health on one longitudinal timeline—offering a more complete picture of the person, not just the condition.

My focus was to streamline clinical workflows while empowering patients. I wanted providers to spend less time navigating systems and more time caring, and for patients to see their health as an interconnected story rather than a series of disconnected visits.

We’re expanding it into a full care timeline, incorporating labs, provider notes, and predictive health insights. I also plan to open-source parts of the design framework for other care startups, so more people can benefit from holistic, human-centered health tools.

The initial concept took about three months from research to launchable prototype. But it’s been refined over a full year of iteration, with continuous feedback from providers, coordinators, and patients.

This was a commissioned and mission-aligned project. As Tia’s senior product designer, I saw firsthand the fragmentation in our care data and felt inspired to reimagine how we could visualize health more holistically.

The design is actively in use within Tia clinics across the U.S., serving over 42,000 patients. It’s proprietary to Tia, though elements of the concept could inspire or be adapted by other healthcare platforms in the future.

I wanted to design for impact, not just interface. Healthcare is one of the most complex and emotionally charged experiences a person can have—designing something that supports both clinical accuracy and emotional understanding was deeply meaningful to me.

Yes—IDEO’s work in human-centered health inspired the empathy-first approach. Apple's Health app influenced some of the data visualization simplicity. Internally, our providers' feedback shaped nearly every design decision—we co-designed this with the people who use it every day.

Our primary users are healthcare providers—physicians, nurse practitioners, care coordinators—working in integrative women’s health. The design also indirectly serves patients, by improving how their care is documented, coordinated, and delivered.

Unlike traditional EMRs, which silo mental, physical, and gynecological data, TLC combines them in one unified, chronological interface. It’s built specifically for integrative care, prioritizing usability, visual hierarchy, and time-based context—something almost no other EMR does well.

We called it Tia Life Chart to emphasize its holistic view of a patient’s life—not just their lab values or symptoms. “Life” conveys breadth and context; “Chart” grounds it in clinical utility. It’s a name that bridges empathy and precision.

I used Figma for the core UI and interaction design, FigJam for early mapping and workshops, and Whimsical for system modeling. For testing, we used Lookback and internal tools built into Tia’s staging EMR.

Its integration of multiple care domains—mental, physical, reproductive—into a single visual timeline, optimized for both fast triage and deep care planning. It’s not just a chart; it’s a clinical narrative.

Yes—this was deeply collaborative. I worked with physicians, engineers, care coordinators, clinical ops leads, and a data analyst. Their expertise helped shape both the logic and the layout of the interface, ensuring it worked across diverse use cases.

Technology powers the smart sorting of data, surfacing what's most urgent or relevant at a glance. It also enables real-time updates and integrates lab values, diagnoses, and notes into a coherent stream—all while being HIPAA-compliant and performant.

Yes—we conducted task flow analysis, interviewed 15+ providers, and reviewed EMR usage logs to identify pain points. Post-launch, we tracked metrics like task turnaround time, documentation speed, and care plan completion—each of which improved significantly due to this design.

Balancing flexibility with consistency was a major challenge—different providers needed different workflows, but we had to create a unified system. We also had to work within the limits of our legacy backend while designing for future scalability.

After seeing the measurable impact of Tia Life Chart—on documentation speed, booking rates, and patient outcomes—I felt the story needed to be shared more broadly. Submitting to international competitions was a way to advocate for better healthcare UX and highlight what’s possible when design is integrated into care delivery.

I learned how to balance intuition with systems-level thinking. Designing for healthcare requires empathy and structure. I became more confident in prioritizing what matters most in a complex environment and in co-creating solutions alongside providers who depend on these tools every day.

Only that design in healthcare is often invisible, but it deeply affects how people experience care. I’m proud that this project didn't just win awards—it made things easier for people doing incredibly hard work. That, to me, is the highest honor design can earn.

I studied design at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where I focused on interaction and product design. Since graduating, I've worked across health tech and wellness, most recently as the senior product designer at Tia. There, I’ve led the design of our electronic medical record system and member portal used by over 40,000 patients across the U.S., building tools that improve outcomes for both patients and providers.

I became a designer because I was drawn to the intersection of empathy, systems, and problem-solving. What motivates me is the ability to make people’s lives measurably better—whether that’s helping a provider spend less time on documentation or enabling a patient to understand their care plan more clearly. Design, to me, is a way to bring care and clarity into the chaos.

I chose it. It felt like a natural convergence of my interests—visual thinking, psychology, and technology. I never felt forced into it, but rather called toward it, especially as I started to see how design could shape real-world experiences, particularly in healthcare.

I design digital products that improve health outcomes—EMRs, patient portals, provider tools, and more. I’d love to design more tools that use AI thoughtfully in healthcare—like conversational diagnostics or mental health support systems that feel human, not robotic. I also hope to design more public-facing tools that educate and empower, such as open-source or community-driven health platforms.

Don’t chase trends—chase impact. Spend time understanding the problem, not just the interface. Stay curious, document your process, and invest in your storytelling skills. The best designers I know are relentless learners and generous collaborators.

A good designer solves the brief. A great designer reframes the brief, uncovers root problems, and aligns stakeholders around a vision. Great designers elevate the entire team—they design systems and relationships, not just screens.

Good design is invisible—it feels intuitive, inevitable. But really good design is also inclusive, scalable, and measurable. I evaluate design based on whether it improves outcomes over time, whether people can use it with ease, and whether it respects their context and constraints.

Good design saves time, reduces errors, builds trust, and can literally save lives—especially in healthcare. It turns confusion into clarity, and friction into flow. It’s not decoration—it’s infrastructure for how we live, work, and heal.

I would design a beautifully simple, open-source mental health assessment tool that anyone could use—whether they have access to a provider or not. Something conversational, human, and stigma-free. I’d also love to work on type design again—reviving forgotten letterforms for today’s tools.

I want to create a global, open-source design system and AI toolset for community health—something any clinic, especially in under-resourced areas, could use to build better care interfaces. It would blend local language, accessibility, and clinical intelligence into a modular, extensible platform.

Empathy paired with systems thinking. I always zoom in to understand the user's emotions and needs, then zoom out to see how everything connects—from backend logic to business outcomes. That dance between micro and macro is where I thrive.

Kenya Hara for human-centered philosophy, and Giorgia Lupi for visualizing complexity beautifully. I’m also inspired by modern healthcare designers like Lane Goldstone and institutions like IDEO.org who push the boundaries of socially responsible design.

I would say Actual Source Studio. They are one of the best studios out there that still advocate the importance of printed media.

Tia Life Chart (TLC), the EMR system I led the design for. It integrates mental, physical, and reproductive health into one holistic view. What makes it great isn’t just the interface, but the measurable impact: cutting documentation by 44%, reducing care plan turnaround time by 30%, and improving booking conversion significantly. It’s design that truly changed care delivery.

Ask better questions. Study what frustrates people. Build side projects. For me, constantly mentoring others helped me sharpen my thinking, and building things like AI tools for mental health outside of work kept me creatively energized. Stay curious, stay kind.

I would’ve probably worked in clinical psychology or anthropology—something that still dives deep into how people think and live. Or maybe type design—I love shaping language and rhythm through form.

Design is applied empathy. It’s the translation of understanding into form and function. For me, design is about making complex systems feel human and helping people achieve their goals with clarity, dignity, and care.

My biggest supporter has been my community—mentors who challenged me, coworkers who collaborated deeply, and mentees who reminded me why it matters. Personally, my family gave me space to explore, and professionally, my teams at Tia helped elevate my best work.

Mentorship—both giving and receiving it. I grew by working with thoughtful, curious people who challenged assumptions. Being in healthcare also helped me focus on outcomes over aesthetics. It forced me to ask, “Is this solving the right problem?” not just “Is this beautiful?”

Imposter syndrome and learning to speak the language of engineering and operations. Early on, I focused too much on UI polish and not enough on impact. It took time to realize that design is as much about influence and alignment as it is about pixels.

With context, clarity, and care. Start with the “why,” not just the “what.” Show your thinking, what trade-offs you made, what feedback changed your direction. And never underestimate the power of a good narrative and a well-labeled Figma file.

I’m working on an AI-powered mental health scoring tool that uses natural conversation instead of rigid forms. It will be open-source and built for EMR integration—aiming to make mental health screening more human and more accessible to clinics everywhere.

To design tools that give people agency—especially in health and education. And to leave behind frameworks and systems that outlive me: design systems, platforms, and processes that others can build on.

Clarity, empathy, and responsibility. People expect me to translate complex needs into elegant solutions—and to do so with integrity. That includes advocating for users who may not have a seat at the table.

Design clarifies. It can expose injustice, remove barriers, and restore dignity. Whether it’s reducing burnout for providers or making healthcare accessible for marginalized communities, design shapes how we move through the world—and it can either include or exclude. It’s our job to choose the former.

I’m leading the next phase of Tia Life Chart, evolving it into a longitudinal health timeline that integrates labs, care plans, and notes—all in one view. It’s like designing a patient’s life story in a way that empowers both them and their care team.

Tia’s EMR system—because it wasn’t just a product, it was a culture shift. It unified fragmented care across multiple disciplines, reduced administrative burden, and directly improved provider satisfaction. Seeing that kind of real-world change—that’s the kind of satisfaction few projects can match.

I’d love to see more long-term thinking and accountability. Too often, we reward novelty over impact. I want the industry to shift from shipping fast to measuring deeply—especially in critical fields like healthcare and education.

Toward adaptive systems and ethical AI. Designers will need to shape not just interfaces, but the behavior of intelligent systems—how they respond, explain themselves, and support decision-making. Human-centered AI will become the new frontier of design.

It varies, but I believe a design is never truly “final”—it just reaches a point of stability. Some flows take days; others evolve over quarters. I measure “final” more by alignment and measurable impact than by visual polish.

I start by listening. I interview users, shadow stakeholders, and look at existing workflows. Then I map the system, define success, and explore edge cases. Only after that do I begin sketching or wireframing.

Make it make sense—for everyone.

It’s a dialogue. Trends emerge from collective behavior and cultural signals, but great design can redirect that flow. The best designers don’t chase trends—they interpret them with intention.

Technology is both the canvas and the constraint. It enables what’s possible but also shapes how we think. I use it as a tool, not a goal—what matters is how it serves people.

I primarily use Figma for UI, FigJam and Whimsical for early thinking, and Notion for documentation. I also use Rasa and custom-built tools for conversational design projects. My core gear is my MacBook, iPad, and sometimes my Fujifilm X100VI for visual storytelling.

They carry emotional weight. In digital design, “materials” translate to elevation, rhythm, and affordances. Color sets tone and guides attention. Ambient design—the mood, microinteractions, feedback—can make users feel calm, confident, or cared for. In healthcare, especially, these details matter deeply.

I wish people would ask, “What problem does this solve, and how did you know it was the right one?” That opens up a deeper conversation about intent, iteration, and ethics—not just aesthetics.

“How did they make this feel so obvious and effortless?” Great design often hides its complexity. I’m curious about the decisions, constraints, and insights behind that clarity.

Absolutely—I believe in co-design deeply. My ideal partner is someone with complementary strengths: maybe a brilliant researcher or a sharp engineer who challenges assumptions. The best work comes from shared curiosity and friction that leads to alignment.

The care coordinators and providers I work with at Tia. Listening to their day-to-day frustrations and witnessing their empathy helped me design with more purpose. They reminded me that design doesn’t end with the screen—it lives in real decisions, time, and stress.

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman—foundational.

Designing for Care by Peter Jones—reframed how I see healthcare design.

Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows—changed how I approach complexity.

Speculative Everything by Dunne & Raby—made me question the future we’re designing toward.

Through relentless reflection. I reviewed my own work critically, asked for feedback constantly, and tried to understand how every decision connected to outcomes. I also mentored others—it taught me to articulate my process and sharpened my own thinking.

I'd love to talk to Buckminster Fuller about systems thinking and resilience. Or Frida Kahlo—how she turned personal pain into universal resonance. That’s design, too.

Awards are affirming, but they’re not the goal. The work is. If recognition leads to more impact and more ambitious collaboration, I welcome it. I don’t think of myself as famous—I think of myself as in service.

Color: Deep blue-gray—calming and intelligent.

Place: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn—where history and change collide.

Food: Hot pot—communal, adaptable, and nostalgic.

Season: Fall—transitional, reflective, full of texture.

Thing: My camera—it helps me slow down and see.

Brand: Muji—for its humility, utility, and timelessness.

Once, during a usability test, a participant zoomed in so much on the screen that the “Submit” button disappeared completely. They said, “I love the design, but it doesn’t let me finish.” That moment reminded me—test on everything, even how people pinch.

When I solve something that makes someone else’s life easier—especially a provider or patient—that makes my day. I stay motivated by reminding myself who I’m designing for and by building things on the side that stretch my creativity.

Not at all. But I was always drawing diagrams, reorganizing things, and asking “Why does it work that way?” I didn’t know that was design—but looking back, the seeds were there.

In a thousand years, I hope we’ve designed systems that prioritize wellbeing over profit, that we’ve healed the planet, and that design has become less about interfaces and more about relationships—between humans, nature, and technology. Ideally, we’ll be solving fewer problems because we created fewer to begin with.

I don’t believe in lone geniuses. Every design I’ve been proud of was the result of collaboration, trust, and iteration. I’m still learning. And if you’re just starting out—know that good design isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being useful, kind, and open to change.

I have a background in product design, with a particular focus on user experience and healthcare technology. After completing my formal education in design, I gained hands-on experience working on complex projects that required human-centered design thinking. Currently, I lead design at Tia, where I’ve created impactful tools like a web-based EMR system that improved patient care by streamlining provider workflows and enhancing data accessibility.

I currently work at Tia, a pioneering women’s health company that provides comprehensive, integrative care. As the sole senior product designer, I lead the design of both the member portal and provider-facing products. Our platform offers a unique, holistic healthcare experience by connecting services across gynecology, mental health, primary care, acupuncture, and dermatology.

For me, design is fundamentally about problem-solving. It’s the practice of understanding human needs and translating that understanding into intuitive, functional, and beautiful experiences.

I’m most passionate about designing products that solve real-world problems and make a tangible impact on people’s lives. I particularly enjoy working on healthcare solutions, where thoughtful design can directly improve patient and provider experiences. At Tia, developing a web-based EMR system that streamlined care delivery and reduced documentation time was incredibly rewarding.

I also love the challenge of designing intuitive user interfaces for complex systems. Breaking down intricate workflows into seamless experiences is something I find both creatively stimulating and meaningful. Additionally, working on projects that encourage collaboration between cross-functional teams — from engineering to product management — further enhances the design process for me.

Ultimately, I’m drawn to work that requires empathy, strategic thinking, and a clear understanding of the user’s needs. Designing in the healthcare space has allowed me to apply these principles in impactful ways, and I’m excited to continue creating solutions that contribute to positive change.

I like Muji's designs, lamps from Noguchi, and Donald Judd's minimalist works. I like things that are simple, intuitive, and functional, but also unique to themselves.

The first thing I designed for a company was the member portal redesign at Tia. At the time, the company was undergoing a complete brand overhaul, and the challenge was to systematically transition every component into the new design language.

This redesign wasn’t just a visual update; it was an opportunity to rethink the user experience. I collaborated closely with product managers and engineers to ensure the design changes aligned with user needs and business goals. Every detail, from typography to component hierarchy, was carefully considered to create a more intuitive and engaging experience for our members.

The project required meticulous attention to detail and seamless coordination across teams. It was rewarding to see how the refreshed portal improved member engagement and contributed to the success of the rebrand. The experience also taught me valuable lessons about design systems, stakeholder management, and the importance of iterative design.

I’m a digital product designer, but I have a deep appreciation for materials that engage the senses. I love things with textures — the way a material feels can evoke emotions and create memorable experiences. It’s fascinating how physical interactions can influence digital ones.

This preference often inspires how I think about digital design. While users may not physically touch a screen, I strive to create interfaces that have a sense of depth and tactility through thoughtful visual design, micro-interactions, and feedback mechanisms. Texture in the digital world can come through typography choices, layered UI elements, or the way a button responds to a click.

I believe that the best designs stimulate multiple senses, even in digital spaces. That’s why I’m always exploring how to create more immersive and engaging experiences for users.

On a trip. Because I am constantly stimulated by the things I observe.

During the design process, I prioritize understanding the user experience. I focus on creating intuitive, accessible, and seamless interactions. My approach typically starts with deep user research to understand pain points and motivations.

I also pay attention to scalability and functionality — ensuring the design is not only visually compelling but also adaptable to different scenarios. Collaborating closely with engineers and product managers helps me anticipate technical constraints and ensure the final product is both beautiful and efficient. Additionally, I always consider the emotional impact of a design, aiming to create experiences that evoke trust and confidence in the user.

A sense of responsibility, especially when designing for healthcare. Knowing that my work can impact people’s well-being motivates me to be thoughtful and intentional in every design choice. And of course, there’s joy in the creative process — exploring ideas, iterating, and bringing concepts to life.

When my designs are realized and out in the world, I feel a strong sense of fulfillment. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact of a product, especially when users share feedback about how it has improved their experience.

My boss always tell me that a design is successful when no one notices it.

When evaluating a design, the first thing I consider is its functionality and usability. A good design should effectively solve the problem it was intended to address, providing a seamless experience for the user. Accessibility is another critical factor — I always assess whether the design is inclusive and usable for a diverse range of users.

Designers have a profound responsibility to create solutions that have a positive impact on society and the environment. Our work shapes how people interact with the world, influencing behaviors and experiences. In healthcare design, for example, I’ve seen how well-designed systems can reduce provider burnout and improve patient care — a reminder of how design decisions carry significant social weight.

Environmental responsibility is also crucial. While digital design has a smaller physical footprint than other fields, considering energy-efficient solutions, reducing server loads, and optimizing designs for sustainability are still part of the process. Designers also have a role in advocating for ethical practices, ensuring transparency in how data is used, and promoting inclusivity through accessible design. By approaching our work with empathy and foresight, we can create solutions that are both effective and socially responsible.

The design field is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in AI, automation, and immersive technologies like AR and VR. These tools are expanding the possibilities for creating more personalized and dynamic user experiences. In healthcare, for instance, AI-powered design systems can assist providers by predicting patient needs and streamlining administrative tasks.

Another key trend is the growing emphasis on ethical and inclusive design. As designers, we are increasingly called to consider the long-term impact of our work, from data privacy to accessibility. Sustainability will also remain a priority, with digital products designed to minimize energy consumption and carbon footprints.

In the future, I believe design will become even more interdisciplinary, with designers collaborating closely with engineers, data scientists, and policymakers. Human-centered design will remain at the core, but it will be supported by intelligent systems that adapt and evolve based on user needs. The challenge and opportunity for designers will be to harness these technologies responsibly while keeping human experience front and center.

My last exhibition was a poster exhibition that focuses on collage and photography. While I haven't set a date for my next exhibition, I’m excited to continue this project and explore opportunities to share it more widely. Ideally, I’d like to exhibit it in a space that fosters community conversations around urban change and cultural identity.

My design inspiration comes from observing how people interact with their surroundings — both physically and digitally. I find creativity in the subtle details of human behavior, from how users navigate digital interfaces to how they move through urban spaces.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from photography and street visuals. Capturing moments in cities like New York or during my travels often sparks new ideas about composition, texture, and narrative. Additionally, I stay connected to other designers, explore emerging technologies, and attend exhibitions to expand my perspective. Engaging in conversations about design and culture is another major source of creative energy for me.

My design style is best described as intentional and human-centered. I focus on creating experiences that are functional, clear, and meaningful. While aesthetics are important, I believe that the best designs emerge from a deep understanding of user needs.

I’m particularly drawn to clean, minimal interfaces that reduce cognitive load and create a sense of ease for users. I also value moments of delight — small, thoughtful interactions that add a sense of care and personality. This design philosophy has been shaped by my work in healthcare, where clarity and usability are paramount, but I also apply it to personal projects, like my photography, where storytelling plays a major role.

I live in New York City, a place rich in cultural diversity and constant creative energy. The city’s vibrant mix of cultures has undoubtedly influenced my perspective as a designer.

I believe transparency and feedback are essential for successful collaboration. I prioritize open communication, set clear design goals, and iterate based on user insights. By integrating design thinking into business strategies, I help companies achieve measurable results through thoughtful, user-centered products.

When working with a designer, companies should foster an environment of collaboration and trust. Providing clear goals, sharing relevant context, and involving designers early in the problem-solving process leads to better outcomes.

When selecting a designer, companies should look beyond just visual design skills. A good designer demonstrates problem-solving abilities, user empathy, and an understanding of business objectives. Reviewing past projects, understanding how they approached challenges, and evaluating their communication and collaboration style are key indicators of a great fit.

My design process is iterative and user-centered. I start by gaining a deep understanding of the problem through stakeholder interviews, user research, and data analysis. Identifying pain points and opportunities helps shape clear design objectives.

Next, I explore concepts through sketches and low-fidelity wireframes, gathering feedback quickly to refine ideas. I then move to high-fidelity prototypes, ensuring the design is both visually appealing and functional. Collaborating closely with engineers ensures feasibility, and user testing helps validate the design before launch.

Throughout the process, I stay open to feedback and prioritize adaptability. Continuous improvement based on user insights is essential to delivering successful products.

My Fuji Film X100VI, Chinese handmade teacup, My risograph prints, Muji Stationaries, automatic cat feeder.

"My day typically starts with a morning workout at the gym, which helps clear my mind and set a positive tone for the day. Afterward, I enjoy a simple breakfast, usually something like eggs and toast, followed by a walk if the weather’s nice.

At work, my mornings often involve team stand-ups and collaboration with product managers and engineers. I spend a good amount of time iterating on designs, gathering feedback, and conducting user research. I also make time to mentor junior designers and contribute to design critiques.

In the evening, I might unwind by exploring photography, capturing street scenes in New York. Some nights, I work on personal projects like my Bed-Stuy photo book. I also enjoy dinner with friends or trying out a new restaurant in the city.

Before bed, I usually wind down with a book or listen to a podcast, reflecting on the day and planning for the next. It’s a routine that keeps me balanced and creatively energized.

My advice for young designers is to stay curious and open to learning. Design is a continuous journey of discovery, and every project is an opportunity to grow. Prioritize understanding the 'why' behind your designs — knowing the problem you’re solving will lead to more meaningful solutions.

Seek feedback regularly and don’t be afraid of critique. The best designs often come from collaboration and iteration. Also, build a strong foundation in design principles, but be flexible and willing to break the rules when it serves the user experience.

Lastly, cultivate interests outside of design. Whether it’s photography, travel, or reading, these experiences will shape your perspective and bring fresh insights into your work.

One of the biggest positives of being a designer is the ability to make a tangible impact. Whether it’s improving healthcare workflows at Tia or enhancing patient experiences, I find it incredibly fulfilling to solve real-world problems through design. The creative freedom to experiment and explore also keeps the work exciting.

On the flip side, design often requires balancing multiple perspectives — business goals, technical constraints, and user needs. It can be challenging to navigate competing priorities. Additionally, receiving and processing feedback can sometimes be tough, but it’s a necessary part of growth.

Another challenge is the pace of the tech industry. Trends and tools evolve rapidly, so staying adaptable and continuously learning is essential.

My golden rule in design is to always advocate for the user. No matter how complex the problem or how ambitious the business goal, the user’s experience should remain at the center of every decision. A successful design is one that is intuitive, accessible, and makes people’s lives easier.

I also believe in designing with empathy. Understanding the emotional and functional needs of users helps create solutions that truly resonate. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about how the design serves people.

Beyond visual design skills, I think the most important abilities for a designer are:

Empathy: Understanding users' perspectives and anticipating their needs.

Problem-Solving: Breaking down complex challenges into actionable solutions.

Communication: Effectively articulating design decisions and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Adaptability: Staying open to feedback and being willing to iterate.

Systems Thinking: Considering how individual design components fit into the larger ecosystem.

Design Software: Figma is my primary tool for UI/UX design and prototyping. I also use Adobe Creative Suite for more complex visual design and illustrations.

Collaboration Tools: FigJam for brainstorming and Miro for mapping user journeys and wireframing.

Development Tools: I often refer to Zeplin or Storybook for design handoffs.

Photography: My Leica M6 camera is a constant source of visual inspiration.

Books: Some favorites include ‘Designing for Emotion’ by Aarron Walter and ‘The Design of Everyday Things’ by Don Norman.

Inspiration: Platforms like Awwwards, Dribbble, and Behance help me stay updated on design trends, while street photography and urban environments influence my creative perspective.

To manage my time effectively, I prioritize clear goals and break down projects into smaller, manageable tasks. I often start by outlining key milestones and working backward to establish deadlines.

Time blocking is also a helpful strategy for me — I dedicate specific time slots to focus on design, feedback sessions, and collaboration. Additionally, I make space for reflection and iteration, knowing that the first solution isn’t always the best.

Regular check-ins with stakeholders ensure alignment and prevent time-consuming revisions down the line. And when unexpected challenges arise, I stay adaptable, reprioritize tasks, and ensure progress is steady.

The timeline for a design project can vary significantly depending on its complexity. For a simple interface or feature, it might take a few weeks from concept to final design. However, for larger systems like the EMR I designed at Tia, the process took several months due to extensive user research, testing, and iteration.

Generally, I allocate time for research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and multiple feedback loops. Close collaboration with cross-functional teams also ensures the design is aligned with both technical feasibility and user needs.

One of the most common questions I get is: ‘How do you know when a design is finished?’ My answer is that design is rarely ever truly ‘finished.’ Instead, it’s about reaching a point where the design solves the problem effectively, meets user needs, and aligns with business goals.

Another frequent question is about balancing user needs with business requirements. I often explain that the best designs find a middle ground — addressing user pain points while also driving measurable business impact.

My most important job experience has been leading the design of the web-based EMR system at Tia. It was a complex and rewarding challenge that required a deep understanding of provider workflows and patient care.

Through extensive collaboration with engineers, providers, and product managers, I developed a solution that reduced documentation time by 44%, improved task completion rates, and scaled to support over 42,000 patients. This experience reinforced the importance of human-centered design and showed me how design can have a direct, positive impact on healthcare.

While I primarily work in-house, my design contributions at Tia have directly impacted healthcare providers and patients across the U.S. Through my mentorship roles at ADPList and Project Alpaca, I’ve also supported aspiring designers and students, helping them grow in their careers.

In the past, I’ve collaborated with various cross-functional teams, industry leaders, and design professionals, contributing to projects that range from healthcare innovation to mentorship initiatives.

I’m most passionate about designing products that have a real-world impact, especially in the healthcare space. Solving complex problems that improve people’s lives, like the EMR system at Tia, is incredibly fulfilling.

I also enjoy working on systems design — creating scalable, intuitive solutions that streamline workflows and enhance experiences. The intersection of design, technology, and human behavior fascinates me, and I find joy in collaborating with teams to bring thoughtful, user-centered products to life.

Outside of digital design, I love working on photography and storytelling projects. Capturing the evolving landscapes of neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy has deepened my appreciation for visual storytelling and the power of design to evoke emotion.

In the near future, I’m excited to continue my work in healthcare design, building more impactful solutions that improve both provider and patient experiences. I’m also working on an AI-based mental health scoring project that uses conversational AI to assess mental health in a more human-centered way.

Beyond product design, I’m passionate about expanding my photography project documenting the changing landscapes of Bed-Stuy. I plan to publish a photo book that captures the essence of the neighborhood’s transformation and its cultural significance.

Additionally, I look forward to continuing my mentorship work through Project Alpaca and ADPList, supporting the next generation of designers.

While I lead many design initiatives independently, my work is highly collaborative. As the sole senior product designer at Tia, I work closely with product managers, engineers, healthcare providers, and operations teams. I believe the best designs come from understanding multiple perspectives, and I value feedback from all stakeholders.

That said, I’m also comfortable taking ownership of projects, driving initiatives from concept to launch. Balancing independent design work with cross-functional collaboration has been key to my success.

Yes, I’m currently developing the AI-based mental health scoring project. It aims to shift away from traditional questionnaires by using conversational AI to engage with users in a more empathetic and human-centered manner. The results will provide actionable insights for both patients and providers, enhancing mental health care.

I’m also in the process of further refining the provider-side features of Tia’s EMR system, adding smarter workflows to further reduce administrative burden and improve care coordination.

On the photography side, my Bed-Stuy project is ongoing, and I’m working towards publishing a photo book that captures the evolving landscape of the neighborhood

The best way to contact me is through my website at chengchenghou.com, where you can view my portfolio and projects. You can also reach out to me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/chengchenghou.

I’m also passionate about how design intersects with social impact. Whether it’s improving healthcare systems or documenting cultural stories through photography, I believe design has the power to drive meaningful change. I’m always open to conversations and collaborations that explore these intersections further.