Interviews with Yichen Wang
Designer profileDesigner Interview
11 December 2024
Imagination and curiosity have always been part of my nature. I’ve been drawn to vibrant, intriguing aspects of life and have always enjoyed creating things with my hands. The functionality and texture of different objects fascinate me and have sparked my interest in design. However, I sometimes felt frustrated by being easily distracted by diverse interests until I encountered mathematics and logic. The satisfaction of solving interconnected puzzles step by step was a revelation for me. I began applying this mindset to daily life—finding optimal solutions and refining tools to make them more efficient. This naturally led me to start “designing” things.
In this journey, I immersed myself in classic and cutting-edge design theories to refine my approach. Later, I pursued a formal education in design and earned an MFA degree from Pratt Institute, which profoundly shaped my methodology. I was especially captivated by the idea of integrating emotional and social dimensions into functional and visually compelling designs. Over time, my work has evolved to explore how technology can foster authentic human connections in an ever-changing digital world. This fusion of technology and human-centered design remains at the core of my creative philosophy.
In this journey, I immersed myself in classic and cutting-edge design theories to refine my approach. Later, I pursued a formal education in design and earned an MFA degree from Pratt Institute, which profoundly shaped my methodology. I was especially captivated by the idea of integrating emotional and social dimensions into functional and visually compelling designs. Over time, my work has evolved to explore how technology can foster authentic human connections in an ever-changing digital world. This fusion of technology and human-centered design remains at the core of my creative philosophy.
My studio is an online-based studio specializing in user experience design, visual design, branding strategy, and design consulting. I have worked with renowned companies like Microsoft and iFlytek, as well as startups such as Candor and EdCuration, across sectors including fintech, edtech, socialtech, as well as tools and platforms. With experience in both B2B and B2C projects, I adopt a flexible collaboration model, working closely with experts from various fields to ensure high-quality deliverables. While I take responsibility for most of the design work independently, I involve professionals from different disciplines when needed. My design philosophy focuses on providing creative solutions for the future of technology, aiming to enhance the connection between people and technology through design, exploring broader applications of AI, while maintaining a human-centered approach.
For me, design is like a puzzle-solving game. It’s not just about finding the right solution, but about identifying the hidden needs at the right time and navigating the most optimal path through a balance of creativity and analysis. Design is an ongoing process of aligning user needs, business goals, and technological possibilities, with the ultimate goal of creating experiences that not only solve problems but also resonate emotionally with users.
I am most passionate about designing works that are visually compelling and solve problems in an elegant, efficient way. I am drawn to concepts that feel innovative and refreshing, offering new perspectives or unexpected solutions. I enjoy the challenge of creating designs that not only capture attention aesthetically but also provide meaningful solutions that improve experiences and solve complex problems in a creative and effective manner.
The first-generation iPhone is my all-time favorite design because of its revolutionary approach to both aesthetics and functionality. It didn’t just introduce a new device; it fundamentally redefined the entire mobile phone industry and our relationship with technology.
Before the iPhone, I was already fascinated by the diversity of phone designs. I remember often visiting phone stores, completely immersed in the creativity of flip phones, sliders, back screens, and even rotating keyboards. Phones at the time felt like playful, innovative gadgets, and I loved exploring the various features. Some designs I still miss to this day.
However, the arrival of the iPhone broke all conventional design rules. It eliminated the physical keyboard and created a sleek, intuitive touch interface. This design went beyond adding more buttons or mechanical structures—it was minimalist, yet deeply thoughtful, focusing on the experience within the screen itself, making the device more usable and intuitive. This bold simplicity not only enhanced the user experience but also transformed how we interact with technology. By shifting the design focus from physical mechanics to digital experience, the iPhone’s influence continues to shape modern devices. Its design philosophy has profoundly impacted my understanding of human-computer interaction and user experience, continually inspiring my approach to design.
Before the iPhone, I was already fascinated by the diversity of phone designs. I remember often visiting phone stores, completely immersed in the creativity of flip phones, sliders, back screens, and even rotating keyboards. Phones at the time felt like playful, innovative gadgets, and I loved exploring the various features. Some designs I still miss to this day.
However, the arrival of the iPhone broke all conventional design rules. It eliminated the physical keyboard and created a sleek, intuitive touch interface. This design went beyond adding more buttons or mechanical structures—it was minimalist, yet deeply thoughtful, focusing on the experience within the screen itself, making the device more usable and intuitive. This bold simplicity not only enhanced the user experience but also transformed how we interact with technology. By shifting the design focus from physical mechanics to digital experience, the iPhone’s influence continues to shape modern devices. Its design philosophy has profoundly impacted my understanding of human-computer interaction and user experience, continually inspiring my approach to design.
The first design I created for a company was during university, where I worked on a project designing peripheral products for a renowned Chinese ink painting artist to promote local culture and history. Our goal was to integrate traditional Chinese art with modern life, making it more accessible. It wasn’t just about creating visually appealing products; it was about embedding the cultural depth of Chinese ink painting into everyday objects.
I was involved in every step, from concept and sketching to prototyping and exhibiting. The product was well-received by the local community and eventually selected as a state gift for a global summit. This project showed me the transformative power of design: through thoughtful design, we made Chinese ink painting, once considered an exclusive art form, accessible to a broader audience. It also deepened my understanding of the connection between culture and people, enhancing my empathy in user experience design, especially in localization.
I was involved in every step, from concept and sketching to prototyping and exhibiting. The product was well-received by the local community and eventually selected as a state gift for a global summit. This project showed me the transformative power of design: through thoughtful design, we made Chinese ink painting, once considered an exclusive art form, accessible to a broader audience. It also deepened my understanding of the connection between culture and people, enhancing my empathy in user experience design, especially in localization.
Currently, I’m particularly drawn to the advancements in AI and its potential to transform the design process. AI not only automates repetitive tasks but also provides insights through data analysis, enabling more personalized and impactful design solutions. No need to say how AI integrates with AR and MR would create immersive magic—it’s a natural evolution of these technologies that continues to inspire and shape my approach to innovation.
I feel most creative when I’m well-rested. Like many designers, I’ve had my fair share of late-night work sessions, but I’ve come to realize that quality sleep and a balanced routine are essential for keeping my mind sharp and ideas fresh. A well-rested brain is the best tool for unlocking creativity.
In my design process, I focus on identifying and balancing core requirements, aligning them with project priorities, resource allocation, and stakeholder expectations. While everyone wants a design that’s both visually appealing and efficient, it’s essential to dig into the true needs—balancing time, budget, and the project’s strategic goals. Stakeholders often have differing priorities, so determining the primary objectives and harmonizing the remaining requirements is crucial. I emphasize initial planning, mid-stage alignment, and final-phase integration to ensure that each element aligns cohesively with the overall objectives.
Designing takes me on an emotional journey, with each phase bringing its own energy. I start with excitement and curiosity as I explore user needs and align with project goals, setting the stage for creativity. In ideation, there’s a strong sense of satisfaction in crafting solutions that could elevate the user experience, blending joy with anticipation.
Of course, challenges emerge during development, and at times, frustration surfaces when initial concepts don’t align with feedback. Yet, these challenges drive deeper refinement. By the end, seeing the design come to life leaves me with a profound sense of pride and fulfillment, reaffirming my passion for creating meaningful, user-centered solutions.
Of course, challenges emerge during development, and at times, frustration surfaces when initial concepts don’t align with feedback. Yet, these challenges drive deeper refinement. By the end, seeing the design come to life leaves me with a profound sense of pride and fulfillment, reaffirming my passion for creating meaningful, user-centered solutions.
When my designs are realized, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude. Seeing an idea come to life and positively impact users is incredibly rewarding. It’s a mix of pride in the hard work that went into the process and excitement for the potential it holds. I also value the collaborative effort behind a successful design, knowing that the end result often reflects the combined expertise and dedication of the entire team.
Design success is shaped by numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. However, by adhering to the right process, ensuring clear communication, and focusing on evolving toward the best possible outcome, we can create a strong foundation for success. Additionally, staying open to feedback and engaging in self-reflection allows us to continuously refine both our designs and our skills, ultimately gaining valuable experience.
When evaluating a design, my first priority is to assess how well it communicates the intended message, which is closely tied to the concept of Visual Hierarchy. This ensures that the design delivers the right information clearly and in a logical order. In UX design, my focus is on usability—how intuitive and seamless the user experience is in achieving their goals, such as finding information or navigating through the interface. In branding and visual design, I pay close attention to visual consistency, ensuring that the design aligns with the brand’s identity and creates a cohesive experience across all touchpoints. I also assess the balance and harmony in the composition, ensuring the design is both visually appealing and functional.
My approach is rooted in understanding the problem, prototyping solutions, and iterating based on feedback. A successful design should not only be visually engaging but also serve a clear purpose, meet user needs, and create a meaningful impact.
My approach is rooted in understanding the problem, prototyping solutions, and iterating based on feedback. A successful design should not only be visually engaging but also serve a clear purpose, meet user needs, and create a meaningful impact.
Sustainability can feel like a vast concept, almost like a Sword of Damocles looming over us—so broad that it might seem unrelated to our day-to-day design cases. Yet, it can also be incredibly specific: a single idea or slogan can reduce unnecessary waste or even spark solutions to long-standing problems. For designers, sustainability isn’t just an abstract ideal; it’s an actionable principle. By applying our knowledge, design skills, and creative thinking, we can contribute in meaningful, practical ways.
Every small step—a well-thought-out product, a more efficient system, or an inspiring message—adds to a collective effort. Countless sparks of creativity can come together to ignite real change. Many designers start their journey with the hope of making the world a better place. Embracing sustainability is not only a way to fulfill our social responsibility but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth, aligning our values with impactful action.
Every small step—a well-thought-out product, a more efficient system, or an inspiring message—adds to a collective effort. Countless sparks of creativity can come together to ignite real change. Many designers start their journey with the hope of making the world a better place. Embracing sustainability is not only a way to fulfill our social responsibility but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth, aligning our values with impactful action.
The future of design is being redefined by the integration of emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR, which are fundamentally transforming how we approach and experience design. AI has become a critical tool, enabling designers to automate repetitive tasks, generate creative ideas, and analyze user data more deeply, making the design process faster, smarter, and more strategic. AR and VR are taking design beyond the flat screen, allowing us to create immersive, interactive environments that blur the line between the physical and digital worlds. These technologies not only enhance creative possibilities but also redefine user engagement, making experiences more intuitive and personal.
As we embrace these advancements, designers are moving toward crafting experiences that are more dynamic, human-centered, and inclusive. The focus is shifting from simply solving functional problems to creating connections between users and technology in a way that feels natural and impactful. The fusion of AI, AR, and VR will not only expand the boundaries of what’s possible but also challenge designers to think differently, innovate boldly, and ensure that these tools serve humanity effectively.
As we embrace these advancements, designers are moving toward crafting experiences that are more dynamic, human-centered, and inclusive. The focus is shifting from simply solving functional problems to creating connections between users and technology in a way that feels natural and impactful. The fusion of AI, AR, and VR will not only expand the boundaries of what’s possible but also challenge designers to think differently, innovate boldly, and ensure that these tools serve humanity effectively.
My last exhibition was a showcase of the Adaptive hand gestures Control System, an AI-powered interface that redefined interactions through personalized, context-aware hand gestures recognition, presented last year at a designer hackathon. Building on this exploration of intuitive and human-centered design, my next exhibition will delve deeper into the potential of hand gestures as a medium for connection and storytelling. I envision showcasing a global network of shared experiences—bridging personal and collective memories to inspire reflection, collaboration, and cultural preservation. Families can reconnect with cherished moments, communities can safeguard their heritage, and humanity can reflect on its journey while imagining a shared future.
Creativity often emerges when I take the time to relax and engage with the world around me. Whether it’s going for a walk, visiting an exhibition, or exploring a new environment, these activities help me break away from routine and spark fresh ideas. Movement stimulates my thinking, while exposure to art, design, and nature offers diverse perspectives and rich inputs that naturally inspire creative connections. These moments of discovery often translate into innovative and thoughtful solutions in my designs.
My design style is minimalist yet emotionally resonant, rooted in the philosophy of "less is more." By embracing simplicity, I focus on enhancing clarity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring every element serves a purpose without unnecessary distractions. This approach helps me create designs that are practical and meaningful, striking a balance between form and function.
I’m inspired by the interplay between functionality and emotional impact. Early in my career, I realized that the most effective designs are not just visually engaging but also intuitive and deeply connected to users' needs. This insight has driven my commitment to blending empathy, functionality, and visual harmony in every project.
At the core of my process is prioritization. I carefully evaluate user needs, project goals, and contextual challenges to focus on what truly matters. This allows me to create designs that are clear, cohesive, and adaptable to cultural, technological, and contextual nuances. By balancing simplicity with innovation, I strive to deliver solutions that are both impactful and resonant.
I’m inspired by the interplay between functionality and emotional impact. Early in my career, I realized that the most effective designs are not just visually engaging but also intuitive and deeply connected to users' needs. This insight has driven my commitment to blending empathy, functionality, and visual harmony in every project.
At the core of my process is prioritization. I carefully evaluate user needs, project goals, and contextual challenges to focus on what truly matters. This allows me to create designs that are clear, cohesive, and adaptable to cultural, technological, and contextual nuances. By balancing simplicity with innovation, I strive to deliver solutions that are both impactful and resonant.
I currently reside in the U.S., but my cultural heritage is rooted in China. Chinese philosophy, especially the concept of balance and harmony, deeply influences my design thinking. The idea of '达则兼济天下,穷则独善其身' (help the world when you can, but improve yourself when circumstances don't allow it) is a guiding principle in both my life and work. Living in a multicultural environment allows me to draw inspiration from various design traditions and integrate them into my work, but it also challenges me to navigate cultural differences in user expectations and aesthetics.
When working with companies, I prioritize collaboration and clear communication to ensure that design solutions align seamlessly with business goals and user needs. I begin by deeply understanding the company’s vision, challenges, and target audience, establishing a strong foundation for the project. My process is iterative, incorporating regular check-ins and user feedback to refine designs and deliver impactful solutions.
I also facilitate ideation workshops with stakeholders to align on objectives and maintain adaptability, fostering open dialogue and involving key stakeholders throughout critical stages. This collaborative approach enables me to create designs that not only solve problems effectively but also resonate deeply with the company’s values and objectives.
I also facilitate ideation workshops with stakeholders to align on objectives and maintain adaptability, fostering open dialogue and involving key stakeholders throughout critical stages. This collaborative approach enables me to create designs that not only solve problems effectively but also resonate deeply with the company’s values and objectives.
When working with a designer, companies should prioritize clear communication and alignment on goals from the outset. Involving designers early in the process ensures they have a comprehensive understanding of the brand, its vision, and the challenges at hand. This foundation allows the designer to contribute meaningfully and stay aligned with the project’s direction.
Selecting a good designer goes beyond evaluating technical skills. It’s essential to assess how well the designer fits into your team, their approach to problem-solving, and how they can contribute to the company’s overall goals. A designer who is adaptable, communicates effectively, and can work collaboratively with other departments will be better equipped to deliver impactful solutions that align with both business needs and user expectations.
Selecting a good designer goes beyond evaluating technical skills. It’s essential to assess how well the designer fits into your team, their approach to problem-solving, and how they can contribute to the company’s overall goals. A designer who is adaptable, communicates effectively, and can work collaboratively with other departments will be better equipped to deliver impactful solutions that align with both business needs and user expectations.
I begin by aligning with stakeholders on project goals and gathering research on user needs and behaviors. From there, I sketch ideas, create wireframes, and develop interactive prototypes. I emphasize early testing and continuous iteration, refining the design based on feedback. Throughout the process, I collaborate closely with developers to ensure seamless implementation and regularly check in with stakeholders to keep the design aligned with both business objectives and user needs.
I adore my collection of Pokémon plush toys because I love the games and animations. I also have a set of beautiful cups that somehow make drinks taste better. My sofa is another favorite; it’s where I unwind after a long day or host friends. My sound system is essential for music and movie nights, enhancing the sound experience. Scented candles create atmosphere, with different scents bringing different vibes.
At work, I typically start by checking emails and messages to stay informed and ensure team alignment. From there, I prioritize tasks and concentrate on critical goals for the day.
To young designers, my advice is to stay curious and embrace learning at every step. Design is a constantly evolving field, and keeping an open mind will help you stay ahead. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas and tools—failure is part of the process and can teach you valuable lessons.
Focus on building a strong foundation of empathy; understanding your users’ needs and challenges is key to creating meaningful designs. At the same time, don't neglect the technical aspects—being able to communicate with developers and understanding the constraints of the medium you’re working with will make your designs more impactful.
Finally, seek feedback and embrace collaboration. Design is rarely a solo endeavor, and working with others can expand your perspective and refine your skills. Most importantly, stay passionate about your craft and trust in your unique voice as a designer.
Focus on building a strong foundation of empathy; understanding your users’ needs and challenges is key to creating meaningful designs. At the same time, don't neglect the technical aspects—being able to communicate with developers and understanding the constraints of the medium you’re working with will make your designs more impactful.
Finally, seek feedback and embrace collaboration. Design is rarely a solo endeavor, and working with others can expand your perspective and refine your skills. Most importantly, stay passionate about your craft and trust in your unique voice as a designer.
Being a designer is both rewarding and challenging. The most fulfilling part is shaping user experiences and solving problems through design. It's rewarding to see your ideas make a real impact on users and the business. Design also offers continuous learning—mastering new tools, exploring emerging technologies, and keeping up with trends. Collaboration with cross-functional teams fosters personal growth and adds purpose to the work.
However, managing feedback and revisions can be difficult, especially with multiple stakeholders. Design often requires balancing creativity with constraints like time, budget, and technical limitations. Despite these hurdles, being a designer remains a dynamic, rewarding career that encourages creativity, innovation, and growth.
However, managing feedback and revisions can be difficult, especially with multiple stakeholders. Design often requires balancing creativity with constraints like time, budget, and technical limitations. Despite these hurdles, being a designer remains a dynamic, rewarding career that encourages creativity, innovation, and growth.
My golden rule in design is to always stay curious. Design is constantly evolving, and maintaining curiosity allows you to embrace these changes with excitement rather than exhaustion. Even when faced with setbacks or challenges, curiosity drives me to keep searching for answers and new solutions. It’s this mindset that keeps the design process fresh and motivating.
While it may sound like a cliché, I truly believe the most important skill for a designer is design thinking. The needs, mediums, tools, and contexts of design are incredibly diverse, but the ability to approach problems methodically and creatively is universal. Design thinking empowers designers to understand challenges, explore solutions, and adapt to various situations, making it an indispensable skill for solving problems effectively and delivering meaningful results.
My primary design tool is Figma, valued for its versatility and collaborative capabilities. I also use AI tools to streamline workflows and spark creativity. Additionally, I rely on Adobe Creative Suite—Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects—for intricate visual and motion design, with p5.js and Blender supporting my experimental projects. For communication, I use Slack and Google Meet, while Trello ensures efficient project management. I’m always eager to explore emerging tools, especially open-source, cloud-based platforms, which I believe represent the future of collaborative and innovative design.
Designing can be time-consuming, but effective time management ensures a balance between productivity and creativity. I break projects into manageable tasks, set clear deadlines, and prioritize based on impact. Regular check-ins with stakeholders keep priorities aligned, while focused time blocks help minimize distractions. I also leave room for iteration and feedback, avoiding perfectionism while respecting timelines. Ultimately, time management is about balancing structure with flexibility, allowing progress while adapting to new challenges or ideas.
The time required to design an object depends on the project scope and the available timeline. Within reasonable limits, I prefer to adjust the design process based on the time and resources at hand, ensuring an efficient yet thorough approach that aligns with the project's goals. This flexibility allows me to prioritize key stages of the design while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
AI should act as a collaborator, streamlining repetitive tasks and offering deeper insights to inform decisions. While debates about AI’s role in creative fields persist, its position as a transformative force shaping the future is undeniable. By freeing designers to focus on strategy, innovation, and problem-solving, AI significantly enhances the creative process. Its capacity to analyze data and rapidly generate prototypes accelerates workflows and reveals user patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
A reminder, however, is that the ultimate responsibility must always remain with the designer. Human intuition, empathy, and cultural awareness are irreplaceable in creating designs that truly resonate. For me, AI serves as a powerful tool to amplify human creativity, helping us push boundaries while keeping user needs and values at the center of every design decision.
A reminder, however, is that the ultimate responsibility must always remain with the designer. Human intuition, empathy, and cultural awareness are irreplaceable in creating designs that truly resonate. For me, AI serves as a powerful tool to amplify human creativity, helping us push boundaries while keeping user needs and values at the center of every design decision.
Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one experience as the most important. Every project I’ve worked on has contributed to my growth as a designer in unique ways. Some taught me about collaboration, others challenged my technical skills, and many deepened my empathy for users. Together, these experiences have shaped how I approach problem-solving and design today.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of clients, from global tech leaders like Microsoft and Facebook to innovative startups such as Candor (FinTech) and an EdTech platform. Additionally, I’ve partnered with individual entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them enhance their design and user experience strategies.
I love working on projects that allow me to blend creativity and impact—where the design isn’t just about aesthetics but truly improves the way people interact with a product or experience.
My future plans involve delving deeper into the integration of emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR into design, leveraging these tools to craft impactful and forward-thinking solutions.
It depends on the project. For smaller-scale or highly specialized tasks, I often work independently, taking full ownership of the design process. However, for larger or more complex projects, I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams.
While I’m currently working on some exciting projects, they are still in the early stages or involve sensitive details, so I’m unable to share specifics at this time. However, I’d be happy to discuss the themes and areas I’m focusing on, such as the integration of AI and immersive technologies in design. It’s an area I’m deeply passionate about, and I’d love to explore how these innovations can shape the future of user experiences.
You can reach me at ycwangstudio1@gmail.com, visit my website at www.ycwangstudio.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn: Yichen Wang.
One aspect I’d like to emphasize is the importance of well-being in design. In an increasingly technology-driven world, it’s essential to keep the human element at the core of our work. I’m passionate about crafting digital experiences that go beyond problem-solving to also foster emotional balance and meaningful connections, ensuring technology enriches lives rather than overwhelms them.
Grand Interview
19 November 2025 · Tracing Package Typography
The idea of balancing boldness and delicacy came from tracing paper itself — a material that feels both fragile and assertive. I wanted the type to mirror that duality. Each stroke was drawn to hold weight and air at once, creating a quiet tension between confidence and restraint. The process felt like tuning two voices until they resonated in harmony.
Tracing paper has always been treated not only as a functional layer, but also a medium for imagination. I wanted to give it an emotional role — a surface that invites reflection and expression. Its translucency suggested openness, and I saw the packaging as a way to frame that state of mind. The design turns an everyday object into a pause, a space for creative thought.
I began by experimenting with many different typefaces and brainstorming variations, pushing each letterform to both extremes — the boldest and the thinnest — to explore how far contrast could go before balance was lost. Through continuous refinement, the forms and proportions were finally restrained to echo the light passing through tracing paper. The breakthrough came when the letterforms started to look transparent — strong yet quiet, like the material they represent.
In Illustrator, I refined glyph proportions to ensure clarity and balance. Photoshop was used to test the typography in real packaging contexts, evaluating contrast and spatial composition.
Tracing was an independent project. Feedback from typography and graphic design professionals helped me evaluate the readability and aesthetics. Their perspectives offered an external lens. This dialogue between function and beauty guided the final refinement of the typeface.
Before shaping the final concept, I spent time recording and comparing typefaces from everyday surroundings — shop signs, posters, and handwritten lettering. Observing how contrast and proportion affected mood helped me refine the visual direction and find the core inspiration for Tracing.
I tested multiple variations under different conditions to find the point where each letter remained bold yet light. Because tracing paper reacts strongly to illumination, small shifts in thickness could change how the type felt. I prepared several versions and gathered feedback from different viewers to understand how they perceived clarity and texture.Through repeated iterations and tests, the design gradually reached its balance — legible, heavy, yet visually consistent with the translucent quality of tracing paper.
Tracing was designed entirely in black and white, so the focus wasn’t on color but on how line and space define form. The composition relies on the Gestalt principle of completion — letting the viewer’s eye fill what’s missing, so the typography feels balanced and complete.
I hope Tracing inspires designers to see packaging typography as a tactile and playful experience — where material and type speak the same language. Typography doesn’t need to stay static; it can become an activity, a process, or even a shared moment between user and object.As packaging expands beyond paper into wood, food, air, and digital layers, the dialogue between form and material will only grow richer. In the future, typography might exist not just on surfaces but within immersive mediums like AR or VR. Tracing reminds us that function and creativity don’t compete — they coexist, and together they shape how design can be both useful and imaginative.
I would encourage designers to approach typography with curiosity and a sense of play. A typeface isn’t just a set of letters — it can be a space, an activity, or a process to explore. When you experiment with form, scale, and rhythm more freely, emotion begins to emerge naturally.Experience will always matter, but it doesn’t need to limit imagination. Treat typography as something alive, responsive to its material and context. The more you let it move, the more meaning it will hold.
Grand Interview
19 November 2025 · O'friends Social App
Before the pandemic, I was already curious about how people sustain connection in a digital world. But during the lockdowns, that question took on a new weight. Loneliness was no longer a private feeling — it became a public health concern.One day on the New York City subway, I saw an official mental health campaign listing free hotlines for those struggling with isolation. It was striking to see such messages in main subway routes — a sign that the problem had become urgent. Back home, I started reading public health studies and realized how widespread social isolation had become. Professional counseling can help, but its reach is limited. I began wondering whether design and technology could offer a more universal, everyday form of support.That thought led to O’friends — a small, technology-driven way to rebuild connection. It draws on principles from mental health training but applies them through familiar interactions. The goal is to help people find warmth again, naturally, in the flow of daily life.
Before moving to New York, I had never really felt what a time zone meant. Living there changed that. Suddenly, I became the one who was always either too early or too late — waking up to messages from yesterday, replying when others were asleep. That constant delay made me realize how time itself can quietly reshape relationships.When I later interviewed people across different countries, I discovered that this feeling was universal. Many lived with constant time differences — working, studying, or keeping in touch across continents — and the effort of calculating “Is it a good time?” had become part of daily life.That insight inspired the time-zone-based friend panel, comso in O’friends. It visualizes both where friends are, and when they are — showing overlapping online moments, moods, and recent activity. By turning abstract time into something visible and empathetic, the design helps people feel closer, even when they’re worlds apart.
When we first prototyped the prompts in O’friends, we noticed that many people hesitated on the subtle, hard-to-define boundaries between wanting to reach out and fearing to intrude — moments where connection could happen but often didn’t. The prompts were designed to ease that hesitation, offering a simple, emotionally comfortable way for people to express presence without directing it at anyone. They were never meant to be messages, but small public cues that say, “I’m here,” allowing others to re-engage naturally.To develop them, I studied how people express moods and intentions in short digital formats — from Instagram Stories to X trends. We tested short phrases across cultures, focusing on tone rather than language. In East Asia, users preferred reflective or indirect prompts like “Something I rediscovered today”, while in the U.S., direct and casual tones such as “What I’m listening to lately” felt more authentic. Indian participants leaned toward shared humor or references to group experiences.Through several iterations, we learned that prompts resonate best when they reflect shared human rhythms rather than cultural stereotypes — music, time, memory, weather, daily emotions. By abstracting these universals and allowing tone adjustments, O’friends created a vocabulary that travels easily across contexts. It doesn’t tell people what to say; it gives them an emotional starting point that feels local, familiar, and true to their world.
Most online friendships today exist through text chat windows. In real life, friendship grows through shared experiences: sketching together, playing small games, joking, or simply spending time side by side. I wanted to bring that richness of interaction into the digital world — to design a space where people could feel each other’s presence in more than one way.I found inspiration in multiplayer online games — those unstructured moments between matches or actions when players draw, explore, joke around, or simply exist together. Real bonds often form there, through small, spontaneous acts. In those spaces, language takes a back seat; connection grows from shared play and rhythm rather than constant talk.I wanted O’friends to capture that sense of togetherness and expand how friends can interact online. That idea became the Lounge — a private, relaxed space that feels like stepping into a friend’s living room. Here, users can leave voice mail, pin pictures on the wall, or sit near or far with friends, or simply coexist. It creates fun relaxation and a multi-sensory atmosphere where friendship feels naturally alive.
The most meaningful adaptations came from understanding where users felt hesitation and emotional pressure in maintaining friendships. Early feedback showed that even small moments — like deciding when to reach out or how to respond — could create anxiety or guilt.Each design cycle focused on reducing those invisible barriers. I refined prompts so they felt considerate rather than demanding, reimagined push notifications as friendly shared fun facts or mini games, and allowed users to express availability without pressure. These changes didn’t alter the app’s purpose; they clarified it — transforming emotional well-being from a concept into a tangible design framework.While many social apps focus on driving activity, O’friends focuses on making interaction feel emotionally sustainable. Every iteration became more about making communication lighter, kinder, and easier to begin.
Simplifying actions in O’friends never meant reducing it to small talk — it meant making connection sustainable. The design balances light, everyday presence with deeper moments of shared meaning.On one side, daily interactions — small gestures, updates, or playful exchanges — create a sense of companionship, like being alongside a friend, while moments that mark milestones such as birthdays or personal reflections invite deeper attention and care. Together they form a rhythm of connection — continuous yet never overwhelming — a cycle that collects both small and significant moments in life, preserves them, and turns them into new memories that invite the next encounter.
In research across China, South Korea, the United States, and India, what struck me most wasn’t how people differ, but how deeply they share the same emotional patterns. Regardless of culture, participants spoke about the same mix of warmth and hesitation — caring about old friends, missing what they once had, yet feeling unsure how to reconnect after time apart. That quiet tension between memory and distance became the emotional foundation of O’friends.To honor both universality and local rhythm, we introduced gentle cultural cues. The app adapts to regional calendars and festivals, surfacing moments that naturally invite reconnection — like shared holidays or familiar milestones. These touches don’t divide users by culture; they simply make connection feel more timely and personal.Ultimately, O’friends was designed around rebounding — the sense that friendship doesn’t end, it only changes form. Across places and languages, that feeling of “we’re still here” remains the same.
The main challenge was keeping the experience consistent across devices, which we addressed through shared design guidelines and close collaboration with developers.
O’friends was built on an algorithm that identifies commonalities between two people — from shared memories and past locations to mutual routines that could spark an offline meeting. For me, the algorithm was never about creating relationships, but about rediscovering them.After the exhibition, observing how users naturally interacted with the platform inspired a new direction: using AI to recognize when reconnection feels most organic. By analyzing patterns such as message intervals, engagement rhythms, and emotional tone, AI can gently predict the right “reconnection window.”In O’friends, AI is designed as an empathetic pattern reader, and a timing predictor — an assistant that reduces friction without intruding. People remain the authors of their friendships; AI simply illuminates the forgotten paths that lead them back to each other.
Many young adults today feel exhausted by digital noise — endless feeds, algorithmic pressure, and the constant need to stay visible. O’friends was designed as the opposite of that experience. There are no infinite scrolls, no public metrics, no competitive likes. The app replaces passive browsing with task-based social moments — small, intentional actions that close the gap between online gestures and real-world connection.Instead of measuring activity, O’friends promotes digital hygiene and rhythmic connection. Users engage in cycles of reaching out, pausing, and reconnecting, following a more natural emotional tempo. Every feature encourages balance: stay connected when it matters, rest when it doesn’t.Ultimately, the goal of O’friends isn’t to keep people inside the app but to guide them back into real life — to turn digital presence into genuine companionship. The app works like a box that gathers shared memories and gentle gestures, helping friends find natural opportunities to meet again and continue their irreplaceable stories offline.