Yumei Feng.

I'm Yumei, a product designer at Deloitte Consulting in the Dimension 10 Studio, specializing in data and AI experiences. My passion for design was ignited during my time at UCSD, where I pursued a degree in Cognitive Science and minor in Marketing.

It was there that I discovered the field of UX, a domain that seamlessly merges my creative instincts with my rational thought process.Internships in big tech companies in China and the US exposed me to diverse design cultures, confirming my passion for emotionally-driven experiences with social impact. I'm a staunch believer in the power of design thinking and advocate for it both professionally and personally.

From a young age, I've always been drawn to the creative field. Initially, I thought of the idea of pursuing fashion design, becoming an artist, or even delving into movie production.

However, none of these paths felt quite right, lacking the determination needed to see them through. That all changed when I stumbled upon the field of human-centered design. It was like a light bulb moment!

Currently, I work at Deloitte Consulting, collaborating with diverse clients across various industries. This exposure has provided valuable insights into my preferences and strengths. As a design consultant, I've honed my communication skills and business insights by advocating for user-centered approaches with technical clients.

Leading as the sole designer has sharpened my leadership abilities, while juggling multiple roles has enhanced my business and management skills. While our focus is on B2B data and AI dashboard design, my passion lies in consumer-facing products, and I aspire to transition into this domain in the future.

"Design" is more than just a skillset; it's a mindset. It transcends mere aesthetics to become a powerful tool for empowerment and positive emotion.

At its essence, design is a blend of creativity, empathy, and innovation aimed at driving meaningful change and enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. What sets designers apart is our idealism.

My favorite kind of design is the one that evokes emotional connections through product experiences. It's not just about completing a task; it's about brightening someone's day and making them feel something different.

For instance, imagine anxiously awaiting a delivery, and the interface shows an engaging animation of the delivery person rushing with your delicious meal. It reassures you that your wait is worthwhile. These small yet powerful emotional moments create transparency and peace of mind, enriching the overall experience for users.

In my view, effective design should seamlessly merge functionality with aesthetics, while maintaining a keen focus on human-centered principles. It should be innovative, pushing boundaries and challenging norms, yet remain thoughtful and considerate of its users.

Above all, a good design must strike a balance between fulfilling user needs and achieving business objectives, creating a harmonious synergy that drives both user satisfaction and business success.

My design style is about creating minimalistic, intuitive, and engaging experiences that put the user at the center of every design decision. I believe in creating user interfaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive and easy to navigate for users of all backgrounds and abilities. Here are the main characteristics of my design style:

User-Centric: Every design decision I make is driven by a deep understanding of the user's needs, behaviors, and pain points. I prioritize user research and leverage data to make informed design choices.

Simplicity: I adhere to the principle of 'less is more'. I strive to create designs that are clean, uncluttered, and direct, making it effortless for users to understand and interact with the interface.

Functional Aesthetics: While I aim for minimalist design, I never compromise on aesthetics. I ensure my designs are visually engaging while still serving their primary function - to facilitate a seamless user experience.

Accessibility: I consider accessibility a priority in my designs, ensuring they are usable and enjoyable for people with varying abilities. I incorporate clear typography, sufficient contrast, and intuitive navigation in all my work.

Iterative Approach: I believe in constant learning and improvement. I frequently test my designs, gather feedback, and iterate to enhance the user experience continually.

I use the standard double diamond design process as a guideline, but usually add my own understanding and improvisation to it. I usually start by deeply understanding the context and the problem, forming hypotheses and validating it with research insights, and quickly prototype ideas and go through continuous iterate again with further validation.

I take special emphasis on deeply understanding the problem to make sure I am proposing the right solution. I really enjoy qualitative methods to connect directly with users, and believe in the power of iteration where I invite users to the design process to brainstorm with me. I also enjoy seeing the long impact of the products I deliver and continuously improve on it.

Having been born and raised in China, but having received most of my education in the United States, I believe I have a unique perspective on the distinctive qualities of both countries' creative industries.

China, with its rich history and diverse cultural influences, offers a wealth of inspiration for creatives. It's a country where ancient traditions meet rapid technological advancement, creating a fertile ground for innovative design and artistic expression. The Chinese creative industry is characterized by a deep respect for heritage and craftsmanship, fused with a forward-looking approach and eagerness to embrace new technologies and ideas.

On the other hand, the United States, known for its multiculturalism and entrepreneurial spirit, has a dynamic and inclusive creative industry. It offers a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, fostering creativity that pushes boundaries and challenges norms. The U.S. creative scene is marked by a culture of innovation, risk-taking, and a strong support system in terms of education, funding, and commercial platforms.

Being able to draw from the strengths of both Chinese and American creative landscapes has enriched my creative approach. I am able to incorporate the depth and intricacy of Chinese cultural elements with the bold and innovative spirit of American creativity, offering a unique blend that sets my work apart.

This achievement signifies much more than just an award or recognition to us; it validates our purpose and mission. It affirms that our efforts are meaningful and impactful, not merely an exercise in futility. Moreover, it provides us with a platform to share our mission with a broader audience, thereby amplifying our impact.

Personally, I am delighted to contribute to society in diverse ways. Not only am I focused on driving client success in my professional role, but I am also committed to making a positive difference in underserved communities. The creation of a product like EasyMed is a testament to this commitment, enabling me to contribute to the well-being of minority groups. This holistic approach to societal contribution is deeply fulfilling and propels me to continue innovating for the greater good.

We are proud to introduce EasyMed, an innovative solution designed to address the critical issue of multi-drug interactions, specifically within the elderly population. EasyMed is a user-friendly drug-to-drug and drug-to-food interaction checker, explicitly tailored to alleviate the concerns seniors often have regarding the simultaneous use of multiple medications.

Our primary goal with EasyMed is to empower not only seniors but the general public as well, by providing a reliable tool for identifying potential multidrug interactions. Through this, we aim to educate users about their medications, assisting them in mitigating any potential adverse effects.

The inception of EasyMed was inspired by a visit to the UCSD Senior Medicine Center. We observed a significant gap - seniors expressed deep concerns about their complex medication regimens, while doctors, constrained by time and resources, struggled to address these worries in detail. Recognizing this need, we assembled a dedicated team to develop a solution, which culminated in EasyMed.

EasyMed not only allows seniors to check for possible drug interactions independently but also provides them with access to comprehensive educational resources. We believe our product will significantly impact the lives of many by addressing the urgent needs of our aging population. Through EasyMed, individuals can now have peace of mind regarding their medication use, promoting a safer and healthier lifestyle.

One of the most significant challenges we encountered during this project was navigating tight deadlines and technological constraints. Assembling a passionate team within three days was a swift process, but as we delved deeper into the project, multiple hurdles surfaced.

One such obstacle was the limitations inherent in the machine learning model we employed, which adversely affected the user experience. Another challenge was finding participants for co-designing due to the niche nature of our target group. Additionally, prioritizing features based on their impact and the effort required for their implementation was a complex task.

Coordinating the team also presented its difficulties. Given everyone's competing priorities and limited availability, I stepped into a leadership role. I aimed to inspire the team through my dedication and passion, and I took charge of task delegation to ensure effective time management. Despite these challenges, we successfully completed the first working product in less than a month.

Over several months, we continued to refine and iterate the product, proving that dedication and a collaborative spirit can overcome even the most significant challenges.

Winning this award has been a significant milestone in my career, providing validation and recognition for my work. Beyond the accolade itself, it has also had a profound impact on my practice and career development in several ways.

Firstly, winning an award has boosted my confidence and self-belief as a designer. It has reaffirmed that my work is not only valuable but also worthy of recognition by industry peers and experts. This confidence boost has translated into a more assertive and assured approach to my design projects, allowing me to take on new challenges with greater conviction.

Secondly, it has elevated my professional profile within the design community and beyond. It has opened doors to new opportunities. The increased visibility has expanded my network and allowed me to connect with like-minded professionals, leading to fruitful collaborations and knowledge exchanges.

Most importantly, this has inspired me to continually strive for excellence and push the boundaries of my creativity. It serves as a reminder of the impact that exceptional design can have on individuals and society as a whole. This drive to innovate and excel has fueled my ongoing professional development and growth, driving me to constantly seek out new challenges and opportunities for advancement in my career.

My top three favorite aspects of our industry are:

Embracing an inclusive design culture: I've been fortunate to benefit from the guidance of numerous design mentors who have shaped my journey. Now, I'm dedicated to sharing my experiences to empower others entering the field. I believe in fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard and valued, driving innovation and creativity.

Pushing boundaries: Design, to me, is about pushing beyond the limits of the known and imagining what's possible. I thrive on challenging norms and redefining boundaries to create innovative experiences, systems, and even shift perspectives. It's this spirit of exploration and experimentation that keeps me inspired and motivated in our industry.

Utilizing creativity for a greater purpose: One of the most fulfilling aspects of our industry is the opportunity to use creativity and rationality to drive positive social impact. Whether it's designing solutions for marginalized communities or advocating for sustainability, I'm passionate about harnessing the power of design to address pressing societal challenges and make a difference in the world.

My personality and design influence is shaped from both Chinese-Asian culture and American culture.

Since I have internships in both China and the US, I can tell the design patterns are really quite different. Chinese like superapps, making every functionality all available within one screen and app whereas western apps like to be simplistic and minimal. For example, for an e-commerce app in China, small games and daily challenges are brought in to engage the users more and incentivize them to buy whereas American shopping apps focus more on letting users to focus on getting things done.

In the next 5-10 years, I anticipate a shift in the design industry towards prioritizing talents who specialize in creative product thinking over those solely focused on visual or prototyping skills. While exceptional visuals and prototyping will remain important, the emphasis will increasingly be on individuals who can drive innovation through strategic thinking and decision-making, particularly within the context of business and technology.

Additionally, a key topic of discussion will be the role of AI in design. While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and streamline workflows, it cannot replace human creativity and strategic thinking. Instead, I believe AI will augment human capabilities by handling routine tasks, allowing designers to focus on higher-level problem-solving and innovation.

Overall, the industry will value professionals who can leverage technology, including AI, to enhance their creative processes and drive meaningful innovation. As the design landscape continues to evolve, adaptability, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of business and technology will be essential for success.

Identify and challenge the status quo: Stay observant to the happenings and social phenomena around you. Look for systemic flaws or overlooked communities and think about how you can improve their situations. The society we live in, with all its intricacies, offers a wealth of inspiration and a myriad of problems awaiting innovative solutions.

Push the boundaries: Once you've identified a pertinent problem, push beyond the immediately obvious solutions. Aim to create something truly transformative, something that pushes the envelope and brings about meaningful change.

Engage with your audience: As you develop your solution, engage with the people who will be using it. Understand their needs, their pain points, and incorporate their feedback into your design process. This will ensure that your solution is grounded in real-world needs and experiences.

Iterate and improve: Remember, in the creative industry, there's rarely a definitive end point. Once you've proposed an initial solution, continue to test, refine and improve it. The process of creation is a cycle of continuous learning and improvement.

The Pursuit of Mastery:
Remember, perfection is an ongoing pursuit. No matter how skilled you are as a designer, there's always room for improvement. The design field is dynamic and ever-evolving, with new trends, tools, and technologies emerging regularly. To stay ahead, challenge yourself to learn something new every day. Participate in design challenges, attend workshops, or learn a new software. The aim is to continuously hone your craft and expand your skillset.

Coffee Chats:
I'm a strong advocate of 'coffee chats' as a means of learning and networking. These informal discussions with peers, mentors, or industry professionals can provide unique insights into diverse experiences and perspectives. It's an opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and even receive feedback on your work.

Don't hesitate to reach out to people you admire or those who inspire you; more often than not, they will be willing to share their knowledge and experiences.

Participation in Book Clubs and Podcasts:
Embrace every opportunity to learn, be it through book clubs or podcasts. Joining book clubs focused on design allows you to delve deeper into the subject matter, discuss concepts with like-minded individuals, and gain insights that you might have missed reading alone. Some books I recommend include "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug and "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman.

Podcasts are another excellent resource for continuous learning. They can be consumed on-the-go and cover a wide range of topics. Some of my favorite design-related podcasts include "99% Invisible", "The Futur", and "User Defenders".

Active Engagement in the Design Community:
Engage actively with the design community, both online and offline. Participate in forums, contribute to discussions, and share your work on platforms like Dribbble and Behance. Attend design conferences, seminars, and workshops. This active participation not only enhances your knowledge but also helps you stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

Remember, professional growth in the design field is a journey of constant exploration, learning, and practice. So, stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

Despite the professional accolades and successes I've achieved, I often grapple with social anxiety and impostor syndrome. While these feelings can be draining at times, they also serve as a catalyst for growth and self-improvement.

The struggle compels me to continually push my boundaries and strive for better. I'm learning to practice self-compassion, to accept my imperfections and understand that they do not diminish my accomplishments or worth. This journey of personal growth is an ongoing process, but one that is integral to my overall development.

I find inspiration from a diverse array of sources, ranging from industry luminaries to everyday individuals like friends, family, and peers. I firmly believe that each person is unique and offers valuable traits to learn from and admire.

One individual who has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me is Lingshuang Kong, a fellow founding designer at EasyMed. In addition to his role as a key team member, Lingshuang and I collaborate closely on generating ideas, with him also spearheading much of the front-end development. His journey from software engineer to designer reflects his unwavering determination and genuine passion for human-centered design.

What truly sets Lingshuang apart is his resilience and adaptability. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he remains steadfast and maintains a positive outlook. I'm particularly inspired by his willingness to embrace new challenges and continuously expand his skill set. Our close relationship allows me to draw from his positive energy and unwavering passion for design, serving as a constant source of inspiration in my own creative journey.

I think the key to the success I have garnered so far is my strong intrinsic motivation and willingness to continue to grow and learn. My aspiration to become a design leader driving innovation at different scales has motivated me to always take on every opportunity to learn. I always feel humbled there