Interview with Shuchen Wang from United States

I have always enjoyed creating stuff when I was a child. As I grew up, I developed a deep appreciation for various forms of art, such as novels, paintings, poetry, and films. I have always cherished the beauty within these works and have a passion for delving into the human experience and the world around us.

I work as a UX designer at one of the world's largest finance companies. I collaborate on projects that involve business stakeholders, product managers, development teams, and other designers to address business requirements and address user pain points.

My objective is to conduct user research, identify potential opportunities, create high-fidelity designs, and refine them through user testing.

Creativity, to me, is the ability to turn imagination into reality. It's the process of thinking beyond established boundaries, connecting seemingly unrelated concepts, and expressing oneself in unique ways to inspire, resonate, and break through the limits of conventional thinking.

A creative idea can be quite simple, it establishes a new approach by altering the structure of things. It might overturn the underlying logic of things, pose new questions, and evoke thinking. To me, a creative idea is always refreshing, as it encourages continuous reflection on the rationale behind traditional methods.

When I design a solution, I start by conducting user research, interviewing, and observing how users interact with a product to understand their current pain points. Sometimes, I need to take a step back and look at the problem from another perspective and alter the structure to find a solution rather than diving into the details at the very beginning.

Once I have produced multiple solutions, I conduct user testing to discover the optimal one, and then I get hands-on to make it a reality.

I love the part when I attempt to zoom out and examine the current problems. It provides me with valuable insights into why and how things are the way they are today, helping me reflect on the process. This is where creativity flourishes!

I enjoy designing solutions for practical problems. Being a creative designer should result in easy-to-understand solutions. If users frequently encounter issues with a product, it's often a design problem. My primary goals include creating user-friendly and intuitive designs.

I'm honored to receive the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards! It encourages me to keep working on what I love to do!

During the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a shift of many community activities to online platforms and virtual gatherings. However, creating engaging virtual experiences comparable to offline ones has proven challenging for facilitators. Additionally, the concept of Community as a Service (CaaS) emphasizes the value of information sharing and networking. Yet, there's a noticeable absence of tools to aid facilitators in boosting member retention and engagement.

Introducing hiTRIBE, a browser extension designed to empower online community organizers. It streamlines the event sign-up process, facilitates participation, simplifies follow-ups, and enhances collaboration with moderators, all aimed at fostering increased engagement. I chose to embark on this project because of the positive feedback it has received from users, and I'm eager to share it with a wider audience to gather valuable insights and feedback for further improvement.

This project took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, my intention was to conduct on-site research by observing community events. However, due to the pandemic and its associated restrictions, I was unable to execute this plan as it had become impractical.

To address this challenge, I devised alternative methods, which included conducting interviews with diverse community members and organizers. These interviews allowed me to gather valuable insights and piece together the puzzle from their experiences.

It motivates me to pursue more creative design opportunities in the future!

My favorite aspects of our industry include collaborating with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, tackling real-world problems, and pushing the boundaries of innovation.

In the next 5-10 years, the creative industry will undergo significant change due to rapid advancements in AI. This will require designers to engage in critical thinking, question existing norms, and strive for greater innovation.

Nurture your creativity! And love what you do.

I would recommend taking the time to explore exhibitions and observe various forms of art. Even the smallest details can provide inspiration and opportunities for reflection.

I used to dream of becoming a fashion designer.

My friends come from diverse backgrounds, and our interactions have consistently provided me with new insights and perspectives. Engaging with them has taught me to approach life with an open mind, fostering a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Their experiences and viewpoints have encouraged me to learn and grow constantly, making me a more adaptable and empathetic individual in both my personal and professional life.

Embrace challenges and always be willing to try.