Interview with Ting Chen | A Designer with a Passion for Creativity Based in the United States

I studied drawing and painting since my elementary school, eventually pursuing a degree in printmaking at one of China's top art schools during my undergraduate studies.

However, despite my passion for art, I found the physical labour involved in printmaking to be challenging. Working with heavy print machines to produce prints required constant assistance from classmates, which became frustrating.

During that time, I had a close friend studying Graphic Design. Witnessing his ability to craft creative designs and layouts using computers and exposure to innovative concepts from various global countries like Japan, Germany, the UK, and the US, deeply intrigued me.

Inspired by international designers and the limitless possibilities of graphic design, I decided to change my major for my master's degree, eager to explore the dynamic and creative field of Graphic Design further.

I did 2 elective classes to work on projects focused on user-centric design principles during my graphic design studies at Savannah College of Art and Design. These projects exposed me to the importance of understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations in the design process. It sparked my interest in UX design and planted the seeds for my eventual transition into the field.

Currently, I work as a UX designer at Amazon Web Services and previously worked as a UX manager at Estée Lauder Companies.

I am dedicated to enhancing user satisfaction to an innovative level and ensuring digital products meet users’ needs. With a passion for creativity, I strive to integrate the right technology to innovate and elevate digital products in B2B and B2C e-commerce.

My expertise lies in continuously improving usability, productivity, and aesthetics, with extensive experience in both e-commerce and Innovation.

Design is about creating solutions that address the needs, preferences, and pain points of users. It involves understanding user problems and designing interfaces that provide intuitive and effective ways to achieve their goals.

I’m passionate about designs where creativity and the right technology come together seamlessly. I love it because it combines creativity with functionality, allowing me to create user experiences that are both beautiful and practical.

I am particularly drawn to the challenge of understanding user behavior and translating that into seamless interfaces that solve real problems.

A "good" design, in my view, strikes a balance between intuitive user experience, artistic user interface, and innovative technology to deliver a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

This idea was inspired by my best friend, part of the LGBTQ community, who loves festive events and dressing up but struggles with makeup application as a guy. He often seeks my advice, and we research on Pinterest, Google, and YouTube, but resources for Asian men are limited.

Noticing a lack of makeup tutorials for men, especially Asian men, highlighted a need for more inclusive support to boost confidence through makeup in the LGBTQ community.

Chinese cultural heritage profoundly impacts my design process. Growing up immersed in Chinese culture, I’ve been inspired by its rich artistic traditions, such as calligraphy, traditional painting, and architectural design. These influences guide me to emphasise balance, harmony, and simplicity in my designs.

Winning the London Design Awards is a significant milestone for me. It validates my commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and highlights the high standards I strive to maintain. This recognition not only boosts credibility but also energises me to explore new creative possibilities.

Presto is a mobile app designed to offer personalised beauty recommendations tailored to the unique facial attributes of individuals within the LGBTQ community, particularly individuals who wish to feminise their masculine facial features or add artistic makeup to their everyday presentation.

The goal is to offer accessible resources and guidance that facilitate a deeper understanding of facial attributes and makeup techniques tailored to individual needs and preferences. Through education and support, Presto strives to promote self-expression and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

One of the main challenges was balancing the need for sustainable practices with the client’s budget constraints. To overcome this, we focused on innovative design solutions that maximised efficiency without compromising on quality.

Another challenge was integrating modern design elements with traditional cultural motifs. This was achieved through extensive research and collaboration with cultural experts to ensure authenticity and respect for heritage.

I am incredibly grateful for this recognition. It reinforces my dedication to innovation and excellence in design. This award will inspire me to set new goals, seek out exciting opportunities, and continue creating designs that resonate and make an impact.

It would be creative freedom & innovation, impact on everyday life & collaboration, and diversity.

I ensure my design approach aligns with evolving user preferences by combining user-centric methodologies with continuous iteration.

I place a strong emphasis on conducting regular user testing sessions to gather feedback on our eCommerce websites and apps. These sessions provide invaluable insights into how shoppers interact with our platforms, allowing us to identify pain points, preferences, and areas for improvement.

I leverage data analytics tools to analyse user behavior and engagement metrics, such as click-through rates, bounce rates, and conversion rates. By identifying patterns and trends in user interactions, we can make informed decisions about optimising the user experience.

Staying informed about industry trends and competitor offerings is essential for understanding evolving shopper preferences. I regularly conduct market research to benchmark our designs against industry best practices and identify emerging trends that may influence our approach.

The design industry is likely to see a greater emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Advances in technology, such as AI and virtual reality, will transform the way we design and visualise projects. There will also be a stronger focus on inclusive and human-centered design, ensuring that spaces are accessible and meaningful to a diverse range of users.

Early in my career, I had the privilege of working alongside senior designers and creative directors who mentored me and provided invaluable guidance on UX principles and methodologies. Their expertise and mentorship inspired me to delve deeper into the field of UX design and explore its potential for creating impactful user experiences.

The mentorship I received and the collaborative project experiences served as sources of inspiration and motivation as I pursued a career in UX design. They instilled in me a passion for creating meaningful and intuitive user experiences and reinforced the importance of continuous learning and growth in the field.

The secret to my success lies in my unwavering commitment to continuous learning and growth. I believe in staying curious, embracing challenges, and always pushing the boundaries of creativity. My parting advice is to stay true to your vision, never stop learning, and always seek to create designs that make a positive impact on the world.