We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yuxuan Hua ("YH").
Yuxuan Hua is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Yuxuan Hua Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yuxuan Hua.
Yuxuan Hua Design - Lens AR Smartwatch
Designer Interview of Yuxuan Hua:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
YH : I didn’t always know I’d become a designer—but I’ve always been drawn to observing the world closely. As a kid, I was fascinated by the small details in daily life and loved watching documentaries that explored people, animals, and the unseen systems around us. That curiosity slowly turned into a desire to make things better—not louder, just more thoughtful. Studying design gave me the tools to turn empathy and observation into action. It felt less like a career choice and more like finding the language I’d been looking for all along.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YH : To me, design is empathy made tangible. It’s the quiet, intentional shaping of experiences that help people feel seen, understood, and supported—often without them even realizing it. Good design isn’t about decoration or perfection; it’s about creating clarity, emotion, and connection in the moments that matter.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YH : I’m most drawn to designing experiences that feel quietly transformative—tools that may seem simple on the surface but hold layers of thought, emotion, and intention. I love working on products that support learning, care, or everyday rituals—where design can gently shift how people feel, think, or connect.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YH : One of my favorite designs is Lens—a learning tool that blends physical interaction with augmented reality. What I love most is how it invites curiosity in such a tactile, intuitive way. We experimented with form, gesture, and behavior to make something that feels both futuristic and familiar. It’s a piece that reflects my values: thoughtful technology, emotional resonance, and making complex ideas feel surprisingly human.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YH : I’m especially drawn to tactile, interactive platforms—whether it’s physical-digital hybrids or AR interfaces that invite hands-on exploration. I love materials and technologies that engage the senses and create a sense of presence, where people don’t just use the product—they feel it.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YH : I feel most creative when I’m not trying too hard—usually during quiet, in-between moments like walking, watching a documentary, or even doing the dishes. It’s when my mind has space to wander that ideas sneak in unexpectedly, often sparked by something small and oddly specific.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YH : I focus on how the design communicates and connects—emotionally, visually, and functionally. I pay close attention to interaction flow, clarity, and the small details that make something feel considered and human. For me, good design isn’t just about what it does, but how it feels while doing it.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YH : Designing often brings a mix of emotions—curiosity, excitement, and sometimes a bit of healthy frustration. But above all, there’s a quiet joy in the process: seeing an idea take shape, noticing small details click into place, and imagining how someone might feel just a little more understood because of what you made.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YH : When a design comes to life, I feel a quiet mix of joy, relief, and gratitude. Joy in seeing an idea take shape, relief that the details worked out, and gratitude for the collaboration that made it possible. And if someone uses it and feels even a little more seen or supported—that’s the most fulfilling part.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YH : A design is successful when it feels effortless to the user, but you know it was built with care and intention. It solves a real need, tells a clear story, and creates an emotional connection—whether through delight, comfort, or clarity. It doesn’t just work—it resonates.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YH : The first things I look for are clarity, intention, and emotional resonance. Does the design communicate its purpose clearly? Is every detail there for a reason? And most importantly—does it make someone feel something, whether it's ease, delight, or trust? A good design speaks before you even realize it’s speaking.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YH : Designers have a quiet but powerful responsibility—to shape not just products, but behaviors, values, and systems. We influence how people interact with the world, so we must design with empathy, inclusivity, and sustainability in mind. That means creating solutions that respect diverse lives, reduce harm to the environment, and add lasting value—not just convenience. Thoughtful design doesn’t just solve problems—it helps build a more mindful, equitable future.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YH : The design field is evolving from creating things to shaping systems, relationships, and values. It's no longer just about how something looks or functions—but how it behaves, adapts, and impacts people and the planet. The future of design is more interdisciplinary, more human-centered, and more accountable. We’re moving toward designing with—not just for—communities, embracing ethics, sustainability, and inclusivity as core principles, not afterthoughts.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
YH : My most recent exhibition was part of an online showcase through a design award platform, where selected works were featured digitally for a global audience. It was a great way to share the project’s story beyond geographic boundaries. For the next one, I’d love to explore a more tactile, in-person experience—something that lets people engage with the work physically and emotionally, even in small, intimate ways.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YH : My inspiration often comes from the quiet details of everyday life—how people move, speak, or interact with the world around them. I feed my creativity by staying curious: watching documentaries, observing behavior in public spaces, exploring nature, or even studying non-design fields like animal behavior or food culture. I also draw a lot from physical objects—tools, toys, old analog tech—anything that sparks a sense of wonder or invites a different way of seeing. Creativity, for me, is about staying open and paying attention to what others might overlook.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
YH : My design style is quietly intentional—minimal, human-centered, and emotionally thoughtful. I focus on clarity, softness, and subtle details that feel intuitive and caring. Rooted in empathy and curiosity, my approach is about listening, observing, and shaping designs that naturally belong in people’s lives.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
YH : I’m based in the U.S. but grew up with strong ties to East Asian culture, and that duality definitely shapes my perspective. There’s a quiet appreciation for restraint, subtlety, and thoughtfulness in my work that’s deeply influenced by that heritage. Living in a multicultural environment gives me a broad lens—it helps me design with sensitivity to different habits, values, and expectations. The upside is being able to draw from both global and local design cues; the challenge is balancing speed-driven industry demands with slower, more intentional design values I hold close.
DI: How do you work with companies?
YH : I work with companies as a collaborative partner—someone who listens deeply, asks thoughtful questions, and helps translate vision into meaningful, user-centered design. I balance big-picture strategy with hands-on craft, making sure every decision supports both the user’s experience and the company’s goals. Whether it’s through research, prototyping, or refining the smallest interaction, I aim to create designs that are not only effective, but emotionally resonant and true to the brand’s values.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
YH : Involve designers early and treat them as thought partners, not just executors. A good designer is curious, empathetic, and thinks beyond visuals. Don’t just look at portfolios—ask how they solve problems and collaborate. Great design starts with trust and shared vision.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
YH : My design process always starts with listening—really understanding the people, context, and quiet needs beneath the surface. From there, I sketch, prototype, and test early and often, using each round to refine both the function and the feeling. I’m big on balancing structure with play: being strategic, but also leaving space for unexpected ideas to emerge. Whether I’m designing something physical or digital, I focus on clarity, emotion, and subtle moments of delight—because good design, to me, should feel both natural and a little bit magical.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
YH : Here are 6 of my favorite design items at home: Fellow Stagg Kettle – Precise and elegant, it makes even boiling water feel like a ritual. Isamu Noguchi Light – A soft sculpture of light that adds warmth and quiet presence to any space. Samsung Serif TV – A tech object that behaves like furniture—thoughtful and beautifully unobtrusive. HAY Hanger – A small but satisfying detail; balanced, clean, and proof that utility can be graceful. Eames Armchair – Timeless comfort with curves that still feel modern—like sitting in a design classic that truly earns its place.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
YH : ChatGPT said: A day in my life usually starts with something slow—coffee, soft light, and maybe a documentary in the background to ease into the day. Once work begins, it’s a mix of deep focus and collaboration: sketching, prototyping, giving feedback, or syncing with teammates. I try to carve out time for curiosity—reading, observing, or wandering offline—because that’s where new ideas tend to sneak in. Evenings are for unwinding, usually with a walk, good food, or more documentaries (yes, still obsessed). It’s a rhythm of thinking, making, and noticing.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
YH : Absolutely! Here are a few thoughts I’d share with young designers: Stay curious. The best ideas often come from unexpected places—so keep exploring, observing, and asking why. Listen more than you speak. Great design starts with understanding people, not just solving problems. Don’t rush the craft. Tools evolve, trends come and go—but thoughtful, well-made work always stands out. Tell stories. A good design is functional; a great one communicates, connects, and lingers. Be kind—to others and to yourself. Growth takes time, and the path is rarely linear. Keep going, stay open, and trust your instincts.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
YH : One of the biggest positives is the ability to shape how people experience the world—design can solve real problems, spark joy, and quietly improve lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to turn empathy and ideas into something tangible. The flip side? It can be emotionally demanding. You’re constantly navigating feedback, constraints, and the tension between vision and reality. Sometimes, good design work goes unnoticed—or takes a lon
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
YH : My golden rule in design is: make it feel human. Whether it’s a product, interface, or experience, it should connect emotionally, communicate clearly, and respect the person on the other side. If it feels intuitive, comforting, or even a little delightful—you’re on the right track.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
YH : Beyond technical skills, I think the most important qualities for a designer are empathy, curiosity, and clarity. Empathy helps you understand people’s real needs, curiosity keeps you exploring beyond the obvious, and clarity allows you to communicate ideas that feel effortless and meaningful. Add in a strong sense of craft and the ability to collaborate, and you’ve got a solid foundation for thoughtful, impactful design.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
YH : My toolbox is a mix of digital tools, tactile processes, and everyday inspiration. I use SolidWorks for precision in form development, KeyShot for rendering and visual storytelling, and Figma for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Beyond software, I keep a sketchbook nearby to quickly explore ideas by hand. For inspiration, I turn to books on design theory, documentaries, everyday objects, and the quiet quirks of human behavior. Sometimes, even a walk or a well-designed spoon can spark something unexpected.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
YH : Design can definitely be time-consuming, especially when you care about the details. I manage my time by breaking the process into clear phases—research, ideation, prototyping, and refinement—so I know where to focus at each stage. I also leave space for thinking and unexpected turns, because creativity doesn’t always follow a schedule. Prioritizing what matters most to the user helps me stay grounded and avoid over-polishing things that don’t need it.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
YH : It really depends on the complexity of the object—but generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some ideas come together quickly, while others need time to unfold through research, prototyping, testing, and refinement. Personally, I try not to rush the process—good design takes time to listen, explore, and get the details just right.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
YH : The question I get most often is: “Where do you get your ideas?” And the honest answer is—everywhere. From a passing comment, an oddly satisfying object, a childhood memory, or even a mistake. Ideas don’t always arrive fully formed; they build slowly through curiosity, observation, and paying attention to the quiet stuff most people overlook.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
YH : A key experience has been my work at Padlet, where I lead the design of collaborative tools that support open-ended learning around the world. It’s been incredibly meaningful to shape products that empower creativity across classrooms, teams, and cultures. The work blends strategy with craft, and I get to think deeply about how to make digital spaces feel more human, flexible, and inspiring—especially in a time when connection and curiosity matter more than ever.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
YH : Accenture, Johnson & Johnson, Xbox, Bosch
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
YH : I enjoy designing experiences that feel quietly transformative—products that may seem simple at first, but reveal depth, care, and intention the more you use them. I’m especially drawn to tools that support learning, wellness, or everyday rituals, because they have the power to gently improve people’s lives. For me, the joy is in creating something that feels both intuitive and emotionally resonant—something that just fits into someone’s world in a meaningful way.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
YH : I’m excited to keep exploring the intersection of physical and digital design—creating tools that feel both emotionally resonant and functionally smart. I’d love to dive deeper into learning and care-focused products, collaborate across disciplines, and maybe even teach or mentor more in the future. Whatever’s next, I hope it continues to challenge me, connect me with thoughtful people, and make space for quiet, meaningful impact.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
YH : Both! I love the energy and perspective that comes from working with a team—collaborating with engineers, researchers, and other designers always pushes the work further. But I also value solo time to think, sketch, and refine ideas on my own. The best outcomes usually come from that balance: personal focus paired with collective insight.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
YH : Yes—I'm currently working on a digital teaching assistant for the edtech space that thoughtfully integrates AI. The goal is to support teachers with tasks like classroom feedback, content curation, and student engagement—without overwhelming them or replacing the human touch. We’re exploring how AI can act more like a quiet collaborator: responsive, respectful, and deeply aware of the real needs and rhythms of teaching. It's about using technology not to take over, but to gently amplify the educator’s presence.
DI: How can people contact you?
YH : hi@sara-hua.com