Hi! i'm Dani

Currently a grad student at CCA specializing in interaction design, with a background in philosophy, French, and socio-legal studies.

My diverse experience spans working with Nintendo, Baidu, and various NGOs in both digital and physical design realms, covering products, services, events, and processes.

An asian girl with black hair, wearing in grey.

Experience designer

latest
projects

My
Design Philosophy

Beyond mere design, my work encompasses business marketing, content creation, information architecture, strategic planning, systematic analysis, usability testing and user research.

01.

design is not
Problem-solving

Design, to me, transcends looks and functionality—it's a reflection of our societal values. Echoing Steve Jobs, design's essence is in its operation, yet I argue it must also embrace accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability. As society progresses, so must our design ethos, moving beyond mere aesthetics or utility to address broader concerns like compassion, equity, and environmental stewardship.

In an era enriched by technology and AI, design's horizon expands towards a future where what truly matters takes precedence. My philosophy advocates for a vigilant approach to design, one that integrates our core values with the demands of the present, crafting solutions that are not only elegant and practical but also ethically sound and universally beneficial.

02.

When we say human-centered design. . .

Which humans are we truly centering? My approach goes beyond surface-level customer focus. It's about continuous discovery to solve unspoken needs and deliver meaningful benefits. Human-centered design is for the billions, but also for the individual. We design for the masses and the niche, the 1000 and the 1.

I insist on job-to-be-done theory and service design principles to deeply understand people's functional needs and contextual lives. Human-centered design requires empathy for each person's reality, not just designing for a statistical average. It considers intersecting identities, abilities, and circumstances.

Centering humans means making the invisible visible - seeing people's true pains and desires, then creating inclusive solutions that improve real lives. It's an ongoing practice of listening without assumptions and co-creating with the very humans we aim to serve.

03.

Don't say yes to the first answer

My problem-solving mantra is "Don't say yes to the first answer." I'm an eternal optimist, fueled by the belief that better solutions and opportunities always exist until the very final moment. This conviction guides me to exhaustively explore all possibilities, never easily giving up or discarding options.

Even when an answer seems satisfactory, I maintain an open, curious mindset - continuously digging deeper through rigorous examination to uncover truly innovative, exceptional resolutions. This arduous process of persistent scrutiny from diverse perspectives allows me to transcend constraints and create masterpieces that comprehensively tackle the core issues.

04.

How I deal with ambiguity

Ambiguity is inevitable in design, but I see it as an opportunity. When objectives are unclear, I don't freeze up. Instead, I consult experienced peers, immerse myself in learning relevant domains, and research comparable strategies to navigate the uncertainty.

Dealing with ambiguity means leveraging our collective smarts through collaboration while dedicating myself to continuous learning. Crucially, I synthesize insights with my own critical thinking to develop tailored, high-quality approaches. It's an iterative process of making the unknown known through resourcefulness, open-mindedness, and blending diverse perspectives with my problem-solving abilities.

05.

What I Value

I prioritize engaging challenges and teamwork within a friendly, supportive team dynamic that fosters an inclusive learning environment. My background in outdoor activities and sports nurtures my love for teamwork and camaraderie in design, a field that thrives on interaction with users, clients, and colleagues.

I embrace opportunities to connect and learn from diverse people, having organized large events and immersed myself in various domains and cultures. This drive to understand and share experiences underpins my design philosophy.

My
Jamming

Curiosity often leads to tinkering in various areas, from new tech to different industries👀

see more explorations