Yuxuan Hua

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a designer, my experience has always centered around creating with empathy and intention. I’ve worked across industries—from edtech and healthcare to consumer products and mobility—which has taught me to approach problems from many angles. Whether I’m designing a tactile tool, a digital interface, or something in between, I focus on how it feels to the user: Is it clear? Is it kind? Does it add quiet value to their day? Over time, I’ve come to see design as both a craft and a conversation—a way to shape not just how things look or function, but how they connect with people on a human level. That’s what drives me, no matter the medium.

I became a designer by following my curiosity about how people live and feel. Inspired by real-life stories and everyday moments, I saw design as a way to quietly improve lives. It felt like the perfect mix of empathy, problem-solving, and creativity—and I’ve been hooked ever since. I became a designer by following my curiosity about how people live and feel. Inspired by real-life stories and everyday moments, I saw design as a way to quietly improve lives. It felt like the perfect mix of empathy, problem-solving, and creativity—and I’ve been hooked ever since. I became a designer by following my curiosity about how people live and feel. Inspired by real-life stories and everyday moments, I saw design as a way to quietly improve lives. It felt like the perfect mix of empathy, problem-solving, and creativity—and I’ve been hooked ever since.

My priorities are clarity, empathy, and emotional resonance. I aim to create designs that feel intuitive and quietly thoughtful. In terms of technique, I combine hands-on prototyping with digital tools—balancing structure with exploration. My style leans minimal, soft, and human-centered, with a focus on small details that invite calm, connection, and care.

When I’m designing, I feel a mix of curiosity, calm, and quiet excitement. There’s a sense of focus and flow—like solving a puzzle that’s both emotional and logical. Sometimes there’s frustration too, but it’s part of the process. The best moments are when everything clicks, and I feel that quiet joy of creating something that might make someone’s day a little better.

Growing up, I was deeply influenced by documentaries and the quiet observation of everyday life. That nurtured my empathy and curiosity early on—especially for the overlooked, the subtle, and the in-between. Being exposed to both Eastern and Western cultures also shaped my sensitivity to nuance, balance, and restraint. These experiences taught me to value not just how things work, but how they feel—and to design with both thought and care.

My growth has been shaped by curiosity and a drive to design with empathy. Looking ahead, I want to explore the intersection of physical and digital design—especially in education and wellness. A dream project would be creating an AI-powered tool that supports emotional resilience in young learners. More than anything, I hope to be remembered as a designer who made thoughtful, quietly impactful work that truly cared for people.

My advice to young designers: stay curious, stay kind, and design with intention. Don’t rush to impress—focus on building your craft and your voice. One warning: don’t try to please everyone. The best work is honest, not loud. A mentor once told me, “Let your work reflect what you care about.” I grow by staying curious beyond design—because the best ideas often come from unexpected places.

My best advice: design less, but with more meaning. Focus on clarity, not complexity. Start with the why, observe real life, and let ideas evolve. Use constraints as creative tools, not limits. And don’t underestimate small details—they’re often what people remember most. Success comes from care, curiosity, and knowing when to step back.

My day usually starts with coffee and a quiet scroll through design news or inspiration—just enough to ease into the day. Then it’s a mix of deep work (like prototyping or writing), team syncs, and giving feedback. I block time for focused design and leave space for thinking in between. On slower days, what keeps me going are the small things—a thoughtful comment from a teammate, a well-aligned pixel, or a surprise idea that comes during a walk.

I keep an eye on trends, but I don’t chase them. I follow design news, platforms like Are.na or It’s Nice That, and observe how people interact with products in daily life. Trends can offer fresh ideas, but I care more about timelessness, clarity, and emotional resonance. I want my work to feel grounded and human—something that lasts beyond what’s “in” this season.

For me, good design is clear, intentional, and emotionally resonant. It solves the right problem in a way that feels effortless. I know a design is good when it makes me think, *“Of course it works like this”—*as if it couldn’t have been done any other way. I look for purpose, empathy, and craft. Common mistakes? Overcomplicating, designing for aesthetics over clarity, or ignoring real user needs. A great design doesn’t just look good—it feels right.

I don’t believe a design is ever truly “finished”—there’s always something you could tweak. But I know it’s ready when it clearly solves the problem, feels intuitive, and holds up in real use. When the core idea is intact, the details feel intentional, and further changes start to dilute rather than improve—it’s time to let go. I move on with a sense of closure, but always keep an open tab in my mind. If something still lingers or invites new thinking later, I take that as a sign to revisit with fresh eyes.

One of my biggest design works is Lens—a physical-digital learning tool that blends tactile interaction with augmented reality. It challenged me to think across hardware, software, and storytelling, all while designing for both kids and educators. It’s a project that reflects my values: curiosity, emotional clarity, and designing tech that feels human and intuitive.

One of my favorite designers is Toshiyuki Kita. I admire how his work blends tradition and innovation with a quiet elegance. He designs objects that feel soulful and timeless—deeply rooted in culture, yet completely relevant today. There’s a softness and humanity in his work that I always aspire to.

My lifestyle is calm, curious, and centered around observation. I enjoy quiet rituals—like morning coffee, long walks, and watching documentaries—that help me stay grounded and inspired. Culturally, I draw from both Eastern and Western influences, which shapes how I see balance, subtlety, and intention in design. I value simplicity, kindness, and care—not just in work, but in how I move through the world. It's a lifestyle that’s less about pace, and more about presence.

My work culture is rooted in empathy, clarity, and collaboration. I believe good design comes from listening—really understanding people, not just briefs. I value thoughtful processes over quick fixes, and small details that quietly elevate the whole experience. My business philosophy is simple: design with care, communicate with honesty, and always aim for impact that feels human and lasting.

As a designer, I see impact not only in big gestures but in the quiet ways design supports daily life. I contribute by creating tools that promote open learning, accessibility, and emotional well-being—especially in education and healthcare spaces. I also mentor emerging designers and participate in design juries, where I help spotlight thoughtful, socially driven work. For me, philanthropy in design means using my skills to uplift others—through clarity, care, and intentional choices that ripple outward.

Attending the A’ Design Award was a truly rewarding experience. It offered a platform to connect with a global community of thoughtful designers and see how creativity takes shape across cultures and disciplines. The recognition brought visibility to my work, but more importantly, it sparked meaningful conversations and opened doors to future collaborations. It’s inspiring to be part of a space that celebrates not just design excellence, but also purpose and impact.

I studied design with a focus on human-centered thinking and form development, blending physical and digital methods early in my training. My education gave me a strong foundation in both the practical and emotional sides of design, and I continue to build on that through real-world experience.

I'm motivated by curiosity—about people, behaviors, and the quiet needs of everyday life. I became a designer to translate empathy into action and to make thoughtful improvements that people may not even realize they needed.

I chose it instinctively. Design felt like the most natural way to express care, solve problems, and bring together creativity with purpose.

I design digital-physical products and tools that support learning, care, and daily life. I’d love to do more work in emotional tech and tools that support mental wellness—quiet helpers that feel both intelligent and human.

Stay curious, be kind, and care deeply about what and who you're designing for. The best work doesn’t come from chasing trends, but from listening and refining with intention.

A great designer goes beyond solving problems—they bring emotional intelligence, clarity, and resonance to the work. It's about feeling, not just function.

It solves the right problem, feels effortless, and resonates emotionally. Good design often feels invisible—it just works.

Good design creates trust, dignity, and clarity. It’s not just about aesthetics—it improves experiences, systems, and sometimes even lives.

I’d design tools for underserved classrooms—simple, joyful resources that spark curiosity in students and ease the burden on teachers.

A soft, AI-powered companion for emotional learning in children—something that feels intuitive, trustworthy, and deeply supportive.

Empathy, without question. When you start from care and curiosity, the design naturally becomes more thoughtful. I also try to balance discipline with play—being serious about the process but open to surprise. That mix often leads to my best work.

I’ve always admired Toshiyuki Kita for his ability to blend tradition with forward-thinking form. Naoto Fukasawa’s work is a lesson in subtlety and intuition—designs that almost disappear because they fit so well into everyday life. Dieter Rams, of course, is a foundational influence for his clarity and restraint. Each of them reminds me that great design doesn’t need to shout to be heard.

Kita’s Wink Chair is a standout for me. It’s playful and sculptural while still feeling approachable and comfortable. I also love MUJI’s everyday products—the way they manage to be unbranded but highly intentional is something I find really beautiful. These designs all reflect care in execution and a deep respect for the user.

Lens is one of the projects I’m most proud of. It brings together physical interaction and augmented reality in a way that feels tactile, intuitive, and full of possibility. What makes it great for me is the way it invites curiosity—it doesn’t demand attention but gently rewards exploration. That balance of quiet presence and emotional engagement is something I’m always striving for.

Spend more time observing than producing. Step outside of the design bubble and watch how people actually live. I learned the most from paying attention to behavior, asking better questions, and being open to feedback. Also, make peace with iteration—good work rarely happens in one take.

I think I would’ve become a documentary filmmaker or an animal behaviorist—something that still centers around observation and storytelling. I’ve always been fascinated by the “why” behind people’s actions and the beauty in overlooked systems, whether human or natural. That same curiosity drives my design work.

Design is empathy made tangible. It’s the thoughtful shaping of experiences, systems, or objects to better serve the people who interact with them. Good design quietly solves problems, brings clarity, and connects us to something deeper—whether emotional, practical, or cultural.

I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, collaborators, and friends who believed in me—especially when I was still figuring things out. Their feedback, encouragement, and honesty shaped how I see my work and myself.