Interview with Yuxuan Hua

Yuxuan Hua ("YH") interviewed on Monday, 19 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

YH : 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.

How did you become a designer?

YH : 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.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YH : 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.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YH : 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.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

YH : 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.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

YH : 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.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

YH : 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.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

YH : 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.

What is your day to day look like?

YH : 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.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

YH : 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.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

YH : 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.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

YH : 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.

What is your biggest design work?

YH : 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.

Who is your favourite designer?

YH : 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.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

YH : 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.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

YH : 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.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

YH : 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.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

YH : 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.

Yuxuan Hua Profile