Meet Xuetong Wang | Product Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xuetong Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xuetong, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a young age, I was captivated by visual storytelling, particularly in motion graphics where each frame is meticulously crafted and aesthetically beautiful. This fascination led me to pursue a degree in Digital Media Technology, where I could blend creativity with storytelling and cutting-edge technology. It was during this time that I realized my passion extended beyond pure self-expression; I wanted to create something usable for people. This epiphany struck while working on a virtual fitting room project using Kinect, where I delighted in designing how people interacted with new technology, balancing aesthetics with functionality.

To deepen my understanding, I ventured to Finland to immerse myself in the study of design. There, I learned that design is fundamentally a problem-solving process rather than merely creating appealing interfaces. What truly hooked me up was the joy of creation as a designer, which ultimately guided my career path toward digital product design, where I now get to innovate and create every day.

Now, as a product designer in tech, the thrill of transforming ideas into tangible, user-friendly products is exhilarating. Each project presents a fresh challenge, blending creativity and technology in new ways. This passion for innovation and empathy for users fuels my drive to make a positive and meaningful impact through my work, continuously inspiring me to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before the pandemic, I dedicated most of my time to designing consumer-facing products, such as social media platforms and travel applications. My goal was to help people enjoy their lives through engaging and user-friendly designs. However, the pandemic was a turning point for me. It highlighted just how vulnerable our health is. As I reflected on this, I realized that the healthcare industry was often overlooked and felt that technology and design had immense potential to help us live healthier lives. This realization led me to step into the health tech industry.

The first healthtech company I joined focused on using AI to help people access care faster. This experience was instrumental in teaching me the fundamentals of the US healthcare system and identifying where technology could make a significant impact. In the US, navigating health insurance is an inevitable part of the healthcare journey, often leading to frustration. This insight piqued my interest in Oscar Health, which aims to revolutionize the insurance experience through a full-stack tech platform. My curiosity led me to join Oscar Health, where I gained a comprehensive view of the healthcare service landscape.

I started on the insurance broker side, learning firsthand how people buy insurance, and then transitioned to the virtual care side, getting even closer to understanding how people receive care and how providers deliver it. My day-to-day work involves research, design and thoughtful consideration of how we can streamline the care journey, reduce wasted time, and guide people to the appropriate care they need. My team and I constantly explore what more we can do to make people happier and healthier through innovative design and technology.

Designing in healthcare isn’t easy. There are many long-lasting issues such as compliance, data privacy, and people’s perceptions. These challenges are difficult to change, but I feel fulfilled every time my team and I create solutions, piece by piece, to overcome them. Hearing people recognize and appreciate the value in our product is incredibly rewarding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
LA has countless sightseeing spots like the Hollywood Sign, Malibu, and Santa Monica. To add some personal flair, I’d start with an LA brunch in Echo Park or Silver Lake, soaking in the neighborhood vibe. We’d then head to Melrose Ave. for vintage shopping, exploring fashion from the 80s to modern streetwear. The Arts District near downtown would be our next stop, offering a full immersion into creative minds and brands. We’ll also catch an iconic old movie at indie theaters like Aero Theatre, Laemmle, or Lumiere Music Hall, followed by a stroll along Venice Beach and some local bar hopping.

In the following days, we’d explore LA’s museums, including LACMA, The Getty, The Broad, and The Museum of Jurassic Technology. Each location offers unique experiences brimming with culture, art, and local charm.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to take a moment to dedicate this shoutout to Oscar Health’s design team for significantly shaping my vision as a designer. The team’s culture and mission foster an inspiring environment where creativity and innovation thrive. At Oscar, product designers are not only encouraged but empowered to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and lead the product vision. This supportive atmosphere has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. The collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence within the team have been instrumental in influencing my approach to design.

Beyond my professional journey, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my significant other, Zhong. His unwavering support has been my anchor, encouraging me through every decision I’ve made. No matter how tough the days got, he continually inspired me to persevere and stay motivated.

Lastly, I want to thank my parents for being my pillars of support, always backing me up and sharing their invaluable life wisdom. Their encouragement and guidance have been the driving force behind everything I do, and I truly couldn’t have come this far without them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvonne.wxt/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xue-tong-wang/

Image Credits
Xuetong (Yvonne) Wang