Meet Yifeng Wang | Product & UI/UX designer

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

Hi Yifeng, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The two values or principles that matter most to me are open-mindedness and user-centricity. These values have guided me throughout my design journey, as I have explored new technologies, connected with users, and adapted to changing environments.

Open-mindedness helps me embrace new challenges and opportunities, such as emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, AR/VR, and cloud computing. I have a curiosity and a passion for learning about these technologies and how they can benefit people. For example, when I first entered the cloud computing domain, I had no background knowledge of it. It was a very challenging and complex domain, but I saw its potential. The world was moving to the cloud and the pandemic had accelerated the trend, so I decided to learn about it. The cloud security was another layer of complexity and importance. I was open to learning from experts in the field, reading articles, and asking questions. This helped me grasp the key concepts and apply them to my design projects. I followed the same approach for AI, blockchain, and AR/VR.

User-centricity helps me focus on the human aspect of new technology, such as user needs, user feedback, and user onboarding. I have empathy and respect for users and their problems, and I strive to address them through design solutions. For example, I streamlined user onboarding for matured Web3 DeFi products, making emerging technologies user-friendly and seamless. To be user-centric, I always ask myself what the new technology is doing for people. Is it solving an existing problem or creating a new opportunity? Will it generate a new industry or change the world? These questions help me understand technology better and bridge the gap between technology and people.

These values or principles have helped me achieve various projects and achievements in my design career. I believe that they will continue to be relevant and important in the next 5-10 years, as UI/UX and product design will experience significant growth and innovation.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Throughout my career as a UI/UX and product designer, I’ve been fortunate to work on intriguing projects that have not only deepened my understanding of emerging technologies but also allowed me to create designs that make these technologies accessible and beneficial to users. Let’s explore two examples.

One project that stands out is SpendDAO (now rebranded as DALN, Data as Labor Network). This initiative empowers users by giving them control over their credit card data. Typically, credit card companies profit from selling consumer data without giving users a share or choices. To change this, we leveraged the blockchain technology to securely store user data. While the data remains encrypted and private, its ownership is transparent on the blockchain. Consumers can choose to sell their data to data buyers to earn the full rewards themselves, or they can keep it entirely private. Even when data is shared, we maintain privacy by processing and aggregating information to protect user identities.

Designing for this project presented challenges as it involved a novel blockchain technology and the need to educate users about the value of their data. However, what I find most rewarding is the role design plays in making this cutting-edge technology accessible to a broad audience. Our project was recognized as a finalist in the ETH Global FEVM hackathon, both for its technology adoption and the user-friendly experience we created, which aligns with my passion for increasing the adoption of new technology through design.

Another project that stands out is my work at Lacework, where I created UI/UX designs for cloud security solutions, an industry vital yet complex. Cloud security professionals face a common challenge — endless security alerts, leading to alert fatigue and overwhelming workloads. The primary design challenge was aiding end-users in distinguishing genuine risks, building trust in the information we provide, and guiding their actions.

At Lacework, I’ve developed design solutions for key features like Resource Explorer, which serves as a centralized hub for users to oversee their cloud resources. Informed by user insights, I fine-tuned this feature to help users prioritize risks and reduce their workload. I also contributed to establishing the foundational design system of the Polygraph® Data Platform, expediting design and development. My design streamlines the user experience when addressing security risks, ultimately simplifying the lives of security analysts. It’s fulfilling to know that my work makes cutting-edge cloud security technology more user-friendly and delightful for our customers.

What sets me apart is my curiosity, enthusiasm for new technologies, and commitment to understanding real user pain points while bridging the gap between them. My experience in working with these technologies has brought me valuable industry insights and a dedication to delivering business value through design. I enjoy making new technologies usable and accessible, bringing the future closer to all users.

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.
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I would take them to Seal Beach in Orange County, California. Seal Beach is a charming seaside town that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.

• Arrive at Seal Beach and check in to one of the cozy hotels or vacation rentals near the beach. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the sandy shore and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants on Main Street, such as The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar.

• Explore the Seal Beach Municipal Pier, one of the longest wooden piers in California. We can fish, watch the surfers, or take photos of the scenic views. Visit the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that is home to various birds and animals, including seals, sea lions, and pelicans. Have lunch at Crema Cafe, a bakery and cafe that specializes in fresh American food and healthy dining options.

This is how I would show my best friend the best time ever in Seal Beach.

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?
There are so many people who deserve a lot of credit and recognition in my story, but if I have to choose a few, I would say my parents and the design community. My parents have always supported me throughout my journey, especially when I decided to switch careers and move to the US. They always encouraged me to pursue my passion. The design community, both online and offline, has also helped me a lot in my journey. I have met so many amazing people who have shared their knowledge, experience, feedback, and insights with me. They have inspired me to explore new technologies, connect with users, and adapt to changing environments. They have also challenged me to improve my skills, creativity, and communication. They are my mentors, peers, and friends in the design world. I am so grateful for them. They are the ones who make me grow as a designer.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wangyifeng/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wang-yf/