Meet Yiyuan Tang | Product Designer

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

Hi Yiyuan, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
For the first two years of college, I constantly pushed myself to fit into the default timeline of my school which comes with very high intensity and standards, and it really drained me out. It wasn’t until my third year that I decided to take a step back, reducing my course load from six or five to just four per term. This adjustment was a pivotal moment for me, as it made me realize the importance of maintaining a balance between my academic pursuits and personal well-being as a designer. Designing as a profession is delivering content that one has intake, which couldn’t be done without a massive internalized knowledge. Therefore it is crucial to make time for new experiences and stimuli such as reading, watching, traveling, or even just wandering without any purpose. The point is to infuse the body with different senses so the brain has time and content to digest. Nurturing a healthy work-life balance for designers isn’t just about self-care, it’s also about sustaining creativity in the long run.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a dedicated product designer committed to crafting human-centered solutions. My design philosophy consistently strives to deliver functional creations that not only possess aesthetic appeal but also establish emotional connections with users. I love to spark a little warmth with my design. I believe that’s also what sets me apart.

I see my innate sentimentality and empathetic nature as my most invaluable assets. These qualities are a superpower, granting me a deeper and more nuanced understanding of inspiration and insights. They enable me to perceive subtleties with greater ease and depth. As a product designer, such sensitivity translates into a unique capability to empathize with users and discern their needs and emotions. This aligns perfectly with the core principles of a user-centered strategy. For me, this empathetic approach is the catalyst that transforms functional innovations into immersive and memorable experiences.

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.
Spots to spend an afternoon: Garden of the Norton Simon Museum, Huntington Garden, LA Arboretum, Point Dume, Chino Hills State Park

Good Food: Salt and Straw, Shanghai Yihao, Laoliujia Roast Fish, Somisomi, Roots & Rye, Shanghaitan.

Nights Out: the Speakeasy, the Abbey

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 would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for Ariel Brice, a remarkable professor from ArtCenter College of Design.

One of my very first college courses was taught by Ari, and he would always encourage us to express our different points of view on art pieces whether from an analytical perspective or purely from a personal feelings standpoint. The inclusive open discussion atmosphere he fostered has nurtured my analytical and expression skills and also helped me find my voice as a designer, especially as someone who was initially reserved and introverted.

I am also grateful for the experience of working as a teaching assistant for Ari’s class in later terms. It was during this time that I realized the power of sharing my past experiences to inspire. Working alongside Ari allowed me to see how my abilities could positively impact others and sparked a sense of fulfillment through assisting other designers. Besides, Ari never spared effort in supporting me to pursue other opportunities, offering valuable advice and guidance beyond the classroom. I am deeply grateful for his enduring encouragement and belief in my potential throughout my years at ArtCenter.

Instagram: tangyuan.jpg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yiyuan-tang-04154198/

Image Credits
Yiyuan (Tina) Tang
Waterpark Project: With Teammates Candice Yao and Robbie Li