Hello! I'm Jan, a product designer who transforms data into meaningful experiences.

With a background in HCI and Business, plus self-taught coding skills, I bridge the gap between user needs and stakeholder goals. When I’m not crafting interfaces, you’ll find me building solutions in hackathons and experimenting with new design methods – often bringing home awards along the way 🏆

I have 3 years of experience across organizations and startups, leading products from concept to launch in software, AI solutions, manufacturing, healthcare, and hardware.

Hobbies & Interests

Outside of work, I love gathering friends for outdoor hikes, video game sessions, or food adventures. I’m usually the one initiating our next meetup!

I also love giving back to the community by teaching tech to kids and sharing UX knowledge with fellow designers. My UX blog has helped Taiwanese designers level up their skills, reaching 55K views in 2024. Still exploring different social causes to find where I can make the biggest impact.

My Journey
into Design 🚲

One January

Design in My DNA

Growing up with a designer mom and a color management consultant dad, I was immersed in the world of visual thinking from day one. Our dinner conversations often revolved around design principles and color theories - who knew they'd shape my career path?

2015

Bridging Business and Design

Pursuing double majors wasn't just about collecting degrees. While studying graphic design, I discovered my love for coding and building digital products. But I wanted to understand the 'why' behind user decisions, so I dove into business studies, fascinated by consumer behavior and market dynamics.

2020

From Startups to Tech

My real design journey kicked off at a VC firm, where I helped startups build their MVPs. This experience led me to WiAdvance, where I hit my stride - winning Microsoft Hackathon and building a B2B marketplace from scratch. Each project taught me how design can drive business growth.

2023

Next Chapter at UW

Now at UW's HCDE program, I'm diving deeper into human-centered design. It feels like everything - my background, experiences, and passions - has led me here, where I can create meaningful impacts through thoughtful design.

how to work with Me?

Jan's Personal Handbook

Areas of Expertise

❤️ I’m deeply passionate about product research & design (I'd say it's a 4:6 love ratio between research and design).
❤️ With a background in design & marketing and some front-end coding skills, I empathize well with the needs of PMs, marketers, and engineers to bring products to life.
❤️ For a Gen Z-er, I’m quite patient and willing to spend time finding a balance that works for everyone.
❤️ I’m naturally curious about people and easily build good relationships with my team.
❤️ I’m great at divergent thinking, often coming up with out-of-the-box ideas—an idea generator, if you will.

How to Communicate with Me

💬 Preferred methods: In-person > Call > Text
💬 I find it helpful to jot things down or sketch during conversations—it enhances my memory.
💬 I thrive with deadlines. I’ll usually ask for them, but if I forget, feel free to remind me directly.
💬 I'm always open to constructive feedback. Just be gentle!

Things That Energize Me

A warm environment is always a source of energy for me!
✨ Casual chats about all kinds of topics.

💬 I love discussing design ideas and everyday life, and if we can talk about recent personal growth or new things we've learned, that makes me really happy.

✨ Being acknowledged for my efforts.
✨ A team where members trust each other and believe in one another's good intentions.

💬 When offering suggestions, I appreciate knowing that everyone’s focused on improving the product.

My Ideal Work Environment

🔸 I appreciate discussing clear goals, available resources, and deadlines in the beginning.
🔸 I appreciate suggestions, but I also value the freedom to explore different approaches.
🔸 Open communication is essential. Let me know if you need me to adjust my style. I’m very flexible and willing to accommodate.

You can say 💬 I’d prefer if the shared document were formatted this way so it’s easier for me to read. 💬 I’d feel more comfortable if you could update me daily on your progress

The things that prevent me from doing my best work are...

🥲 No.1: Lack of sleep or not feeling well.
😢 Having my ideas immediately shut down without discussion.
🥲 Disagreements that lack logical reasoning.

Talk to me about...

I’m up for talking about anything! I love chatting 🖐
💏 Relationships, marriage, parenting
🎬 TV shows (especially Netflix dating reality shows from Japan, Korea, the US, Brazil, India, Israel, the UK, and Australia—I’ve watched them all)
🖥 UX, the tech industry, and various industry insights
🧘 Meditation, tarot cards, MBTI, astrology
🎮 Games (Pokémon, LOL, Switch, Minecraft)

Let's get in touch!

Whether you want to share an interesting project, collaborate to create something people need, or simply say hello – I’m always happy to chat.