In the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles, where creativity flows as freely as the Pacific breeze, three visionary product designers embarked on a journey that would change the lives of countless children with ADHD. Their project Routio, which seamlessly blended the principles of neuroscience and inclusive design, aimed to enhance organizing skills for kids who often face overwhelming challenges in their daily lives.
Recognition of their extraordinary work came with the prestigious UX Design Award, one of the esteemed honors in the design industry. Garnering the New Talents category, this award underscores their innovative approach and impactful contribution to the field. It celebrates their seamless blend of practicality and profound empathy, setting new benchmarks for future innovations in inclusive design.
As their story unfolds, it becomes clear that the brilliance of their work is a manifestation of their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication. Each designer infuses the team with a wealth of experience and a unique perspective, creating a synergy that powers their groundbreaking innovations.
Ophelia Chen stands out as a radiant figure in the realm of product design. With 3-5 years of experience in the fintech and aviation industries, Ophelia has refined her craft by working at esteemed institutions such as Finance and Delta Air Lines. Besides, her expertise extends to mentoring emerging tech startups, helping them to build products from concept to official product launch. Driven by a profound commitment to social equality, her motto, “I design for people who cannot,” encapsulates her mission to amplify the voices of those often unheard. From bustling streets to innovative hubs, Ophelia infuses her designs with humanity and compassion. Inspired by her favorite scholar, Michael J. Sandel, she passionately addresses social challenges and advocates for justice through her work. Ophelia’s approach is distinctly user-centered, ensuring that every design decision is rooted in the genuine needs and aspirations of the user. Her work is not just about looking good but also about functionality, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those she designs for.
Together with Ophelia, Tingyu Tian crafted the intuitive interface that is central to the project’s success. Tingyu brings a unique fusion of fashion sense and technology to the project. Graduating from the prestigious Parsons School of Design, Tingyu initially made her mark as a professional fashion designer. Her keen eye for aesthetics and trendsetting fashion sense seamlessly transitioned into the realm of product design. Her journey from fashion to user interface design involved extensive user research, ensuring that the product was not only visually appealing but also highly effective. Additionally, Tingyu’s talent in illustration adds a distinct and personalized touch to the design elements, making the user experience even more engaging. Her ability to blend style, practicality, and artistry has resulted in a user experience that is not only efficient but also visually captivating, embodying her belief that good design should be beautiful and intuitive.
The design decision to combine a physical toy with a digital experience was driven by a deep understanding of the needs of children with ADHD. The aim was to create an engaging product that not only helps improve organizational skills but also supports parents and teachers in addressing the challenges of social stigma and record-keeping for ADHD diagnosis. Carly Chen modeled the physical puzzle map toy, which allows children to plan their daily schedules in the form of a puzzle. This physical representation of their tasks can be displayed on the wall, providing a visual and tactile method for children to organize their day. This approach helps make abstract concepts more concrete, fostering better understanding and retention.
Carly Chen, a pivotal member of the team, graduated from the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Renowned for her skills in 3D modeling and material selection, Carly brought a tangible dimension to the project. Her expertise extends to sound design, an interest she passionately pursued by integrating voice recording features into the product. This functionality allows children to record voice notes, enhancing their interaction with the tasks and adding a personalized touch to their daily routines. Her multifaceted talents in both 3D visual and auditory design elements have significantly enriched the users.
The UX Design Awards foster the impact user experience has on shaping our lives, products, and services. Design is about improving people’s lives. By delivering products that work and that people are passionate about, user experience design makes a significant contribution to increasing customer satisfaction and achieving business goals. The UX Design Awards honor meaningful products and services that deliver better outcomes and solutions for real-world needs, driving positive change.
The recognition bestowed upon these visionary designers highlights their exceptional talent for creating impactful and inclusive products. Their work transcends traditional design boundaries, offering holistic solutions that address real-world challenges. By winning the UX Design Award, they not only set new standards in the industry but also inspire future innovations that prioritize empathy, functionality, and user experience. These designers truly embody the essence of honorable and transformative product design.
Published by: Khy Talara
