We were lucky to catch up with Augustina(Ao) Liu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Augustina(Ao), really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My journey in design was catalyzed by my early experiences volunteering at the No.1 Social Welfare House in my hometown, Changsha, China, where I assisted seniors with degraded abilities in their vision, hearing, and mobility to adapt to modern technologies. This volunteering experience sowed the seeds of finding a great solution to empower these people with degraded abilities to enjoy their lives.
In 2016, I came to the United States for my college at the University of Washington, Seattle. During this transformative period, I began pondering a profound question: how to create designs that empower people, regardless of their levels of abilities? This question became my driving force, spurring me to explore the realm of design as a means to unlock solutions. In my first year at college, I had chances to take different courses. I found a class called Human Centered Design and Engineering in my freshman year and got to know a concept called “accessibility”. I swiftly realized the power of user-centered design and inclusion when it comes to human well-being.
My academic pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington became my platform for translating my passion into tangible action. Today, I stand as a testament to the importance of accessibility and inclusion in product design. My career has been defined by a dedication to creating accessible inclusive designs that empower users of all backgrounds and abilities.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m passionate about enhancing human well-being. I care about empowerment, accessibility, inclusion, sustainability, and social welfare. These pillars guide my creative journey, serving as the compass for my artistic expression.
My work is a reflection of the transformative power of design. It is a canvas upon which I explore the intricate interplay between technology, empathy, and human experience. I was inspired by my volunteer experiences at the No.1 Social Welfare House in Changsha, Hunan, where I assist seniors with degraded abilities like vision, hearing, and mobility to adapt to modern technologies. This experience intrigued my interest in creating socially responsible designs that are empathetic, inclusive, and accessible to people with different levels of abilities.
During my time in college, I always thought about how can we create designs that empower people, regardless of their levels of abilities. This question has become the guiding star of my artistic odyssey.
I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington. Through this experience, I learned user-centered design principles, which serve as my design guideline for making design decisions. I’m hoping to work on projects that transform the human experience with positive and profound impacts.
After graduating with my bachelor’s, I’ve worked in various fields to spread my design ethics, including healthcare, lifestyle, airline, and smart technologies. I have worked in organizations like Alaska Airlines, Wynd Technologies, Fresh Chalk, and Genemod. These experiences have enriched my perspective and underscored the importance of adaptability and versatility in design.
Today, as a Senior Product Designer at Toast for Retail, I create a new experience for retail management for business owners and ensure the experience is inclusive, accessible, and delightful. In my design, I broke conventional boundaries, crafting digital experiences that empower individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities. My work goes beyond aesthetics; it is a testament to the transformative potential of design in creating a more equitable world. My commitment to user-centric design and unwavering pursuit of excellence have not only enhanced user experiences but have also driven substantial business growth. My commitment to user-centric design strategies and pursuit of excellence has played a pivotal role in propelling Toast to new heights.
My design projects also gained recognition in prestigious design competitions, attesting to the profound influence of design on human welfare. Beyond my professional commitments, I actively engage with the design community, sharing insights as a mentor, workshop speaker, judge, and panelist.
My art is a testament to design’s transformative potential, underscoring the vital role of accessibility and inclusion in shaping a brighter, more equitable world. Through my creative expressions, I aspire to inspire others to embark on their unique journeys of creativity and empathy, leveraging design as a potent force for positive change.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Believe in Yourself: There were moments when I experienced imposter syndrome and doubted my abilities, but after all, I found that it’s crucial to believe in myself and my creative instincts. Confidence in my design choices helped me stand firm in my decisions and contribute effectively to my projects.
Embrace Change: Design is an ever-evolving field, and most things won’t go exactly as planned. I learned to be adaptable and open to change. Sometimes, I found that the best design solutions emerge from unexpected shifts or challenges. I chose to embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Continuous Learning: New technologies and methodologies emerge regularly. Develop a growth mindset that drives me to evolve and expand my skills. Whether it’s mastering new design tools or staying updated on the latest design trends, continuous learning will keep me at the forefront of my field.
These 3 qualities helped me a lot during my hardship and propelled me to keep moving forward. I’m now sharing with all the folks who are early in their journey and hopefully, this will be helpful to those who are having the same experience as me. Additionally, I want to say perseverance is essential in the design field. Don’t give up easily. When I was having a hard time, I kept telling myself that I knew this was hard but as long as I persisted, I would eventually achieve my goals. This is always true at the end.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I want to shout out to Yunjie(Nina) Zhou, a product designer based in the Seattle area. She inspired me during my time as a design student in the college. I had a chance to hear her speak at the Women in User Experience Conference where she shared her remarkable journey and takeaways as a designer for creating accessible and inclusive designs. Her story resonated with me deeply as she highlighted how individuals from diverse cultural and country backgrounds come to the United States to pursue their design dreams.
I also connected with her after the event for a coffee chat. In those 3 hours, we chatted a lot about each other’s design journey. She shared her personal story as a designer which inspired me a lot. I appreciate all her feedback and suggestions to me when I was still young in the field.
Witnessing Nina’s achievements and the impact she had made in the field of UX design was a pivotal moment for me. Her passion, dedication, and success served as a powerful reminder to never give up on my aspirations. Through her speech, I realized that the path to achieving my design dreams may have its challenges but perseverance and determination can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
Right now, inspired by her experiences and what she gave to me, I’m giving back to the design community by mentoring new-generation designers to help them break into the field. I just have been recognized as a Top 1% ADPList Mentor in Design for the class of January 2024. In addition, I attend many university conferences and events to give speeches and serve as judges to inspire fellow designers. I also volunteer in local design organizations like IxDA Seattle to bring all the designers together and foster a better design community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.augustinaliu.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustinal/
- Other: Adplist: https://adplist.org/mentors/augustina-liu
Image Credits
My personal photo: Credits to Designathon at UCLA
