We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chunxuan（kelvin） Yu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chunxuan（Kelvin） below.
Chunxuan（Kelvin）, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose by combining a natural curiosity for the world with an evolving understanding of design’s transformative potential. Early in life, I was captivated by how objects were shaped, how colors affected emotions, and how designs could elevate ordinary experiences into memorable ones. This innate fascination matured into a deep appreciation for the ability of design to influence behavior, shape experiences, and create connections.
Throughout my career, the drive to decipher human behavior and needs has guided me. Whether designing user-friendly appliances at GE or co-founding Inwoo Design to bring impactful solutions to diverse markets, my purpose is rooted in creating meaningful, user-centric designs. The culmination of aesthetics, functionality, and business value underpins this journey, alongside a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and human connection.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a Senior UX Designer at GE Appliances, my work centers on crafting innovative user experiences that seamlessly integrate technology into everyday life. I focus on making advanced, AI-driven solutions both intuitive and accessible, ensuring they genuinely enhance how people interact with home appliances. One of my proudest contributions has been the SmartHQ app, a platform that lets users control and monitor connected appliances remotely, redefining the smart home experience and earning accolades like the IoT Breakthrough Award.
What excites me most is the intersection of AI and human-centered design. For instance, I led the development of Flavorly AI, a feature within the app that personalizes recipe recommendations based on user preferences and available ingredients. This tool doesn’t just simplify meal planning—it transforms it into a creative and personal experience. Another noteworthy project is the SmartHQ Assistant, an AI-driven conversational interface that empowers users with instant, actionable insights about their appliances. These projects exemplify how design can address real-world challenges while creating delight.
Beyond my work with GE Appliances, I co-founded Inwoo Design, a firm dedicated to blending aesthetics with functionality, serving diverse clients across industries. This entrepreneurial journey has equipped me with a holistic perspective on design—from ideation to execution—and continues to inform my approach to innovation.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about launching a book on design innovation, which distills years of insights, challenges, and creative breakthroughs. The book aims to inspire and guide emerging designers, fostering a culture of innovation in the industry. I’m also exploring new collaborations and technological integrations that push the boundaries of what’s possible in user experience design.
For me, the heart of my work is creating designs that are not only groundbreaking but also meaningful—solutions that resonate deeply with users, solve real problems, and elevate everyday experiences.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1，Curiosity and a Learning Mindset
Staying curious has been a cornerstone of my growth. Design is a field that constantly evolves, with new tools, technologies, and trends emerging all the time. Early on, I embraced a mindset of perpetual learning—delving into disciplines like psychology, business strategy, and emerging technologies to expand my perspective and skills.
Advice: Cultivate curiosity by exploring fields beyond your immediate domain. Take courses, read broadly, and remain open to learning from unexpected sources. Platforms like Coursera and Skillshare are great for continuous education.
2，Empathy and Human-Centric Thinking
Understanding people—their needs, behaviors, and aspirations—has been vital in designing meaningful experiences. Empathy enables designers to craft solutions that truly resonate with users and address real-world problems.
Advice: Hone your empathy by engaging directly with users. Participate in user interviews, observe behaviors, and immerse yourself in the contexts of those you design for. Books like The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman offer valuable insights into human-centered design principles.
3，Adaptability and Resilience
Challenges and setbacks are inevitable in any creative journey. For me, adaptability has been crucial for navigating change, pivoting when necessary, and staying relevant. Resilience has allowed me to persist through uncertainty, such as when I questioned my capabilities during ambitious projects like MINA.
Advice: Build resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a supportive network who can guide you during tough times. Reflect on setbacks to uncover lessons that strengthen your approach.
For those early in their journey, remember that growth is a process. Embrace challenges, actively seek feedback, and always remain passionate about the work you do. These qualities will not only accelerate your progress but also make your journey more fulfilling.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Currently, I’m focused on balancing innovation with accessibility in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Designing tools like Flavorly AI and the SmartHQ Assistant means integrating cutting-edge features while keeping them intuitive and inclusive for diverse users, all while addressing data privacy concerns.
Another challenge is fostering creativity within teams under tight timelines, ensuring innovation thrives without compromising on business goals.
To address these, I prioritize deep user engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous learning. These efforts help me navigate these challenges while pushing the boundaries of user experience design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uec.design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvinxuan/
Image Credits
Photo Courtesy: Chunxuan Yu
Photo Courtesy: Chunxuan Yu
Photo Courtesy: Chunxuan Yu
Photo Courtesy: Chunxuan Yu
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