Meet Serafina Yu

We were lucky to catch up with Serafina Yu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Serafina, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?

In my design process, user empathy is a cornerstone. The conditions that have allowed me to develop this empathy stem from a blend of diverse experiences and a deep commitment to creating designs that genuinely resonate with people.

To begin with, engaging with a wide range of users and contexts has been pivotal. As a product designer at rabbit Inc., where I work to redefine how computers enhance people’s lives, and as the founder of my design agency, fina studio™, where I have face-to-face conversations with clients to understand their needs, I have immersed myself in various scenarios that demand careful listening, respect, and thoughtful feedback. This hands-on approach has enabled me to recognize and truly grasp the diverse experiences people encounter with technology and design.

Moreover, the creative process itself plays a crucial role in developing empathy. Transforming abstract concepts, emotions, and needs into tangible experiences requires a profound understanding of the user’s perspective. By putting myself in their shoes, considering their frustrations, expectations, goals, and challenges, I ensure that every design decision is deeply connected to the user’s experience. The iterative process of designing, testing, and refining with user feedback—guided by a human-centered approach—ensures that empathy and accessibility remain central to my work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At rabbit Inc., I’m deeply immersed in the exciting realm of generative AI and its applications, where I focus on creating digital experiences that are empathetic and scalable. I am honored to be involved in this mission of redefining the way people interact with technology, and I’m fortunate enough to spearhead several self-sustaining projects in alignment with the goal, including rabbit OS, rabbit.tech website, and rabbithole. What excites me most about my work here is the opportunity to explore new frontiers in technology and design to convey an idea of engagement, joy, and inspiration. I am fulfilled to be in a role to shape a future where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, making everyday tasks simpler and more engaging.

In addition to my work at rabbit Inc., I also run fina studio™, a design agency that helps startups grow from zero to one. At fina studio™, we partner with clients to create impactful products and strategies, emphasizing human-centered design and empathy. This dual focus allows me to bridge the gap between disruptive technology and user-centric design, ensuring that our solutions are designed for investment, designed for impact, and designed for experience. My long-term goal is to create meaningful, transformative experiences that enhance the way people engage with technology. I’m passionate about pushing the boundaries of design and technology to build a future where these elements work harmoniously to improve everyday life.

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?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: empathy, adaptability, and strategic design thinking.

1. Empathy:
Empathy has been crucial to my work, especially in designing user experiences that genuinely resonate with people. By deeply understanding the diverse needs, emotions, and challenges of users, I’ve been able to create products that not only connect with them but also effectively solve their problems.

2. Adaptability:
The rapid pace of technological advancement makes adaptability essential. Whether it’s embracing new tools, integrating emerging methodologies, or pivoting quickly in response to user feedback, adaptability has enabled me to stay relevant and develop solutions that are responsive to change.

3. Strategic Design Thinking:
Strategic design thinking is crucial for driving impactful and scalable product development. This extends beyond traditional design; it involves aligning design decisions with business goals, understanding market dynamics, and anticipating future trends.

To develop these qualities, I recommend adopting a mindset of continuous learning. Always strive to put yourself in the user’s shoes to avoid bias and listen actively to gather feedback. Always be flexible to different perspectives and be open to experiment with new tools. And always take initiatives to think about how various design directions affect long-term user engagement, brand perception, and overall business success.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I am flooded with sprints, plenty of mini projects, or just naturally pressured, I focus on breaking down the challenges into incremental pieces. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact, which helps me regain my control for the pipeline. I also find it helpful to step back for a while to retain my creativity mode—whether it’s going for a walk, meditating, or simply shifting my focus to something else for a few minutes. One strategy that’s particularly effective for me is to revisit my core goals and remind myself what I’m doing and why, which helps me realign my efforts with my larger objectives, making it easier to push through the immediate stress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.serafinayu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serafinayu_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serafinayu/

Image Credits

Serafina Yu, rabbit Inc., Fina Studio LLC