Hello ~ 你好

I'm Jesse, a product designer and graduate student at UT Austin studying Human-Computer Interaction.

My path into design wasn't a straight one. Before UX, I spent two summers at the NSA's R4 Lab researching cybersecurity and prototyping security systems. While I enjoyed the technical challenges, I found myself becoming more interested in the people behind the systems than the systems themselves. I kept asking the same questions: Why do people struggle with this? What makes something intuitive? How can technology work better for the people using it?

Those questions eventually led me to product design.

Today, I enjoy turning complex problems into experiences that feel clear, useful, and easy to navigate. Whether I'm designing enterprise tools, government services, or consumer products, I'm most interested in understanding how people think and creating solutions that fit naturally into their lives.

MY DESIGN VIRTUES

Always Be Learning 📖

What I love about UX is that there’s always something new to uncover, whether that be new trends or tools.

Empathy Before Aesthetics 🫶

I believe understanding users is key to designing solutions that truly meet their needs.

Make It Obvious 🔍

If a user has to think twice about a product, I have to think again.

LIFE BEYOND THE SCREENS

Aside From Designing, Jesse Also Enjoys…

Trying New Restaurants

I'm always looking for new places to try, whether it's a hidden local spot or something I've never had before. Some of my favorites include Sapporo soup curry, spicy pork belly, butter chicken, and a good burger.

Making Memories

Some of my favorite memories come from the experiences I share with friends. Whether that be traveling to new places, attending concerts, and discovering hidden gems along the way. These moments remind me to stay curious and embrace new experiences.

Reading

I enjoy reading about design, psychology, and the ways people interact with technology. Books like The Design of Everyday Things, Don't Make Me Think, and Refactoring UI have shaped how I think about creating intuitive experiences.