Hi, I’m Kyle. 👋 I’m an architect-turned-product designer based in Ann Arbor, actively seeking new opportunities and relocation. 🌟 With over 4 years of experience, I've initiated and executed projects from scratch and revamped existing ones. 🚀

When I began revamping my website, I aimed to create something truly mine, not just another 2024 UX portfolio boasting about oneself in seek of a job. Honestly? That's not me. I'm simply Kyle, nothing else.

How I became a designer?
My path to becoming a passionate architect and artist started back in 2013. As a 15-year-old, I was captivated by the beauty of architecture, spending countless hours sketching and exploring architectural designs. I stumbled upon a world that combined artistry with functionality, a world I desperately wanted to be a part of, yet had no clear path to enter. While my peers were immersed in regular studies in Chinese high schools, I was busy learning about actual building and participated in several voluntary building workshop to build a better physical environment for the under treated population in Hangzhou. This period was crucial for me; the joy of creating something, of bringing an idea to life, fueled my desire to pursue this field. In 2017, my hobby started paying off. I began designing spaces and art pieces for my dad's business associates, which turned out to be a profitable venture for my pocket money. At 18, my talent caught the eye of a local design studio, leading to my first professional engagement. This marked the beginning of my career as a designer.

Starting the career as a problem-solving designer
A few years later in 2019 I was working part-time as a junior architect for an agency with a focus on urban design. During this period, I was given many opportunities to understand and test the way how architectures, as a kind of design intervention, would change the way how people work, live and feel. This might sound exciting and meaningful in the first place, but it did not take long for me to realize that there's only a limited amount of things architects could do consider all the tremendous cost and process of implementation. Deciding to change my career wasn't easy, but I had to do it. Being an architect limited my options in other fields when it comes to job hunting. So, as a student, I took the plunge into freelancing and began looking for jobs myself. Looking back, it was one of my best decisions. I started with no idea how to manage or get projects, but I learned by trying, making mistakes, learning from them, and trying again.

3-Year adventure in my home
2020 was a landmark year for many, including me. The periodic lockdowns, although restrictive, surprisingly boosted both my personal and career development. I experienced a bit of weight gain, but more importantly, I advanced significantly in my profession. I embarked on various freelance UIUX projects remotely, collaborating with partners across multiple Chinese cities. Additionally, I had the chance to develop a digital platform for a community in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, a joint venture between my university and the local government.I vividly recall the time when my business partners and I, from a film community, immersed ourselves in extensive research to gain a thorough insight into the business landscape. We worked tirelessly, day and night, to refine and launch our first app. It may seem unremarkable to some, but it wasn't just about the product; it was about our approach. Committing wholeheartedly and charging towards our goal taught me a powerful lesson: “We can accomplish anything we set our minds to; the only barriers are the ones we place on ourselves.”

Large Corps to AI startups
Between June 2022 and October 2023, my professional journey evolved significantly as I I was accepted into the University of Michigan to embark on a formal HCI program. During this period, I had the opportunity to collaborate with various design consultation firms. At Studio Blue within Eaton Corporation, I focused on developing IoT products tailored for our internal clients. This experience allowed me to delve into the intricate relationship between user experience and cutting-edge technology. Additionally, I worked with innovative AI startups, such as Heygen, where I played a pivotal role in revamping video generation services. These projects challenged me to apply my UX expertise in dynamic and tech-forward environments.

Let's write this chapter together, turning it into a story of growth and success.
My career took a transformative turn when I was accepted into the University of Michigan. This pivotal moment marked a significant upturn in my professional journey, characterized by intense learning, personal growth, and the application of my skills in various challenging sectors and projects. During this time, I enhanced and digitized user experiences and immersed myself in a professional study environment. This transition allowed me to focus on developing industry-level products designed to seamlessly integrate into and enrich people's everyday lives.

In the 2024 UX market, my blend of creativity, tech expertise, and user insight positions me to create impactful solutions. Together, we can explore new ideas, tackle tough problems, and develop products that people will love. I am always learning and adapting, making me a perfect fit for a team that thrives on fresh ideas and quick action. Let’s team up and make something amazing happen.