A Design Mentor

In this episode, I get to the core of value, and the term value proposition. It’s not as a buzzword, but a promise designers make. I share how creating my own “life kit” revealed that value isn’t just about function, but the overlap of intentions. What you’ll hear 
 。What value proposition really means in design and life 。How function, need, delight, and sentiment create value 。Why every design...

Every user follows a journey, but unexpected roadblocks can change their path. By mapping these journeys, we can uncover frustrations, improve experiences, and create better designs. Let’s explore how user journeys shape both products and personal growth. ──────────────────── ▦ About & Support ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy? ⦚ Buy me a coffee ⦚ helloadesignmentor@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ -- ▥ Elsewhere ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube (E...

Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about understanding people. In this episode, I dive into the biggest lesson I learned in design: you are NOT your user. Avoiding assumptions and embracing real-world insights can make all the difference. ◉ Can you think of the moment that changed your point of view on someone? ──────────────────── ▦ About & Support ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy? ⦚ Buy me a coffee ⦚...

In this episode, I break down what digital products are in the simplest way possible, sharing how I’ve explained my work to different people over the years—including my own mom. Design can often feel complex or abstract, but at its core, it’s deeply connected to our everyday experiences. I’ll guide you through how digital products are not so different from the physical items we rely on daily. By d...

In this episode, I explore the concept of pivoting—not just in business, but as a powerful tool for personal growth. I share how my own pivoting moments, filled with uncertainty and courage, helped me reshape my life, and how witnessing others' pivots as a mentor has been equally inspiring. What you'll hear: ⦂ Why pivoting isn’t about the destination but the process ⦂ The lessons I’ve learned from...

In this episode, I dive into the real meaning of empathy—not just as a design buzzword, but as a life-changing practice. I share how becoming a product designer helped me understand empathy on a deeper level, shaping how I connect with work, relationships, and even myself. What you'll hear: ⦂ How design research transformed my view of empathy ⦂ Real-life examples of empathy in action ⦂ How empathy...

In this episode, I reflect on how my understanding of success and failure has evolved over the years—shaped by personal loss, career shifts, and meaningful projects. I share a deeply personal story about losing my sister, how it changed my values, and how it redefined what success means to me. What you'll hear: ⦂ Why success isn’t one-size-fits-all ⦂ How failure can be a powerful teacher ⦂ The rol...

In this episode, I dive into the role of curiosity in shaping our personal growth, creativity, and even our careers. How do we stay open and willing to learn as we move through life? Why does curiosity matter so much, especially in creative work? I share personal stories—like designing for sports I barely knew—and reflections on how curiosity has helped me adapt to new cultures, explore art forms...

When does taste come up in your life? Is it when you're asked to share your point of view? In this episode, I explore the evolving nature of personal and collective taste, both in creative environments and in life. I discuss how our backgrounds, experiences, and environments shape what we find beautiful, fitting, or harmonious. I also reflect on how personal taste isn’t static—it grows as we grow....

Have you ever wondered what creativity actually means? In this episode, I explore the true essence of creativity beyond the traditional definitions tied to art and design. I share how my own struggles with “feeling creative” early in my career shaped my understanding of creativity as an ability we all possess—not a magical talent reserved for a few. Through personal stories, I discuss the role of...

In this video, I share my journey of discovering the difference between being an artist and a designer—and how I realized I could be both. If you’ve ever felt like an imposter in your creative work, struggled with self-doubt, or questioned your purpose, this is for you. I’ll talk about how embracing my strengths in design, storytelling, and writing helped me find clarity, balance, and inspiration....

In this first episode, I share the unexpected journey that led me to a 20-year career in design, starting from my childhood in Taiwan to studying and working in New York City. I talk about navigating cultural transitions, shifting from psychology to business, and ultimately discovering my passion for design through happy accidents and supportive friendships. If you’ve ever felt uncertain about you...

In this episode, I share how my career evolved from being a visual designer in New York to becoming a full-time mentor. I talk about pivotal moments—designing my first mobile app, collaborating across disciplines, and the powerful realization that mentoring was my true calling. Learn how each career pivot taught me invaluable lessons about design, leadership, and personal growth. If you’re explori...

In this episode, I share the story behind starting A Design Mentor. After moving to Taiwan, slowing down during the pandemic, and reflecting on my journey as a designer and mentor, I realized that design isn’t just about digital products—it’s embedded in everyday life. From crossing busy intersections to planning meals, design thinking shapes how we solve problems. This realization inspired me to...