Xin Wen, Visual Designer
WHY ARE YOU A DESIGNER?
Fun fact, I actually started college as a biology major! But I decided to study design eventually because it combines my interests in the arts, sciences, and humanities in intersectional ways. Design is fascinating to me because of two reasons. First, it is ubiquitous. Everything in our built environment (both physical and digital) is by design. Second, design is powerful. It can influence people’s behavior and perspectives subconsciously. I want to use design to create better human experiences and help build a sustainable world.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB AT SOULO?
My favorite part of working at Soulo is being able to contribute to a mission that is so important to the human experience - enabling people to live freely, regardless of age or abilities. Our team is small, but passionate and dedicated. It’s also an incredible learning experience to witness what goes on behind a startup to create something that is new and innovative.
SHOW US A PICTURE OF YOUR DESK AND EXPLAIN WHY IT LOOKS THE WAY IT LOOKS.
I currently live in a small studio in London and have a very small desk, so I like to keep it minimal and clutter free. I usually have my laptop, iPad, and a cup of tea. Having a plant is also crucial 🌱.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE GADGET THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
My favorite gadget is string lights (also in photo above). I am not sure how I survived 25 years of life without investing in some but they are such a mood booster, especially in the mornings of London winter when the sun rises after 8am (and sets before 4pm). Highly recommend ✨.
TELL US ABOUT A TIME THAT YOU OVERCAME A DIFFICULT DESIGN CHALLENGE.
The first project that I did in my graduate program was a speculative design project in which we had to come up with an imaginary product designed for people in an imaginary future world of 2040. This was more challenging than I expected because I am so used to analyzing existing situations and using that as a basis for design choice.
We had to make up and agree on the context for design as a group. Imagining a whole world was actually very difficult because it consists of people and systems, political, social, cultural, economical implications. On top of that, my group consisted of people from different countries and disciplines. It was challenging but definitely fun to navigate collaboration with a group like this to settle on ideas together. Definitely a mind opening experience!
WHO IS AN OLDER ADULT IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO YOU?
I have known Howard since I was in 5th grade. He is the founder of Youth Development Organization, an organization that provided after school programs for minority students in Lawrence MA. I attended those programs as a middle school student, and also taught some programs as a high school student. Howard believed in the Lawrence youth community when barely anyone else did. He saw and brought out the potential in kids who just needed opportunities. He is a bright and inspirational presence, and someone I hold dearly to my heart.
