TAKE: (000) >>
WELCOME TO THE FINAL CUT WHERE EVERY DESIGN IS NOT JUST MADE TO WORK, BUT TO INSPIRE, CONNECT, AND ELEVATE.
THE FINAL CUT
This is more than just a collection of projects—it’s a reflection of my journey as a designer, where each piece is crafted with the precision of a film’s final cut. As an interaction and graphic designer with a background in product design, my focus extends beyond solving problems; it’s about creating a lasting impact.
In this portfolio, every project tells a story of transformation— from function to emotion, from concept to creation. It’s about shaping raw, unformed ideas into meaningful designs. Just as concrete takes form, each project evolves from an initial spark into something that not only works but also inspires. These are the spaces where connections are forged, interactions happen, and stories unfold. Through design, I aim to create moments of significance and opportunities for growth.
Whether I’m simplifying complex data into intuitive interactions or reimagining a brand’s voice to deeply resonate with its audience, my work goes beyond functionality. It’s about fostering emotional connections and driving strategic outcomes, blending practicality with meaning to engage people on a deeper level.
[01].WANDER AND WONDER //006 – 041 [03].ECHO & ENGAGE // 074 – 117 [02].BOUNDARIES AND BALANCE //042 – 073 [04].FLOW & FOCUS // 118 – 131 [05].REFRAME AND REDEFINE // 132 – 151
[10].LIGHT
WANDER AND WONDER
SECTOR >>
Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Consumer Experience
KEYWORDS >>
UX/UI & Optimization, CX Strategy, Digital Engagement
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
Finding travel experiences that feel personal and meaningful can be overwhelming. This project aims to simplify travel by offering curated itineraries tailored to individual preferences, helping users explore not only the world but also their own interests and aspirations.
By understanding user preferences and reimagining the travel experience, I designed TraveLab to craft itineraries that resonate with the traveler’s current state of mind. Each journey becomes a story, tailored to reflect both the destination and the traveler’s personal exploration of the world.
DELIVERABLES (X3) >>
DURATION >> 15 WEEKS
.(A002)
MANAGEMENT
>> WEB APPLICATION
02/10 BOUNDARIES AND BALANCE PRODUCTION: TODO (UX/UI)
SECTOR >>
Artificial Intelligence, Productivity Tool , Consumer Technology
KEYWORDS >>
UX/UI & Performance, CX Strategy, Productivity Solutions
DELIVERABLES (X3) >>
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
As work and personal life increasingly overlap, finding balance becomes a challenge. Many people struggle to manage their responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed by rigid schedules and constant demands.
TODO re-imagines task management as a balance between productivity and mindfulness. With the help of an AI chatbot and sharable card sorting, it creates a seamless flow between work and personal life, offering guidance and support to help users stay productive without losing their sense of wellbeing.
HiFi_Prototype AI Chatbot
PHASE 3: STRATEGY AND COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVE
TOOLS
ANALYZED
Evaluate commonly used task planner web apps to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
1. Microsoft Planner:
• Strengths: Task creation and priority setting.
• Weaknesses: Limited task visibility and lack of time-specific planning.
2. Todoist:
• Strengths: Excellent date display and task sorting.
• Weaknesses: No completed task tracking, potential color accessibility issues.
2. Trello:
• Strengths: Clear task categories and smooth drag-and-drop transitions.
• Weaknesses: Prone to clutter with outdated tasks, lacks motivational interactions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Task Organization: A Kanban board-style system (e.g., “To Do,” “In Progress,” “Done”) improves task clarity and tracking.
• Engagement Features: Interactive elements like habit sharing and badges can enhance user motivation.
• Efficiency Tools: Sorting, categorization, and prioritization are essential for effective task management.
CORE INSIGHTS FROM IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS AND SURVEYS
OBJECTIVE IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS (4 PARTICIPANTS )
To uncover user motivations, behaviors, and pain points in task management, ensuring design decisions align with real user needs.
1. Approach:
One-on-one conversations using open-ended questions to gain deep insights into users’ daily task planning processes and challenges.
2. Key Insights:
• Daily Scheduling Challenges: Users face difficulties accessing and following their schedules, often due to lack of reminders or flexibility.
• Motivation Factors: Productivity tools with visual progress indicators or small rewards encourage adherence to plans.
• Barriers to Consistency: Distractions (e.g., social media, games) and overly rigid schedules lead users to deviate from their plans.
• Commitment Gaps: Users struggle to stick to schedules without personalized nudges or flexible adjustments.
SURVEYS (32 PARTICIPANTS)
1.Purpose:
Validate interview findings, test hypotheses, and refine the customer journey map.
2.Findings:
• Behavior Confirmation: Most users create schedules but fail to consistently follow them due to external distractions or lack of engagement.
• Feature Prioritization: Users value flexibility, reminders, and motivational tools like habit trackers and rewards.
• Journey Alignment: Feedback confirmed the need for a more user-friendly, engaging task management solution.
USER JOURNEY MAPPING & CARD SORTING
USER JOURNEY MAPPING CARD SORTING EXERCISE
1. Objective:
To map the end-to-end experience of users interacting with the TODO app, focusing on the integration of AI chatbot features.
2. Approach:
• Chart significant touchpoints from onboarding to daily task management and habit formation.
• Identify moments of friction (e.g., unclear navigation or insufficient customization) and delight (e.g., seamless AI chatbot assistance).
2. Outcome:
The visualized journey highlights areas where AI-driven features, such as personalized task suggestions, reminders, and habit tracking, can enhance user engagement and streamline the overall experience.
1. Objective:
To understand user perspectives on organizing the app’s content and features, capturing their mental models for intuitive navigation.
2. Approach:
• Participants grouped features (e.g., task creation, scheduling, habit tracking, community engagement) into categories they found logical.
• Observed patterns in user preferences for feature grouping and naming conventions.
2. Outcome:
Insights revealed user expectations for clear, intuitive categories, such as separating “Task Management”, “Habit Tracking”, and “Community”, allowing the design to reflect natural user workflows and improve accessibility.
PERSONA 1: JASON (THE TECH-SAVVY STUDENT)
GOALS
WANTS
GAINS
PAIN POINTS
• Balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal development.
• Build professional skills (fitness, coding, reading).
• Maintain mental health through a healthy work-life balance.
• Integrated scheduling for academics, activities, and personal tasks.
• Non-intrusive reminders to stay on track.
• Social features for collaboration and sharing.
• Analytics to optimize productivity.
• Better control over his schedule.
• Reduced stress with proactive planning tools.
• Growth through motivational tracking and rewards.
• Stronger peer connections via shared platforms.
• Overwhelmed by juggling tasks.
• No unified tool for academic and personal needs.
• Poor work-life segmentation leads to lost personal time.
MICHELLE (THE PROFESSIONAL SEEKING WORK-LIFE HARMONY)
GOALS
• Boost productivity during work hours.
• Synchronize task management across platforms
• Dedicate time to hobbies and well-being.
• Separate work and personal tasks to reduce stress.
WANTS
• Distinct environments for work and personal life.
• Tools for downtime scheduling and reminders.
• Integration with calendars, email, and health apps.
• Customizable notifications for flexibility.
GAINS
• Clearer boundaries between work and life.
• Efficient task completion with tailored tools.
• Peace of mind from a well-organized schedule.
• Fulfillment from consistent personal time.
PAIN POINTS
• Burnout from failing to disconnect from work.
• Lack of tools to handle a dynamic lifestyle.
• Struggles with productivity in fluctuating remote work.
CUT: 03/10 ECHO & ENGAGE PRODUCTION: SPOTPOD (UX/UI)
SECTOR >>
Digital Platforms, echnology, Media & Entertainment
KEYWORDS >>
UX/UI & Performance, CX Strategy, Community Engagement
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
Podcast listeners, whether seasoned or new, often spend too much time searching for the right episode. This project aims to redesign that experience—making discovery smoother and more intuitive, so listeners can focus on what truly matters: enjoying the content.
By rethinking the search process, I designed this podcast app that prioritizes ease of use and connection. The app not only simplifies finding favorite shows but also builds a community where users can share recommendations and deepen their listening experiences.
TAKE: (002) >>
IN A WORLD OF VOICES, FINDING YOUR STORY BECOMES A SHARED JOURNEY.
PHASE 1: PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND PROJECT FOUNDATION
OBJECTIVE
KEY INSIGHTS
WHY AN APP?
To define the core problem and establish the foundation for Spotpod by understanding the challenges users face when discovering podcasts, particularly for beginners.
1.User Frustrations with Podcast Discovery:
• Beginners struggle to find relevant content due to overwhelming search results and lack of tailored recommendations.
• Existing platforms often fail to match user interests, leading to time-consuming searches across multiple sources like social media and reviews.
2.Personal Experience as a Catalyst:
• Searching for “design” on podcast platforms yielded irrelevant results, requiring manual effort to discover shows like UX Cake and Nielsen Norman UX Podcast.
• This highlighted a need for a solution that simplifies podcast discovery for new users.
3.Problem Statement:
• How might we help users, especially newcomers, discover podcasts that align with their interests efficiently and effectively?
1. Podcasts, as an audio-first medium, demand a user-centric approach that prioritizes discovery and personalization.
2. Designing an app enables a seamless, integrated experience tailored to the unique format of podcasts.
CONCLUSION OF PHASE 1:
The research in this phase clarified the core challenge and validated the need for Spotpod: an app designed to streamline podcast discovery and connect users with content they’ll love. This understanding sets the stage for Phase 2, focusing on user research and solution ideation.
PRODUCTION(PROJECT) SPOTPOD(03/10)
PHASE 2: COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
OBJECTIVE COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
To evaluate Spotify and Apple Podcasts, identify key challenges, and define core features to address user pain points in Spotpod.
1.Key Findings with Spotify
• Strengths: Discovery features like “New Releases” and “Podcast Charts.”
• Weaknesses: Overwhelming catalog organization. No user-to-podcast interaction (e.g., comments, discussions).
2.Key Findings with Apple Podcasts
• Strengths: Comment and rating sections.
• Weaknesses: Comments and ratings are hard to access.
Limited listening controls: (a.) No sorting by oldest episodes. (b.) Complex playback adjustments (3+ steps). (c.) Difficulty in managing and editing episode queues.
INSIGHTS AND DESIGN FOCUS
1. Discovery:
• Introduce a personalized landing page for users to select topics of interest. Simplify catalog browsing to reduce user overwhelm.
2. Community:
• Foster user engagement through features like comments, discussions, and shared playlists.
3. Listening Experience:
• Simplify playback controls: easy sorting, queue editing, and order adjustments.
CONCLUSION OF PHASE 1:
Spotpod’s design will focus on three core areas: streamlined discovery, community engagement, and an enhanced listening experience. These improvements aim to address current platform shortcomings and create a seamless experience for podcast listeners.
PRODUCTION(PROJECT) SPOTPOD(03/10)
PHASE 3: UNDERSTANDING THE USERS
OBJECTIVE
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Transform user insights into actionable designs through interviews, personas, wireframes, and user testing.
CONCLUSION OF PHASE3:
1. User Insights
• Focus: A podcast app is about more than listening—it’s about discovery, interaction, and seamless usability.
• Pain Points:
(a.) Time-consuming discovery process.
(b.) Missing or hard-to-access features.
(c.) Lack of community engagement.
2. Personas
• New Users:Profile:
Profile: New to podcasts, seeking relevant content.
Goal: To find favorite shows quickly and easily.
• Experienced Listeners:
Profile: Experienced listener, values usability and simplicity.
Goal: A user-friendly, intuitive listening experience.
3. Prototypes
• Developed low- and mid-fidelity wireframes addressing key pain points: streamlined discovery, usability, and engagement.
4. User Testing
• Feedback: Improve spacing, font size, and page hierarchy. Add podcast creator icons. Simplify listening transitions and reduce confusion.
This phase solidified the app’s core goals: simplifying podcast discovery, enhancing usability, and fostering community engagement. The insights and testing feedback shaped a clear path for refining Spotpod’s features, preparing for high-fidelity design and final implementation in the next phase.
PRODUCTION(PROJECT) SPOTPOD(03/10)
PHASE 4: HIGH-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
OBJECTIVE
Deliver solutions to key user pain points with refined designs focused on podcast discovery, listening experience, and engagement.
SOLUTIONS & FEATURES
1. Personalized Podcast Discovery
• Onboarding: Category selection for tailored recommendations
• Homepage: Curated recommendations with genre tags. Quick start episodes with “Refresh Picks.” Recently played for easy resumption.
• Community: Discover page with top charts and discussion posts. Creator posts marked for clarity.
2. Intuitive Listening Experience
• Podcast Page: Category selection for tailored recommendations.
• Episode Playing Page:
(a.) Real-Time Comments: Foster interaction and enhance user engagement.
(b.) Playback Controls: Intuitive options for play, pause, download, and queue management.
(c.) Advanced Features: Timer for playback duration and promoted links for monetization.
• Community: Discover page with top charts and discussion posts. Creator posts marked for clarity.
3. Simplified Library Management
• Library Page: Central hub for playlists, queues, and downloads.
• Favorite Page: Quick access to starred shows.
CONCLUSION OF PHASE3:
• Profile Page: Tracks listening time and discussions, enabling badge upgrades.
These high-fidelity prototypes streamline discovery, enhance usability, and foster engagement, addressing user needs while positioning Spotpod as a uniquely intuitive and interactive podcast app.
PRODUCTION(PROJECT) SPOTPOD(03/10)
DURATION >> 14 WEEKS
SCHEDULING
>> MOBILE APP
CUT: 04/10 FLOW & FOCUS
SECTOR >> Health & Wellness, Technology, Productivity Tools
KEYWORDS >>
Adaptive User Experience, Optimization, Design & Performance
DELIVERABLES (X3) >>
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
Traditional scheduling tools often feel rigid and fail to adapt to the natural flow of life. This project seeks to create a flexible scheduling experience that adjusts to users' shifting priorities, promoting both productivity and wellbeing.
By focusing on flexibility, I designed Flow to adjust in real time to users’ needs. The app helps users manage their day with ease, maintaining focus and energy without the pressure of strict time blocks, ensuring a smoother, more balanced approach to scheduling.
DURATION >> 15 WEEKS
>> BRAND REINVENTION
DeLorean
SECTOR >>
Technology/Design, Innovation Initiatives, Education & Beyond
KEYWORDS >>
Brand Reinvention, Consistency, Strategic Identity
DELIVERABLES (X2) >>
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
As markets and audiences evolve, brands must adapt to remain relevant while staying true to their identity. The rebranding of DeLorean represents a strategic reinvention, ensuring the brand maintains its core values while meeting new challenges.
By redefining DeLoreand, I focused on creating a visual identity that supports the success of the business in today's competitive landscape. Through careful strategy,development, and implementation of brand assets, I crafted a cohesive system that enhances the brand’s ability to thrive across all platforms, ensuring consistency and relevance in a rapidly changing market.
CUT: 06/10 FORM & FLOW
SECTOR >>
Digital Interaction, Exhibition Design, Cultural Institutions
KEYWORDS >>
Spatial Storytelling, Typography, Graphic / System Design
DELIVERABLES (X3) >>
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
In many museums, typography is limited to functional signage. This project reimagines its role, transforming type into a visual language that both informs and enriches the exhibit experience. This project turns typography into a narrative tool, making it central to the visitor’s journey.
I designed a three-part typographic system that includes a booklet for narrative guidance, environmental signage to enhance the spatial experience, and a website for digital interaction. This system ensures visitors are not only informed but also engaged through a cohesive blend of physical and digital storytelling.
TAKE: (006) >>
IN SPACES WHERE STORIES ARE TOLD, FORM GUIDES THE WAY AND FLOW BRINGS THE NARRATIVE TO LIFE.
AND ALGORITHM PRODUCTION:
(ART & TECH BRAND)
SECTOR >>
Creative Innovation, Art & Culture, Experiential Technology
KEYWORDS >>
Immersive Experience, Branding, Interactive Installation
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
As technology becomes more pervasive, it risks disconnecting us from tangible experiences. ArtiSync was created to counter this trend, using technology to deepen our interaction with art. The project addresses this gap through three products
By integrating interactive installations, a 3D sculptural print pen, and a digital platform, ArtiSync redefines the way audiences engage with art. The technology responds to viewer interaction, transforming passive observation into an active experience.
DELIVERABLES (X3) >>
PRODUCTION(PROJECT) ARTISYNC/ART & TECH BRAND (07/10)
WHEN TECH MEETS CREATIVITY, ART TURNS FROM WHAT YOU SEE INTO WHAT YOU FEEL.
PRODUCTION(PROJECT)
PRODUCTION: NEUE HAAS UNICA (PROMOTION)
SECTOR >>
Creative Industries, Brand & Packaging Design, Design Conferences
KEYWORDS >>
Communication Design Grid System, Typography/Visual Hierarchy
DELIVERABLES (X2) >>
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
This project promotes the Neue Haas Unica typeface. The goal is to introduce the typeface to design professionals, highlighting not just its aesthetic qualities, but its ability to organize, structure, and elevate content. Typography is more than just form—it shapes the way we communicate and perceive meaning.
While traditional type specimens like manuals and posters effectively showcase typefaces, I wanted to explore a more innovative and personal way to connect with designers. By collaborating with Blue Bottle Coffee, I combined the promotion of Neue Haas Unica with exclusive coffee packaging. Introduced as a thoughtful gift at a design conference, this approach integrates the typeface into designers’ daily rituals, creating a memorable and engaging experience tailored to the creative community.
WHERE DESIGN MEETS FLAVOR, DISCOVERY AWAITS IN EVERY MOMENT.
SECTOR >>
Film & Entertainment, Creative Arts, Media & Communication
KEYWORDS >>
Digital Video, Illustration/Motion Graphics, Visual Narrative
DELIVERABLES (X1) >>
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
Chungking Express by Wong Kar-wai explores the delicate balance of love, time, and fleeting connections. This project reinterprets these themes through motion graphics, crafting a modern storytelling experience that captures the emotional depth of the film in a Motion Graphic Trailer.
From crafting illustrations to syncing them with music, I immersed myself in every step of the creation process. The result is a motion graphic that captures the emotional rhythm of Chungking Express, blending visual storytelling with sound to evoke the film’s essence of fleeting connections.
/ TRAILER (09/10)
IN FLEETING MOMENTS OF LOVE AND LONELINESS, STORIES UNFOLD IN THE SPACES WE LEAST EXPECT.
10/10 LIGHT & LIFE PRODUCTION: SOON (INDUSTRIAL DESIGN)
SECTOR >>
Industrial Design, Educational Technology, Public Engagement
KEYWORDS >>
Solar-Powered, Sustainability/User Experience, Interactive Education
OBJECTIVE
APPROACH
As the demand for clean energy grows, many communities remain disconnected from the technology that powers sustainability. SOON tackles this by turning a solar-powered structure into an educational and interactive space, inviting the public to experience renewable energy firsthand.
By harnessing solar power, I designed a structure that not only serves practical needs but also educates the public about clean energy. Interactive displays visualize real-time energy data, allowing visitors to see the direct impact of renewable energy in action. This solar-powered installation transforms light into both power and a visual message, inspiring conversation about sustainability and innovation.
DELIVERABLES (X3) >>
ALL WHOSE LOVE, SUPPORT, AND GUIDANCE HAVE MADE THIS JOURNEY POSSIBLE.
TO MY BELOVED FAMILY : To my dear parents, my grandmother, my aunt: The Buddhist teaching of “interconnected emptiness” reminds me that being part of our family is the first blessing in my life made tangible. Thank you for your boundless love, your quiet strength, and for shaping me into someone capable of love and sensitivity. Your support has grounded me, and I am eternally grateful for the warmth and resilience you have given me.
TO MY LOYAL FRIENDS : Thank you for being an endless well of emotional richness. Your presence fills my life with memories and moments as vivid as they are treasured. In every circumstance, you offer unwavering trust, encouragement, and applause. Together we are a constellation, a universe of infinite dimensions that illuminates our shared journey.
TO MY INSTRUCTORS & MENTOR : With heartfelt gratitude, I acknowledge my instructors at AAU—Claudia Dallendoerfer, Jarrett Farls, David Hake, Sandra Isla, Nikki Kipple, John Nettleton, Frank Pietronigro, Mary Scott, and Hunter Wimmer (listed alphabetically). Each of you has given me invaluable guidance, sharing not only knowledge and skills but also a vision of how design can connect deeply with others and transcend function. Special thanks to my mentor, Aziza Shin from adMarketplace, whose mentorship has been a balance of professional wisdom and genuine friendship. Aziza, you’ve taught me not only the craft but also how to navigate the professional world with intention and integrity. From each of you, I have learned to strive for a design that is thoughtful, resonant, and purposeful.
COLOPHON//
[CONTACT]
>> Chang Xu changxdesign@gmail.Com +1 415-964-6063
[SCHOOL]
>> Academy of Art University, School of Graphic Design
79 New Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA94105, USA
[MAJOR]
>> MA, Graphic Design&Digital Media MFA, Interaction & UI/UX Design
[COURSE]
>> MA Portfolio Seminar (Instructor: Mary Scott)
[BOOK TITLE]
>> THE FINAL CUT
[TYPEFACE]
>> PP Fragment Apercu
IBM Plex Mono
[BOOK DETAILS]
>> Printing and Binding: Blurb.com Paper: Mohawk Superfine Eggshell 100# Text
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