Since joining Lantern, Yuan has brought a fresh perspective to product design, blending strategy with creativity to shape user-friendly experiences and reinforce our value of ‘Make beautiful things’.
What Does a Product Designer Do?
Yuan describes her role as “making the complex simple.” A product designer’s job goes beyond aesthetics. Yuan leads user research, designs intuitive interfaces, and creates user journeys that help clients achieve their goals. “It’s about crafting experiences that not only look good but also function seamlessly,” Yuan explains.
Her work spans everything from wireframes and mockups to strategic product planning. She collaborates closely with engineering teams and stakeholders, ensuring that every design decision is aligned with user needs.
Why Lantern?
Yuan’s journey to Lantern was guided by her passion for building something long-lasting. “Having worked as a designer in both consultancy and in-house product-focused companies, I found that I greatly enjoy working in-house, where I could shape the product vision and have a long-term impact,” Yuan shares. Lantern’s supportive culture, startup energy, and focus on data visualisation sealed the deal. “The opportunity to design tools that make complex data digestible and actionable is incredibly rewarding.”
Yuan’s Milestone Project
Yuan’s proudest accomplishment is the personalised visualisation feature – part of our Perform product. As the first initiative using Lantern’s refined design system, this project marked a milestone for in-house collaboration. “We delivered key features that enhance client workflows, setting a new standard for user-centric design,” Yuan reflects.
A Designer’s Insights
For Yuan, design is about more than visuals – it’s about solving real problems. “Good design comes from understanding how people think and behave,” she says. Yuan emphasises the importance of user research and creating designs that feel intuitive while supporting complex workflows. “It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting meaningful experiences, designing delightful journey, and empowering users by enhancing the ease and joy of their lives.”
There’s also a real need to balance stakeholder needs. “Good communication and empathy is as vital as creativity,” she says, highlighting the role of collaboration in achieving great design.
Keeping focus, and switching off.
Yuan understands the importance of movement to maintain focus and creativity throughout the day. Whether it’s a quick stretch between meetings or a walk to reset her mind, she finds that staying active, and listening to music, boosts her productivity. To help switch off, Yuan unwinds with meditation, and culinary adventures. “I love playing upbeat music while working and disconnecting with good food or exercise at the end of the day,” she says. Balancing focus with moments of relaxation keeps Yuan energised and creative.
Looking Ahead
As Lantern continues to grow, Yuan’s excited to contribute to shaping its design culture. “We’re not just building products; we’re building experiences that make transformative impact for users, while fostering an environment that inspires and empowers team members,” Yuan says. Her vision and dedication to excellence are paving the way for Lantern’s future.
To find out more about what it’s like to work at Lantern, or to take a look at our current opportunities, please visit our careers page here.