sydney tong.
I’m a designer who craves innovative solutions to everday problems.
I thrive on the challenge of taking a common issue and designing a creative, effective solution that not only solves the problem but also enhances the user's experience.Throughout my career as a product designer, I have garnered extensive experience in delivering thoughtfully designed products. These products are meticulously crafted, with a central focus on accessibility and functionality.My design philosophy is centered on kindness towards users. This principle guides my every decision, leading me to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive and user-friendly.
My journey began creating neat looking websites.
As I started creating sites for clients, I began to seek out methods to create products focused on the entirety of the user's experience. I still enjoy creating "neat" looking sites, but now my focus has shifted to making design decisions centered on the user's experience.
Diversity in perspective elevates design.
I believe that diversity in perspective truly elevates design. After university, I embarked on years of globe-trotting; making websites, building apps, bartending, and publishing a travel blog. This was an invaluable period in my life during which I traveled to over 30 countries and over 100 cities.I have spent time working at a non-profit in Thailand, helping connect Lahu hill tribe people to health care, legal assistance, and funding. Afterward, I attended school in Santiago, Chile, to learn Spanish in an intensive program.You might wonder why this is relevant. Well, these experiences have enriched my perspective, which I believe is essential in designing products that cater to diverse user needs and experiences.
Focus on designing for positive change.
In all my designs, my primary objective is to foster positive change. I believe that design has the power to improve lives and create a better world. By focusing on accessibility, usability, and the overall user experience, my design approach goes beyond aesthetics; it aims to create a positive and lasting impact. Through my work, I strive to create products that not only solve problems but also enhance the overall quality of users' lives. This commitment to designing for positive change is what drives me as a designer and is a guiding principle in all my work.I experienced significant growth as I immersed myself in various cultures outside of my comfort zone. My entrepreneurial spirit led me to share my experiences and encourage others to travel by starting a travel blog. Over several years, I devoted myself to building this travel blog, gaining experience in photography, SEO, content writing, social media, and email marketing. Through this, I gained substantial knowledge of running a business and learned to shoulder the considerable responsibility that comes with it.
The importance of technology in developing countries and its life-changing effects cannot be understated. Unfortunately, technology usually isn’t built for the people there. I am a passionate advocate for accessible design and I’ve found that when we design with an inclusive mindset, everyone benefits. I know accessibility and inclusivity are hot talking points at the moment and they are often used as buzzwords, but these are principles I truly value.
Designing out of
San Diego, California.
San Diego, California.
I'm always open to hearing about new project ideas and possibilities for collaboration. If you have an idea that you'd like to bring to life or if you're in need of a passionate product designer to be part of your team, I'd love to have a conversation.
hello@sydneytong.com
510.338.7860©2024 sydney tong. All rights reserved.