Versatile & Sideworks

DreamCatcher is a start-up business focusing on wedding and event planning. For this project, I was responsible for designing and developing a fully functional website using Drupal CMS. The challenge was to create an intuitive yet feature-rich platform that streamlines the complex processes involved in planning special events.

*Date: 2013*

**Learning:** Utilizing Drupal CMS allowed me to dive deep into modular design approaches, enhancing my skills in creating scalable and customizable digital solutions.

CnLounge is a high-energy nightclub situated in the heart of downtown San Jose. For this venture, I took on a dual role: not only did I design the visual elements, but I also constructed a state-of-the-art website. Based on Drupal CMS, the site exudes modernity and captures the club's pulsating energy, successfully providing an online portal that matches its real-world ambiance.

*Date: 2014*

**Learning:** This project underscored the importance of aligning a digital platform with a brand's persona. Additionally, working with a nightlife establishment introduced challenges in balancing aesthetic flair with user-friendly design—something that was crucial for a diverse, often hurried user base.

Tom and Peter Edu serves as an international educational agent, guiding students in their overseas educational pursuits. For this endeavor, I designed and implemented a Chinese introduction website, tailoring it specifically to resonate with our target audience. Built on Drupal CMS, the website successfully meets both client demands and user needs, functioning as a comprehensive guide for international education options.

*Date: 2014*

**Learning:** This project emphasized the significance of cultural considerations in UX/UI design, especially when the platform aims to serve an international audience. Adapting web content for specific linguistic and cultural contexts proved to be an invaluable skill.

In these academic endeavors, I delved into the realm of motion graphics with a focus on mastering advanced tools and special effects. While the overarching concepts and storyboards may draw on familiar themes, every element of the crafting and material creation is wholly original. This body of work serves as a comprehensive testament to my skill set, capable of producing dynamic and visually arresting motion graphics.

*Date: 2014*

**Learning:** These projects were an exercise in technical proficiency, allowing me to deepen my understanding of specialized software and effects, as well as emphasizing the ethical considerations in design work.

Crafted for Polywell Computers, this Smart-home Icon Set aims to make complex smart home systems easily understandable. Through intuitive and aesthetically pleasing icons, the set offers a simplified yet comprehensive visual language for users navigating smart home controls.

*Date: 2013*

**Learning:** The project emphasized the need to balance aesthetics and usability to cultivate a sense of community and encourage active participation.

In this project, I had the pleasure of designing a specialized theme for TSDM, a thriving Chinese online community focused on Anime, Comics, and Games (ACG). The design is tailored to resonate with ACG culture, ensuring an immersive and authentic experience for dedicated fans.

*Date: 2011-2012*

**Learning:** This project was a dive into the nuances of designing for niche communities, highlighting the importance of cultural relevance in user experience.

Alongside the TSDM theme development, additional effort was put into crafting detailed UI elements and micro-animations. These elements served as complementary facets of the main project, showcasing a higher level of detail and the use of engaging transitions to enhance user experience.

**Learning:** These side tasks marked some of my early experiences in the UI design field. The focus on crafting user badges and buttons honed my understanding of the need for pixel-perfect execution and the critical importance of maintaining visual consistency across all design elements. It served as a foundational lesson that even the minutest details can contribute to a cohesive and satisfying user experience.