My dad, Philip Kwock Yin Young, was born in Honolulu on August 21st in 1945, just a couple of weeks before the end of World War II. At that time, his dad, Kenneth, was a sergeant in the army, in charge of protecting a local water reservoir in case of…

Why is synthesis so hard? I’ve heard from many students, clients and, friends that synthesis can be a real slug. Your physical walls or Miro boards are overloaded with post-its of inspiring quotes, expert takes, team ideas, and too many persona ideas and keys to win. It’s time to share…

Understanding and integrating design research into your everyday work A little context As a researcher by trade, educator at SVA, and community builder at 3x3, I meet many folx questioning how to do design research in ways that center people. And I want to support your journeys! So I’ve synthesized a…

Analytics research — What’s the best time of day to send promotional emails about donuts? Design research — How have donuts served as a source of everyday comfort during the pandemic? Human-centered design — How might we enable people to find the donut flavors they will enjoy the most? User research — How can we design a more seamless experience for first-time donut purchasers? Market research — How many people will buy gluten-free donuts this year?

A graduate design student recently reached out for advice on her project to enhance a public space in northern Brooklyn. She was curious about how she could center peoples’ voices in her design processes and expressed frustration that when she tried to interview folks, they didn’t want to engage. I…

From… to… 2. Lost in translation 3. Traveling while standing still 4. Looking in to look out 5. Looking out to look in 6. Like AirBnb, but for x 7. Like Uber, but for x 8. Time travel 9. Traveling while standing still 10. Everything but the x 11. Walking…

It is December 10th, 2032. You open your eyes. Your first breath takes in the comforting fragrance of freshly-baked baguettes. That reminds you. You’re in your local hospital. You reach up to tap the right side of your face, where the curb met your eyebrow in the hectic cycling-dominated promenades…

Artist and educator, Kay Liang, talks about squashing “Zoom Gloom” with dog bands, friendly robbers, and disco breaks It was April 6th and my six-year-old son, Rui, had his first Zoom meeting. He was both anxious and annoyed that he had to do something he neither fully understood nor signed…

An interview with Tara Pham, Co-founder & CEO of Numina Cities are products of design. In the last century, the urban planning and design fields often prioritized the mobility of cars over people, and efficiency over community (think: Robert Moses and the post-war demolition of New York City neighborhoods in…