A Design Mentor

EP 014 Getting to the Core of Value

In this episode, I get to the core of value, and the term value proposition. It’s not as a buzzword, but a promise designers make. I share how creating my own “life kit” revealed that value isn’t just about function, but the overlap of intentions. What you’ll hear 。What value proposition really means in design and life 。How function, need, delight, and sentiment create value 。Why every design is, at its heart, a promise ◉ What was a value you didn’t understand at first, but later came to truly appreciate? ──────────────────── ▦ About & Support ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠⁠Who is Sandy?⁠ [https://sandyhongsanchen.com/about] ⦚ ⁠Buy me a coffee⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/sandyhongsanchen] ⦚ ⁠helloadesignmentor@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [helloadesignmentor@gmail.com] -- ▥ Elsewhere ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@adesignmentor] (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕) ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/adesignmentor] -- ▧ Music ⦚ ⁠⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://share.epidemicsound.com/iihw9c]⁠⁠ -- ▨ Stack ⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva -- ◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

EP 013 Users Light The Way—Seeing Design Through Their Eyes

Every user follows a journey, but unexpected roadblocks can change their path. By mapping these journeys, we can uncover frustrations, improve experiences, and create better designs. Let’s explore how user journeys shape both products and personal growth. ──────────────────── ▦ About & Support ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy? [https://sandyhongsanchen.com/about] ⦚ Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/sandyhongsanchen] ⦚ helloadesignmentor@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ [helloadesignmentor@gmail.com] -- ▥ Elsewhere ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@adesignmentor] (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕) ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adesignmentor] -- ▧ Music ⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠ [https://share.epidemicsound.com/iihw9c]⁠⁠ -- ▨ Stack ⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva -- ◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

EP 012 You are NOT your user — my learning lesson

Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about understanding people. In this episode, I dive into the biggest lesson I learned in design: you are NOT your user. Avoiding assumptions and embracing real-world insights can make all the difference. ◉ Can you think of the moment that changed your point of view on someone? ──────────────────── ▦ About & Support ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy? [https://sandyhongsanchen.com/about] ⦚ Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/sandyhongsanchen] ⦚ helloadesignmentor@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ [helloadesignmentor@gmail.com] -- ▥ Elsewhere ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@adesignmentor] (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕) ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adesignmentor] -- ▧ Music ⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠ [https://share.epidemicsound.com/iihw9c]⁠⁠ -- ▨ Stack ⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva -- ◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

EP 011 What are (digital) products?

In this episode, I break down what digital products are in the simplest way possible, sharing how I’ve explained my work to different people over the years—including my own mom. Design can often feel complex or abstract, but at its core, it’s deeply connected to our everyday experiences.I’ll guide you through how digital products are not so different from the physical items we rely on daily. By drawing these connections, I hope to make it easier to see the role design plays in how we interact with the world, especially as technology continues to evolve. ◉ I’d love to know—what’s your favorite physical product and your favorite digital product? What makes them special to you? ──────────────────── ▦ About & Support ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy? [https://sandyhongsanchen.com/about] ⦚ Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/sandyhongsanchen] ⦚ helloadesignmentor@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ [helloadesignmentor@gmail.com] -- ▥ Elsewhere ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@adesignmentor] (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕) ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adesignmentor] -- ▧ Music ⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠ [https://share.epidemicsound.com/iihw9c]⁠⁠ -- ▨ Stack ⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva -- ◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.

EP 010 Pivoting is redesigning life through change

In this episode, I explore the concept of pivoting—not just in business, but as a powerful tool for personal growth. I share how my own pivoting moments, filled with uncertainty and courage, helped me reshape my life, and how witnessing others' pivots as a mentor has been equally inspiring. What you'll hear: ⦂ Why pivoting isn’t about the destination but the process ⦂ The lessons I’ve learned from my own life transitions ⦂ How embracing change can lead to unexpected growth ◉ How do you relate to pivoting? ──────────────────── ▦ About & Support ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Who is Sandy? [https://sandyhongsanchen.com/about] ⦚ Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/sandyhongsanchen] ⦚ helloadesignmentor@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ [helloadesignmentor@gmail.com] -- ▥ Elsewhere ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@adesignmentor] (English Subtitles / 繁中字幕) ⁠⁠⦚ ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adesignmentor] -- ▧ Music ⦚ ⁠Epidemic Sound⁠⁠⁠ [https://share.epidemicsound.com/iihw9c]⁠⁠ -- ▨ Stack ⁠⁠Shure MV7+ / Descript / Canva -- ◉ All content, recording and editing are by ⁠⁠Sandy Hongsan Chen⁠⁠.