About

“Principal Research and Design - an interview series” is where Kevin Wang publishes a collection of stories from designers and researchers working in Principal roles. In interview #1 Kevin talks to Portia O'Callaghan who is practicing her craft in AI and design systems. Later in the series Kevin speaks with Ray DeLaPena, a master of workshop facilitation and also exchanges thoughts with Lisa Rex, a Principal Researcher in United Kingdom. Many other storiess will follow on how designers and researchers can increase their representation in Principal roles.

Kevin started this passion project when he was curious to find out “what is life like for designers and researchers who stay on the individual contributor path for the long term?” By conducting interviews, he hopes to share examples of career paths that led to working in design and research at the highest levels.

This interview series will be available in English and Mandarin Chinese.

關於

👋🏼 我是Kevin,這個專訪網站的主編。現居年均溫18度,時而晴朗時而多雲與多霧的加州舊金山。雖然這幾年都在美國,但依舊關心台灣的設計與科技文化,尤其在「職涯發展」有許多發展的空間:

台灣的軟體產品業從過去5年急劇發展,到現在豐富的資源,只要搜尋關鍵字,可以看到面試產品公司的秘訣,或是對於某款app的分析,但是規劃自己設計之路的資訊卻很有限。回想剛身任產品設計師時,光應付眼前的任務就處理不完,更遑論想像幾十年後,會變成什麼樣子?後來體會經營設計領域的專才與通才無絕對答案,能自我慢慢鋪路規劃,不做管理職,也可以讓職涯走得更長更有收穫。

開始思考:如何和老闆規劃職涯方向?如何不視管理階級為唯一成功的道路?如何深耕成為「首席設計師/研究員」的動力?值得一起花時間去分享與釐清,讓台灣設計師可以看到自己的未來,不一定要成為老闆或是經理等級的職位,讓自己在某項技能中,有「職人」等級的超能力,得到同樣的尊重與待遇。

透過深度對談,了解他們怎麼保持自己的熱情,找到真心所愛的產業,經營自己的職涯方向和個人發展。期待這些對談讓閱讀者能對職涯有所思考,更希望讓台灣企業去培養「首席」來鞏固產品與產業的價值。

Illustration 插畫:Kuan Hung | Interview and design 訪談設計: Kevin | Editing 潤稿:Steve McNulty; 陳昭均 Consulting 顧問:leslie liu; Sylvie Wang