Hi, I’m Sze Wa, a product designer passionate about creating thoughtful and intuitive user experiences. I have a deep love for custom icon development, which I see as the heart of a brand’s identity. To me, icons are more than just visuals—they’re storytellers, capturing the essence of a brand through minimal yet powerful design.
My approach combines functionality with storytelling, ensuring that every detail has purpose and clarity. I’ve had the privilege of working in early-stage startups, building products from the ground up in fast-paced environments where innovation and creativity thrive. I love tackling complex challenges and turning them into elegant, user-centered solutions.
Outside of design, I’m constantly exploring new visual styles, diving into creative collaborations, and honing my craft to push the boundaries of impactful design. Whether it’s crafting a custom icon or designing a seamless user interface, I’m driven by a desire to create work that is meaningful, memorable, and resonates with users.
I’ve designed a set of custom, unique icons for every company I’ve worked with, each thoughtfully crafted to reflect the company’s identity and product vision.
Each icon is a storytelling tool, creating a visual thread that unites the product experience. By embedding these icons into the design system, they don’t just add aesthetic value; they create cohesion, helping users intuitively connect with the brand on a deeper level.
Whether it’s simplifying complex interactions, enhancing the usability of interfaces, or creating a recognizable brand signature, these icons play a pivotal role. They serve as a bridge between functionality and identity, helping to make the product not only more user-friendly but also more emotionally resonant.
This approach underscores my belief that even the smallest design elements can carry immense impact. Custom icons, when done right, don’t just complement a product—they elevate it, tying the entire story together in a way that’s thoughtful, memorable, and deeply integrated into the user’s experience.
I also enjoy incorporating playful illustrations into my designs, embracing an "easter egg" mindset that adds a layer of delight to the user experience.
Whether it’s in an empty state, a 404 error, or any other overlooked moments in the product, these fun, unexpected touches can transform mundane interactions into memorable ones.
By adding these subtle yet charming details, I aim to create moments of surprise that engage users in a way that feels personal and human. These illustrations not only bring a sense of whimsy and joy to the product, but they also help soften potentially frustrating situations, such as encountering an error or an empty screen. Instead of simply showing a blank page, these easter eggs turn those moments into lighthearted opportunities to connect with the user.
This playful approach reflects my belief that design should evoke emotion and spark curiosity, even in the smallest moments. By thoughtfully embedding these delightful elements, I help create a product that feels alive and engaging, making the user’s journey more enjoyable and creating a stronger, more memorable brand connection.
I’m passionate about using my design skills to make a positive impact, which is why I volunteer my time to support non-profit and charity organizations.
I believe in giving back to the community, and design is my way of contributing to causes that matter.
Collaborating with non-profits is not only a rewarding experience but also an opportunity to learn about the incredible work these organizations do to uplift and support our communities. Through these projects, I’ve gained valuable insights into their missions and the unique challenges they face, which has deepened my appreciation for their efforts.
Whether it’s creating impactful visuals, improving user experiences, or developing cohesive branding, I enjoy helping these organizations bring their visions to life and amplify their impact. If your non-profit or charity could benefit from design support, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to contribute to your mission!
Experience
Callin
2022 - Present
Dashworks
2021 - 2022
Bumped
2020 - 2021
Out Of Office
2019 - 2020
Expensify
2017 – 2019
Envoy
2015 – 2017
Puppet
2013 – 2015
Skills
Design
Interactive Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Wireframing
Design Thinking
Icon & Illustration
Tools