"The best products are born from a deep empathy with the people who use them."

— Bill Buxton, Pioneer in HCI

Portrait of Sam Mei working with a cat.

Who is Sam as a designer?

Currently, I study at the University of Michigan, in the MS in Information Science program, UX Research & Design pathway.

I specialize in UI and visual design. My background in industrial design at Purdue University led me to pivot towards UI/UX design as I found digital interfaces to be more versatile, diverse, and attractive, offering great creative potential.

In our increasingly digitized world, we interact with screens daily. Enhancing digital experiences to simplify people's lives by reducing usage barriers, solving tech-related frustrations, and improving moods through features is deeply fulfilling.

Why design as a career?

My innate attraction to aesthetics and its creative application is partly due to genetics. I have a passion for perfecting visual details and I enjoy empathizing with users to deliver thoughtful solutions.

The combination of creativity and problem-solving in today's dynamic environment is exciting. Design stands at the forefront of innovation, and my mission is to create impactful design that benefits a multitude of users. If I can positively influence people's lives through design, I'm all for it.

Portrait of Sam Mei in front of Fuji Mountain.
Photo of Sam Mei after finishing the Nat Geo Run 9K Marathon.

What's other than work?

Often more work... as I solve web, graphic, packaging, and industrial design needs for clients under Studio Mei as a freelancer. Through four years of client work, I honed my project management and communication skills. Often, I have to rapidly adjust to new timelines and specifications to meet client demands, so balancing quality, efficiency, and budget is a regular challenge.

Recreationally, I enjoy bodybuilding, running, and hiking for mental and physical wellness. I also like to cook new recipes, watch western blockbusters, and learn photography with my FUJIFILM X-T50.

Milestones involving giant leaps and tiny steps.

Once upon a time, I...

Aug 2018

Enrolled at Purdue University West Lafayette in Liberal Arts Undecided, and ultimately pursued Industrial and Interaction Design due to my passion for creative expression.

May 2020

Passed the competitive sophomore review and progressed into the industrial design program with 32 students competing for 16 spots.

Purdue Industrial Design Class of 2022.

Sep 2021

Joined a local architecture design studio, Studio Seung, as a part-time assistant for one year and helped deliver client projects.

Projects I worked on at Studio Seung.

Feb 2022

Won a patent and cash reward by Anji MTX for home fitness innovation design through a sponsored project. (protected by NDA)

Image of ANJI MTX project.

May 2022

Graduated with a BFA in Industrial & Interaction Design at Purdue University and job searched for 6 months with little to no results. Eventually, I joined a startup as a visual designer while working part-time at restaurant.

Group photo of the Purdue Industrial Design graduating class of 2022.

Nov 2022

Established long-term US clients, MiaBeauty and Storus, and have shipped 4 personal care product designs and 15+ retail packaging designs from then on. (Protected by NDA)

Dec 2022

Began transition into UI/UX design by taking Coursera's Google UX Design Certificate and participating in UI challenges. Returned to Taipei, Taiwan for conscription.

Jan 2023

Joined XChange, a non-profit mutual assistance community that connects Taiwan's internet professionals by exchanging knowledge and resources, in their visual design team.

Snippets of XChange projects.

Aug 2023

Started at FLUX Inc in Taiwan as a full-time Product Designer. My responsibilities include global and Taiwan website design, B2C and B2B marketing design, and laser cutter software and firmware UI/UX design.

Group photo of FLUX Inc members at end-of-year party.

Aug 2025

Began my Master's degree at University of Michigan in Information Science, in the UX Research & Design Pathway. This two-year, UX research–oriented program focuses primarily on team projects. I aim to continue to build my UX skillset, gain industry knowledge through client-based projects, and stay aligned with my career goal of advancing in product design.

University of Michigan Logo.