Thanks for visiting ☺️

I’d love for you to get to know me!

I'm Chennah, an ex-medical professional, turned multidisciplinary designer, now soaking up the sun in the beauuutiful San Francisco Bay Area.

Read on to learn more about my story and what fuels my creative process.

My journey includes several formative side quests that have equipped me with a unique perspective and approach to human-centered design.

My path from M.D. to designer was more just than a career change… it was a natural evolution.

Guided by an early fascination with technology and an innate curiosity toward how and why things work, I inevitably found my way into the world of digital products and user experience (UX) design.

Creative problem-solving and compassion (and, let’s face it, being raised in a family of doctors! 😂) drove my initial pursuit of studying medicine—all of which remain integral to my identity.

Creativity, to me, is about experimentation and approaching problems from every conceivable angle while having as much fun as possible.

My STEM and medical education have been wonderful gifts. While I no longer use them in the conventional sense, they have provided me with a deep appreciation for constraints, data, and a systematic way of thinking, all of which I deliberately use throughout my design process.

I emphasize the importance of genuinely connecting with people and clearly identifying the problems they are trying to solve.

In art (& in life), I mainly draw upon…

  • As a designer, I strive to find the perfect balance between beauty and functionality, always prioritizing the objective and audience—our users.

    I aim to always design with intention and purpose, creating positive impacts on individuals and society within a diverse and collaborative environment.

  • During my years as a medical student and doctor, I honed critical skills in observation, interviewing, and diagnostics to meet the needs of concerned patients.

    These skills seamlessly transferred to my work as a UX designer, where I solve problems with precision, empathy, and understanding.

    I believe that data is meaningless without context and compassion, each invaluable when designing solutions that enrich people's lives.

  • As a self-taught business owner and sole proprietor of a pop-up scented home goods brand during my time in Shanghai, I developed invaluable creative skills and business acumen.

    From sourcing raw materials from local factories, setting up a sterile R&D laboratory in my apartment, negotiating and communicating with a diverse cultural mix of suppliers and customers, to utilizing digital marketing strategies on super apps like WeChat and Instagram, I was able to build a profitable business from scratch while being a full-time student.

  • I’ve had the incredible opportunity to live in 3 different countries for over a decade and travel to 20 more throughout my life—and I’m nowhere near done.

    Growing up in a multi-ethnic household and around such a rich tapestry of cultures has given me a superpower: I can easily find ways to connect with people at a human level, despite our many differences.

    Actively listening and connecting deeply with others isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.

    Whether we are chatting face-to-face or interacting through my designs, my goal is the same: to empower, uplift, and bring at least a tiny a bit of joy into your day.

    When working with others, I focus on forging connections and friendships that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, to make collaboration seamless, more effective, and just plain FUN.

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of great design to provide value and joy to people.

When I’m not designing, you can likely find me….

  • Visiting scenic places nearby to hike

  • At my neighborhood pilates or HIIT studio

  • Exploring new recipes in the kitchen

  • Playing video / word / card / board games

  • Taking long, romantic walks with dogs

Say hello at design@chennahk.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.