Current Role: Founding Designer, Training All People
Hometown: Shanghai
Major: Interactive Media Arts (IMA)
Bin Xue ’19 has navigated a remarkable journey from academia to innovative companies and startup ventures. Her path has been guided by curiosity and a commitment to creating meaningful, human-centered solutions, from designing premium audio systems to leveraging AI and VR for societal impact.
What did you learn at NYU Shanghai, and how did it help shape your career path?
Four years at NYU Shanghai was definitely a transformative experience for me. It fostered a mindset of curiosity and exploration. While courses like GPS (Global Perspectives on Society) broadened my worldview and helped me critically evaluate technology’s role in society, exploring interdisciplinary courses sparked my passion for using technology to solve real-world problems with a human-centered approach. When I was studying away at NYU, I had the opportunity to design an online accessible tutorial for TactileView, a software that creates tactile pictures for the visually impaired. That experience really reinforced my passion to design technology to make an impact. Professors like Assistant Arts Professor of IMA Jung Hyun Moon guided me both academically and personally, which helped me to regain the confidence to navigate the often-ambiguous career path in design.
Coming from a public high school, I struggled initially with adapting to a liberal arts mindset, studying in English, and connecting with international peers. However, NYU Shanghai taught me to balance academic rigor with life experiences, and to celebrate diversity out of love rather than fear. I will always carry this valuable worldview with me.
You went on to pursue a master’s degree at University of Washington. How was that?
I studied Human-Computer Interaction and Design, which helped me transition from the broad scope of IMA to a more focused area in user experience (UX) design. I had the opportunity to work on a year-long design research project with Associate Professor of Interaction Design Audrey Desjardins, exploring how design could empower people’s lives.
This unique experience taught me how thoughtful design can truly bring warmth and depth to technology, and further convinced of my passion in pursuing a design career. Studying in Seattle, a hub for technology and innovation, further inspired me to pursue a career where design meets cutting-edge technology.
Was it a clear path to your current job?
After graduating, I joined renowned premium audio system maker Sonos as a UX designer. I designed consumer-facing experiences and back-end integration platforms, while advocating for accessibility design initiatives in the company. Working at Sonos taught me the importance of integrating design and technology seamlessly while emphasizing user needs.
In 2022, I joined Microsoft Research to design an AI application that accelerates R&D for scientists in industries like biopharma and alternative energy. I was able to collaborate with research scientists in a cross-disciplinary fashion, and it showed me that besides the human perspective, good design also requires a deep understanding of the underlying technology.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m the founding designer at TAP (Training All People), a startup leveraging VR to train blue-collar workers in advanced manufacturing. My role takes on a wide-range of responsibilities, from designing VR interaction systems with developers to conducting user interviews at community colleges. It’s both challenging and rewarding to create tools that help underserved communities. This job has expanded my comfort zone, teaching me how to adapt to the unique challenges of startup life while creating impactful solutions for workers often overlooked in tech development.
My path has been guided by curiosity. Technology can empower and improve lives, but it’s crucial to approach it critically and with intention. Each step in my journey has been a learning experience, whether it’s understanding the complexities of data, exploring AI’s potential, or making VR accessible to new demographics. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to meaningful projects, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
What advice do you have for NYU Shanghai students?
Define success on your terms. It’s easy to get caught up in external metrics like grades or prestigious internships, but the most fulfilling decisions come from following your passions. Also, treasure your community. The relationships you build at NYU Shanghai will be invaluable personally and professionally. For example, my connections have supported me through challenges and inspired me with their own successes. Lastly, be open-minded. College is a time to explore and challenge preconceived notions. Embrace experiences outside your comfort zone; they often lead to the most growth. Don’t be afraid to take courses or pursue projects that seem unrelated to your major — they might lead to unexpected opportunities.