Thanks for taking the time to understand a 40+ years old theo. This is the most authentic part of this site, written with the least AI assistance😅. Over these 10 years, I’ve changed A LOT. (feels like I am writing on XANGA now)

As a person, I am now happier, kinder, and less stubborn than before, I listen more attentively, recognizing that every person, experience and conversation matters and differs. (I am trying my best to look at things without all the biases lens built up over 40years) In contrast, young theo always rushed to provide solutions without understanding the complexities.

As a designer, I have become more flexible and adaptable. In my earlier years, I was a lone wolf who prioritized efficiency above all else - sometimes at the expense of other important considerations. However, with time, I’ve come to realize that efficiency is always not the best solution, especially work within an organisation.

Now, I prefer to think in terms of “FIT” - culture-fit, product-fit, market-fit, timing-fit. This shift in perspective has allowed me to prioritize what truly matters: creating solutions that not only work efficiently but also align with the needs and values of end-user, user, team and stakeholders.

Before Ge Wang's "Artful Design," my design approach centered around solving right problems and creating functional solutions. However, the book helped me see that a truly great design should balance functionality with aesthetics, providing an experience for users (with how it looks and how it works).

The difference is striking: a pencil bag can simply exist to hold a pencil, but why choose one that's plain when you could pick one with character? One with a smile or your favorite color from a prestigious store like MOMA in Europe would surely spark joy, experience and memory. This shift in perspective has allowed me to elevate my design approach, focusing on creating products that not only meet needs (usability, accessibility and technical efficiency) but also provide an experience through how it looks.

Working happily with great team, mentoring junior designers, Sharing UX knowledge within organisation to achieve a impactful result is probably my goal now.

As a sound/instructions performer, I feel freer than ever to be myself when I perform. Gone are the days of second-guessing what others might think or fearing that my expression will disrupt harmony. Now, I focus on enjoying the moment and expressing myself honestly. When I collaborate/jam with other artists, we connect in a special way, communicating without using words and creating a great moment where we accomplish and experience something unique. (thanks yanjun and feaston)