So... a bit more about me in 5W1H

who i am
I’m Kat, a Vietnamese-born Canadian Product Designer based in Toronto.

A curious traveler and quiet observer, I’m known for being optimistic, responsible, and driven to turn real human experiences into thoughtful design.
when my journey began
Since I was five, drawing has been my way of understanding the world. I followed my family  path in accounting, but something felt missing.

During the pandemic, a designer’s YouTube vlog sparked my curiosity again, so I left my job and began studying Interaction Design at Sheridan College to design for people.
what i do
I design accessible, human-centred digital experiences that make everyday life simpler and more meaningful.

My work focuses on apps, accessibility, and brand systems, guided by the belief that technology should feel technology should feel simple, meaningful, and kind.
where i find inspiration
Inspiration comes from small moments: the calm of a café, the quiet of a library, or a late-night scroll on Pinterest.

I also find endless inspiration in Japanese design for its versitile of minimalism and boldness, and in Vietnamese food for its colorful harmony. Both remind me that contrast and balance can beautifully coexist in design.
why I design
I design because I want to make technology feel more human.


Every project I take on is driven by the desire to create experiences that bring people comfort, confidence, and a sense of belonging. To me, design is not only solving problems but also creating connection, offering ease, and sharing empathy through digital touchpoints.
how i work
My design process starts with curiosity and a bit of bubble tea (that sugar is needed). I start by listening - through research, observation, and conversation - then move into sketching, prototyping, and user testing. I love experimenting with AI tools and design on Figma.


You’ll often find me designing with a Ghibli piano playlist in the background, bubble tea nearby, and an open Pinterest board collecting bits of inspiration.

design philosophy

I believe design should be guided by logic and empathy, not just aesthetics.
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Human-centred design means listening, testing, and understanding users while letting data support good decisions.
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AI tools expand a designer’s abilities, not replaces them, when used with purpose and empathy.
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I stay curious by asking questions, talking to people, and exploring new perspectives.
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I design for joy and meaning, creating experiences people feel part of, not apart from.
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Reset

my experience

Hackville
Apr 2024 - Present
Oakville, ON
Lead of Product Design
I built a scalable design system that unified the brand across digital and event platforms. I guided a team of five designers, collaborated closely with stakeholders, and aligned our visuals with Hackville’s vision. Together, we delivered 95% of event materials on time and with consistency and impact.
Product Designer
I designed 15+ prototypes to improve the registration flow and executed usability tests to refine the user experience. I also created posters and merchandise that boosted volunteer sign-ups and shaped the event’s visual identity. Collaborating with other designers, I ensured cohesive visuals and on-time delivery across projects.
SIRT Centre
May 2025 - Aug 2025
Toronto, ON
Content and Interaction Design Intern
I collaborated with the research team to conduct user studies and create detailed UX case studies for both active and archived projects. I designed mockups and interactive prototypes that improved communication with stakeholders and turned data insights into clear, engaging visuals. I also updated website design and explored new AI tools to enhance workflow and creative efficiency.
McCann & Associates LLP
Jan 2021 - Aug 2022
Toronto, ON
Accounting and Administrative Assistant
I digitized and organized over 300 client tax files, improving retrieval efficiency by 40%. I also managed communication with government tax agents to resolve 20+ client cases weekly, maintaining a 95% positive client feedback rate through clear, solution-focused communication.

when I'm not designing...