Navigating the World of Product Design: Insights from Lan Johnson, Senior Designer at Square
In the ever-evolving world of product design, few stories are as inspiring and instructive as that of Lan Johnson, a Senior Product Designer at Square. Her journey from an anime-loving teenager experimenting with Photoshop to a seasoned professional navigating the intricacies of product design is not just a tale of professional growth, but also a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of cross-cultural experiences.
From Graphic Design Aspirations to Product Design Reality
Lan’s journey into product design started with a fascination for graphic design, sparked by her childhood love for anime. At the age of 11, she began experimenting with a pirated version of Photoshop, which ignited her passion for creative expression. This early interest laid the foundation for her future career. By high school, Lan had taught herself how to code, taking on small freelance projects that honed her skills and gave her a taste of professional design work.
Her career officially began at a startup in New York before she moved back to Dallas to complete her degree. Over the next decade, Lan worked in consulting, a period marked by diverse experiences across various industries. However, she eventually yearned for a deeper connection to a single product, prompting her to transition to an in-house role just before the pandemic in 2020. Her current role at Square represents a return to hands-on design work, allowing her to rediscover the joy of crafting products from the ground up.
The Influence of a Military Brat Upbringing
Lan’s upbringing as a military brat, moving between Japan, South Korea, Guam, and eventually settling in Dallas, profoundly shaped her approach to problem-solving. Constantly adapting to new cultures and environments instilled in her a sense of independence and resilience. These skills proved invaluable during her consulting years, enabling her to quickly build relationships and feel at ease in unfamiliar settings.
Her education at a small Department of Defense school in East Asia further reinforced her resourcefulness and self-sufficiency, qualities that continue to inform her design philosophy today. This background has equipped her with the flexibility to navigate the challenges of consulting and the structured environment of companies like Capital One, where she learned to balance large-scale systems with human needs.
Embracing Challenges and Change at Square
At Square, Lan has embraced the opportunity to step away from management roles and immerse herself in the intricacies of product design. Her current focus on printers, particularly within the food and beverage sector, presents unique challenges. Each kitchen’s specific needs require a steep learning curve, but Lan approaches these challenges with enthusiasm and a commitment to understanding the nuances of her new domain.
Balancing engineering costs, business priorities, and user needs is a constant challenge. Lan and her team must decide whether to address immediate issues or invest in long-term solutions. This delicate balancing act is a testament to the complexity of modern product design, where decisions must be made with both short-term and long-term impacts in mind.
Leveraging AI and Embracing New Technologies
In her role at Square, Lan is part of a company-wide initiative to integrate AI into workflows. Tools like Goose automate tasks, freeing up time and allowing designers to access data instantly. For Lan, AI serves as a baseline tool, aiding in tasks like writing and prototyping, but it is not a substitute for the nuanced decision-making required in design.
AI also plays a role in facilitating communication between design-focused and non-design-focused team members. By providing a starting point for discussions, AI-generated outputs, even if imperfect, help bridge the gap between different perspectives.
The Essence of Design Leadership and Inspiration
For Lan, humility is the hallmark of a great design leader. The ability to admit mistakes and say no when necessary are qualities she values highly. These traits, coupled with a deep understanding of the craft, foster a collaborative environment where team members feel supported and empowered.
Lan finds design inspiration in unexpected places, such as the resurgence of 90s aesthetics and the raw honesty of 35mm film. This inspiration is reflected in Square’s design direction, which emphasizes photography and visual storytelling to highlight the stories of their sellers.
Navigating Career Challenges and Maintaining Balance
Lan’s career has not been without its challenges. Her time at AT&T taught her the importance of work-life balance and setting boundaries. The chaotic environment and corporate politics she encountered there were invaluable lessons in managing egos and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
When joining a new team, Lan prioritizes understanding the existing landscape by reviewing files and documentation. This groundwork enables her to ask informed questions and build strong relationships with her colleagues.
The Future of Product Design
Looking ahead, Lan envisions a future where product design transcends visual and flow creation, focusing more on empathy and problem-solving. While AI may handle more executional tasks, the human touch in storytelling and user advocacy remains irreplaceable. As organizations continue to embrace user-centered design, the role of product designers will become increasingly essential in ensuring that technology serves human needs.
Lan Johnson’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of learning. Her story offers valuable insights for aspiring designers and seasoned professionals alike, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s passions while navigating the ever-changing landscape of product design.
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