Alina Deng design is blending functionality with human-centered experiences
Designer Alina Deng firmly believes that technology should connect people rather than merely serve functional purposes. This belief is exemplified in the project SenseWeather, a mobile application designed at OneLab. Through this app, they aimed to redefine how users experience weather data.
Rather than presenting users with static information, SenseWeather uses haptic feedback and dynamic visuals, allowing users to “feel” the weather in their hands. For instance, a soft vibration signals rain, while a bright flash indicates sunshine. The main objective of this project was to deepen the emotional connection between users and the technology they interact with, enhancing daily interactions with intuitive, human-centered design.
Alina Deng’s commitment to fostering connection through technology is also evident in the co-founding of PoemWIKI. The platform wasn’t designed just as a space for digital poetry; it aimed to ignite a poetry Renaissance in China. What started as a small-scale initiative blossomed into a thriving community where hundreds of thousands of poets and readers gather daily.
By focusing on intuitive and welcoming user experiences, they created a platform that ensures both seasoned poets and new writers feel recognized and valued. PoemWIKI, through its design, allows everyone to contribute and be part of a larger movement, showcasing how digital platforms can foster creativity and connection on a significant scale.
Alina Deng’s branding work, including projects such as PrintersJack and Bona, carries the same emphasis on human connection. Rather than simply creating visuals, she dives deep into brand identity by exploring the core beliefs and messages each brand wants to communicate. By engaging closely with the brand teams, she helps to define what sets each brand apart from competitors.
The result is not just a visually appealing design, but a brand that speaks with a distinctive voice, ensuring it stands out in a crowded market. This personalized approach to branding highlights her ability to connect a brand’s essence with its audience through thoughtful and strategic design.
Growing up in Guilin, a city surrounded by stunning natural landscapes in southwest China, shaped Alina Deng’s early understanding of art and design. The natural beauty of mountains and rivers cultivated an appreciation for the world’s details, and this sense of wonder has remained a driving force throughout her life.
The designer’s journey didn’t end in Guilin; living in South Korea and New York exposed them to diverse cultures, which further influenced their people-focused design approach. These experiences contributed to the development of a global perspective that informs her design philosophy today, making her work inclusive and resonant across different cultures and languages.
With over eight years of experience at renowned companies like OnePlus/OPPO and Reach Financial, Deng has led projects that seamlessly blend technology with human-centric design. Whether working on a mobile app or creating a community platform, her process is grounded in empathy and understanding.
Her goal is to bridge gaps in communication and foster meaningful connections through technology and design. This people-first approach ensures that their projects not only serve functional purposes but also enhance the human experience, building bridges between individuals, cultures, and communities.
Alina Deng: https://www.alinadeng.com
