I'm Susan Shao, a product designer based in the Bay Area who has worked at the intersection of complex systems and human-centered design for 6+ years.

I've designed web and mobile platforms for genomics, provider and patient-facing products, as well as surgical technology user interface devices. Though my scope has been within healthcare, my design process focuses on making complicated systems feel simple. I start with research and empathy for real world behaviors and problems, then move into building design iterations and solutions that are both usable and meaningful.

I started Shaoshurun, LLC, back in April 2021. My business evolved from a design consultancy into a practice encompassing all of my creative skills. I took a leap of faith stepping into tattoo artistry. I refined my craft and process just as I do with experience design, with continuous streams of feedback and iteration. Balance between servicing clients, networking with the community, and grounding myself in the sacredness of my practice has shown me the importance of seeing the bigger picture and impactful experience of design thinking and being a tattoo artist.

As I reached my 5 year milestone with tattooing, I've celebrated my accomplishments and can happily share my artistry as a passion project. Upon my return to product design, I'm leveraging AI and design thinking with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I care about open communication and genuine collaboration.

I'm currently open to new product design opportunities, please reach out at susansshao@gmail.com.