What does your design process generally look like?
My design process can be summarized as follows:
Read the challenge specs --> Check and ask questions on forum --> Research to understand --> Generate concepts --> Design --> Test the screens on Marvel --> Refine and repeat.

What is your most memorable Topcoder design challenge during this TCO19 qualification and why?
The most memorable one is the Heuristic Evaluation and Competitive Assessment challenge. I did multiple pieces of research to understand how to conduct design evaluation/design research and visualize the results. I delivered the results with a deep analysis method using some parameters and scorecards that measured on dichotomous and likert scales. It was like developing a research thesis.

Who do you think is the most fierce or talented designer at Topcoder and why?
The member who has an auto-win button: iamtong. He is fast and has a clean design and a good understanding of almost all fields.

What design software and hardware do you use and why?
I’m a Mac user and am very comfortable using Sketch. I like the infinite canvas and the Symbols feature that enables user reuse elements.

What do you do when not working?
Travel with my wife and son.

Where do you work? Tell us about your space(s).
I’m used to working everywhere. However, at the beginning of the year, I decided to work in a coworking space to get a fresh atmosphere and make connections with folks in the same profession.

If you could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Register and compete on the Topcoder platform earlier.

What kind of music do you listen to while working on your solutions?
Songs about victory, celebration, success, and winning.

What is the dream project you want to build, design, or solve for?
I’m eager to particpate in NASA Challenges. Please bring them back!

What’s the best tip or piece of advice you can share with other members at Topcoder?
Follow your passion. Do what you love; success will follow.

What does Topcoder mean to you?
Topcoder is a part of my life.

What are you most excited about for this year’s TCO Finals?
I’m so excited! I will get full onsite support from my family. I am going to attend the TCO19 finals with my wife and son.

Do you strive to be at TCO every year and if so, why does it matter to you?
TCO is full of positive energy. I’m eager to attend TCO every year to resonate with the positive energy!

What was your secret to getting a ticket for the TCO finals more than once?
Being focused is the secret.