Bio
I’m Ya Ching, a Lead Product Designer at Grab, Singapore. I excel in using design to drive business impact and solve customer challenges. With a focus on customer-centric solutions, I’m dedicated to delivering pixel-perfect UI design outputs of the highest quality. As a technical leader, I balance short-term needs with long-term goals, fostering collaboration and mentorship for enduring team success.
Strengths
- Proficient in delivering high-quality, scalable products.
- Effective stakeholder collaboration and feedback integration.
- Creates practical prototypes and conducts usability testing.
- Customer-centric product development, roadmap influence.
Software Skills
- Sketch, Figma
- Flinto, Maze, Invision, Rotato
- Adobe Series (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
Education
RMIT University – Melbourne, Australia
Feb 2008 – Jul 2009
Master of Creative Media by Coursework (Animation & Interactive Media)
National Yunlin University of Science & Technology – Taiwan
Sep 2004 – Jul 2006
Bachelor of Visual Communication Design
Work Experiences
Lead Product Designer – Grab, Singapore
Sep 2021 – Present
2024 DAX Tablet Design, Geo & Fleet TF
Exploring the impact of a 10-inch tablet on Grab drivers’ performance, using productivity metrics and interviews, will reveal drivers’ perspectives on using large screens for daily tasks.
- Tablets enhance driver loyalty and efficiency for Grab with larger maps and superior navigation, increasing driving time.
- Improved call and message functions on tablets ensure better communication between passengers and drivers, enhancing safety.
- Tablets enhance the driving experience with features like voice commands, vehicle checks, and 3D navigation.
- The DAX app on tablets promotes safer driving through larger buttons and fonts, enabling hands-free operation and reducing distractions.
GeoForms Tool, Geo TF
Revolutionized data collection through a codeless portal, akin to Google Forms, facilitating instant creation and deployment of tailored collection forms for mapping purposes.
- Empowered individuals and communities by streamlining data collection for local needs.
- Provided a Google Forms equivalent for map data, enabling effortless custom form creation for non-technical users.
- Enabled teams to swiftly build data collection forms in local languages and initiate gathering without technical barriers.
IoT Software and Hardware Solutions, Geo TF
Pioneered the creation of an internal OBD-II device at Grab, leading to substantial operational cost savings and top-tier data sources for Geo and Safety functions.
- Implemented cost-efficient in-house OBD devices, significantly reducing device and service expenses.
- Established full autonomy over driving data governance, eliminating the need for third-party agreements.
- Engineered an adaptable OBD II device tailored to Grab’s needs, enhancing Geo and Safety tasks with top-tier data.
Map Your City (Driver and SuperApp), Geo TF
Designed and implemented a place crowdsourcing tool within Grab’s SuperApp and Driver App, allowing users to contribute crucial location data for improved mapping.
- Successfully collected a substantial 33 million POIs, with a projected target of 37 million by end of 2022.
- Facilitated substantial additional earnings, amounting to up to $300K USD for participating drivers.
- Effectively launched the product across active SEA countries, guiding 7 nations toward self-sufficiency by 2022.
GrabMaps Vision Video, Geo TF
Produced a comprehensive video showcasing Grab drivers’ future capacity to collect hyperlocal, accurate, and high-quality POIs through crowdsourcing efforts.
- Translated the video into multiple languages, presenting it during company-wide events such as GrabForward in March.
- Leveraged the video as a persuasive tool to engage third-party clients.
- Shared the video with government partners and ministers, initiating discussions about potential collaborations with the Geo initiative.
Sr. Product Designer – Grab, Singapore
Jun 2017 – Aug 2021
New Message Center, RTC TF
Conceptualized and developed an information hub within the Grab SuperApp to showcase rich message content, addressing both business and consumer needs.
- Elevated message open rates impressively by 2 times.
- Introduced enhanced social engagement and expanded monetization avenues.
- Successfully achieved full independence from Leanplum, resolving privacy concerns.
Conversation UI Kits, RTC TF
Designed conversational components with a strong emphasis on core customization, ensuring seamless adaptation for various chat scenarios.
- Enabled significant cost savings by introducing in-app Grab chat solutions to replace existing alternatives.
- Empowered Grab services through seamless integration of new chat functionalities.
- Pioneered the exploration of novel monetization opportunities by offering GrabChat as a service.
New GrabRewards, Payment TF
Revamped the Catalogue design of GrabRewards, spotlighting premier offers through features like carousels and user-friendly reward categories.
- Enhanced user experience in navigating the Rewards Catalogue, promoting discoverability.
- Collaborated closely with Marketing and Business Development teams to strategically promote specific rewards, enhancing the overall impact of GrabRewards.
Sr. UI Designer – Qihoo 360, Taiwan
Sep 2016 – May 2017
- Developed comprehensive UI component guidelines for Qihoo 360’s mobile applications on both Android and iOS platforms.
- Played a pivotal role in designing the Magic Keyboard Android app, which provided personalized keyboard themes, fonts, and sounds.
- Led the design efforts for the Lively Themes in the 360 Total Security PC software, enhancing the security experience with style and enjoyment.
Sr. Designer – Acadine Technologies, Taiwan
Sep 2015 – May 2016
- Spearheaded the establishment of standardized UI component guidelines for h5OS.
- Led the design direction for wallpaper and six native apps within the h5OS feature phone: Dual screen, First Time Use, Account, Settings, Message, and Voice Command.
- Played a central role in crafting the h5OS watch interface design, covering both digital and analog clock faces.
Sr. UX Designer – Gogolook (Whoscall), Taiwan
May 2015 – Sep 2015
- Served as the lead designer responsible for the UI design of pivotal features within the Whoscall Android app.
Sr. GUI Designer – ASUS (Asus Design Center), Taiwan
Jun 2012 – Apr 2015
- Played a pivotal role in designing interfaces for ZenWatch and ParrotWatch, guiding design directions.
- Owned the design of icons and applications for ASUS native apps, encompassing SuperNote, Launcher, and What’s Next, across Android phones and tablets.
- Led the creation of conceptual designs, contributing to the evolution of ZenUI from version 1.0 to 1.5.
Project & GUI Designer – Acer (RD Center, PC BU), Taiwan
Sep 2009 – May 2012
- Directed the design of product labels and carton graphics, collaborating with an external printing house to ensure printing quality standards.
- Collaborated closely with ID designers to craft intricate patterns for small laptop designs.
- Partnered with senior designers to oversee the entire lifecycle of Acer Ring, from initial concept to final production.
Awards
- Company team award for best design thinking for Zenfone 5/6.
- Company team award for best design thinking for PadFone 2.
- “Incantation” selected for 404 Festival Season 2009.
- Excellence Award for Best Concept in any Genre 2008 for “Incantation”.
- Excellence Award for Best Interactive Production 2008 for “Incantation”.