Hazel Chen - Product Designer

Hey 👋🏻 I'm Hazel
A passionate UIUX / Product designer based in Sydney

Product Designer with a background in system development, working across Fintech, Ed-Tech, and AI to design end-to-end digital products.

I enjoy working on complex problems — especially where workflows, systems, and human behaviour intersect. My work often starts with ambiguity: unpacking user needs, shaping concepts, and translating them into experiences that feel intuitive, scalable, and ready to ship.

Before transitioning into design, I spent several years developing core banking systems — building and maintaining the infrastructure behind high-volume financial operations. Working in regulated, mission-critical environments taught me to think deeply about reliability, edge cases, and the hidden complexity behind financial products — perspectives that still shape how I design today.

More recently, I’ve been expanding my practice into AI-assisted product development — shipping frontend features and prototypes using tools like Cursor. Being able to move from idea to something tangible quickly has changed how I experiment, validate, and collaborate in early-stage product environments.

My Values

Learning with Adaptability

With AI accelerating how products are built and teams operate, I’ve come to see adaptability as a core part of my identity — not just as a designer, but as a builder.

I no longer think in terms of fixed roles, but in terms of what I can contribute and grow into. Learning new tools, exploring unfamiliar spaces, and experimenting beyond my comfort zone keeps my work dynamic — and keeps me excited about what’s ahead.

Humble Listener

Moving to Australia as an international student taught me to navigate diverse perspectives and communication styles. This experience strengthened my ability to listen deeply, adapt quickly, and collaborate across cultures.

I’m naturally curious about how different backgrounds shape behaviour and decision-making. Whether in product discovery or everyday collaboration, I value open conversations and seek to learn from others’ experiences — a mindset that directly informs how I design inclusive and human-centred solutions.

Thinking Before Building

I tend to approach problems through structured and logical thinking before jumping into solutions. Rather than moving straight to execution, I focus on understanding the landscape — aligning on goals, constraints, and the broader system at play.

By breaking complex challenges into smaller, manageable pieces, I’m able to create clarity in ambiguous situations and build step by step with intention. This approach not only helps me stay grounded, but often supports my team in prioritising effectively and moving forward with confidence.