About Me

Thanks for visiting my portfolio. My name is Ty, I’m a Seattle-based UX researcher.

Growing up, I spent nine years living overseas in Shanghai, China. Living abroad uniquely prepared me for my career in UX. As a foreigner in a new country, you must analyze and understand new systems. You must quickly convey ideas to people who speak different languages and have different mental frameworks. Most importantly, you must empathize with people whose experiences have been entirely different than your own and seamlessly integrate into their way of life.

These early lessons have followed me throughout my professional career. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Washington, I spent six years working in startups, agencies, and small businesses across various corporate functions, including recruiting, marketing, and operations. This interdisciplinary experience gave me broad exposure to the complexities of how a business operates and the unique needs of the consumers, and employees, they serve.

In 2020, I transitioned into the field of UX research and began working as a UX Strategist at a design agency called Smashing Ideas while simultaneously working on my master’s program at the University of Washington. I currently work as a Senior/Lead UX Researcher at Reddit, where I continue to incorporate those early lessons I learned as a child in Shanghai.

Outside of work, you’ll find me…

  • Playing music.

    In college, I discovered a passion for music and spent the next 5 years learning how to sing, play instruments, and write songs. I currently play four instruments (all enthusiastically, none masterfully), and my recent obsession has been learning the bass ukulele.

  • Going to shows.

    Pre-COVID, I spent my free evenings at Seattle’s many classic concert venues listening to live music. My favorite genres are soul, jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, and Broadway.

  • Singing at karaoke.

    I am (mildly) obsessed with karaoke and have an immaculately organized iPhone note documenting my favorite songs to perform. I have a standing monthly reservation at Rockbox in Seattle (which you’re welcome to join!).

  • Exploring.

    Growing up overseas, I became passionate about traveling and exploring new countries and cities. I have been to over 20 countries so far, with some of my favorites being Spain, Greece, and Mongolia.

  • Learning.

    The pursuit of new knowledge and ideas gets me out of bed each morning. I love immersing myself in books, courses, and conversations with interesting people.

  • Geeking out.

    When I get obsessed with a topic, I dive deep and refuse to stop talking about it. Some of the things my friends and family hear me blabbering endlessly about include Star Wars, jazz history, personal finance, early 2000’s NBA basketball, business strategy, and how great Billy Joel is.

Contact me.