Alvin Liauw - Beyond The Resume Vol. 1
Date
Author
Tag
NEWS
Contributor
What led you into design?
I’ve loved drawing since I was a kid. That interest led me to pursue a design major in college, where I was introduced to the broader world of design beyond just visuals. Then, it became something I wanted to pursue seriously.
What’s a defining moment or turning point in your design career so far?
When I realized design isn’t just about how it looks. Early in my career when I designed a feature that looked great, but it didn’t perform well. That moment shifted my mindset from designing beautiful screens to designing outcomes.
What design challenges do you face at tiket.com?
I specifically handle the Things To Do vertical at tiket.com, and one of the main design challenges is the variety within the product. We have a lot of different categories like attractions, tours, events, and many more. Each one caters to a different type of user with different expectations and behaviors.
The challenge is figuring out how to create a design that feels cohesive, but still flexible enough to support the needs of each category.
What do you do when you need inspiration or stuck while designing?
When I feel stuck or need inspiration, I start by looking at analogous products outside our industry. Inspiration often comes from seeing how similar problems are solved in different industries.
What’s one trait you think every great designer has?
I believe a great designer should have adaptability, because our work happens in fast-moving environments, with evolving user needs, shifting priorities, and different ways of working. Being adaptable allows us to stay effective and learn quickly.
If you could change something in your early career, what would it be?
Maybe I would’ve explored to become an architect. I've always been fascinated by how spaces are structured and how people interact with them. In some ways, it’s similar to product design. Both are about solving problems for people through thoughtful design.
What’s your biggest travel-related pet peeve?
One time when I was traveling, I really needed to find a restroom. I saw a sign, but it only had words in the local language, no icons at all. Then I pulled out Google Translate’s camera and hovered over the signs just to be sure. It worked but it made me realize how something simple as an icon could be so important.
What's your favorite travel destination so far?
My favorite travel destination so far is Japan. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, where complexity and minimalism coexist in such a thoughtful way.
Last one, when people use your designs, what do you hope they feel?
I hope they feel everything just makes sense, so they don’t have to think hard to use it.
Want to learn more from Alvin Liauw? Reach out via LinkedIn.
