Shawn Choi
Designer and educator passionate about making a positive difference for individuals and the greater community through design, education & AI.
About
Good design should be user-centric, functional and intuitive.
Yet, this ideal often falls short in reality. This gap fuels my passion and defines my mission: to positively impact individuals, communities, and values through thoughtful, purposeful design—regardless of the client, workplace, or project.
At the heart of my approach lies empathy. Witnessing the frustration caused by poorly designed products drives me to constantly challenge and refine designs. While meticulous attention to detail forms the foundation of exceptional work, I firmly believe that clarity, curiosity, and collaboration are the pillars that support truly successful projects.
My 14-year journey in the design industry, which began after graduating from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, has nurtured a profound passion for both human-centred design and education. From registered charities to global tech corporations, I've consistently delivered engaging and impactful products and experiences. These diverse environments have sharpened my ability to collaborate across disciplines, empathize deeply with user needs, and apply systematic thinking to complex challenges.
Currently, as a Senior Design Manager at Microsoft, I'm leading design efforts on ongoing stealth projects for Windows. Previously, I contributed to integrating AI technology into user experiences with Copilots and other M365 core services. Microsoft's mission to empower through innovation resonates deeply with my values, providing a platform where my passion for user-centric design truly flourishes.
This passion extends into education. For over a decade, I've nurtured creative minds through various roles. As Co-Chair of the National Technical Committee of Graphic Design at Skills/Compétences Canada, I've developed design competitions across Canada. As Faculty at Emily Carr University, I've guided students in discovering their unique design voices. Now, as an Advisory Board member at Vancouver Film School and a Senator at Emily Carr University, I continue to shape design education by influencing curriculum, policies, and strategic direction to foster innovation and creativity.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to making a lasting impact through thoughtful design and empowering education. From my base in Vancouver, BC, I'm always open to collaborating with others who share this vision of creating meaningful products and nurturing the next generation of aspiring creatives. If you're passionate about the intersection of design and education, connect with me on LinkedIn—let's explore how we can shape the future together.
