Haoran Liao

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and what made you choose the University of Leeds?

I come from a Fine Art background in China, but over time, I became more interested in how creativity connects with real-world problem-solving, which led me to design. I chose the University of Leeds because of its strong reputation and interdisciplinary environment. The large campus allowed me to easily access different faculties and collaborate across disciplines, enabling me to broaden my perspective and strengthen both my creative and analytical skills.

Why did you choose to study your particular course?

I wanted to build a solid foundation in design thinking and research. My goal was to move beyond pure aesthetics and understand how design can influence user behaviour and business strategy. The course at Leeds offered the perfect balance between creativity and research, providing me with the tools to transform ideas into meaningful, evidence-based solutions.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

I particularly enjoyed the essay and research components of the course. Writing allowed me to organise my thoughts and build strong, logical arguments — a skill that’s proven invaluable in my design career. It taught me how to communicate ideas clearly and back them up with reasoning, which is essential when presenting design decisions to stakeholders or collaborating in cross-functional teams.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students? 

As an international student, I found Leeds to be a welcoming, dynamic, and inspiring city. It has a great balance — vibrant and diverse, yet not overwhelming. With multiple universities, a rich art and cultural scene, and a strong financial presence, Leeds offers an ideal environment for both study and personal growth. It’s a city that feels big enough to explore, but small enough to feel like home.

What would you say about the learning and the career support facilities in your academic School or Faculty and at the University in general?

The support at Leeds was outstanding. The academic staff were approachable and genuinely invested in helping students grow. The career services provided professional guidance — from CV reviews to portfolio feedback — which helped me transition confidently into the design industry. The combination of creative freedom and structured support really set me up for success after graduation.

What have you been doing since finishing your studies?

Since completing my Master’s degree, I’ve been working as a Product Designer at Amazon, focusing on the fintech sector. My role involves designing intuitive and customer-centric experiences for a range of products, including credit cards, instalment plans, and insurance. The UX principles and research methodologies I developed during my studies have been fundamental in my work — from conducting user interviews and surveys to analysing insights that inform design decisions. These skills have helped me create solutions that not only enhance user satisfaction but also drive measurable business growth.

What company are you working for, what is your role, and what does it involve?

I currently work at Amazon within the EU Payment Products team as a Product Designer. My role bridges design, research, and strategy — creating experiences that improve both customer acquisition and retention. I collaborate closely with marketing, engineering, and product teams to craft seamless web and app journeys that communicate trust, clarity, and convenience. My work combines data-driven insights with creative design to deliver high-impact outcomes for Amazon’s financial products.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you developed at Leeds whilst studying your Masters helped with your career? 

My time at the University of Leeds laid the foundation for how I approach design today. The emphasis on research and innovation taught me to ground creative ideas in evidence and user understanding — a principle that’s at the heart of effective product design. The course also strengthened my ability to define clear goals and align design outcomes with business objectives. Beyond academics, I’ve maintained strong connections with the School of Design, and I’ve had the opportunity to return as a visiting lecturer — sharing my industry experience with current design students.

Now that you’ve graduated, what would you say to students thinking about studying your course, do you believe your investment into the course was worthwhile for your career?

I’d encourage future students to make the most of the university’s incredible resources — from workshops and studios to mentors and peers. Leeds is like a vast creative laboratory where you can explore, experiment, and grow. Stay curious, be proactive, and build relationships with your professors and classmates — they will become valuable collaborators and lifelong connections. For me, the investment was absolutely worthwhile. The knowledge, network, and confidence I gained at Leeds have played a major role in shaping my career as a designer.