Meet Fintech Rising Star Camilla Wong

Taking the fintech world by storm, User Experience Design MA (Online) student Camilla Wong was named Rising Star of the Year at the IFTA Fintech & Innovation Awards 2022 and has worked in user experience (UX) design for the likes of tech giant IBM and fintech incubator Forms HK. 

As Camilla comes to the end of her master’s studies, we caught up with her to chat about her time studying online with Falmouth, what such prestigious industry recognition means to her, and how she aims to continue developing her UX design career.

What makes you passionate about UX design? 

I love the potential UX design holds for creating meaningful change in people's lives. It allows me to combine my interests in technology, creativity and problem-solving to devise solutions that address real-world challenges. By focusing on empathy, understanding and inclusivity, I can contribute to the design of accessible and enjoyable experiences that prove people's lives and promote social good.  

Can you tell us a little about your professional experience prior to starting the master’s? 

Over the past seven years, I've worked on design projects with Hong Kong financial regulatory bodies and international banks, as well as non-profit organisations and startups. My professional experience includes design thinking, digital transformation and workshop facilitation. I've also previously held UX design roles at IBM and Forms HK. 

What made you decide to study UX design online with Falmouth? 

I was looking to enrich my knowledge. A few years ago, I became interested in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), realising their potential to enhance service design. Integrating my work experience, this led to my Final Major Project which explored how to enhance the personalised user experience of banking apps using HCI and AI technologies. I believe that this approach will make designs understandable and explainable, allowing users to benefit from them without having to go through a steep learning curve. My goal in the next few years is to continue working towards this vision. 

Ultimately, I believe that by using human-centered design and technology to address social challenges, we can create a more accessible world where all people can thrive.

How did it feel to be named a Rising Star of the Year at the IFTA Fintech Achievement Awards? 

My motivation as a UX designer is to raise awareness about accessibility issues for minority groups and to bring social impact into the banking industry. So, the IFTA judges’ recognition of my efforts and enthusiasm has acted as significant encouragement, inspiring me to focus on pursuing this mission. 

As part of my submission for the award, I shared my past experiences working with banks on various projects including a credit card reward app. The award also recognised one of my community projects which involved gathering retired elderly talent to provide workshops to schools and organisations.  

What was the most valuable thing you learned on the course? 

The course taught me how to utilise reflective writing in organising my learning and research. The weekly challenges and tutorials provided insights, leading me to complete various critical reflective journals. The broad and expansive thinking encouraged on the course has also helped me to think outside the box and emphasised that hard work is the key to continuous learning. While studying, I sometimes struggled with assignments and discussions due to English not being my native language. However, this did not deter me! 

The most valuable aspect of the course was the opportunity to interact and collaborate with professors, tutors and fellow students from across the world. These exchanges have not only helped me refine my design and communication skills but also broadened my understanding of global UX design concepts. Moreover, being exposed to diverse perspectives and insights has inspired me to learn more about international design practices, enriching my overall learning experience and expanding my professional horizons. 

What are you currently working on and what are your ambitions for the future? 

Currently, I am a Senior Design Consultant at a global consulting firm designing user experiences and interfaces for a diverse range of projects, including insurance and banking projects. 

Looking ahead, my ambition is to become a UX strategist. This role would allow me to leverage my skills and experience to devise competitive business strategies and create sustainable, user-focused products tailored to the needs of specific markets. 

My long-term aspirations revolve around utilising my expertise to develop innovative and user-centric solutions that positively impact both users and businesses. By pursuing a career as a UX strategist, I hope to make a significant contribution to the evolution of user experiences and drive success for organisations across various industries. 

Ultimately, I believe that by using human-centered design and technology to address social challenges, we can create a more accessible world where all people can thrive. This drives my passion for creating seamless user experiences that improve people's lives in meaningful ways. I hope to make a positive social impact through my work. 

Find out more about User Experience Design MA (Online)