Sarah Tan is not your typical designer. Born in Malaysia and based in Melbourne, Australia, this award-winning designer specializing in UX, AR, and VR shifts paradigms, pushes boundaries and inspires the future of immersive technology.
Crafting the Future Today
Sarah’s world pulses with ingenuity and interactivity. “I’m currently working on projects with clients from various industries, helping them leverage immersive technology and incorporate AR/VR into their experiences and seamlessly integrate them into our daily lives,” she says. Her innovative works, including popular face filters on Instagram and TikTok, have caught the global eye, amassing over 20 million views and earning her a place in the top 1% of effect creators on TikTok. The implications of this groundbreaking work are far-reaching: “These prototyped experiences spark conversations about the possibilities for the future, which helps people feel more receptive towards emerging technologies in general,” Sarah shares.
But her work extends beyond creating innovative experiences. She leverages emerging technologies to create a positive societal impact. Harnessing AR as an artistic medium, she has utilized her talent to spotlight significant social issues, such as anti-racism, mental health awareness, and gender equality. Her inspiring solo exhibitions showcase artworks incorporating AR elements, while her commissioned art pieces grace international organizations.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Innovators
Her influence doesn’t stop with her work; Sarah believes in giving back to the community and inspiring future innovators. She states: “Through my involvement in speaking engagements and mentorships, I aim to support and inspire others interested in exploring and pursuing careers in these fields.” Her audience extends from designers interested in the AR/VR space to startups and businesses seeking to innovate using immersive technology. Through templates, resource guides, consultations, and workshops, Sarah is a beacon of guidance in this emerging field. When asked about her vision of the future, Sarah reveals: “Technology has the power to shape our futures and create a better world for generations to come.” In her eyes, AR and VR can transport us to new worlds, provide immersive learning environments, and revolutionize industries like education, healthcare, entertainment, and design. “Immersive technology takes the power of imagination to new heights. This technology has the potential to enhance our understanding and engagement with the world around us,” Sarah affirms.
A Pioneer in Innovation
Sarah’s contributions to the innovation ecosystem are not limited to her designs. “I actively work on projects where I can experiment with new AR/VR technology and explore their applications across different industries. I challenge myself to explore unconventional ideas and create concept prototypes,” she explains. Pursuing uncharted territories helps her stay ahead of the curve, continually bringing fresh insights and perspectives to her work.
The Future Awaits
Sarah paints a vibrant picture of the AR/VR industry’s future. With the expected mass adoption of AR glasses and VR headsets, she foresees a transformation in how we interact with digital content and the world around us. Sarah states: “Just as the invention of the iPhone changed how we use mobile phones, I anticipate a similar paradigm shift in the AR/VR space.” She aspires to play a pivotal role in this shift, aiming to establish guidelines for intuitive user experiences in AR/VR environments and to continue pioneering AR/VR applications across diverse industries. “I aim to drive innovation and establish design best practices that deliver intuitive user experiences within AR/VR environments. I hope to contribute to its growth, inspire others to explore its possibilities, and ensure that AR/VR technologies are designed with the utmost consideration for user satisfaction, accessibility, and usability,” Sarah shares.
A Spark Ignited
Sarah’s fascination with design began as a child in Malaysia, where her passion for art took root. By age 13, she discovered Adobe Photoshop, and the sparks of her future were ignited. She took that initial intrigue, nurtured it through a Bachelor’s degree in design, and carried it with her as she moved to Australia at 19, a leap of faith that would shape her career and future. Sarah’s journey wasn’t without challenges. She describes it: “Transitioning from a third-world country to a first-world country exposed me to technological advancements. However, being an immigrant presented numerous challenges.” Yet, she persevered, starting a small design business while studying full-time and working tirelessly to gain professional experience. “With minimal work experience, barely knowing anyone, and being far away from family and friends, I had to build everything from the ground up in hopes of building a better future,” Sarah confesses. Her hard work paid off when she secured a contract job at Google, where she plunged into the innovative waters of AR/VR technology. “I was amazed at how AR and VR added depth to visual art,” Sarah recounts.
This awe led Sarah to self-education and launch self-initiated projects. She worked with clients like Google, Adobe, Facebook, Amazon, and Mastercard on AR/VR and User Experience Design projects. In 2022, Sarah received recognition as one of 13 women reshaping the Australian business landscape by Smart Company, a remarkable achievement highlighting her tenacity and pioneering spirit. “My journey as an immigrant and woman of color in Western society has been filled with obstacles,” she states, citing instances of racism, gender discrimination, and visa-related challenges. Yet, Sarah’s resilience and determination carried her forward, fueling her remarkable contributions to the AR/VR field on a global scale. In her own words: “Anything is possible; always stay positive no matter what.” We can all live by these words as we journey towards a future increasingly shaped by emerging technologies.
The Critical Issue of Biases
Sarah identifies preconceived biases and stereotypes as the most critical issue facing women in technology. She suggests raising awareness, promoting education around unconscious bias, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the industry to address these issues. Her message to the world? “Embrace diversity, advocate for equality, and shape our future together.” Sarah advises other women in emerging technologies: “Embrace innovation and be brave in your pursuits.” She also emphasizes the importance of claiming their space, making their voices heard in a male-dominated field, and seeking supportive communities and networks to navigate their journey.
The narrative of Sarah Tan is not just a tale of a woman in tech but an inspiring saga of courage, resilience, and an unwavering vision. It’s about a woman who dared to dream, persisted despite obstacles, and carved out a niche in a field set to shape the future. Her journey serves as inspiration and a roadmap for women who aspire to make their mark in emerging technologies.
