Kelly Ko
Product Designer

A budding product designer with a unique blend of expertise in human-computer interaction (HCI), business acumen, and an empathetic mindset. Based in Toronto.

Most recently, a research assistant specializing in AR and UX at Carleton University. Previously, the first UX/UI intern at Kynza, Canada’s first ROSCA startup. Prior to that, a creative planning executive at Meitu, a renowned AI-based photo & video editor mobile app in China.

I’m Kelly — an aspiring product designer with a master’s degree in HCI. I care a lot about democratizing tech through user-centred designs.

Previously worked in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, and the US. Currently based in Toronto, Canada.

I recently served as a research assistant at Carleton University, collaborating with Dr. Vicky McArthur. My master’s thesis focused on democratizing AR by investigating the novice UX of authoring tools. Prior to that, I was one of the first two UX/UI interns at Kynza — Canada’s pioneering digital rotating saving mobile platform. Working  with a startup team, I delved into user and business needs, and redesigned the MVP’s UX and UI.

Before Kynza, I was part of a pioneering AI and AR product and business development team led by the CFO at Meitu — a renowned AI-based photo and video editor mobile app in China. Collaborating closely with clients, design, and development teams, I contributed to diverse design and product outputs, ranging from digital products to test hardware, marketing, and in-person campaign launches. I played a part in scaling digital product development.

Over the years I’ve worked across online retail, media, health, beauty, finance, tech, and hardware. From early-stage startups like Kynza, to multinational companies like Cosmopolitan HK and listed companies like Meitu. I’ve also worked with some pretty awesome brands like Gucci Beauty, DFS, and Watsons.