Illume
Empowering the future of civic intelligence
Shane Hsieh
Product Designer in Toronto
I’m Shane, an engineering graduate from the University of Waterloo who’s interned at OtO, Arctic Wolf, and Questrade, where I learned how to turn technical detail into products people can actually use.
Why product? Because the best tech doesn’t just solve problems, it creates space for people to show up with more presence and share better experiences together.
Careless or perfunctory. I never want those words to define my work or myself. I want to be known not for settling at “good enough,” but for building in ways that help people feel connected, understood, and supported. That carries into my life too: competing on the volleyball court, finding stillness in theology, exploring through photography, and showing up for the people closest to me.
Technical Skills
Tools:
Figma, SQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, React, TypeScript, Adobe InDesign, InVision
Skills:
Beta Test Management, Requirements Gathering, User Interviews, A/B Testing, Problem Breakdown & Prioritization, Wireframing, Stakeholder Management, Data Analysis, Prototyping
Work Experience
Sept 2024 - Dec 2024
Product Manager Intern at OtO Inc.
Toronto, ON
- Scaled OtO's beta testing program from 16 to 55 participants, increasing response rates from 20% to 60%
- Led cross-functional teams to cut app development cycles from 3 weeks to 2 weeks
- Spearheaded requirements gathering for the 2025 roadmap based on review analysis, boosting CSAT from 80% to 85%
Jan 2024 - May 2024
Product Manager Intern at OtO Inc.
Toronto, ON
- Reduced solution return rates by 10% by analyzing OtO's solution install process
- Created and implemented internal KPIs for the website to identify and optimize conversion bottlenecks
May 2022 - Aug 2022
Product Designer Intern at Arctic Wolf Networks
Waterloo, ON
- Conducted UX interviews on the internal log search tool and delivered validated prototypes
- Supported development of the Fenrir design system by standardizing UI components
May 2021 - Aug 2021
Product Designer Intern at Questrade Financial Group
Toronto, ON
- Redesigned mobile account opening and bill payment workflows, reducing customer service tickets
- Supported QA for Edge Mobile trading features to enable rapid iteration and a successful launch
Projects
Aug 2024 - Present
Waterloo Engineering Capstone Project: Illume AI
Award-winning FYDP
Illume, an innovative AI-powered platform that transforms complex civic engagement data into actionable insights through explainable thematic extraction, successfully secured funding and onboarded multiple users.
Education
Expected: May 2025
University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering with Co-op
Relevant Coursework: Engineering Economics, Statistics and Probability, Engineering Technical Writing, Design Frameworks for Social Ventures, Conflict Resolution
