Hi, my name is Hao (pronounced [h ow]), or you can call me Howie. I’m a web designer and developer specializing in creating aesthetic and unique digital experiences. As of now, I’ve had the privilege of working at an advertising agency and a nonprofit organization. Currently, he works as a web developer at UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center while also engaging in some design work.
In my spare time, I enjoy doing some freelancing work. My goal is to use technology to help clients articulate what’s in their mind to better express themselves.
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Though coming from a background in architecture, I am always willing to embrace new technology. At school, I took programming courses like Data Visualization and Grasshopper. My professional experience started at WeWork. I was fascinated by how a data-driven approach is implemented in design. It’s also fun to work with tech-background colleagues. Later at SOM, I worked on an interior project involving VR. The team added a VR interaction session to the final presentation for the client. It was a big success. These two experiences really open my mind and reveal more opportunity and potential in the tech industry. In my spare time, I self-taught programming and gradually realize my true passion for web development.
My diverse background prepares me with both design and development skills: a keen eye for design; professional experience using a wide range of digital design tools; design thinking, proven problem solving, research and analytical skills.
Currently, I am working on Repeat App - a full-stack project aims to improve language skills and building his own React Guide while solidifying Data structure and Algorithm. Post videos about how I solve React problems live occasionally.
Sidenote: It is worth noting I completely redesign and rebuild my portfolio website using React. It is a major update from previous design version preparing for my aspiring dev career. View source code.
[LEGACY] Watch a video: I also made a self-introduction video. Legacy, still fun to watch.
Current status 03/25/2025: UVACCC; Marketing Plan; Gateway West.
I picked two projects as an indication of my full-stack develop skills. Also, apply newly learned knowledge to something I feel excited about always motivates me to keep going.
Snap App focus on creating a photo sharing platform for people who love architecture. It integrates sharing, navigation, architecture information and tour planning together. Watch a video for details.
A blog site focus on work-life balance. Its content is around three topics: design, psychology and community. Built with Next.js. Watch a video for details.
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Feb 06, 2021 HowieWork (designer edition) goes live! *Site has been archived at*Site has been archived at GitHub
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Dec, 2021 - Feb, 2022 Completely re-design and re-develop HowieWork (developer edition).
View detail
- Dec 11, 2021 Complete design ideaion including wireframing, design system and prototyping
- Dec 18, 2021 Build basic React structure based on Routes and Pages and React components
- Dec 26, 2021 Support for dark mode
- Dec 30, 2021 Add post section
- Jan 04, 2022 Update website content
- Feb 02, 2022 HowieWork v1.0 goes live!
- Mar 22, 2022 Major updates: Add Portfolio presentation video, Data visualization & Grasshopper; Add Send Message feature for better UX
I started to use GitHub very early during my self-teaching. In the beginning, I mainly use GH as a platform to keep a track of what I've learned. Also, I can always go back to GH for reviewing knowledge. With the help of GH pages, I was able to publish some of the projects I followed along tutorials. Here are two examples - Natour & Forkify:
A list of certifications I earned:
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Feb 11, 2025 Next.js & React - The Complete Guide*Also, I wrote a post about How I learn Next.js
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Oct 28, 2022 AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
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Sep 07, 2022 Frontend Expert - AlgoExpert
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April 9, 2021 The Complete 2021 Web Development Bootcamp
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October 10, 2020 JavaScript Algorithm and Data Structure
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September 8, 2020 Responsive Web Design
