👋🏼 Hi, I am Yongcheng Toh, but you can call me Lucas.
I am a product designer based in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. I enjoy solving complex Human-Computer Interaction problems through design and believe that time is our most valuable currency.
Chat with me about…
Japan Domestic Market Cars
Growing up in the late '80s, my passion for Japan Domestic Market (JDM) cars was ignited by racing games like Gran Turismo and the anime Initial D. These experiences introduced me to many legendary cars, but the Nissan Fairlady 240Z holds a special place in my heart for its advanced technology and iconic design. My fascination with JDM cars taught me the importance of balancing form and function. Just like the 240Z blends aesthetic appeal with performance, I believe great digital design should integrate visual beauty with usability. Understanding car design has deepened my appreciation for how attention to detail can create user interfaces that are both stunning and functional.
Nissan Fairlady 240z
Me beaten Lewin Hamilton's record
I Race Online
In racing, understanding data on temperature, humidity, and brake application to know how these factors affect the lap time helps me make informed adjustments to enhance my time attack strategy. Similarly, in product design, gathering user feedback and analyzing data allows me to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to create a better user experience. My racing simulator setup lets me hone my techniques in Gran Turismo 7, and being part of a professional racing community has sharpened my skills. This journey has reinforced that, whether in racing or UI/UX design, paying close attention to details and iterating based on feedback are essential for achieving excellence.
Story-Rich Games
I have a deep love for story-rich games like Death Stranding, Ghost of Tsushima, Titanfall 2, Final Fantasy, Cyberpunk 2077, and Detroit: Become Human. These games pull me in with their incredible narratives and immersive worlds, reminding me of the thrill of embarking on a great adventure. For me, a well-designed user interface is key to the experience. If the UI is too intrusive, it pulls me out of the story; if it’s too hidden, it can be frustrating. These games show how crucial it is for the UI to support the story without stealing the spotlight, allowing me to fully lose myself in the adventure.
Ghost of Tsushima
Some of My Collection
Plastic Model Kits
Building plastic model kits, like car models or Gundam robots, is a hobby I genuinely enjoy. With my background in engineering and UI/UX, I find joy in the intricate details of these kits. Assembling them not only satisfies my curiosity about the design and engineering behind these amazing creations but also brings a sense of accomplishment. Creating a good manual is similar to designing a seamless user experience; both require a deep understanding of the product. This hobby allows me to live out my childhood dreams of owning the cars and robots I admired, blending my love for design with a touch of nostalgia.
The Matrix
I love watching science fiction movies and TV shows because they let me imagine future worlds and question our understanding of ourselves. My favorite sci-fi series is The Matrix. I've watched it at least five or six times since my teenage years. What fascinates me isn't Neo's superhuman abilities, but how the story explores reality and our perceptions. The Matrix makes me think about the conflict between free will and destiny. Neo's journey highlights the importance of free will and self-awareness, symbolizing our quest for truth and self-liberation. This movie has had a profound impact on me, making me realize I should take charge of my own life.
Red Pill or Blue Pill?
The Aliens See Us as Bugs
The Three-Body Problem
The TV show that left a lasting impression on me is The Three-Body Problem, which premiered on Netflix this year. The story, which begins during the Cultural Revolution, follows humanity's contact with an alien species called the "San-Ti". Episode 8 really stuck with me. In it, Nora tells Saul she fears the aliens' arrival because she cares about the future and wants to have children, while Saul feels powerless since it seems so far away. Their conversation continues from Saul's home to the street, ending in an alien-induced traffic accident that tragically kills Nora. The irony of her worrying about the future but dying in the present struck me deeply. It made me realize the importance of balancing future plans with living in the present. Interestingly, after watching the show, I had a medical check-up and discovered I have high cholesterol. This motivated me to start regularly going to the gym.