JADE
TANG-TAYLOR
Designer... Dreamer... Doer
ABOUT
Kia Ora, Ni Hao & Hello!
My name is Jade Tang-Taylor,
And I’m a Designer... a Dreamer... and a Doer.
But what does that mean, exactly?
As a Designer: I’m professionally trained in the field of visual communication design; graphic, web & digital design. More recently I've also been exploring the realm of UX, Human-Centred Design, Community-Centred Design, Co-Design and utilising Design Thinking methods to bring about positive social impact.
As a Dreamer: I’m a purpose-driven, design-led, somewhat idealistic creative social entrepreneur. Always dreaming and endeavouring to connect multi-sector, multi-disciplinary, and
multi-cultural communities to collaborate and find ways to create collective impact.
As a Doer: I’m someone who loves to make sh*t happen, not just dream, design or have too much dialogue about it, with no action ;)
A BIT ABOUT MY
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
My professional background is more of a squiggly line than a straight one... However, regardless of what hat I'm wearing, I’ve always had a strong passion in ‘Design for Social Change’ as reflected in these various projects & roles below.
Fortunate enough to receive an AUT Vice-Chancellor's scholarship, I was then able to study a Bachelor of Design (in 2005) and Masters of Arts Management (in 2010) where I focussed a lot of reading/research on creative and social entrepreneurship, and more recently return from a "Designing for Social Systems" workshop at Stanford D.School.
I’ve immersed myself in professional life over the past decade and loved every minute of it! Over the next decade, I intend to shift my focus & energy in creating more long-term social impact and system change. However, starting with myself, my family and my personal background.
A BIT ABOUT MY
PERSONAL BACKGROUND:
My personal background is something I’m learning to embrace a little more, especially with this phase of life I'm and the networks of influence & communities I’ve been lucky to have been a part of thus far.
Born in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, my family migrated to Aotearoa, New Zealand when I was two, and settled in West Auckland. Exposure to these Eastern traditions mixed with Western mentality has made me a proud “Chiwi” - someone of Malaysian/Chinese ethnicity and Kiwi/New Zealand nationality.
I believe that growing up in a low socio-economic environment within a diverse community and various international travel experiences has given me different perspective and approach to everything I do and everyone I meet; regardless of age, stage, gender, culture, etc.
I have recently moved back to the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges with my husband (Adam Taylor), our terrible/terrific toddler (Phoenix Grace Tang Taylor) and cat (Queenie).
Overall, I'm deeply passionate about Design for Social Impact,
with a focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Currently, I'm super curious about we move from design thinking, social innovation & strategy to create systems-level change. Whether it be at a:
-
governance-level - serving on ministerial advisory groups
(NACEW & MECAG) -
professional-level - working at a global design & social innovation consultancy (Innovation Unit)
-
personal-level - volunteering time & creative energy into local community-led collaborations (Haere Mai & Welcome)
However, I'm always learning, I always love to connect with other people and hear about their stories & experiences. If you would like to meet-up and learn a little more about me, the projects or the communities I'm involved in, I would love to hear from you. So, feel free to please get in touch
Kia ora, Xie Xie &
Thanks for stopping by
JTT
" Life is one
BIG project"
- Angie Fleming
PROJECTS
I've been fortunate enough to have been involved in, co-founded, co-hosted and lead a wide range of projects & roles over the years. From local design initiatives, to global creative events and a few start-up social enteprises.
Interested in getting involved with any of my current projects, learning more about my previous projects, or have an idea for an upcoming project? Please get in touch »
Current
Projects & Roles
Innovation Unit
Director of Innovation & Partnerships
Innovation Unit is a social enterprise based in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
We work internationally, applying disciplined approaches to develop new solutions and create impact at scale.
I am currently one of the Director of Innovation & Partnerships.
Edmund Hillary Fellowship
EHF Fellow
The Edmund Hillary Fellowship brings visionary entrepreneurs, investors and startup teams together in NZ to create global impact.
I am currently selected to be a EHF fellow as part of their final cohort 8.
SheEO
Activator
SheEO is a radically generous community supporting women + non-binary people working on the World’s To-Do List.
I am currently a SheEO activator in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Co Jam
Co-Founder & Convenor
CoJam is similar to a weekend hackathon, but with a focus on designing with the community.
Connecting with young changemakers, learn about creative problem-solving skills and collaborate with our former refugee & resettlement communities
I am currently one of the catalysts as part of the co-design colab.
Haere Mai & Welcome
Co-Founder & Community Catalyst
'Haere Mai & Welcome' to Glen Eden is a creative initiative that provides new residents with all the information they need to find their feet in their new neighbourhood.
I am currently catalysing and co-designing this creative collaboration with the wider community.
Phoenix & Friends
Co-Founder &
Community Catalyst
Phoenix & Friends is a creative little family, based at the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges, West Auckland, New Zealand. And we spend quality time on community-minded passion projects.
I am currently one part of a family of three, and we are currently in the process of exploring creative collaborations in our local community.
Previous
Projects & Roles
Centre for Social Impact
Associate
The Centre for Social Impact is an initiative of Foundation North and helps grant-makers and funders invest for impact, and enables their community partners to turn that investment into inspiring and sustainable social change.
I was previously an associate of the Centre for Social Impact.
Foundation North
Ethnic Diversity Activator
Foundation North is holds in trust for the Auckland and Northland communities an endowment, or putea, of over a billion dollars.
I was previously the Ethnic Diversity Strategy Activator as part of the Leadership Team.
Cheese Cartel
Co-Founder &
Design Director
Cheese Cartel is a monthly subscription box of local artisan cheeses from across Aotearoa, NZ
I was previously one part of five fabulous socially conscious and entrepreneurial founders.
AUT | The Draft
Catalyst & Board Member
AUT | The Draft is a student-led agency for social impact.
This is a prototype that evolved out of a Strategic Design course I design, developed and delivered whilst I was lecturing at AUT. As well as a few follow-up design thinking workshop around staff and students.
AUT University
Design Thinking &
Business Lecturer
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is the fastest growing and second largest university in New Zealand.
I was previously part-time lecturing papers in the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies (DCT) that are also available for Faculty of Business students:
- Design for Business
- Design Thinking/Co-Design
- Design Management
University of Auckland (CAI)
Creative Arts & Industries
Project Catalyst & Consultant
Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries (CAI), the University of Auckland's creative centre, the faculty promotes artistic and professional innovation and collaboration.
I was previously co-leading a design-thinking process to understand and prototype the Creative Ecology of Auckland/Aotearoa for CAI students, graduates and emerging creative professionals.
CreativeMornings /AKL
Chapter Founder & Co-Host
CreativeMornings is a global monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types.
I founded the Auckland Chapter in 2011 and currently in the process of officially handing over to my co-host Kaan Hiini, and setting up the advisory board.
On The Grid /AKL
Chapter Founder & Curator
On the Grid is a series of neighbourhood guides by local creatives. Created by Hyperakt and curated by amazing designers around the world.
In a recent social design research trip to Brooklyn, NYC I met up with the friendly guys at Hyperakt and have been appointed the Auckland ambassador and West Auckland curator.
100 Days /100 Mums Project
Co-Founder & Creative
The 100 Days Project is a simple creativity project that requires one thing, every day for 100 days.
During my maternity leave, I took the opportunity to adapt this concept to embark on a creative challenge to do 100 empathy interviews with 100 inspiring mums.
Curative NZ Ltd
Co-Founder & Director
Curative is a creative agency committed to making the world a little bit better.
Co-founded in 2012 along with Eddy Royal, I have recently resigned from my role as director to focus on other upcoming projects.
Fail Club
Founding Member
Fail Club is a bi-monthly breakfast founded by a small group of creative entrepreneurs, service designers, social innovators.
We first came together in
2013 for a HCD for social innovation course and have continued to meet after developing & prototyping
our initial idea.
The Feast /AKL
Chapter Founder & Host
The Feast is about bringing together inspired people from across disciplines to connect, create, and celebrate social innovation and the power of human potential.
We hosted a satellite event 'Feast on Good' Worldwide Auckland Hub in collaboration with other changemakers.
The Big Idea
Community Manager
The Big Idea is an online community for creatives in NZ, all about valuing creativity and accelerating success.
I was the Community Manager in 2011, where I lived by the mantra "work on projects that inspire you with people you aspire to" and worked with an incredible team.
We Can Create
Comms/Media Manager
We Can Create is New Zealand’s alternative art and creative industries showcase.
I was the Marketing / Media liaison and worked closely with the Creative Director to help realise this event in its inaugural year in 2011.
yMedia
Art Director & Connector
yMedia connects students, industry and not-for-profit organisations to develop and implement new media initiatives for collective growth.
Founded in 2008, I became involved in this youth driven social enterprise as Art Director & Connector and managed the yMedia Challenge in 2010.
Upcoming
Projects
Have an interesting idea?
If you have an upcoming project/interesting idea related to design/creative/social change you would like to discuss
and explore with me, don't hesitate to get in touch »
""
He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people
– Māori Proverb
COMMUNITY
I love people and a self-confessed "networkaholic" and believe in both the strength of grassroots communities & leadership networks to connect, collaborate and create change for a better Aotearoa/New Zealand/ World.
Most of the membership networks I belong to relate to either design, diversity, creativity and women. Interested in joining any of these networks or connecting with one of these communities? Please get in touch »
Community & Networks
CreativeMornings
Auckland.
Chapter founder & Host 2011 - 2017
The Designers Institute of NZ
Best Awards Judge - Public Good 2015
Design Assembly
friend & contributor
Leadership NZ
Alumni 2015
Asia NZ foundation leadership network
2011 - present
NZ Asian Leaders network member
2016 - present
Super Diverse Women network member
2017 - present
Auckland Council
Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel, Deputy Chair
2017.- 2020
BLOG
Honestly speaking, I'm not much of a writer, however I do find myself from time to time, feeling compelled and passionate enough about a topic or issue that I'll cobble together some thoughts and share my opinion.
Fortunately, I've been lucky enough to have a few pieces written about me / my work too. Here's the most recent posts on my blog below, however if you're keen to read more, view the full blog »
