Australian Graduates of the Year 2024 Winners

Australian Graduate of the Year | Madeline Lester Award

Maoxin Yuan
University of New South Wales
(NSW)

The Australian Graduate of the Year Award (AGOTYA) Madeline Lester Prize recognises exceptional emerging design talent, and Maoxin Yuan, a graduate of the University of New South Wales, has certainly proven himself worthy of this prestigious accolade. Maoxin's entry demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of design principles with a keen eye for detail and a thoughtful approach to user experience. His diverse portfolio showcases not only strong conceptual thinking and creativity but also a commendable grasp of materials, technology, and sustainability.

Maoxin's design philosophy, rooted in harmonising aesthetics and innovation for products that resonate with people, is evident throughout his work. He embraces a strategic, research-driven approach, inspired by the Double Diamond framework, to identify user needs and translate them into practical and elegant solutions.

Beyond his design skills, Maoxin impressed the judging panel with his articulate communication and insightful reflections on his design process. His dedication to continuous learning is apparent in his pursuit of industry experience through internships at KWA Design, Purpose Design Lab, and Vert Design, where he honed his skills in diverse sectors and embraced cutting-edge technologies. He demonstrated a mature understanding of industry trends and a clear vision for his future career path. His passion for design and eagerness to contribute to the profession shone through during the interview process, leaving no doubt that he possesses the drive and dedication to excel in the field. The DIA is confident that Maoxin Yuan, with his exceptional academic record culminating in a First-Class Honours degree and a UNSW University Medal, represents the bright future of Australian design, and we are thrilled to celebrate his achievements with the AGOTYA Madeline Lester Prize.