May Yang

Founder & Inventor

About

I am a product designer and founder of UNPAIR, focused on rethinking footwear as a system.I began in fashion design, where I observed inefficiencies in production, which led me to shift toward system-level innovation.Traditional footwear relies on a left-right pairing model, creating duplicated production, complex inventory, and material waste. My work explores a symmetrical approach with a reversible element, allowing one shoe to function for both feet.This system reduces redundancy and improves manufacturing efficiency, offering a more flexible and sustainable model.What if shoes didn’t have left or right?https://unpairshoes.com

Country

United States

City

Houston

Industry

Apparel & Fashion

Skill

Systems Thinking, Product system Design, Experimental Footwear Design, Footwear Design, Product Concept Development, Symmetrical Design, Prototype Development

Experience

Founder & Inventor

Unpair

2024-1 - Present · 2 yrs 9 mos

United States

Founder and inventor of UNPAIR, a symmetrical footwear system that removes the traditional left-right dependency. Concept originated in 2024 through exploration of inefficiencies in conventional product systems. It has since developed into a structured design approach. Focused on rethinking footwear at a system level, including production, inventory, and replacement logic. 🔗unpairshoes.com

Cross-Border Product Experience (Footwear & Accessories)

Independent

2012-3 - 2024-1 · 11 yrs 11 mos

Involved in cross-border distribution connecting U.S. footwear and accessories with the Taiwan market. Gained exposure to product positioning, consumer behavior, and supply chain challenges across markets. Developed an understanding of inefficiencies in traditional product systems.

Fashion Designer

Fashion Industry (Taiwan)

2002 - 2008 · 6 yrs

Taiwan

Worked in apparel design across womenswear and childrenswear, with experience in product development, design execution, and production coordination. Gained early insight into inefficiencies in manufacturing and product systems, which later informed a shift toward system-level design thinking. Received an invitation from senior management to take on a design team leadership role in Shanghai (2010), reflecting early professional recognition. Chose to return to the United States to broaden international exposure and continue personal and professional development.