Google innovation is a team sport.

 Innovation is a team sport. In our Singapore office, UX Manager Kai Yee, Product Managers (PM) Lauren and Ira, and Software Engineer Janssen combined design, technical finesse and strategy to turn digital payments into a nationwide viral sensation with "Huat Pals," which allowed Google Pay users to collect digital stickers to celebrate Lunar New Year and earn rewards.

Lauren explains how the Product team transformed a utility into a cultural moment: thinking beyond transactions to create a social ecosystem. "We kind of thought about that whole game as building an economy where we would be the central bank printing out the digital currency which were these characters or digital stickers," she says.

Ira sees it as the intersection of technology, trust and everyday life. While the campaign brings joy through lovable characters and games like "Huat Rain," security remains paramount. According to Ira, "The goal is to design products that are easy and simple for users while maintaining high levels of security."

Janssen notes the project has evolved into a reusable framework for seasonal campaigns like Diwali/Deepavali in India. His role involves significant coordination with UX to ensure art and functionality align perfectly. For Janssen, the best part is a culture where everyone steps up to share expertise.

And finally, for Kai Yee, cross-functional teamwork is the driving force behind Google’s intentional product design. He explains that “UX teams partner closely with product and engineering to guarantee that experiences are engaging, well-loved and built collaboratively.”