Interview with Qian Wan

Qian Wan ("QW") interviewed on Saturday, 13 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

QW : With over a decade of extensive experience in the design industry, I proudly stand as a seasoned and accomplished professional. Throughout my illustrious career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with renowned organizations spanning diverse sectors. Notable collaborations include esteemed entities such as VMware, Penn Medicine, and GEICO, where I assumed the role of a design lead at a progressive healthcare startup. I have been blessed with exceptional opportunities to contribute to exceptional projects as a key member or as the lead designer. One remarkable achievement worth highlighting is my involvement in the creation of the acclaimed GEICO Mobile App. This groundbreaking endeavor garnered resounding accolades, with the distinguished People's Voice Award at the highly esteemed Webby Awards and the coveted title of the top-ranking application by the Keynova Group. Beyond the realm of professional endeavors, I am fueled by an insatiable passion for investing my time and expertise in personal projects. These ventures have garnered widespread recognition, with prestigious accolades including the revered Gold Award at the Muse Creative Awards, multiple Gold Awards at the Indigo Design Awards, the esteemed Arcturus from the Vega Digital Awards, and the esteemed Iron Award at the A’ Design Award. In addition to my design contributions, I have had the honor of serving as a distinguished judge at the internationally acclaimed TreeHacks hackathon hosted by Stanford University. This esteemed role bestowed upon me the responsibility of meticulously evaluating over 300 project submissions from a remarkable pool of 1,600 hackers representing 12 countries. These remarkable milestones and experiences have shaped my journey, fueling my dedication to craft designs that resonate, inspire, and push the boundaries of creativity.

How did you become a designer?

QW : Since an early age, I have nurtured a deep and unwavering passion for design and art. The sheer delight of sketching, painting, and engaging in hands-on creative endeavors has ignited my artistic spirit. As my academic journey unfolded, I found myself drawn to the captivating realm of industrial design, which sparked a profound fascination for the intersection of digital innovation and technological progress. It was within this exploration that I serendipitously stumbled upon the captivating discipline of UX/product design, where my innate creativity harmoniously converges with a heartfelt aspiration to craft products that contribute to the betterment of society. Determined to refine my expertise and expand my skill set, I eagerly embarked on a series of consequential projects, each serving as a stepping stone towards my current role as a proficient UX/product designer. Through these formative experiences, I have honed my abilities and deepened my understanding of how design can be leveraged as a powerful agent of positive change within our society. Now, fully immersed in my vocation, I proudly navigate the realm of UX/product design with proficiency and purpose. It is through this chosen path that I wield the transformative power of design to create meaningful and impactful experiences for users, striving to foster social welfare and make a tangible difference in the world.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

QW : In the realm of interaction and motion design, I embrace a playful approach that infuses my work with a sense of delight and whimsy. My ultimate goal is to not only create visually captivating experiences but also to evoke feelings of joy, spark innovation, and contribute to the betterment of society.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

QW : Engulfed in a design project, a wave of excitement washes over me, invigorating my creative spirit. The prospect of transforming ideas into tangible and impactful designs fills me with an electrifying enthusiasm. Yet, I cannot deny that an element of challenge accompanies this exhilaration, for within every design project lies a multitude of unknowns waiting to be unraveled. Embracing this challenge, I navigate through uncharted territories, fully aware that the path to innovation is often paved with uncertainty. It is within these unexplored realms that I discover hidden opportunities, allowing me to push the boundaries of my own capabilities. Every twist and turn presents a chance to explore new techniques, experiment with fresh ideas, and uncover novel solutions.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

QW : My educational background at the intersection of design and engineering, coupled with my Integrated Product Design program at Upenn, has provided me with a holistic perspective on projects. In addition to design knowledge, I have gained valuable insights in areas such as big data, machine learning, and business through Wharton courses. This multidisciplinary knowledge allows me to seamlessly move from high-level strategic thinking to detailed implementation and collaborate effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

QW : Looking ahead, my future plans revolve around a steadfast commitment to expanding both my global and community impact. Building upon the foundation of my past achievements, I aim to push the boundaries even further and make a meaningful difference on a larger scale. On a global level, I aspire to extend my reach and influence to wider audiences. This entails leveraging my design expertise to address pressing global challenges and contribute to solutions that transcend borders. Whether it be through innovative design projects, collaborations with international organizations, or participation in global initiatives, I seek to create positive change that resonates on a global scale.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

QW : My advice to aspiring designers who are embarking on their career journey is to embrace two crucial pillars: seeking feedback and fostering collaboration. It is essential to shed any fear or hesitation and actively share your work with others, inviting constructive criticism and insights. By engaging with fellow designers, mentors, or design communities, you expose yourself to diverse perspectives and invaluable guidance that can elevate your skills and understanding.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

QW : Do not hesitate to showcase your impact, knowledge, and projects to your peers. It is essential to go beyond the boundaries of your immediate job and cultivate connections outside of your professional sphere. By doing so, you can unlock a multitude of benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. First and foremost, sharing your impact, whether it be through presentations, conferences, or online platforms, allows you to demonstrate your expertise and showcase the value of your work. In addition, actively engaging with peers beyond your workplace fosters a culture of knowledge exchange and continuous learning. By connecting with designers from diverse backgrounds and industries, you gain access to fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and valuable insights.

What is your day to day look like?

QW : In my daily life as a designer, my primary focus revolves around the design projects assigned to me by either the product manager or my direct manager. To ensure a solid foundation, I dedicate time to settling project details and conducting thorough research before immersing myself in the design work. This preliminary phase allows me to gain a deep understanding of the project requirements, target audience, and contextual nuances, ensuring that my designs are purposeful and aligned with the intended goals.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

QW : Beyond the project-specific tasks, I also recognize the importance of continuous learning and professional development. To stay abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of technology and design, I proactively invest time in reading industry publications and staying updated on the latest trends. Additionally, I actively seek out and enroll in courses and workshops that expand my knowledge base and refine my skills. This commitment to ongoing education empowers me to bring fresh insights and innovative approaches to my design projects. By striking a balance between project-focused work and continuous learning, I strive to deliver impactful designs that not only meet the immediate project objectives but also reflect the latest advancements and best practices in the field. This proactive approach ensures that I remain at the forefront of the design industry and consistently deliver exceptional results.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

QW : Good design is characterized by its ability to generate both business impact and social impact. It combines strategic thinking, innovation, and a deep understanding of user needs to create solutions that not only meet business objectives but also contribute to a better and more inclusive society. By considering both dimensions, designers have the opportunity to create designs that are not only visually appealing and functional but also meaningful, purposeful, and impactful in the broader context.

Qian Wan Profile