Interview with Anqi Chen

Anqi Chen ("AC") interviewed on Wednesday, 22 May.

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

AC : My name is Anqi (Angela), a New York-based UX Designer dedicated to sustainability and social impact, particularly at the intersection of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and design. I craft human-centered design solutions that stem from my observation of the daily details of how people engage with technologies. I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Cornell University, which laid the foundation for my journey in human-computer interaction design. I have been creating sophisticated design solutions at Veritas Technologies for around two years, where my work revolves around data-driven enterprise applications. My interdisciplinary background, coupled with my empathy and curiosity empowers me to drive original designs that are intuitive, sustainable, user-friendly and have great potential to bring goodness to the world.

How did you become a designer?

AC : My passion for design was ignited during my formative years when I discovered how technology could inspire creativity and solve real-world problems. From a young age, I was fascinated by the idea of creating aesthetically pleasing and innovative solutions that seamlessly integrated into users’ lives. What truly set me apart, though, was my innate sense of empathy and my strong desire to help people through design. I have the ability to craft intuitive solutions and narratives that resonate with a broad audience. These qualities laid the foundation for my design journey, leading me to fortunately pursue my degrees focusing on user experience at an Ivy League school in the United States, as well as an exciting career as a UX Designer at a globally renowned tech company. Here, I use my expertise and passion to solve complex problems in human-computer interaction. In short, my design journey has been driven not only by a desire to create visually stunning products but also by a genuine aspiration to enhance people’s lives through technology.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AC : My priorities in design process is to 1) understand project goals, challenges and relevant domain knowledge, 2) user needs and pains 3) assumptions and constraints that are necessary to land the good design decisions. My design style prioritizes crafting clean and intuitive designs infused with empathy and strategic foresight. I always enjoy pen and paper, and view design as a channel that connects people with products, placing emphasis on usability, functionality, and resonating with human emotions from an aesthetic standpoint.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AC : Feeling both inspired and accomplished, I'm thrilled to see my designs come to life and be appreciated by the public. Though the moments when I land the decisions excite me most, the whole journey from idea to reality is incredibly fulfilling, and refining and nurturing my creations brings me great pride and joy. Each recognition motivates me to keep improving and pushing the limits of my design skills. I'm grateful for the chance to make a difference through my creativity and look forward to continuing to grow and hone my craft.

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

AC : A comprehensive understanding of the domain and relevant cultural settings is essential for crafting effective design solutions. It's crucial to know who the design is for, and what their needs and goals are. I've found platforms like Medium and McKinsey Digital Insights invaluable for gaining insights and knowledge that inform my design process from conception to completion.

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

AC : In the next five years, I foresee myself continuing to shape impactful opportunities in UX Design. I’m interested in exploring different domains to understand my scope and passion. Being a designer in the enterprise domain, I’m continuing to meet opportunities and challenges that are sophisticated. I also envision becoming a design lead where I will lead a team of designers to pioneer in the field. A few interesting topics that I’d love to explore are climate tech, health tech, and financial tech.

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

AC : Don't boil the ocean: avoid trying to tackle everything at once. When starting a project, it's crucial to ask questions to understand user needs, business goals, and any constraints. Making assumptions is necessary, especially given specific timelines. I recommend designers create designs early on to get prompt feedback from peers and stakeholders. Building a strong and resilient mindset is essential for a successful career in design.

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

AC : First and foremost, users are the cornerstone of good design. Without a deep understanding of our users, it's nearly impossible to create a visually appealing and functional product. That's why I prioritize thorough research to immerse myself in the market and various user groups. Design, at its core, is about addressing the needs of users and enhancing their experiences. Furthermore, what distinguishes design and makes it difficult to be replaced by AI is its ability to capture human aesthetics. I strongly advise aspiring designers to become proficient in design tools, both software and hardware, and to hone their skills through consistent practice. In addition to technical proficiency, storytelling is an essential skill for a designer. Beyond the design itself, we're passionate about sharing the stories behind each creation—the what, when, and why we design them. These narratives not only enrich the design process but also foster deeper connections with our audience.

What is your day to day look like?

AC : My typical day begins with my alarm ringing around 8:30 am, although I often find myself needing a brief 15-minute power nap to quickly re-energize. Prior to commencing work, I prepare coffee using my Nespresso machine. Throughout the day, I engage in a variety of activities including meetings, collaborative group work, individual tasks, and wrap-up sessions. In the evenings, I typically attend a gym class, enjoy dinner, and dedicate time to Duolingo sessions before retiring for the night. I prioritize a meditation session before bed as it significantly enhances the quality of my sleep.

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

AC : I keep up with the latest trend in generative AI and design. I believe that in the next 5-10 years, AI will play a pivotal role in enriching user insights and refining user experience through personalization and optimization. While I don’t foresee AI replacing the design industry, but a promising future where AI and design collaborate to drive ongoing innovation. Reflecting on my personal design style, I foster close partnerships and focus on the humanistic and creative aspects of design, while AI handles more complex and data-driven tasks. Throughout this evolution, the design process must remain transparent, ethical, and constantly evolving to effectively meet user requirements.

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

AC : A good design narrates a compelling story. It has the ability to visually immerse individuals in scenarios that achieve goals, alleviate pain points, and foster positivity. High-quality designs are appreciated not only by designers like ourselves but also by our users, as they evoke enjoyment and satisfaction. For me, I consider that a product is well designed if it clearly conveys the meaning and goals. A common mistake that designers should avoid is to focus too much on pixel-perfect screens to pay attention to its rationale and usability.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AC : There are two aspects that I define if my design is ready. First, I complete the design workflows based on requirements and user goals, and I’m able to have the prototypes reviewed by the team and passed the usability testing. Second, I stay keen on the development team where adjustments and improvements are necessary during product implementation, ensuring that my design fits well with technical scope while shining on its aesthetics.

What is your biggest design work?

AC : My most proud design work is the Calmspace mobile concept, and I’m fortunate to see it has been recognized in so many internationally renowned design competitions and awards especially A’ Design Award. The concept of Calmspace was born out of my observation during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the prevalence of anxiety among young adults increased due to the constant digital connectivity enforced by remote work and learning. Recognizing this issue, I envisioned Calmspace as a mobile design solution tailored to alleviate technology-induced anxiety among young adults in educational and professional settings. The most challenging aspect of designing the Calmspace concept was defining the target user group while navigating technical constraints. During the research phase, I identified the ideal users for Calmspace as individuals between the ages of 18 and 30, including students and professionals with access to digital technologies.

Who is your favourite designer?

AC : My favorite designer in contemporary art is David Shrigley. His iconic artwork “When Life Gives You A Lemon” has been inspiring to me in his unique artistic approach that features dark humor and childlike drawings, magnifying the bizarre and often overlooked aspects of life and revealing their inherent peculiarities. I enjoy the process of re-assessing my preconceptions of daily existence through his illustrations. Shrigley creates the most impact in redefining a good design because his art is a reminder of the humorous and irrational side of human nature, leading to our in-depth retrospections in meaning of life and existence. One of his quotes says that “I don’t think you can make brilliant art work, in a way, or at least at the time you’ve made it you don’t know if it’s brilliant. I just try and make art works that are good enough to show.”

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

AC : My hometown, Hangzhou in China, is my muse, providing endless inspiration. Living and working in the Big Apple, I'm keenly aware of my multicultural and multilingual background, and I deeply value the sense of belonging it brings me. My design inspirations stem from everyday experiences, ranging from minute pixel details to broader life themes. I'm committed to imbuing my designs with sustainability and impact, striving to make meaningful contributions through my work. Of course, music (especially classical) plays a crucial role in my creative process, as I enjoy playing various types while I work.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

AC : I enjoy both working alone and with partners, but the key is to find a clear boundary when speaking of work-life balance and priorities. I look for people who are good communicators, friendly and productive collaborators, where I’m excited about receiving and giving feedback while recognizing each of our strengths. A good designer is always empathetic and hard-working, and socially aware of their responsibilities when creating inspiring and impactful products to the world.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

AC : I’m proud to be a storyteller and deliver impactful designs from day-to-day details. My takeaways from work and life empowers me to stay curious, passionate and resilient to opportunities that bring goodness to the world. My commitment as a design mentor at ADPList (a prestigious worldwide mentorship platform) motivates me to become a design advocate. I’ve been actively outlined career advice, academic and work experiences, design strategies and advanced design skills in a use-centric approach to aspiring designers. Moreover, I participated in career panels as a UX advocate in BrainStation’s NYC community to share my perspectives and takeaways in design at large, as well as to popular trending topics. This is shared to hundreds of individuals who seek support in landing jobs and growing in the UX field, resulting in more social awareness of my work and impact.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

AC : I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to attend the A’Design Award ceremony in July at Lake Como in Italy. This recognition marks a significant milestone in my personal and professional journey, providing valuable insights into my identity as both an individual and a designer, while I have the great opportunity to receive the accolade in-person and officially meet other winners. It has been a powerful encouragement for me to embrace uncertainty and tackle new challenges with confidence as I continue to explore extraordinary design opportunities that have the potential to transform the world of learning and beyond in the future.

Anqi Chen Profile