Mingzhi Cai

My career in art and design has been fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to create meaningful real-world impacts. With over eight years in the field, I have developed a diverse skill set encompassing industrial and visual design, 3D modeling, AR/VR, user experience, and design systems. My passion for staying abreast of the latest design trends and techniques is relentless, but what truly motivates me is the practical impact of design. I believe great design goes beyond aesthetics; it's about enhancing lives and solving real problems. This conviction has been the foundation of my choice to pursue a career in design, where I can merge my artistic curiosity with functional solutions to produce designs that are not only visually appealing but also genuinely transformative.

At Mastercard, where I work as a product experience designer, I focus on crafting digital solutions that enhance business operations. My role involves developing a variety of enterprise products related to digital payments. These products serve multiple purposes, such as enabling credit card issuers to monitor transactions in real-time, assisting suppliers with invoice tracking and payment collection, and helping financial institutions manage their cash-back models. We're dedicated to using design as a tool to foster business growth and enhance user satisfaction.

For me, design is the art of merging vision with craftsmanship. It's about seeing beyond the obvious and drawing connections between disparate elements, then transforming these insights into purposeful, emotive, and thought-provoking solutions. Design transcends mere aesthetics; it's a tool for innovation, communication, and most importantly, for humanizing interactions between the world and people, and technology and its users.

My greatest passion lies in designing interdisciplinary experiences that challenge conventional perceptions by integrating multi-sensory elements. I find immense satisfaction in devising solutions that tackle real-world issues, marrying cutting-edge technology with practical applications to create impactful and innovative experiences.

One of my favorite designs is an AR project that explored innovative ways to integrate virtual objects into real-world scenes. We developed a unique shape-matching mechanism, enabling users to launch a virtual environment by scanning street signs, moving beyond traditional QR codes. This project not only advanced the capabilities of AR technology but also delved into innovative storytelling methods. It resulted in a distinctive and immersive experience for users, redefining the boundaries of user interaction in AR spaces.

My initial design project for a company involved creating a comprehensive branding suite for headphones. This project, part of a school collaboration, was both challenging and intriguing as it encompassed product design, visual design, and package design. It offered a valuable opportunity to learn about multiple aspects of design simultaneously. Our proposal was ultimately selected, marking a rewarding moment as it was the first time I received compensation for my work as a designer.

Currently, my favorite design platform is Figma. Despite using it daily, its appeal never diminishes for me. It's rare to find a product that resonates so deeply with both its designers and users. Figma expertly blends aesthetics with user-friendliness, demonstrating a profound understanding of its user base. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm among its users further enhances my love for the platform.

My creative peaks vary; at times, they occur when I'm relaxed and have absorbed a wealth of inspiration. Other times, my creativity surges right before project deadlines. As a designer, understanding my behavior patterns and tendencies helps in harnessing creativity effectively and knowing when I'm most likely to produce the best work.

During the design process, I focus on user experience, functionality, and simplicity. Ensuring that the design is intuitive and meets the users' needs while maintaining a clean and minimalistic aesthetic is crucial.

When I design, most of the time I feel focused and peaceful, it’s relatively natural for me to find the right solution and bring it to visible form. However, I often get stuck when it comes to the visual design, in that case, I can get a bit impatient, which indicates it’s time for a walk.

I can’t think of anything else than excitement. Seeing my designs being realized, and the end users being satisfied is one of the most amazing things in the world.

A successful design, in my view, effectively solves the problem it was created to address. It should be user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and contribute positively to the user's experience.

I’d like to consider if the design cares about a specific target user group and solves a valid problem. Functionality is what differentiates a design from a piece of art which is more self-expressive.

My personal opinion is a designer should promote common values and universal design for a broader audience. Because design can be the vehicle of marketing to its target audience, it can be influential sometimes. If we promote accessibility in our design to accommodate users with vision deficiencies then accessibility will be more valued in society over time. For myself, I’m committed to design to help people, I continuously share knowledge with the design community to break the information barriers so that design resources can be more accessible to other designers and their audiences.

As the design field evolves, you can see all types of experiments of merging different media and technology, as people are trying to figure out what hybrid can bring about the most power. So I’ll say the future of design will be open and welcoming, a designer should be resourceful and knowledgeable of all types of trendy design skills and technology to find the best combinations.

My inspiration comes from a variety of sources including art, science, technology, and my Chinese cultural heritage. I also draw inspiration from everyday life and the challenges people face, which drives my problem-solving approach to design.

My design style leans towards minimalism and functionality. I believe in creating designs that are self-explanatory and serve their intended purpose without unnecessary elements. My approach is user-centric, focusing on creating designs that are intuitive and enhance the user experience.

As a Chinese person living in the United States, I find that my designs are profoundly influenced by a unique blend of my cultural heritage and my current environment. The rich historical heritage of China provides a deep well of inspiration, particularly in traditional arts and aesthetics. Simultaneously, living in the U.S. offers me access to cutting-edge design technologies and modern artistic influences. This fusion of East and West in my work has several advantages, such as the ability to create culturally rich, cross-cultural designs and the use of state-of-the-art tools that enhance my creativity. However, it also presents challenges, including the need to balance Chinese cultural elements with Western design principles, maintaining my cultural identity while appealing to a diverse audience, and navigating the different market expectations in the U.S. This dynamic interplay between my Chinese heritage and my experiences in the U.S. not only adds depth and breadth to my design work but also shapes my journey as a designer in a constantly evolving cultural landscape.

As an in-house designer, my role is deeply intertwined with the core operations and strategic objectives of the company. This position allows me to work closely on projects that are directly linked to the company's business goals. By being an integral part of the internal team, I gain a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape and the market strategies of my company. This in-depth insight not only informs my design decisions but also ensures that my creative contributions are closely aligned with the company's vision and market objectives. My work, therefore, is not just about aesthetics but also about contributing to the company's success through design that understands and reflects its business strategy.

Companies should recognize the diversity in designers' skills and preferences, understanding that they don't all fit one mold. Respecting these differences and learning how to effectively collaborate with each designer is key to maximizing their value. When hiring, it's crucial to clearly define the desired qualities and skills, breaking them down into measurable metrics. This approach allows for an accurate assessment of each candidate's fit, ensuring the selection of a designer whose abilities and approach align with the project's needs and company culture.

My design process is methodical, starting with extensive research to grasp the core problem or need. I then engage in brainstorming to develop innovative ideas. This leads to the creation of mockups, interactive prototypes, or other visualizations of the concepts. These are then tested with feedback from the target audience and our internal cross-functional team. Incorporating this feedback, I refine the design through several iterative cycles, always mindful of constraints such as budget, technical limitations, and timelines, to achieve the optimal outcome.

The MacBook Pro from Apple is an essential tool for realizing my creative vision. The Orchid from Lego, with its delicate and realistic yet mechanical design, adds a surreal cyberpunk vibe to my living environment. The Aeron chair from Herman Miller, known for its elegant design, provides great back support, enabling me to work comfortably from home all day. The stainless steel bowl from MUJI, with its beautifully glowing surface finish, is a joy to use for washing ingredients, baking, and eating meals. Furniture from IKEA is usually portable and affordable, offering minimalistic aesthetics, comfort, and convenience, which suits my nomadic lifestyle.

My day typically starts with me waking up and enjoying breakfast, followed by a day at the office where I focus on my work. After returning home, I spend time reading, watching videos, and seeking inspiration from various sources. I also enjoy catching up with friends or indulging in some quiet 'me time'. Despite working in a creative field, my days are quite routine and ordinary.

For young designers, my advice is to be curious, experiment, and embrace the iterative nature of design. Don't be afraid to fail; every mistake is a step towards your growth. Stay open to new ideas and keep learning.

The positives of being a designer encompass the vast opportunities to bring your creative visions to life, which is crucial for those with expressive personalities. You also get numerous chances to collaborate with open-minded people, who can range from being wildly imaginative to visionary. On the negative side, people often hold stereotypical views about designers, thinking that design is merely about making things look pretty. This can lead to the design being deprioritized over business concerns, making it challenging to deliver the most value in such scenarios.

My approach to design doesn't adhere to a fixed rule, given the industry's ever-evolving nature and the unpredictability of future trends. My guiding principle is to remain open and continuously absorb new knowledge. However, I do believe in the importance of validation, especially when designing for others. It's crucial to ensure that both the needs and the final design resonate with the target audience. This practice helps in creating designs that are not only innovative but also relevant and user-centric.

For a designer, essential skills include creativity, empathy, technical proficiency, problem-solving, and effective communication. It's vital to have the ability to empathize with users, understand their needs, and adeptly translate these insights into practical and functional designs.

My go-to tool is Figma, an all-encompassing platform that allows for design execution, team collaboration, and access to design resources and community-driven inspiration. Additionally, I frequently use the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly for tasks related to graphic design, photography, and illustration.

To manage my time effectively, I set clear goals for each design project. I utilize a calendar to divide my tasks into time blocks, establishing a specific duration to complete each one. This approach not only helps me accomplish tasks within set deadlines, but it also allows for extra time to handle the frequent last-minute changes common in this fast-paced industry. Additionally, understanding and learning about my own pace and behavioral patterns over time has been crucial. This self-awareness enables me to better plan and gradually adjust my tasks, ensuring a more efficient and tailored workflow.

The duration of designing an object varies significantly and is influenced by factors such as the team you're working with and the resources available. It can range anywhere from a few weeks to several years.

My most significant job experience has been my current role at a major global fintech company. This position has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to design products at large scales and collaborate with colleagues across various departments, time zones, and functions. Being part of such a large organization has greatly enhanced my skills in communication, collaboration, and empathy within the workplace.

I am most energized by tackling challenging problems that have the potential to lead to innovative and impactful solutions. I particularly enjoy projects where I can not only contribute meaningfully but also have the opportunity to enhance and expand my skill set.

In the future, my focus is on continuously expanding the limits of design, especially by integrating emerging technologies to craft innovative and influential user experiences within the industry. Concurrently, I plan to invest more time in giving back to the design community. This includes mentoring, offering guidance, and addressing questions from aspiring designers, helping them navigate and advance in their career paths.

Collaboration is key in my work. While I develop many designs myself, working as part of a team is essential, especially when dealing with complex projects that require a range of skills and perspectives.

I've been immersed in the design world for over 8 years, with expertise in areas including industrial design, 3D art, visual design, AR/VR, product experience, and design systems. My design journey began with a childhood interest in crafts, leading me to major in industrial design in college. Driven by curiosity, I expanded into relevant fields like AR/VR and interaction design, eventually transitioning to my current focus on product experience design. I am passionate about this area because it addresses practical, real-world problems and has the potential to ease the lives of a broader audience in more impactful ways. With this conviction, I am dedicated to continually advancing in this field.

My journey into design was fueled by a combination of a deep appreciation for art and a passion for technology. In high school, I was a science student with a strong inclination towards art and the creative world, as I learned painting and calligraphy as a kid. I always had a deep curiosity about human beings and society, which led me to consider studying sociology, psychology, or anthropology. However, upon discovering design thinking and the user-centric approach, I realized that design offered an opportunity to explore a diverse range of interests all at once, with the potential to make a real difference. This realization captivated me, and I naturally chose design as my college major. The more time I spend in this industry, the more I am convinced that choosing design was the right decision.

My design process prioritizes empathy, innovation, and functionality. Empathy extends beyond the end users; I focus on delivering user-centric experiences while effectively collaborating with my team, always mindful of deadlines and constraints. Understanding your team’s needs is also crucial to ensure that the design is implementable and ultimately reaches the end users. My primary techniques are sketching and rapid prototyping, which aid in visualizing and refining ideas quickly. My style adapts to each project's needs but generally leans towards minimalism, ensuring information is presented clearly and without clutter, enhancing user comfort. Efficiency and timeliness are my working style, ensuring smooth project progression and adherence to timelines.

Designing typically evokes feelings of focus and peace for me, as I find it quite natural to conceptualize solutions and bring them to life. However, I sometimes encounter challenges during the visual design phase, which can lead to impatience. This is usually my cue to take a break, grab a cup of coffee, or go for a walk. Usually the completion of a design brings excitement. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing my designs come to fruition and witnessing the end-users' positive reactions. It's truly one of the most rewarding aspects of being a designer.

My background and passion in graphic design have revealed to me that I am a visual person, often relying on visualizing design concepts as a means of effective communication. This approach has not only enhanced my communication skills but has also been frequently acknowledged by my teammates, who find my work articulate and self-explanatory. Additionally, having experience in multiple design domains has reinforced my belief in the universality of a user-centric approach. This approach is what, in my view, distinguishes design from a piece of art. Keeping this principle at the forefront, I am consistently committed to advocating for users and ensuring that my design solutions resonate with the target audience.

My journey began in industrial design and evolved through several pivots to product experience design. Looking ahead, I aim to push design boundaries, particularly by incorporating emerging technologies to create innovative and influential user experiences. At the same time, I plan to dedicate more effort to the design community. This involves mentoring and guiding aspiring designers, helping them advance in their careers and navigate the industry's challenges. My dream is to be a catalyst for both technological advancement and nurturing new talent in the design world.

Understand that every designer's career path is unique. Some may find their niche early, while others might excel as generalists or in interpersonal skills. Avoid rushing to fit a specific mold; instead, take time to discover your passions and strengths. Embrace learning, and stay adaptable as the design world constantly evolves. If you're facing confusion or frustration, seek mentorship. Most mentors, having faced similar challenges earlier in their career, are likely willing to help. Treat each challenge as a growth opportunity and a gift for your future. And your unique journey contributes distinctively to the design world.

My key lesson has been to understand what success truly means on a personal level, rather than getting too caught up in society's grand idea of success, which often revolves around fancy titles or shiny objects. It's essential to stay informed about new tech and trends, but it's equally important not to lose yourself in them. In my opinion, the best designs are those that stand the test of time and maintain relevance. Dream big, of course, but also focus on the small, achievable steps when it's time to get to work. Celebrate the little victories; take moments to rest and enjoy the journey, all while continuing to push forward.

Typically, my day starts with waking up and enjoying breakfast, followed by a day filled with staying updated on the latest in design and delving into project details. After returning home, I spend time reading, watching videos, and learning about global happenings from various sources, not just in design. I also enjoy catching up with friends or indulging in some quiet 'me time'. Despite working in a creative field, my days follow a fairly routine and ordinary pattern. However, I'm detail-oriented enough to appreciate the small breakthrough moments that occur even on the most mundane days – these are what keep my creative spark alive.

I stay informed about design trends for inspiration, but I don't strictly adhere to them. Trends change rapidly, yet certain timeless principles like engagement, inclusivity, accessibility, and integration remain constant. Trends are useful for understanding current preferences, but effective design focuses on the specific needs of the target audience rather than just following trends. Ultimately, understanding the direction of design and maintaining core principles is more important than keeping up with ever-changing trends.

Good design, in my eyes, is the perfect marriage of form and function. It's not just about looking good; it's about serving a purpose. A successful design effectively solves the problem it was created to address. It should be user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and positively contribute to the user's experience, which can sometimes lead to commercial success.

In design, true perfection is unattainable as it is always conditional. A design is considered ready when it meets the current phase's objectives, including user satisfaction and technical feasibility, within the constraints of time, budget, and technology. Unlike architecture, product design is an iterative process, allowing for ongoing refinements. Therefore, the focus should be on achieving immediate goals, with an openness to incremental modifications as new needs emerge, rather than striving for unachievable perfection.

One of my most significant design projects was leading a team in the 9th International User Experience Design Competition, held by UXPA China, where we developed a VR concert concept. Although it may not have been the largest project I've worked on in terms of scope, it marked a pivotal milestone in my journey into interaction design. This project explored various scenarios for virtual fan-idol interactions, introducing me to the possibilities of immersive technology. Our concept achieved great success, earning three accolades: the National First/Silver Award, Best VR, and Best Visual Presentation, at this prominent industry event. The recognition and achievements from this project not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to continue exploring and pushing the boundaries of innovation in the world of design.

My favorite designer is I.M. Pei, a renowned Chinese-American architect with whom I share my hometown. During my teenage years, I was deeply influenced by Pei's ability to intertwine science and art and to merge Chinese and Western design philosophies. This influence was so profound that it nearly led me to a career in architecture. Pei's architectural style is a harmonious balance of geometric precision and scientific restraint, underpinned by an emotional depth achieved through his masterful use of space and natural light. His work, from the Suzhou Museum in our shared hometown to the buildings of my company's headquarters, consistently displays intriguing design parallels. These parallels not only remind me of our shared roots but also resonate with my own design beliefs, emphasizing a connection that transcends time and place.

My lifestyle might seem quite ordinary, even though I work in the creative industry. On weekdays, my routine involves going to the office and focusing on my day job. After work, I unwind by reading, watching movies or browsing design platforms. It's fascinating to see what others are creating; it often sparks inspiration for my own projects. Regarding my cultural background, I am Chinese, living in the United States. Growing up, I was deeply immersed in traditional Chinese arts, like calligraphy and architecture. These art forms, part of China's rich 5,000-year heritage, continue to be a wellspring of inspiration for me. I often find ways to weave elements of this heritage into my design work. This constant connection to my roots not only brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of who I am and inspiring ongoing creation.

My approach to work culture emphasizes collaboration with individuals who share a similar mindset and possess a high level of craftsmanship. I believe that surrounding myself with other creative talents fosters an environment ripe for innovation and vibrancy. This synergy is crucial in bringing groundbreaking ideas to life. Regarding my business philosophy, I hold the view that even the simplest of ideas can be the foundation of a successful business, provided they are executed effectively. The key lies in thorough consideration and planning before committing to a business idea. Once a decision is made, it's vital to stay faithful and focused. This combination of careful planning and steadfast dedication is what I believe drives the success of any business venture.

As a designer, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community. My philanthropic contributions extend beyond my professional role, as I dedicate time to mentor and coach aspiring designers. This initiative is a way to pay forward the generosity and support I received from the design community during the early stages of my career. I believe that it is essential to nurture the next generation of creative talents. By offering guidance and sharing my experiences, I aim to empower these individuals on their professional journey. The long-term relationships I build with my mentees provide ongoing support and encouragement for them, and create endless fulfillment for myself. Witnessing their growth and knowing that I play a part in their success brings me immense satisfaction and joy.

In reflecting upon my participation in the A’ Design Award, I must say it was an extraordinarily enriching experience. The meticulous feedback provided during the submission phase was instrumental in refining my work to a higher standard. Engaging with former winners was particularly enlightening; it afforded me a deeper understanding of contemporary design trends and practices. Being honored as Designer of the Day is definitely the best part of it. Overall, the experience was a harmonious blend of educational enrichment, inspirational exchange, and professional acknowledgment, all of which have profoundly influenced my career trajectory.