Lingshuang Kong,Yumei Feng,Shichao Wang

Lingshuang Kong: Hello, I'm Lingshuang, currently residing in San Jose. I'm a designer and developer with a background in both design and programming. I thrive on employing human-centered thinking, rational design, and cutting-edge technology to craft digital products that enhance people's lives. After completing my undergraduate studies, I joined Tencent as a full-time software engineer. Working closely with user experience designers, I developed digital applications for 800 million users. However, during my tenure, I gradually discovered the allure of creativity and design—creatively identifying and solving real-world problems through design thinking. Fueled by this passion, I transitioned into a role as a product designer and UX engineer. Yumei Feng: Hi, I’m Yumei, a designer with a background in cognitive science and design consulting. I am passionate about advocating for design in traditional organizational settings, accessible design, and emotional design. I am dedicated to connecting with the community and helping people learn and grow. As a firm advocate for empathy-driven design, I aspire to become a design leader who champions human-centered design in education, business, and society. My goal is to expand the impact of design and inspire everyone to embrace design thinking in their daily lives. I found my passion for design in college, discovering a field that perfectly combines creativity and rationality. I immediately fell in love with design and sought internships to explore it further. I tried roles in product management, marketing, and operations, ultimately choosing product design due to my passion for user interaction and prototyping. Despite facing challenges and constraints, I have never questioned my decision to become a designer and will continue making an impact with design. Shichao Wang: Hi, I’m Shichao, a designer who design to solve problems, to empower people, and to make information accessible. My passion lies in designing enterprise products and solving complex problems. I’ve honed distinct expertise in enhancing workflows, boosting productivity, and innovating in the creation of 0-1 products. My journey into design began with a desire to become an architect, driven by the excitement of creating tangible structures. However, as I delved deeper into the field, I realized my true calling lay in the digital realm, where I could iterate quickly, receive immediate feedback, and advocate for users. This led me to product design, where I aim to create meaningful and delightful experiences for users

Lingshuang Kong: Our design studio is called EasyMed, co-founded by myself and Yumei Feng. Our primary focus lies in the design and development of the EasyMed product, which empowers seniors and the broader public by accurately identifying multidrug interactions, mitigating potential consequences through education and assistance. As co-founders of the studio, Yumei and I jointly oversee the product's design and development. Shichao Wang is another designer of the studio.

Yumei Feng: In my view, design is definitely more than aesthetics, and it should seamlessly merge functionality with aesthetics, while maintaining a keen focus on human-centered principles. It should be innovative, pushing boundaries and challenging norms, yet remain thoughtful and considerate of its users. Above all, a good design must strike a balance between fulfilling user needs and achieving business objectives, creating a harmonious synergy that drives both user satisfaction and business success.

Shichao Wang: I thrive on designing projects where I can take full ownership, especially in startup environments where my strategic strengths can make a significant impact. I am passionate about creating solutions that genuinely address user problems, with a particular interest in the educational sector. These projects not only solve immediate issues but also provide users with valuable takeaways, enhancing their knowledge and skills. I find great satisfaction in tackling complex problems. The process of dissecting intricate challenges, exploring their depths, and uncovering meaningful insights is incredibly rewarding. This meticulous approach allows me to create well-informed, effective design solutions that make a real difference in users’ lives. The combination of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the opportunity to deliver educational value is what makes these projects the most fulfilling for me.

Lingshuang Kong: My favorite designs encompass three key aspects: Human-Centered: These designs focus on creatively addressing the current challenges faced by humanity. They involve deeply understanding user needs and prioritizing the human experience. Pragmatic Integration of Technology: Effective designs are both innovative and practical. They skillfully integrate technology to ensure that the solutions are meaningful and useful to users. Bold Imagination: These designs challenge the status quo and envision revolutionary innovations. They push the boundaries of creativity and explore uncharted territories in design.

Yumei Feng: In my role as a Product Intern at Zaker, I was given the opportunity to design a government management platform. The design maturity of Zaker is not that high and it operates in a startup-like environment, where product managers' designs on Axure are directly transferred to the development stage. One notable challenge we faced was the necessity of utilizing an outdated design system. Our user base primarily consisted of government employees accustomed to traditional workflows, necessitating a design approach that prioritized familiarity over optimal experience. Initially, this was a struggle for me, as I firmly believe in always striving to provide the best user experience possible. However, this experience enlightened me to the diverse habits of different user groups. I learned that as a designer, we sometimes need to balance theoretical best practices with the practical needs and preferences of our users. This invaluable lesson has enriched my understanding of user-centric design and has emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability in my design approach.

Shichao Wang: My favorite material is pen and paper. Returning to traditional methods allows me to think more freely and creatively, unbounded by technology. My favorite platform is ADPList, where I’ve spent over 5000 minutes in mentorship sessions, connecting with mentors and mentees in the design community. As for technology, I love using AI to brainstorm and clarify ideas, helping to expand my thinking and streamline the design process.

Lingshuang Kong: I feel the most creative during several key moments: Brainstorming Sessions: Engaging in brainstorming sessions with colleagues often sparks my creativity. The exchange of ideas and feedback helps generate innovative concepts that I might not come up with on my own. Interacting with Users: Speaking with users provides a wealth of inspiration. Their feedback and descriptions often lead to new insights and creative solutions that directly address their needs. Exploring Existing Works: Reading articles, research papers, and analyzing other people's work often triggers new ideas. Seeing how others approach and solve problems inspires me to think differently and apply unique perspectives to my own designs. These interactions and activities are when I find my creativity is at its peak, allowing me to develop fresh, effective design solutions.

Yumei Feng: My design process is primarily centered around two key phases: problem discovery and design iteration. I firmly believe that the efficacy of a design is hinged on accurately identifying the problem it seeks to address. Consequently, I invest considerable time and effort into understanding the problem space, engaging with users to grasp their pain points and needs accurately. The second phase I emphasize is design iteration. Here, I spend significant time comparing the strengths and weaknesses of each design iteration. My objective is to propose the most effective solution, one that thoughtfully balances business objectives, technical constraints, and user needs. This emphasis on problem discovery and design iteration not only ensures the creation of user-focused designs but also aligns these designs effectively with broader business and technical perspectives.

Shichao Wang: When I design, my emotions vary with the different stages of the process. During the research phase, I feel a strong sense of curiosity as I explore new worlds, learn new things, and sometimes correct my previous misconceptions. Brainstorming brings a sense of openness and excitement, with a flood of creative and novel ideas emerging. However, encountering difficult problems can be frustrating and perplexing. Yet, with persistent thought and discussions with others, there’s often a moment of clarity or a breakthrough that brings a sense of relief and satisfaction. When I see users benefiting from my designs and providing positive feedback, I feel a warm sense of happiness and pride, knowing that I’ve helped solve their problems.

Lingshuang Kong: When my designs are realized, I feel a profound sense of achievement and excitement. Seeing my efforts come to life and knowing that my design can help others is incredibly rewarding. This sense of accomplishment validates the hard work and creativity I put into the project, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my design capabilities. The realization of my designs brings immense satisfaction and inspires me to keep innovating.

Yumei Feng: Evaluating the success of a design can indeed be challenging due to the difficulty in quantifying the impact of a designer's work. However, I believe design success can be appraised through the following three dimensions: 1. Adherence to UX Principles: A successful design should adhere to general UX guidelines, which encompass simplicity, flexibility, and compliance with usability heuristics. Over time, these principles often become second nature to designers. 2. Quantitative Metrics: These are measurable metrics defined by the project team that can help quantify the success of a design. However, these metrics may sometimes be too rigid or misleading, as data can sometimes skew the reality of a situation. Therefore, while important, they should not be the sole determinant of a design's success. 3. Qualitative Feedback: This is the feedback obtained directly from users through testing or interviews. It provides invaluable insights into user perception of the product or service. However, since users' views can be subjective and biased, it's crucial to combine this feedback with other evaluation methods to form a well-rounded judgment.

Shichao Wang: When judging a design as good or bad, I consider several key aspects: Problem-solving: First, I evaluate the design from a product perspective. Does it effectively address the user’s problem? Has it provided a meaningful solution, or could there be a better approach? Aesthetics: Next, I analyze the design’s aesthetics, combining my subjective judgment with current trends. It’s essential that the design is visually appealing and aligns with contemporary standards. Business Impact: Finally, I assess how well the design performs from a business perspective. Does it contribute to the business goals, enhance user engagement, or drive growth? These aspects together help me determine the overall quality of the design.

Lingshuang Kong: I believe that designers have a significant responsibility to make the world a better place and to use their skills to drive social progress and development. A great designer should continually identify factors and problems that hinder societal advancement and environmental improvement. By leveraging design, we can address and solve these pain points. This mission-driven approach not only enhances the quality of life for individuals but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Yumei Feng: Design is evolving, shifting focus from purely visual aspects to a more holistic thought process. The industry is moving towards 'Product Designers,' who balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints with strong product thinking skills. Knowledge of AI to enhance efficiency is also key. AI is set to automate routine tasks, freeing designers to concentrate more on conceptualization. Thus, emphasizing the thinking aspect of design will consistently distinguish you in the field. While design thinking is irreplaceable, craftsmanship remains crucial for innovation and the development of new visual and industry trends."

Shichao Wang: My design inspiration comes from immersing myself in various experiences and constantly seeking new perspectives. I find inspiration from design-specific websites like A Design, Dribbble, and Mobbin, as well as design articles on Medium. However, much of my inspiration comes from observing and appreciating the details in everyday life, where design thinking often reveals itself in unexpected ways. I believe that both consuming and producing content, as well as engaging in discussions with others, enrich my design process. Interacting with different viewpoints and ideas helps to broaden my creative horizons. Ultimately, my inspiration is deeply rooted in living in the moment and being mindful of the world around me.

Lingshuang Kong: My design style is human-centered and innovation-driven. This approach is deeply connected to my personality; I have a strong sense of empathy and can easily resonate with others' pain points and challenges. This empathy drives me to create solutions that genuinely address users' needs, making my design style inherently user-focused. Additionally, my background in computer technology has exposed me to various emerging technologies, sparking my curiosity and enthusiasm for integrating these innovations into my designs. This blend of empathy and technological exploration defines my approach to design, where the main characteristics include user-centricity, innovation, and a commitment to solving real-world problems through creative and technologically advanced solutions.

Yumei Feng: My global upbringing has been a blend of experiences, beginning in China, transitioning to the United States for a year at age 10, and returning for my high school education at 16. This intermingling of Chinese and American cultures has profoundly influenced my design philosophy. Immersed in Chinese culture, a deep reverence for history, tradition, and harmony has instilled in me an appreciation for balance and the interplay of elements that coexist and enhance each other. The fast-paced life in modern China also promotes a culture that emphasizes metrics in product development. This outlook has guided my design work to balance visual appeal and functionality, ensuring each component harmonizes with others while aligning with business objectives. Contrastingly, American culture, renowned for individualism, innovation, and boundary-pushing, has encouraged a mindset of exploring new ideas and challenging the status quo. This has inspired me to push creative boundaries in my designs and fearlessly experiment and innovate. Furthermore, the American emphasis on people and user experiences has honed my focus on meeting user needs. Yet, amalgamating these cultural influences poses distinctive challenges. The Chinese emphasis on harmony and balance, although beneficial, can result in a strict adherence to traditional design principles, inhibiting divergence. Similarly, the American drive for innovation, despite its invigoration, can occasionally guide designs towards extremes that are either overly experimental or impractical. With my diverse background, I am persistently striving to strike a balance that successfully connects user needs and business objectives. Navigating these cultural influences is an evolving process, contributing to the uniqueness and excitement of my design journey.

Shichao Wang: My experience spans two extremes: agile startups and large traditional NGOs. I prefer the startup atmosphere, where I can take significant ownership of projects and rapidly explore my ideas. The passionate colleagues and fast-paced environment are excellent for honing my skills. In contrast, NGOs often tackle meaningful problems but can have old-school processes and limited design influence. They are ideal for those committed to making a real impact, especially after gaining substantial experience elsewhere. I’ve only worked in-house, not at agencies, because I prefer being involved in the entire design process from end to end and am keen to understand user experiences deeply. Ultimately, it’s essential to adjust according to the company’s culture and choose an environment that aligns with your strengths and goals.

Lingshuang Kong: For companies looking to work effectively with a designer, here are a few key suggestions: - Clear Communication: Establish open and transparent communication from the outset. Clearly articulate project goals, expectations, and feedback to ensure alignment between the company's vision and the designer's work. - Encourage Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where designers feel valued and empowered to contribute ideas. This collaborative spirit can lead to more innovative and effective design solutions. - Provide Resources and Support: Equip designers with the necessary tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This includes access to design software, research materials, and a supportive team. To select a good designer, companies should consider the following: - Portfolio Review: Evaluate a designer's portfolio to assess the quality, creativity, and diversity of their work. Look for evidence of successful projects that align with your company's needs and values. - Experience and Skills: Consider the designer's experience and technical skills. A good designer should have a strong foundation in design principles and be proficient with relevant tools and technologies. - Cultural Fit and Empathy: Ensure that the designer's values and approach align with your company's culture. A designer who demonstrates empathy and a genuine interest in solving user problems will be more effective in creating meaningful and impactful designs. By following these suggestions, companies can build strong, productive relationships with designers and select professionals who will contribute significantly to their success.

Yumei Feng: In my design practice, I adopt the Double Diamond approach as a foundational framework but uniquely tailor it with my insights and adaptability for each project. This typically starts with a deep dive into understanding the context and the problem at hand, forming hypotheses and then substantiating these with rigorous research. Rapid prototyping is a significant part of my process, enabling me to bring concepts to life and assess their efficacy. These prototypes are then refined through continuous iterations based on further validations, ensuring the final design solution is both refined and effective. One unique aspect of my process is the emphasis I place on a profound understanding of the problem to ensure I propose the most appropriate solutions. I favor qualitative research methods as they allow for a direct connection with users, providing rich insights that quantitative data sometimes miss. I firmly believe in the power of iteration and the value of involving users in the design process as co-creators. This collaborative approach not only enhances the solution but also gives me an opportunity to see the long-term impact of the products I deliver. I am committed to continually refining and improving upon them, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in meeting user needs.

Shichao Wang： 1. Minimalist Desk Lamp: This lamp not only provides excellent lighting for my workspace but also features a sleek, modern design that blends seamlessly with my decor. Its adjustable angles and brightness levels make it both functional and stylish. 2. Ergonomic Office Chair: Designed for comfort and support, this chair helps me maintain good posture during long work hours. Its adjustable features and clean design make it a perfect addition to my home office. 3. Large Notebook: This notebook is perfect for sketching ideas, jotting down thoughts, and planning projects. Its high-quality paper and durable cover make it a pleasure to use for brainstorming and note-taking. 4. Watercolors: I love using watercolors for their versatility and the creative freedom they offer. Whether for personal projects or simply relaxing, they allow me to explore different styles and techniques in my art. 5. Wall Art: I have a few pieces of wall art that inspire me daily. These pieces, created by independent artists, add a personal touch to my home and reflect my appreciation for creativity and design.

Lingshuang Kong: A typical day for me starts with reading and responding to any unread work messages. I then review my to-do list and outline the tasks I aim to complete that day. From 1 PM to 4 PM, I set aside a dedicated block of time for deep, focused work, often accompanied by a cup of coffee. This period allows me to efficiently tackle complex tasks and make significant progress on my projects. Outside of this focused work time, I usually have meetings with colleagues and partners to discuss requirements, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate on ongoing projects. These interactions are crucial for ensuring alignment and maintaining a cohesive workflow. After work, I enjoy playing tennis, which is a great way for me to unwind and relieve stress. This balance of structured work periods and physical activity helps me stay productive and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Yumei Feng: I have 3 pieces of key advice for aspiring designers entering the industry: Identify and Challenge the Status Quo: Stay aware of the world and social phenomena around you. Search for systemic issues or overlooked communities and ponder ways to enhance their circumstances. Our intricate society is a treasure trove of inspiration, teeming with problems ripe for innovative solutions. Push the Boundaries: Once a significant problem is identified, venture beyond the immediately apparent solutions. Strive to create something truly transformative that pushes the envelope and effects meaningful change. Stay passionate and curious: In the face of challenges such as mass layoffs and market saturation, many aspiring designers question the right time to enter the industry. My advice is that if you harbor genuine passion for design, there is never a 'wrong' time to start. It is this passion that propels good designers to great heights.

Shichao Wang: Positives: Creative Expression: As a designer, you have the opportunity to express your creativity and bring your ideas to life. This creative freedom can be incredibly fulfilling and satisfying. Problem-Solving: Design is fundamentally about solving problems. The challenge of finding effective solutions to complex issues can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Impact: Good design can significantly improve user experience and efficiency, making a positive impact on people’s lives and businesses. Seeing your designs used and appreciated is very gratifying. Continuous Learning: Design is an ever-evolving field, with new tools, technologies, and trends constantly emerging. This provides continuous learning opportunities, keeping the work fresh and exciting. Negatives: Subjectivity: Design is subjective, and what appeals to one person may not appeal to another. This can lead to challenges in getting consensus and approval, especially when dealing with clients or stakeholders with differing tastes. Critical Mindset: As a designer, it’s easy to become overly critical of your own work, constantly striving for perfection and often feeling dissatisfied with the results. Imposter Syndrome: The drive for continuous improvement and facing frequent criticism can lead to feelings of imposter syndrome, doubting one’s abilities despite evident success. Overall, the positives of being a designer often outweigh the negatives for those who are passionate about creativity, problem-solving, and making a difference through design.

Lingshuang Kong: My "golden rule" in design is to always prioritize the user experience. This means putting the user's needs, preferences, and pain points at the forefront of every design decision. By deeply understanding the end-user and empathizing with their challenges, I aim to create designs that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive and meaningful. Ensuring that the user is at the center of the design process leads to more effective and impactful solutions.

Yumei Feng: When evaluating designers' capabilities, we typically consider two main aspects: 1. Hard Skills: These are the technical competencies related to the design craft itself, such as proficiency in design tools, a keen visual sense, and meticulous attention to detail. While visual sense may have an inherent component, both it and other hard skills can be honed through practice and training. 2. Soft Skills: Soft skills are crucial, perhaps even more so than hard skills, because design is inherently collaborative. Designers must effectively engage with stakeholders, articulate and discuss ideas, receive and integrate feedback, and know when and how to assert their own professional opinions. Additionally, managing relationships both up and down the chain is vital for maintaining good stakeholder relations. These skills are often not the focus of formal education but are developed through practical experience in the workplace. Above all, the key attribute for a designer is a persistent curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. Design is an iterative process, constantly evolving through lessons learned from past projects and previous failures. Successful designers are those who are inherently curious, willing to explore underlying issues deeply, and advocate passionately for the best interests of their users.

Shichao Wang: My design toolbox includes a range of essential software, hardware, and inspirational sources that support my work. Figma is my primary tool for daily design tasks, including interface design and prototyping. Miro is ideal for team discussions, brainstorming, and creating collaborative mind maps. And my company uses Jira for project management, tracking tasks, and ensuring smooth workflow. I’m currently reading “Articulating Design Decisions” by Tom Greever to improve my communication and presentation skills within the team. My inspiration comes from a variety of places. I frequently browse design websites like A Design, Dribbble, and Mobbin to discover new trends and innovative ideas. Medium provides insightful articles on design thinking, UX, and industry trends that keep me informed and inspired. I also engage in mentorship sessions on ADPList, where exchanging ideas with other designers enriches my perspective. Lastly, I draw a lot of inspiration from everyday life, observing design in the real world—from products to services—which always offers fresh perspectives and ideas.

Lingshuang Kong: When I was designing and developing EasyMed, I faced the challenge of balancing both design and development tasks, which was extremely time-consuming. Here’s how I managed my time effectively: - Prioritization and Planning: Each day, I reviewed my to-do list and prioritized tasks based on their urgency and importance. I created a clear plan for the day, ensuring I allocated time for high-priority tasks first. - Focused Work Blocks: I set aside dedicated blocks of time for deep, focused work. During these periods, I minimized distractions and concentrated solely on either design or development tasks, which helped me maintain high productivity. - Time Management Tools: I utilized various time management tools and techniques, such as time blocking, task lists, and productivity apps, to keep track of my tasks and deadlines. These tools helped me stay organized and ensure steady progress. - Regular Breaks: I took short breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout. These breaks helped me maintain a high level of focus and creativity when I returned to work. - Collaboration and Delegation: I collaborated closely with my team and delegated tasks when appropriate. Leveraging the strengths of my colleagues ensured that tasks were completed efficiently and effectively. By following these practices, I was able to manage my time effectively and ensure that I delivered high-quality designs and development work within deadlines.

Yumei Feng: My design experience is quite diverse, primarily focusing on digital products. The duration of these projects can vary drastically — from as brief as four hours to as extensive as several years. I've been involved in numerous design hackathons and challenges, where the goal is to brainstorm innovative solutions and create a basic prototype within a few hours. Although these rapid prototypes are not fully refined, they are instrumental in demonstrating a concept or conveying a narrative to an audience. Conversely, long-term projects often unfold over years, especially within enterprise environments where we might be developing a novel concept or enhancing existing products. These projects involve meticulous planning, with each modification undergoing a thorough review and approval process. Most of my projects, however, are fast-paced and short-term, typically ranging from two to six months. Regardless of the project duration, I believe there is inherent value in all endeavors as each one provides a tailored solution to address real-world challenges.

Shichao Wang: The most frequently asked question I receive as a designer is: “Why did you choose to do it this way?” People are often curious about the reasoning and decisions behind my design choices, seeking to understand the thought process and considerations that led to the final outcome. Because I primarily work on enterprise products, the flows are often complex and not as self-explanatory as B2C products. It requires providing more context to help my stakeholders understand the reasoning and decisions behind my design choices.

Lingshuang Kong: My most important job experience has been my current role at TikTok. I am responsible for the special effects and music modules within the publishing process, which are core features of an app used by over a billion people. This role has been incredibly challenging due to the high standards and demands associated with designing such crucial functionality. However, this experience has been invaluable in honing my skills as a professional product designer. Working in a fast-paced environment, I have consistently delivered high-quality designs, which has significantly enhanced my ability to think creatively and execute efficiently. This role has not only tested my capabilities but also significantly developed my professional expertise and resilience.

Yumei Feng: The type of design work I enjoy the most revolves around creating experiences that evoke emotions and connect with users on a personal level. I am particularly drawn to designs that can transform everyday interactions into moments of joy and discovery. This emotional resonance not only makes the user experience more engaging but also leaves a lasting impact, making their day a bit brighter. A quintessential example of this is the use of animated interactions in the Duolingo app. The character Duo, an animated owl, reacts dynamically as users progress through their language learning tasks. Whether celebrating an achievement or offering words of encouragement after a setback, Duo acts as a virtual companion, enhancing the learning experience with emotional support and motivation. This aspect of design is not just about aesthetics or functionality; it's about crafting moments that resonate on an emotional level, making the user feel accompanied and understood in their journey. My passion for emotional design stems from my empathetic nature. I thrive on understanding and anticipating the needs of others, and I find great satisfaction in designing solutions that not only meet functional needs but also touch emotional chords. This approach to design allows me to create more meaningful and memorable experiences, where technology meets human emotion, and every interaction feels personalized and impactful.

Shichao Wang: My future plans involve continuing to deepen my expertise in designing complex enterprise products. Currently, I have the opportunity to build an advertising platform from scratch at my company, and I plan to make the most of this experience. I aim to further enhance my skills in user experience and interface design, focusing on solving intricate problems and creating seamless workflows. Additionally, I plan to stay updated with emerging technologies, particularly in AI and machine learning, to integrate more intelligent features into my designs. EasyMed is a great opportunity, and I will also continue exploring other design projects that can incorporate AI. I also want to engage more with the design community, putting more effort into being a better mentor on ADPList, sharing my knowledge, and learning from others through mentorship and collaboration. Ultimately, my goal is to lead larger projects, driving innovation and making a significant impact on how users interact with enterprise solutions. I aspire to take on more leadership roles, guiding teams to create meaningful and effective designs that address real user needs.

Lingshuang Kong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lingshuangkong/ klingshuang@gmail.com Yumei Feng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yumeifeng/ yumeifeng422@gmail.com Shichao Wang： https://www.linkedin.com/in/shichao-wang/ swangdesigner@gmail.com