Interview with Ruijingya Tang

Qihang Zhang
I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to be a designer — I grew up wanting to tell stories.
Early on, I was drawn to journalism, documentary, and cultural research. I studied communications and history at UCLA, with a deep interest in how narratives shape identity. But I always felt that traditional media wasn’t quite enough — I wanted to build things, not just describe them.
That shift happened during my graduate studies at Harvard, where I explored how technology, data, and storytelling could come together in service of human connection. I began prototyping interfaces, visualizing systems, and realizing that design could be a new kind of language — one that spoke through experience, not just words.
There wasn’t one person who made me become a designer. It was a gradual realization: that I could use design to make complexity feel clear, to give form to feeling, and to create tools that empower others. That’s still what drives me today.

Ruijingya Tang
I became a designer because I’ve always been drawn to how people interact with the world—how they process emotion, make decisions, and navigate systems that are often more confusing than they need to be. That curiosity started early, through art, writing, and a constant urge to make things more intuitive and beautiful. But it wasn’t until later that I realized this instinct was design thinking.
I first studied biology and international relations—fields that taught me how to observe patterns, think across disciplines, and care about systems. But I kept coming back to visual storytelling and the desire to shape experiences. That drive led me to pursue a Master’s in Human-Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington, where I formally transitioned into design. There, I built a foundation in accessibility, user research, and digital systems that supported my shift into UX.
What drove me wasn’t just a love of aesthetics—it was an internal drive to do good through good design. I wanted to help people feel less overwhelmed, more understood, and more in control—whether they’re navigating complex health data or honoring a memory. That mission continues to guide my work today.

Qihang Zhang
When I design, I prioritize three things: clarity, empathy, and narrative.
Clarity means making sure the user understands not just what to do, but why it matters. Whether I’m working on a music analytics tool or a storytelling app, I strive to turn complexity into intuitive systems. Empathy is about understanding the emotional context behind every interaction — what someone might be feeling, not just what they’re trying to accomplish. And narrative gives the work meaning. I always ask: what is the story this experience is telling, and how can I design to support it?
I mostly work with digital tools — Figma, prototyping software, motion tools — but I also sketch frequently. For me, it’s not about the tool itself, but about thinking through form and feeling. I treat each project as a new language system: who are we speaking to, and what’s the clearest, kindest, most compelling way to say it?
My design process is part systems thinking, part emotional translation. It starts with listening, and ends — hopefully — with resonance.

Ruijingya Tang
I became a designer because I’ve always been drawn to how people interact with the world—how they process emotion, make decisions, and navigate systems that are often more confusing than they need to be. That curiosity started early, through art, writing, and a constant urge to make things more intuitive and beautiful. But it wasn’t until later that I realized this instinct was design thinking.
I first studied biology and international relations—fields that taught me how to observe patterns, think across disciplines, and care about systems. But I kept coming back to visual storytelling and the desire to shape experiences. That drive led me to pursue a Master’s in Human-Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington, where I formally transitioned into design. There, I built a foundation in accessibility, user research, and digital systems that supported my shift into UX.
What drove me wasn’t just a love of aesthetics—it was an internal drive to do good through good design. I wanted to help people feel less overwhelmed, more understood, and more in control—whether they’re navigating complex health data or honoring a memory. That mission continues to guide my work today.

Qihang Zhang
Designing, for me, is a deeply emotional process. At different stages, it brings out different kinds of feeling — curiosity at the beginning, tension during iteration, and quiet joy when something finally resonates.
The part I love most is the moment of translation — when a vague idea, a feeling, or a pattern suddenly takes shape in a form someone else can understand and feel. That’s when I feel most alive — when I realize I’m not just making something usable, but something meaningful.
There’s also a kind of peace in the process. I enjoy working through constraints, testing possibilities, and refining details that may seem invisible to others but feel essential to me. The work gives me focus, purpose, and the sense that I’m contributing something thoughtful to a noisy world.
Design fulfills me because it’s both personal and shared — it lets me embed my own sense of care and curiosity into something others can experience.

Ruijingya Tang
Designing for me is an emotionally layered experience. In the early stages—when I’m just starting to explore a problem or sketch out ideas—I feel curiosity and creative energy. There’s something thrilling about the unknown, about teasing out early patterns from research and translating them into something visual or spatial.
As the project takes shape, I often feel a mix of focus, empathy, and responsibility—especially when I’m working on something emotionally charged, like Memory Land, or data-heavy, like Talent Search. I care deeply about how people will feel when they interact with what I create, and that drives me to be intentional with every decision.
But the moment that fulfills me most is when the design starts to come alive—when users respond with, “this makes sense,” or “this feels like it was made for me.” That sense of clarity and emotional connection is what gives me joy. It’s not just about completing a task—it’s about creating something that helps people feel more confident, calm, or understood.
Design brings me happiness because it’s a rare blend of logic, creativity, and care. It’s how I make sense of the world and give back to it, one experience at a time.

Qihang Zhang
Before I became a designer, I studied communications, history, and education technology — and those non-design fields continue to shape how I approach every project.
From communications, I learned how to frame a message, understand audience psychology, and tell stories with clarity and impact. From history, I gained a sensitivity to context — how culture, memory, and meaning evolve over time. And from my graduate studies in learning design at Harvard, I developed a strong foundation in systems thinking, user-centered research, and technology ethics.
I also think being multilingual and having lived across different cultural environments — in China, the U.S., and the U.K. — has made me more attuned to invisible nuance: what people assume, what they hesitate to say, and how that affects experience design.
One of my biggest influences wasn’t a designer, but a professor of narrative theory who taught me that form is never neutral — it always carries values, assumptions, and emotion. That idea has stayed with me: design is never just what something looks like — it’s what it enables, resists, and reveals.

Ruijingya Tang
Several aspects of my background have shaped me into the designer I am today—especially the non-design skills I developed early on.
My undergraduate studies in biology and international relations trained me to think in systems, observe details, and make sense of complexity across disciplines. That experience gave me a strong foundation in research, pattern recognition, and critical thinking, which now deeply inform my approach to user experience, strategy, and data visualization.
My time as an art journalist also sharpened my ability to analyze and communicate ideas clearly. Writing about art and film helped me understand how meaning is created—and how emotional, cultural, and societal layers shape how people perceive design. This cultivated a narrative sensibility that’s crucial to my work, whether I’m designing a memorial platform like Memory Land or building explainable data tools like Talent Search.
One of the biggest influences on my design work has been the intersection of emotion and structure—a theme I explore in both personal and professional projects. My journey into design wasn’t linear, but that’s been a strength. It’s allowed me to bring curiosity, empathy, and multidimensional thinking into every part of my process.

Qihang Zhang
My growth path as a designer has never been linear — it’s been a series of translations. From journalism to education, from cultural research to data design, I’ve always been chasing the same question: how can we make complex things feel human?
Looking ahead, I’ll be joining the MBA program at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where I plan to deepen my understanding of product strategy and social innovation. I want to become not just a designer of interfaces, but a designer of systems — someone who helps organizations build more meaningful, equitable, and emotionally intelligent tools.
As for dream projects: I want to create a platform that preserves collective memory in the age of AI — something that helps communities archive, reinterpret, and pass down lived experiences across generations. I want to design tools that slow people down, that invite reflection, and that restore agency to those often left out of the narrative.
In the long run, I hope to be remembered not just for the products I’ve built — but for how they made people feel. Seen. Heard. Understood.

Ruijingya Tang
My growth path has always centered on using design to simplify complexity and create emotionally meaningful experiences. I’ve evolved from interpreting systems as a science student, to visualizing them as an art journalist, to shaping them as a human-centered designer. Along the way, I’ve led award-winning projects like Talent Search and Memory Land, each deepening my ability to combine logic, storytelling, and empathy.
Looking ahead, I’m interested in building or co-leading a studio or platform that works at the intersection of design, emotion, and emerging technologies—where tools aren't just smart, but humane. I want to continue exploring ideas around digital memory, identity, and healing, and to design products that make people feel more understood in moments of vulnerability, transition, or reflection.
My dream design project would be a hybrid of art, UX, and emotional intelligence—something like a cognitive museum for the digital self, where people could revisit and reframe their personal histories through interactive media, AI, and visual storytelling.
Ultimately, I hope to be remembered as a designer who cared deeply, listened well, and created with both clarity and compassion—someone who helped shape a more thoughtful and emotionally connected future.

Qihang Zhang
To designers just starting out: your job is not to impress — it's to understand.
In the beginning, it's easy to chase aesthetics, tools, or trends. But the real growth comes when you start asking deeper questions: Who is this for? What is the context? What emotions, assumptions, or barriers are involved? Design is not just about making things — it’s about listening deeply and building with care.
One piece of advice I once received — and still return to — is: “Don’t design for approval. Design for clarity.” That’s helped me stay grounded through feedback cycles, stakeholder pushback, and the temptation to over-polish.
I’ve also learned that growth doesn’t come from just designing more — it comes from reflecting more. Read widely. Watch people use your work. Ask better questions. Say “I don’t know” often — and mean it.
Finally, don’t let your background make you feel behind. Some of my most valuable skills — storytelling, systems thinking, emotional intelligence — didn’t come from design school. They came from life. And they’ve made all the difference.

Ruijingya Tang
For designers just starting out, my biggest advice is: don’t chase perfection—chase clarity and care. Early in my career, I thought great design was about flawless visuals. But what matters more is how deeply you understand the problem, the people, and the system you’re designing within.
My mentors taught me to design with intent, not just aesthetics, and to always ask why. That mindset has helped me grow not just as a designer, but as a collaborator and critical thinker.
One thing I’d warn new designers about is burnout from trying to do everything alone. Design is a deeply collaborative discipline. Learn to ask questions, invite feedback, and share your thinking early and often. It’s not a weakness—it’s how you grow faster and build better work.
I’ve grown most by working on high-stakes, ambiguous problems, saying yes to challenges I wasn’t “fully ready” for, and learning through doing. Surround yourself with people who care deeply about the craft, the user, and each other—and stay curious, humble, and open. That’s the real secret to sustainable success.

Qihang Zhang
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that successful design is less about talent, and more about trust.
Trust in your collaborators. Trust in your users. And trust in your own process — even when it’s messy, slow, or nonlinear.
To fellow designers and creatives, I’d offer three reminders:
First, design is translation. Between people and systems. Emotion and data. Vision and execution. The better you listen — across roles, languages, and disciplines — the stronger your work becomes.
Second, success isn’t always visible. Some of my most meaningful contributions weren’t in what I created, but in what I prevented: a harmful feature, a confusing flow, a missed opportunity for dignity. Learn to take pride in invisible wins.
And third, don’t rush clarity. Not everything needs to scale tomorrow. Some of the best design decisions come after sitting with ambiguity, discomfort, and the willingness to ask, “what are we really solving for?”
Success in design isn’t a milestone — it’s a mindset. One that balances vision with humility.

Ruijingya Tang
One principle I always return to is: design is not just about what you make—it’s about how and why you make it.Success comes from being both strategic and human: grounding your work in real needs, staying curious about context, and being willing to evolve your approach as you learn.
Some pro-tips I live by:
Design the thinking, not just the visuals. Be able to explain your decisions clearly—especially across disciplines.
Hold space for both structure and feeling. The best work happens when logic and emotional intelligence meet.
Bias toward clarity. If something feels unclear—on screen, in process, or in communication—pause and untangle it early.
Don’t over-polish at the cost of progress. Share early, test often, and treat feedback as a creative tool.
Respect your own energy. Creative work requires rest, reflection, and the courage to say “no” to things that don’t align with your values.
Avoid chasing trends without purpose. Instead, invest in systems thinking, accessibility, and long-term resonance. That’s where truly meaningful and lasting design lives.

Qihang Zhang
My days usually begin quietly — with tea and music. I like to start by reviewing my to-do list, checking Slack or Notion for any cross-team updates, and reading something short: a design article, a song lyric, or a paragraph from a book.
Mornings are when I focus best, so I try to block out time for deep work — whether it’s prototyping a new feature, iterating on a visual system, or mapping out user flows. Afternoons are usually more collaborative: syncs with product managers, feedback sessions with engineers, or mentorship chats with junior designers.
Even on the most “boring” business days, I find joy in small things — the elegance of a solved layout, a thoughtful comment in Figma, or the moment when a teammate says, “Oh, now I get it.” Those moments remind me why I love this work.
Design is a long game. But if you pay attention, even a regular Tuesday has something quietly meaningful to offer.

Ruijingya Tang
My day-to-day varies depending on the project phase, but I try to start each morning with a moment of quiet structure—usually reviewing my top goals for the day, checking Slack for updates, and glancing through saved design reads or news for inspiration. I’m not a fan of jumping into meetings first thing; I prefer to begin with 1–2 hours of deep focus—sketching flows in Figma, writing UX copy, or synthesizing research notes.
Mid-morning often involves syncs with product managers or engineers, aligning on decisions or unblocking implementation. I enjoy these touchpoints—especially when we’re untangling complexity together. I try to block off afternoons for uninterrupted creative work, whether that’s refining a design system component, mapping out a user journey, or prepping materials for usability testing.
Even on slower days, little things keep me energized: a teammate leaving a thoughtful comment, a moment when a messy concept clicks into clarity, or even just hitting a visual rhythm in Figma. I always end my day by jotting down what went well and what needs more time—it's how I close the loop and stay intentional.

Qihang Zhang
I follow design trends — but I don’t follow them blindly.
Trends help us understand where collective attention is going. They can be inspiring, insightful, and sometimes even necessary — especially in fast-evolving digital spaces. But I believe style without substance doesn’t last, and my goal is to create work that resonates beyond a season or aesthetic wave.
I pay attention to trends through design blogs, product updates, and visual culture — but I balance that with a deeper curiosity about human behavior, music, memory, and systems. I often find more lasting inspiration in poetry, cities, cultural rituals, or a well-designed subway map than in a UI roundup.
So I try to design with one foot in the now, and one foot in what matters. I want my work to feel current, yes — but also rooted, relevant, and ready to grow with its users.

Ruijingya Tang

​​I keep an eye on design trends—but I don’t chase them. I believe trends are valuable as signals—they reflect cultural shifts, emerging technologies, and evolving user expectations. But my goal is never to make something that’s trendy; it’s to make something that’s timeless, intentional, and emotionally resonant.
I stay current by observing pattern changes in digital products, skimming design publications, and following work from respected peers across UX, visual storytelling, and digital art. But I treat trends more as context than direction. If a trend aligns with the project’s goals and user needs, I’ll adopt it. If not, I trust my instincts and research to lead the way.
My own design language tends to emphasize clarity, warmth, and restraint—qualities that outlast what’s “in season.” Whether I’m working on a product, system, or visual concept, I want it to feel grounded in purpose rather than passing aesthetics.

Qihang Zhang
To me, good design is clear in intention, honest in function, and generous in experience.
It doesn’t try to be clever for the sake of it. It doesn’t hide complexity behind shallow aesthetics. Instead, it listens, it guides, and it resonates. When I look at a product or project and instinctively feel, “This just makes sense — and it feels right,” that’s when I know the design is working.
I evaluate good design not just by how it looks, but by how it works — for real people, in real contexts, under real constraints. I ask whether it solves the right problem, whether it serves its users with empathy, and whether it leaves behind clarity instead of confusion.
A common mistake is over-designing — trying to impress rather than connect. But the best design choices often disappear. They don’t demand attention — they earn trust.
In the end, good design is not about perfection. It’s about intention, and impact.

Ruijingya Tang

For me, good design is defined by clarity, purpose, and emotional intelligence. A well-designed product doesn’t just “look good”—it feels inevitable. It solves the right problem in a way that’s intuitive, respectful, and deeply aligned with user needs.
The moment I think “Aha! That’s it” is usually when a design balances simplicity and depth. It makes complex decisions feel effortless, and leaves the user feeling empowered—not overwhelmed. I ask:
Is the experience clear without explanation?
Does it meet the user where they are, emotionally and cognitively?
And does every detail feel intentional, not decorative?
One common mistake I see is designing for aesthetics before purpose—prioritizing visual trends over what the user actually needs. Another is overcomplicating the solution instead of focusing on what’s essential.
Good design, to me, is invisible in the best way—it just works, feels right, and builds trust. That’s what I aim for in every project I take on.

Qihang Zhang
I don’t believe a design is ever truly “finished” — only ready for the world at a particular moment in time.
For me, a design is ready when it has clarity, coherence, and confidence — when every element has a reason to be there, when the story holds together, and when further changes would start to dilute rather than improve the experience.
Of course, I always see small things I could tweak — a type weight here, a motion timing there — but I’ve learned to distinguish between refinement and over-polishing. Real success comes not just from what’s in the file, but from how people interact with it in the real world.
Sometimes, the most useful measure is emotional: when I look at the design and feel calm. Not because it’s perfect, but because I know it’s ready to serve.
I try to leave each project with the door slightly ajar — enough to revisit later with new insight, but not so open that I never move forward. In that way, every project is part of a larger arc — a conversation, not a conclusion.

Ruijingya Tang

For me, a design is “ready” when it meets three key conditions: it solves the right problem clearly, it aligns with user and business goals, and it holds up under real-world use. That moment usually comes after multiple iterations, feedback loops, and careful testing—not just when it looks good, but when it feels right in context.
That said, I don’t think design is ever truly finished in an absolute sense. There’s always more to learn and ways to improve—but part of being a professional is knowing when to pause with intention, deliver value, and move forward. I try to balance rigor with momentum: refine until the design is thoughtful, usable, and resonant—then let it breathe, observe how it performs, and revisit it only with purpose, not perfectionism.
Success, to me, is when a design holds up in the wild—when users engage with it effortlessly, when stakeholders feel aligned, and when it continues to serve its purpose without friction. That’s when I know it’s ready to launch—and ready to let go.

Qihang Zhang
The most significant design work I’ve created so far is Talent Search, a music discovery tool I led while working as Senior Product Designer at Chartmetric.
From the beginning, I knew this project was different. The idea wasn’t just to build another data dashboard — it was to reimagine how the music industry finds talent. We wanted to create a system that could surface emerging artists from around the world based on real performance data — not just industry connections or visibility. That vision felt urgent, meaningful, and personal.
I led the design from zero to launch — from early discovery interviews and UX strategy to interaction design, visual hierarchy, and the final product. The biggest challenge was turning millions of rows of noisy data into something human-centered and actionable. It required clarity, empathy, and constant iteration. It also meant aligning product strategy with business goals and user realities — a balance I had to fight for at every stage.
What makes Talent Search special to me isn’t just its adoption by clients like Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner. It’s knowing that someone used it to discover an artist they otherwise wouldn’t have found. That behind the interface, someone’s career might have started — or accelerated.
This project taught me that design isn’t just what people see — it’s what people are able to do. And when design expands opportunity, that’s when it matters most.

Ruijingya Tang

One of my biggest and most meaningful design works is Memory Land—a digital platform I co-created to help people honor and preserve the memory of loved ones through personalized virtual spaces. It blends emotional storytelling with emerging technology, allowing users to fill their memorial spaces with 3D-scanned objects, photos, voice notes, and AI-generated recreations.
I designed Memory Land because I wanted to reimagine how we process grief in an increasingly digital, globalized world—especially when traditional mourning rituals may feel inaccessible or isolating. My initial aspiration was to create a space that felt gentle, customizable, and emotionally supportive, without being overly somber or sterile.
The project pushed me in every direction—as a UX designer, visual artist, and systems thinker. I worked across narrative flow, interface design, accessibility, and emotional tone, while testing with users navigating real experiences of loss. It won multiple international design awards, but what makes it my proudest work isn’t the recognition—it’s hearing users say it helped them process memories in a way that felt personal and healing.
What made it special was the complexity: designing not just for function, but for grief, memory, and dignity. And I carry those values into every project I take on.

Qihang Zhang
One designer I greatly admire is Bruno Munari. His ability to move fluidly between design, art, and education — while always centering clarity, play, and cultural meaning — has shaped the way I think about communication. He showed that simplicity can be poetic, and that good design doesn’t just solve problems — it expands perception.
But beyond the design world, one of my biggest creative influences is Beyoncé. While not a traditional designer, she is a master of experience architecture — weaving music, visual identity, movement, and symbolism into deeply intentional narratives. Her work reminds me that design can live through rhythm, silence, texture, and feeling — not just pixels or print.
I’m most inspired by creators who build systems of meaning — people who don’t just make things, but design worlds.

Ruijingya Tang
One designer I deeply admire is Charles Eames. His belief that “the boundaries of design are the boundaries of the problem” has been a guiding philosophy in my own work. I’m inspired not just by his aesthetic sensibility, but by the way he and Ray Eames approached design as an act of inquiry, empathy, and cross-disciplinary thinking. If I could speak with any designer from the past, it would be him—I’d want to ask how he balanced beauty and function while staying endlessly curious.
I also greatly respect Dieter Rams, whose commitment to clarity and restraint continues to influence how we think about simplicity and timelessness. In the data-heavy systems I design, his principles help me remember that less, done well, is more.
Beyond industrial design, I admire artists and architects who design with emotion, memory, and cultural sensitivity—people like Maya Lin, whose work on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial taught me how design can hold grief and meaning through form, without words.
To me, great designers are those who don’t just create beautiful things—they change how we relate to the world, and to each other.

Qihang Zhang
My lifestyle and design practice are both deeply shaped by culture, memory, and music.
I was born and raised in China, studied in the U.S. and the U.K., and currently split my time between San Mateo and Shanghai. That cross-cultural lens has made me deeply aware of how people see, interpret, and experience the world differently — and how design can be a bridge, not just a solution.
Music plays a huge role in my creative process. Whether it's a Beyoncé track that sets the emotional tone, or a traditional Chinese melody that evokes a memory, I often begin with sound before I begin with form. Music helps me feel the rhythm of a project before I define its structure.
One of my favorite cities is Kyoto, for its quiet precision — the way centuries of tradition live inside subtle modern interventions. That kind of design — quiet, intentional, layered — is what I try to bring into my own work.
Over time, design has also changed how I live. I’ve become more observant, more structured, and more attuned to small details — from how I arrange my desk to how I communicate with others. Design has taught me that even small decisions can create positive, incremental shifts — in workflows, in relationships, and in society.
Ultimately, I believe good design is necessary for the advancement of society because it reminds us to be thoughtful. To listen before we speak. To care before we build.

Ruijingya Tang
I’m originally from China and currently based in Seattle, and I carry both cultures with me in how I live and design. From my Chinese background, I’ve inherited an appreciation for subtlety, symbolism, and emotional restraint—values that shape how I handle sensitive topics like grief, memory, or identity in my work. From living in Seattle, I’ve embraced a mindset of openness, systems thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, which helps me move fluidly between UX, research, and visual storytelling.
Music is a big part of my creative life—whether I’m designing for music professionals at Chartmetric or simply listening while sketching, I treat music as both inspiration and structure. It helps me think in rhythm, mood, and narrative flow.
I believe good design is not just decoration—it’s infrastructure for human experience. It’s what makes things feel trustworthy, accessible, and meaningful. In my own life, design has taught me to approach everything—from communication to space to routines—with more intention and care. Something as small as reorganizing how I navigate my day—or as big as co-creating Memory Land—can create ripple effects toward calm, clarity, and connection.

Qihang Zhang
I strive to create a work culture that is collaborative, thoughtful, and quietly ambitious. Whether I’m leading a product initiative or working alongside engineers, I prioritize clarity, emotional intelligence, and shared purpose. I believe in designing with people, not just for people — and that includes colleagues. I’m known for being highly structured, but also empathetic and flexible. I listen actively, ask clear questions, and try to make the invisible parts of the design process visible to others.
When selecting partners or collaborators, I look for people who are curious, generous with ideas, and calm under ambiguity. I care less about where someone studied and more about how they think, how they learn, and how they treat others. I’ve worked both independently and in cross-functional teams, and I find the best outcomes happen when everyone feels ownership — not just over their tasks, but over the values behind the work.
To me, a good designer isn’t defined by their software skills or how trendy their visuals are. What matters more is systems thinking, emotional sensitivity, and the courage to ask uncomfortable questions. One of the core challenges of our profession is being the bridge between complexity and clarity — and doing so without losing our empathy or voice.
Design, at its best, is an act of care. And I try to bring that care into every conversation, every layout, every line of code I collaborate on.

Ruijingya Tang

My work culture is built on clarity, empathy, and mutual respect. Whether I’m working independently or with partners, I prioritize open communication, shared understanding, and a sense of emotional intelligence in every collaboration. I’ve led solo design efforts, but I thrive most when I’m part of cross-functional teams—co-creating with product managers, engineers, researchers, and artists to bring complex ideas to life with care and precision.
I’m told it’s easy to work with me because I’m a good listener, I communicate proactively, and I approach ambiguity with calm. When selecting partners or teammates, I look for people who are curious, generous with feedback, and deeply invested in purpose over ego. Great collaboration happens when people care about both the big picture and the human experience at the center of the work.
The core challenge of my profession is balancing emotional nuance with technical and business constraints—especially when designing for systems like healthcare, grief, or streaming analytics. But that’s also what excites me most.
I believe good designers—and good collaborators—should be empathetic, rigorous, adaptable, and self-aware. Skill matters, but so does how you hold space for others and bring meaning to what you create.

Qihang Zhang
I believe that design is not just a profession — it's a form of service. And I try to carry that belief into everything I do.
I’ve contributed to the design community through mentorship, judging, and social impact work. I serve as a mentor on platforms like ADPList, where I support early-career designers around the world — especially those from non-traditional or underrepresented backgrounds. I’ve also judged numerous international design competitions and student hackathons, not just to evaluate, but to encourage and uplift.
I’ve worked on projects with civic and humanitarian goals, including Blueline, a public safety app designed to rebuild trust between law enforcement and underserved communities. I believe that good design can drive equity — and that designers have a responsibility to contribute beyond commercial work.
To me, giving back isn’t a side project — it’s integrated into how I practice. I make time for conversations, portfolio reviews, and design education because I remember how much I relied on others’ generosity when I was just starting out.
I believe in a design culture where people are seen, ideas are shared, and care is part of the process — not just the outcome.

Ruijingya Tang

As a designer and artist, I believe deeply in using design as a tool for care, dignity, and inclusion—especially for people and communities who are often overlooked by traditional systems. My most personal contribution in this area is Memory Land, a digital memorial platform I co-created to help people grieve, reflect, and connect across distance and culture. The project began not as a commercial product, but as a humanitarian response—rethinking how we hold space for loss in a digital world.
I’m a strong believer in pro bono and purpose-driven work, especially when the mission aligns with my values. I’ve contributed to healthcare access initiatives through my work with Babyscripts, supported digital equity through inclusive UX design practices, and volunteered time mentoring design students and junior professionals navigating their own creative paths.
I also stay connected to the design community through talks, panels, and critique sessions—sharing what I’ve learned and creating space for emerging voices. To me, giving back isn’t separate from design—it’s embedded in how we listen, advocate, and build systems that reflect care for the people we serve.

Qihang Zhang
Participating in the A’ Design Award has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my career so far — not just because of the recognition, but because of the community, visibility, and reflection it encouraged.
One of the most positive moments was being named Designer of the Day. That recognition felt deeply personal — not just a celebration of a single project, but an acknowledgment of the values and vision behind my work. It gave me confidence to keep designing in my own voice.
For me, there are three major benefits to entering design competitions:
First, reflection — the process of submitting forces you to articulate your design decisions, impact, and purpose, which sharpens your thinking.
Second, connection — being part of a global network of designers opens up unexpected collaborations and cultural insight.
Third, credibility — awards create external validation that helps clients, collaborators, and even yourself recognize the value of your work.
I believe competitions like the A’ Design Award matter because they give designers a platform to be seen — especially those working outside the traditional centers of influence. They celebrate not just trends, but thoughtful, impactful, and culturally diverse design.

Ruijingya Tang

Participating in the A’ Design Award has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It provided us with a rare opportunity to step back from day-to-day execution and reflect deeply on the strategic intent, emotional impact, and societal relevance of our work. Preparing the submission helped us articulate not just what we built, but why it matters—to both our users and the broader creative industry.
One of the most positive aspects was the international visibility it brought to our design. Being recognized by a global, multidisciplinary jury affirmed that data-driven tools like Talent Search can be celebrated not just for their functionality, but also for their clarity, accessibility, and inclusiveness.
The award also connected us with a broader community of designers, artists, and thinkers who share a commitment to using design for impact. It was especially meaningful to be named Designer of the Day, as it signaled that even work in niche or B2B spaces can contribute to the global design conversation in significant ways.

Qihang Zhang:
At the core, I’m motivated by the belief that design has the power to bring clarity, dignity, and emotion into complex systems. Whether I’m working on a mobile app for music analytics or a digital experience for memory preservation, I’m driven by the question: how can we make this more human?

I became a designer because I wanted to bridge the gap between data and empathy, between technology and culture. I’m fascinated by how thoughtful interfaces can turn something overwhelming into something empowering, or how a single design choice can shift how someone feels about a brand, a task, or even themselves.

Design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about amplifying meaning. That’s what keeps me going: the possibility that every pixel, layout, or narrative arc I craft can help someone feel seen, understood, or inspired.

Ruijingya Tang:
I’m motivated by the belief that design has the power to simplify the complex and make meaningful impacts on people’s lives. I became a designer because I wanted to bridge the gap between data and human experiences—whether that means helping users discover new music insights, or creating calm, accessible tools. At its core, design for me is about fostering empathy and agency: giving people tools that feel intuitive, empowering, and even delightful. Every design challenge is an opportunity to learn from users, to challenge my own assumptions, and to create solutions that resonate with diverse communities. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Qihang Zhang:
I chose to become a designer—but in many ways, design also chose me. Growing up, I was constantly creating: designing posters for school events, editing videos, building fan websites, even curating playlists with cover art. At the time, I didn’t realize this was “design”—I just knew I loved shaping how things looked, felt, and told a story.

There was no external pressure for me to enter this field. In fact, my path could have easily gone in the direction of academia, media, or tech strategy. But I kept returning to design because it felt like the one discipline where all my interests—narrative, systems thinking, aesthetics, and human behavior—could coexist.

So no, I wasn’t forced into it. I chose design because it allowed me to create impact with intention—and to bring empathy into places that need it most.

Ruijingya Tang:
I chose to become a designer. Even though I started my education in science, I was always drawn to the way design can shape how people interact with the world around them. I found myself naturally gravitating toward creative problem-solving—imagining how to improve products and experiences to make them more human and accessible. That curiosity led me to formally study design and pursue it as a career. It’s been a deeply fulfilling journey, knowing that I get to help create products that are both innovative and meaningful to people’s lives.

Qihang Zhang:
I design digital products that live at the intersection of data, culture, and storytelling. My work spans mobile apps, web platforms, dashboards, and creative tools—often in industries like music, education, and emerging tech. I focus on building systems that don’t just function well, but feel meaningful to the people who use them.

I’m especially drawn to complex products that need clarity and emotion—things like music analytics platforms, AI-powered assistants, or public service apps. I love turning abstract data into intuitive experiences, and making technology more approachable through human-centered design.

In the future, I hope to design more tools that empower underrepresented communities, amplify cultural narratives, or rethink how we interact with memory, identity, and knowledge. Whether it’s through visual storytelling, interface design, or speculative design, I want to keep creating things that help people feel more connected—to information, to each other, and to themselves.

Ruijingya Tang:
I design user experiences for data-intensive B2B products, transforming complex information into intuitive, accessible, and engaging solutions. This work spans music analytics platforms, design systems, and digital tools that empower users with data-driven insights. At the same time, I have a strong passion for consumer products that resonate on a human level—designs that spark emotional connections and foster trust. For example, I designed The Hugging Desk, a classroom desk that creates a sense of comfort and belonging for students in inclusive learning environments. Looking ahead, I aim to design more products that bridge functionality and empathy—products that not only meet technical needs but also bring people together and make a positive impact on society.

Qihang Zhang:
First, I wouldn’t call myself a legend—but I appreciate the spirit of the question. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that great design isn’t just about talent—it’s about intention, persistence, and empathy.

To young designers, I’d say: stay curious. The best ideas often come from outside your discipline. Study psychology, sociology, film, history—anything that helps you understand people better. Learn how systems work, but also how emotions flow.

Second, design with integrity. Don’t just follow trends or chase awards. Focus on solving real problems, telling honest stories, and building things that matter—especially for people whose voices are often overlooked.

And finally, share your process. Teach, mentor, contribute to the community. The most respected designers I know didn’t build careers in isolation—they lifted others up along the way. That’s the kind of legacy worth leaving behind.

Ruijingya Tang:
I’m still learning every day, but if I had to offer advice to young designers, I’d say: stay curious and never stop asking “why.” Every design problem is an opportunity to understand people, challenge your assumptions, and grow as a designer. Seek out diverse perspectives—across industries, cultures, and communities—to build empathy and broaden your horizons. And most importantly, remember that design is about people. Listen deeply to their needs, and design with intention and care. Success is a journey, not a destination, and every project—big or small—teaches you something valuable. Stay true to your values, keep learning, and the rest will follow.

Qihang Zhang:
A good designer solves problems. A great designer reframes them.

Good designers make things work. Great designers make things matter. They don’t stop at usability—they ask deeper questions about meaning, impact, and equity. They design not just for users, but for communities, cultures, and future systems.

A great designer is also a great listener. They’re not afraid to challenge a brief, dig into uncomfortable feedback, or advocate for the people who aren’t in the room. They navigate ambiguity with intention, and lead with empathy even when there’s no clear answer.

Ultimately, what sets a great designer apart is not just craft—but consciousness. The awareness that every design decision carries weight, and the commitment to use that responsibility thoughtfully.

Ruijingya Tang:
A good designer designs products, but a great designer shapes the future. Great designers go beyond meeting requirements—they challenge assumptions, create new possibilities, and set standards that others follow. They think deeply about the human experience and design with empathy, ensuring that their solutions are not only functional but also accessible and inclusive. Great designers also elevate the field itself, by sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and contributing to industry-wide conversations. They innovate, lead, and inspire, leaving a lasting impact on both users and the design community.

Qihang Zhang:
For me, a really good design achieves three things: it works, it resonates, and it respects context.

First, functionality—good design solves a real problem with clarity and elegance. It’s intuitive, efficient, and reduces friction. But that’s just the baseline.

What elevates it is emotional resonance. A great design makes people feel something—delight, trust, empowerment, even nostalgia. It considers tone, timing, and nuance, not just layout and logic.

Lastly, I look at context. Is the design culturally aware? Does it respect its users’ identities, environments, and constraints? A truly great design isn’t just universal—it’s appropriately specific.

So when I evaluate design, I don’t just ask “Is this usable?”—I ask “Is this meaningful? Is this responsible? Will someone remember how it made them feel?”

Ruijingya Tang:
A good design becomes a truly great design when it not only meets user needs but also creates a meaningful, lasting connection with its audience. For me, a great design balances usability, accessibility, and emotional resonance—it’s intuitive, inclusive, and leaves users feeling empowered. I evaluate design by asking: Does it solve a real problem effectively? Does it simplify the complex without losing depth? Does it feel authentic and human-centered? I also look at how it advances the field, inspires others, and aligns with my values of inclusivity and impact. Great design goes beyond the screen or product; it fosters trust and builds relationships that last.

Qihang Zhang:
Good design isn’t just decoration—it’s direction. It shapes how we interact with technology, how we trust information, and how we relate to each other. In a world overloaded with complexity, good design brings clarity. In a world full of noise, it brings intention.

Investing in good design means investing in better decisions, deeper engagement, and longer-lasting impact. It saves time, reduces friction, and builds emotional connection. More importantly, it can make the difference between something that’s merely functional and something that people care about.

For companies, good design isn’t a luxury—it’s a multiplier. It can elevate a product, define a brand, and turn users into advocates. For communities, it can increase accessibility, dignity, and agency. And for culture, it preserves meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Design, at its best, isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making things work for people in the most thoughtful, inclusive, and beautiful way possible.

Ruijingya Tang:
Good design is more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that empower people and drive innovation. When a product is well-designed, it’s easier to use, more inclusive, and genuinely resonates with its audience. Good design simplifies the complex, fosters trust, and builds emotional connections between users and products. Investing in good design means investing in a better future—one where technology and people work together seamlessly. For businesses, good design is a strategic advantage: it differentiates them in the market, creates lasting value, and inspires loyalty. Beyond business, good design shapes our everyday lives and sets new standards for how we interact with the world. That’s why investing in design is investing in progress itself.

Qihang Zhang:
If I had the time, I would design for people whose stories are often overlooked—immigrants, caregivers, aging populations, and communities navigating cultural loss or transition. These are the people who often live in the margins of design systems—not because they’re less important, but because they’ve been historically excluded.

I’d love to build tools that help preserve intergenerational memory—platforms where language, emotion, and family history can coexist across time and borders. I’d also be interested in designing public-interest AI: systems that translate complex resources (like legal rights, housing, or healthcare access) into clear, humane experiences.

In short, I would design for those whose needs are invisible to most products today—and whose dignity deserves to be centered, not compromised. Not everything has to scale. But everything we design should care.

Ruijingya Tang:
If I had the time, I’d love to design tools that support mental health and emotional well-being—products that help people navigate complex emotions, build resilience, and connect with others meaningfully. I’d design for individuals who often feel overlooked by mainstream technology: young immigrants adjusting to a new culture, patients navigating health challenges, or communities with limited access to digital tools. My goal would be to create solutions that are not just functional but truly human-centered—accessible, inclusive, and empowering. These are the kinds of projects where design can make a profound difference, and I hope to dedicate more time to them in the future.

Qihang Zhang:
My dream project is to design a living archive—a platform where people can preserve, narrate, and emotionally reconnect with their personal and cultural histories. Not just a gallery of memories, but an interactive space powered by AI and storytelling, where past and present can coexist across generations.

It would blend design, technology, and oral tradition—allowing families to translate old voice messages into animated stories, transform ancestral documents into immersive timelines, and curate memories that evolve as new ones are added. I imagine it as part digital museum, part emotional companion.

This idea comes from my own experience growing up between cultures, watching stories disappear in translation. I’d love to build something that helps people—not just remember—but feel remembered.

Ruijingya Tang:
My dream project is to design a product that harnesses emerging technologies like AI to make complex data more accessible and empowering for everyone. I’d love to create a platform that helps users understand, interpret, and act on AI-generated insights with confidence. For example, a tool that translates AI predictions into human-centered guidance—making everything from healthcare, education, to creative industries more transparent and inclusive. I see this as a way to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday users, ensuring that AI serves as a trustworthy partner rather than a black box. With my experience in data-heavy products and my passion for human-centered design, I’m eager to contribute to shaping the future of technology in a way that’s both innovative and deeply meaningful.

Qihang Zhang:
If I had to name one secret ingredient, it would be empathy with precision.

I always try to design with both heart and structure—with deep emotional sensitivity and an obsessive attention to systems, flows, and patterns. Good design isn’t just about caring—it’s about translating that care into something functional, elegant, and sustainable.

I also pay close attention to narrative. Whether I’m designing a dashboard or a mobile app, I think in terms of story: Where does this moment sit in the user’s journey? What’s the emotional arc? How do we create not just usability, but meaning?

And maybe most importantly—I stay curious. I ask questions that aren’t on the brief. I listen between the lines. And I believe that the best designs often come not from knowing the answer, but from honoring the complexity of the question.

Ruijingya Tang:
My secret ingredient in design is empathy—deeply understanding the people I’m designing for and the challenges they face. I believe that great design starts with listening, observing, and building trust. From there, I combine that human insight with a rigorous approach to design systems, data visualization, and accessibility to create solutions that are both innovative and meaningful. This blend of empathy and rigor is what drives my work and allows me to design products that not only meet functional needs but also resonate emotionally. That’s my recipe for design that stands out and makes a real impact.

Qihang Zhang:
I draw inspiration from designers and thinkers who blur boundaries—between disciplines, mediums, and cultures.

I’m deeply influenced by Dieter Rams for his timeless clarity and moral rigor; Paula Scher for her fearless typographic storytelling; and Yugo Nakamura, whose interactive works taught me how digital experiences can feel alive and poetic.

I also admire John Maeda—not just as a designer, but as a systems thinker and creative leader. His writing helped me understand how design can function as both a lens for human experience and a tool for shaping the future.

Beyond traditional design, I find inspiration in filmmakers like Hayao Miyazaki, who infuses every frame with care, imagination, and emotional truth. And in musicians like Beyoncé, whose visual storytelling and cultural vision demonstrate how design, music, and identity can come together with incredible intention.

Ultimately, I’m most inspired by creators who design with conviction—those who make you feel something and think differently.

Ruijingya Tang:
I draw inspiration from a wide range of designers who have shaped the field with their creativity and commitment to human-centered design. Dieter Rams, with his emphasis on simplicity and functionality, has always been a guiding influence. I admire Don Norman’s contributions to user-centered design and his insights into how people interact with technology. In the data visualization space, Edward Tufte’s work inspires me to balance clarity with beauty. I’m also deeply inspired by Charles Eames, whose work seamlessly blended art, architecture, and design to create timeless, human-centered experiences. These design legends remind me that great design is about serving people, challenging conventions, and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

Qihang Zhang:
One of my all-time favorite designs is Paula Scher’s identity for The Public Theater. It’s bold, kinetic, and unapologetically urban. I admire how she translated the spirit of New York City into a typographic system that feels alive—democratic, expressive, and unforgettable. It taught me how visual language can capture not just a brand, but an entire cultural moment.

Another work I return to often is Yugo Nakamura’s “ecotonoha”, an interactive web project for NEC. Long before sustainability became a buzzword, he created a digital tree that grew through user participation. It’s poetic, participatory, and emotionally resonant—everything I believe digital experiences should strive for.

I also deeply admire Rams’s 606 Universal Shelving System. It’s not flashy, but it endures. Its modularity, precision, and timelessness remind me that great design is often invisible—it simply works, adapts, and stays relevant for decades.

These works span very different mediums, but they all share a core principle: they respect the user, elevate the message, and age with grace.

Ruijingya Tang:
One of my favorite designs is Dieter Rams’ Braun SK4 record player, which embodies simplicity, functionality, and timeless elegance. Its clear, minimalist aesthetic feels as fresh today as it did decades ago—a testament to Rams’ commitment to good design principles. I also deeply admire the Eames Lounge Chair, which seamlessly blends comfort, craftsmanship, and beauty. It’s a reminder that great design can be both functional and emotionally resonant. Edward Tufte’s The Visual Display of Quantitative Information also stands out to me for its clarity and emphasis on data integrity—a guiding light in my own work in data visualization. These designs inspire me because they show how design can transform everyday experiences into something both meaningful and enduring.

Qihang Zhang:
One of the designs I’m most proud of is the Chartmetric Mobile App, a music analytics platform I led from concept to launch. It brought powerful industry data—previously locked behind complex dashboards—to the fingertips of artists, managers, and label executives around the world.

What makes this design meaningful to me isn’t just the interface—it’s the impact. We translated dense, multi-dimensional datasets into an intuitive mobile experience that feels fast, focused, and empowering. I designed it to feel less like a spreadsheet and more like a smart, responsive assistant—delivering key insights with clarity and context.

We also pushed for accessibility across languages and device types, which helped open Chartmetric’s tools to emerging markets and independent creators. The fact that Grammy-winning artists and startup indie teams now use the same tool, on the same screen, speaks to its inclusiveness.

To me, it’s great not because of its elegance alone—but because it made data feel human, and helped creators make better, more informed decisions about their art.

Ruijingya Tang:
One of my greatest designs is the Talent Search tool I designed at Chartmetric. This platform helps record labels scout emerging artists using data-driven insights, transforming how talent discovery happens in the music industry. What makes it great is its balance of complexity and usability—it translates vast amounts of music data into intuitive, accessible visuals that empower users to make confident decisions. Its success is evident in the multiple international design awards it has won and the praise it has received from industry leaders like Spotify and Sony Music. What truly sets it apart is how it reimagines talent scouting as an inclusive, transparent, and data-driven process—something that aligns with my mission to make design both impactful and meaningful.

Qihang Zhang:
To become a better designer, I believe you have to stay both curious and humble. Tools and trends change fast—but empathy, critical thinking, and storytelling always stay relevant.

For me, the biggest improvements came when I stepped outside the design bubble. I studied communications and history, explored cognitive science, and worked across fields—from music analytics to public service apps. Each context taught me to ask better questions and design with greater awareness of who I’m designing for.

I also make a habit of reflecting on my process. After every major project, I ask myself: What did I miss? Where did the friction happen? How could I have communicated more clearly or made one more person feel seen?

Lastly, I surround myself with people who challenge me. Teaching, mentoring, judging competitions—they’re not just ways to give back; they force me to articulate what I believe, and to keep evolving.

Improving as a designer isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about becoming more intentional with every choice you make.

Ruijingya Tang:
To become a better designer, people should focus on developing both empathy and a rigorous design process. It’s essential to understand users deeply—their challenges, motivations, and contexts—so that design solutions are truly meaningful. I also believe in continuous learning, whether that’s exploring new tools, studying design systems, or staying updated on emerging technologies like AI. For myself, I’ve always sought out opportunities to lead projects, mentor others, and push the boundaries of what design can do. This includes designing award-winning products that simplify complex data, building design systems that scale accessibility, and contributing to conversations that shape the future of design. Ultimately, being a great designer means being curious, adaptable, and committed to making a positive impact.

Qihang Zhang:
If I hadn’t become a designer, I probably would’ve pursued a path in data storytelling, cultural research, or education innovation. I’ve always been drawn to how people make meaning—through information, history, and systems of knowledge.

Before formally entering the design world, I worked on research and data projects at places like Harvard Business School, where I focused on analytics and behavioral insights. I could imagine myself building public-interest platforms, curating digital archives, or designing learning systems that translate complex data into accessible knowledge.

But in a way, I never really left those interests behind. Design became the medium that allowed me to bring all of them together—technology, analysis, narrative, and empathy. It just happened to be the most complete language for the kind of impact I wanted to make.

Ruijingya Tang:
If I hadn’t become a designer, I would have pursued a career as an artist. Art has always been a source of inspiration and a way for me to explore human experiences through visual expression. I love how art allows for deep emotional connection and storytelling, much like design but without the same constraints. Even as a designer, I often draw on artistic principles to bring warmth and humanity to my work. For me, whether it’s art or design, the goal is always to create something that resonates with people and leaves a lasting impact.

Qihang Zhang:
For me, design is the act of giving intention a form.

It’s not just about how things look or work—it’s about how they mean. Design is the bridge between abstract ideas and lived experience. It turns uncertainty into clarity, and complexity into care.

Design, to me, is also an ethical practice. It asks: who gets to participate? Who is excluded? What assumptions are we encoding into the systems we build? Whether I’m designing an app, a dashboard, or a digital memory space, I try to see beyond the interface—to the emotions, decisions, and power structures behind it.

Ultimately, design is a language. One that helps people understand the world—and feel understood in return.

Ruijingya Tang:
For me, design is the bridge between human needs and technology. It’s about translating complex challenges into solutions that are not only functional but also meaningful and accessible. Design is a process of empathy, creativity, and problem-solving—a way to bring clarity to the complex and foster connection between people and products. It’s both an art and a science, grounded in understanding human behavior and driven by a desire to make a positive impact. At its best, design empowers, inspires, and shapes the future.

Qihang Zhang:
I’ve been fortunate to have many people believe in me at different stages—but if I had to name just one, it would be my mother. She didn’t come from a design background, but she gave me the space to explore, the resilience to persist, and the values to design with care and responsibility.

Beyond family, I’m deeply grateful to the mentors, teammates, and collaborators who challenged me to think more critically and design more thoughtfully—especially those who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. At Harvard, UCLA, and in professional settings, I’ve had the privilege of learning from people who were not only brilliant, but generous with their wisdom.

And of course, none of this would have been possible without the communities I design for—because every user story, every piece of feedback, every unsolved problem becomes a spark for growth. They keep me honest, and they keep me going.

Ruijingya Tang:
I’ve been lucky to learn from many talented mentors, colleagues, and teammates throughout my design journey. At Chartmetric, I worked with incredible teams that challenged and inspired me every day, pushing me to innovate and think critically about user needs. My manager, Qihang Zhang, in particular, has been a huge source of support and mentorship for me. My professors in human-centered design at the University of Washington also played a big role in shaping my approach to empathy-driven design and rigorous research. But perhaps the biggest supporter has been the design community itself—whether through design awards that recognized my work or through constructive feedback that fueled my growth. Every piece of encouragement, every collaborative effort, has helped me reach new heights as a designer.

Qihang Zhang:
If I’ve grown as a designer, it’s because I’ve always stayed curious—and never stopped listening.

What helped me most wasn’t mastering a specific tool or style, but developing a mindset: one that values systems and stories equally, and that treats every project as a learning opportunity. Studying across disciplines—communications, history, data science, education—taught me to see patterns, question assumptions, and design with both emotional and analytical clarity.

Working with diverse teams also shaped me. Collaborating with engineers, researchers, marketers, and musicians pushed me to design beyond my own perspective. I learned to translate complexity into clarity—not by simplifying people’s needs, but by deeply respecting them.

And maybe most importantly, I never designed just for the screen—I designed for the human behind it.

Ruijingya Tang:
What helped me become a great designer is a combination of curiosity, empathy, and a relentless drive to improve. I’ve always been curious about how people interact with technology, and that curiosity pushed me to dig deeper—whether that’s through user research, design critiques, or testing new ideas. Empathy taught me to design for real people, not just personas, ensuring that my solutions resonate emotionally and functionally. I also benefited from incredible mentorship and collaboration with talented teams who challenged me to think critically and push the boundaries of what design can do. Recognition from international design awards validated my approach and motivated me to keep setting new standards. At the core, I believe that great design is a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and making a positive impact on people’s lives.

Qihang Zhang:
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was not coming from a traditional design background. I didn’t attend art school or study visual design formally. I had to learn through self-teaching, interdisciplinary exploration, and real-world problem solving—often figuring things out on the fly while navigating complex product challenges.

Another challenge was designing across cultures and time zones. I’ve worked with global teams, users, and stakeholders who come from vastly different contexts. It taught me that good design isn’t universal by default—it has to be translated, adapted, and deeply contextualized. That takes time, listening, and humility.

Early in my career, I also struggled with impostor syndrome—wondering if I truly belonged in rooms with seasoned designers or engineers. But over time, I realized that my unconventional path was actually my strength: it allowed me to connect dots others might not see, and to bring a more holistic perspective to design.

Those challenges didn’t disappear—but they became part of the reason I design with so much intention today.

Ruijingya Tang:
One of the challenges I’ve faced in my design career is working within complex, data-driven industries where design must simplify and humanize vast amounts of information. Designing for B2B products with intricate workflows and diverse user needs required me to continually refine my approach, balancing technical constraints with intuitive and accessible experiences. Another challenge has been navigating cross-functional teams and aligning stakeholders around design goals, which often means advocating for user needs while ensuring business objectives are met. These challenges have ultimately strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to creating impactful, human-centered design solutions that stand the test of time.

Qihang Zhang:
Designers should present their work not just as solutions, but as stories with context, intention, and impact.

Start with the “why”: What problem were you solving? Why did it matter? Then walk through the journey—decisions made, trade-offs considered, user insights uncovered. The goal is not to impress with perfection, but to reveal the thinking behind the outcome.

Visual polish is important, but so is clarity. Use clean layouts, concise language, and real user scenarios. Ground your presentation in evidence—research findings, metrics, user feedback—while also leaving space for emotion and reflection.

And always tailor the narrative to your audience. A CEO, a fellow designer, and a new user all care about different things. Great presentation is not just self-expression—it’s translation.

At its best, presenting design isn’t about showing what you made—it’s about showing how you thought, and why it matters.

Ruijingya Tang:
Designers should present their work in a way that tells a complete, compelling story—one that goes beyond just visuals to highlight the journey from problem to solution. It’s important to frame your work by explaining the user needs you identified, the research and insights that guided your design decisions, and how those decisions translated into real-world impact. Including visuals like wireframes, prototypes, and final screens helps ground the story, but it’s the narrative that gives context and meaning.

I believe that transparency about your process—what worked, what didn’t, and what you learned—builds trust and shows your growth as a designer. Highlighting outcomes, whether that’s user satisfaction, business impact, or design awards, reinforces the value of your work. Ultimately, a great presentation should inspire confidence in your ability to solve complex problems, lead design efforts, and make a meaningful difference.

Qihang Zhang:
Looking ahead, I’m continuing to explore how AI, data, and storytelling can come together to create more meaningful digital experiences. My next design projects focus on building tools that not only inform—but empower. These include new interfaces for creative discovery, AI-assisted music tools, and platforms that help people better understand their cultural and emotional histories.

I’m also interested in designing for public impact—rethinking how design can support trust, safety, and accessibility in underserved communities. Whether that’s through civic tech, memory preservation, or cross-cultural education tools, I want my next projects to reach beyond the screen and into everyday life.

You can expect more work that lives at the intersection of systems and stories—designs that are both emotionally resonant and functionally intelligent.

Ruijingya Tang:
My next design project will focus on the intersection of AI and human-centered design, exploring how emerging technologies can make data more transparent, accessible, and empowering for users. I’m especially interested in building systems that combine data-driven insights with intuitive, emotionally resonant interfaces—creating products that help people make sense of complexity in meaningful ways. You can expect me to continue leading design projects that set new standards in usability, inclusivity, and design systems, while also mentoring others and contributing to the broader design community. I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve, making technology work better for everyone.

Qihang Zhang:
My ultimate goal as a designer is to create systems that feel human—tools, platforms, and experiences that don’t just work, but care.

I want to keep building things that make complexity more compassionate, that turn data into stories, and that give people more agency over their identities, memories, and decisions. Whether it’s for a global artist, a small community, or a single family, I want my design work to empower—not overwhelm.

Beyond that, I hope to create a ripple effect: to mentor others, advocate for inclusive practices, and shape design cultures where empathy and clarity are valued as much as aesthetics.

Design, for me, isn’t just a career—it’s a responsibility. And my goal is to keep using it to bridge gaps, uplift voices, and build experiences that help people feel more understood in an increasingly noisy world.

Ruijingya Tang:
My ultimate goal as a designer is to create solutions that meaningfully improve people’s lives, bridging technology and human experience in ways that are both innovative and accessible. I aim to set new standards for design in complex, data-driven fields by making information not only usable but also empowering. Beyond individual products, I want to inspire and mentor the next generation of designers, contributing to a more inclusive and human-centered design community. At the core, I see design as a powerful tool to shape a better future—and I’m committed to using it to create positive, lasting impact.

Qihang Zhang:
People expect more than just polished visuals—they expect clarity, integrity, and perspective.

As a designer with experience across industries and cultures, I’ve learned that people look to you not just for solutions, but for guidance: how to make thoughtful decisions, how to navigate complexity, and how to center users without losing sight of business goals.

They expect you to ask the questions others overlook, to speak up for the people not in the room, and to translate vision into reality with empathy and precision. And most importantly, they expect consistency—not just in craft, but in character.

I take that responsibility seriously. Being an “esteemed designer” doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means staying open, staying accountable, and showing up with care in every interaction.

Ruijingya Tang:
People expect an esteemed designer to lead by example—through innovation, integrity, and a commitment to human-centered design. They look for someone who can transform complex challenges into intuitive, accessible solutions that make a real difference. Beyond individual projects, they expect thought leadership: contributing to the design community through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and setting high standards of excellence. They also expect collaboration and the ability to inspire and empower others, creating a positive and inclusive design culture. I embrace these expectations as opportunities to push the field forward and to make design more impactful and meaningful for everyone.

Qihang Zhang:
Design shapes the systems we live in—how we access healthcare, understand data, tell stories, and even trust each other. At its best, design doesn’t just improve usability—it reshapes power, increases dignity, and fosters connection.

Design can make invisible problems visible. It can simplify complexity, surface unheard voices, and bridge cultural or generational gaps. Whether it's creating more inclusive digital tools, rethinking public safety interfaces, or preserving personal memory through technology, design has the power to turn values into experiences.

A better society isn’t built through technology alone—it’s built through intentional, human-centered decisions. Design gives us the opportunity to ask: Who is this for? Who might be left behind? And how might we build better—not just faster?

I believe design is not only a tool for innovation, but a moral practice. One that, when done thoughtfully, can contribute to a more empathetic, equitable world.

Ruijingya Tang:
Design helps create a better society by translating complex challenges into human-centered solutions that empower and uplift people. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about improving accessibility, inclusivity, and trust in the products and systems we use every day. Good design bridges gaps between people and technology, making information more understandable, services more equitable, and experiences more meaningful. It fosters empathy, encourages collaboration, and sets new standards for what’s possible. As a designer, I see my role as shaping technology and experiences in ways that advance societal well-being, promote innovation, and build a more connected, compassionate world.

Qihang Zhang:
Right now, I’m working on a set of AI-powered tools that help people better navigate music data and creative discovery—bridging the gap between raw analytics and emotional storytelling. It’s part of an effort to make industry-level insights more accessible to artists, managers, and independent creators around the world.

I’m also exploring new ways to visualize memory and identity through design—thinking beyond traditional interfaces to imagine what “digital memory” could feel like in a post-AI era. That includes prototyping emotional timelines, cross-generational storytelling spaces, and immersive archives.

What excites me most is the possibility of designing not just for tasks, but for meaning—creating tools that help people feel more understood, not just more efficient.

Ruijingya Tang:
Right now, I’m especially excited about exploring the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship to shape new opportunities for human-centered design. I’m working on a concept that uses AI to support emerging artists in discovering their growth potential—giving them the tools and insights they need to navigate the music industry more confidently. This project challenges me to think like an entrepreneur: balancing technical innovation with real user needs and business viability. It’s a chance to bring together my expertise in data-heavy design, accessibility, and emotional connection—paving the way for products that don’t just deliver insights but also empower users to achieve their goals.

Qihang Zhang:
One of the most personally meaningful projects I’ve worked on is Blueline, a mobile app designed to rebuild trust between underserved communities and law enforcement. It wasn’t just a design challenge—it was a human one.

We built features like real-time case tracking, anonymous reporting, and multilingual access, all grounded in empathy and accessibility. What gave me the most satisfaction wasn’t the interface itself—it was hearing from users who said, “I finally feel like I can speak up,” or “This makes me feel safer.”

Designing Blueline reminded me that even small screens can hold big emotions—and that thoughtful design can give people not just a better experience, but a stronger sense of agency and belonging.

It combined everything I care about: emotional storytelling, system-level thinking, and public impact. That’s what made it so rewarding.

Ruijingya Tang:
One of the most satisfying design projects I’ve worked on is the Talent Search tool at Chartmetric. This project transformed how record labels discover and evaluate emerging artists, using data-driven insights to make talent scouting more transparent and equitable. It was incredibly rewarding to see how this tool empowered users with actionable information and simplified a traditionally complex process.
Another deeply satisfying project was Memory Land, a digital platform that helps people commemorate loved ones in personalized, meaningful ways. This project allowed me to blend technology with emotional connection—designing a space where users could create virtual memorials, share memories, and find support. It demonstrated how design can foster healing and bring people together, even in difficult times.

Both projects highlight why I design: to create solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives while pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve.

Qihang Zhang:
I’d love to see the design industry move beyond aesthetics and surface-level UX, toward a deeper commitment to ethics, equity, and systemic impact.

Too often, design is still seen as a finishing layer—something to make a product look clean or feel smooth. But in reality, design makes decisions: about access, power, inclusion, and trust. I hope more teams recognize that and build design cultures that include marginalized voices early and often, not just as testers, but as co-creators.

I also hope we evolve how we value design. That means investing in accessibility, cross-cultural fluency, and long-term impact—not just short-term KPIs. Especially with the rise of AI, designers will play a key role in shaping how people experience emerging technologies. We need to ask: Who are we designing with? Who are we designing for? And who might be left out?

Design isn’t neutral. The sooner we stop pretending it is, the better our work—and our industry—will become.

Ruijingya Tang:
I’d like to see the design industry place a stronger emphasis on inclusive design—creating solutions that are accessible, culturally relevant, and emotionally engaging for all users. Too often, design decisions still rely on narrow perspectives or assumptions that leave out diverse voices. I’d also like to see design leadership embrace ethical design principles, ensuring that emerging technologies like AI are used responsibly and transparently. Additionally, I hope to see more emphasis on collaboration between designers, developers, and business stakeholders to create holistic, human-centered experiences. Ultimately, I believe design should champion positive change—setting new standards for how technology and humanity intersect in meaningful and empowering ways.

Qihang Zhang:
I believe the design field is moving toward a space where systems, ethics, and storytelling converge.

As AI and automation reshape how we work and interact, designers will be tasked with humanizing complexity—turning opaque algorithms into transparent experiences, and making emerging technologies feel understandable, trustworthy, and emotionally resonant.

We’re also entering an era where context-aware design matters more than ever. Personalization, cultural fluency, and environmental responsibility will no longer be “nice to have”—they’ll be foundational. Design will need to adapt dynamically—not just to screen sizes, but to values, languages, and lived experiences.

Finally, I think the future of design lies in co-creation. Not designing for people, but with them. Designers will become facilitators of inclusive systems—where the end user is also a storyteller, editor, and contributor.

In short, we’re moving from designing interfaces to designing relationships—between people, platforms, and the world around them.

Ruijingya Tang:
I think the design field is moving toward an even deeper integration of technology and human-centered principles. With emerging technologies like AI, designers will need to create experiences that are not only intelligent but also transparent and trustworthy. Design will increasingly focus on bridging the gap between complex data and human understanding—making information more accessible and actionable for everyone. I also see design playing a critical role in advancing inclusivity and accessibility across industries. Ultimately, I believe the next frontier is about balancing innovation with empathy, ensuring that technology serves humanity in meaningful, responsible ways.

Qihang Zhang:
It really depends on the nature and scope of the project. Some smaller feature designs or visual systems can be finalized in a few weeks, especially if the goals are clear and the team is aligned. But for larger, more complex products—like Chartmetric’s mobile app or Blueline—the full process can take several months or longer.

I usually approach projects in layers: first defining the strategic narrative, then iterating on flows and systems, followed by detailed UI and polish. I spend a lot of time up front understanding the problem, the users, and the context—because clarity early on saves time (and rework) later.

That said, I don’t see “final” as a fixed point. Design is iterative. Even after launch, I’m always listening, measuring, and learning. The most thoughtful products I’ve worked on are never really “done”—they evolve as people evolve.

Ruijingya Tang:
The timeline for finalizing a design project can vary greatly depending on its complexity, scope, and stakeholder alignment. For smaller features or iterations, it might take a few weeks to a couple of months. For larger initiatives—like building a design system or creating an award-winning product like the Talent Search tool—it often spans several months to ensure thorough research, prototyping, testing, and stakeholder feedback. I believe in an iterative approach that balances speed with quality, always prioritizing the user experience while staying aligned with business goals. Regardless of the timeline, my focus is on delivering solutions that are thoughtful, impactful, and ready to make a difference.

Qihang Zhang:
I always start by understanding the “why” behind the project—the core problem we’re trying to solve, who it matters to, and what success really looks like. Before I touch any visuals, I try to immerse myself in the context: user needs, business goals, technical constraints, and emotional undercurrents.

I ask myself: Who are we designing for? What are they feeling, missing, or struggling with? What assumptions might we be bringing into this process without realizing it? These questions help me move beyond surface-level solutions and get to the heart of the challenge.

From there, I begin mapping the system—exploring workflows, edge cases, and potential points of friction. Only once I’ve built that foundational understanding do I begin sketching interaction flows, structuring information, and exploring visual direction.

Whether it’s a music analytics platform or a storytelling app, I treat every design project as a conversation—and I always begin by listening.

Ruijingya Tang:
Whenever I start a new design project, I always begin by understanding the user’s needs and the context of the problem. I immerse myself in research—interviews, observations, and data analysis—to get a clear picture of the challenges users face. From there, I align with stakeholders to define goals, constraints, and success metrics. This helps ensure that design decisions are rooted in both user empathy and business objectives. I then move into ideation and prototyping, always testing and iterating with users to refine the experience. By starting with empathy and grounding every decision in real insights, I can create solutions that are not only functional but also meaningful and impactful.

Qihang Zhang:
“Make clarity feel like care.”

That line reminds me that design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about doing so with empathy and intention. When we make something easier to understand, we’re not just being efficient—we’re being respectful. We’re telling the user: I see you, I thought about you, and I want this to feel right for you.

Whether I’m designing for music professionals, public safety, or memory preservation, I always come back to this idea. Clarity isn’t cold—it’s human. And it’s one of the most powerful ways design can show it cares.

Ruijingya Tang:
My life motto as a designer is: “The boundaries of design are those of problems.” Inspired by Charles Eames, this reminds me that design is fundamentally about solving meaningful problems—no challenge is too big or too small. It’s a call to embrace complexity, think critically, and push boundaries to create solutions that truly make a difference. For me, design is about asking the right questions, listening deeply to users, and crafting experiences that are both human-centered and innovative.

Qihang Zhang:
I think it’s a conversation—design and trends are constantly shaping each other.

Great design doesn’t just follow trends; it interprets them, questions them, and sometimes redefines them. At the same time, designers don’t create in a vacuum. We’re always responding to cultural shifts, technological changes, and emerging user behaviors. The best design is aware of what’s happening now, but not confined by it.

To me, trends are signals—useful, but not definitive. They can inspire, but they shouldn’t dictate. Design has the power to anticipate needs before they become mainstream, or to slow things down when speed becomes noise.

So rather than choosing one over the other, I believe great designers know how to listen to trends without being led by them—and how to lead with intention when the moment calls for it.

Ruijingya Tang:
I think design both sets and responds to trends. Great design has the power to shape trends by introducing new ideas and experiences that resonate with people and challenge the status quo. At the same time, design must be aware of cultural shifts and technological advancements, adapting to meet evolving user needs. For me, the most impactful design is proactive—anticipating where trends are heading while staying grounded in human-centered principles. It’s a balance of leading and listening that allows design to make a lasting impact.

Qihang Zhang:
For me, technology is not just a tool—it’s a creative partner. It expands what’s possible, but it also demands more responsibility.

I see technology as the underlying material of modern design—like paper or ink once were. Whether it’s data architecture, AI algorithms, or mobile frameworks, understanding the medium helps me shape experiences that feel natural, responsive, and human.

But I don’t believe in tech for tech’s sake. I ask: What role does this technology play in someone’s life? Does it clarify or confuse? Empower or alienate? My job is to translate technical potential into emotional and functional value.

Especially in an era of automation and AI, designers need to be both critical and curious. Technology should serve people, not the other way around—and design is how we make that promise real.

Ruijingya Tang:
Technology plays a vital role in my design process—it’s both a tool and an enabler. It allows me to transform complex data into intuitive, human-centered experiences that empower users. Whether I’m designing a music analytics platform or a digital memorial space, technology helps bring ideas to life and make them accessible to a broader audience. However, I see technology not as the end goal, but as a means to amplify human connection and impact. My focus is always on using technology responsibly and thoughtfully, ensuring that it enhances rather than hinders the user experience. Ultimately, technology in design should serve people, not the other way around.

Qihang Zhang:
Most of my core design work happens in Figma—it’s where I build product flows, component libraries, and collaborative prototypes. For motion and microinteraction work, I use After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and occasionally CapCut when I need something lightweight and fast.

For presentations, workshops, and storytelling, I rely on tools like Canva, Gamma, and Notion to quickly structure narratives and visual ideas. On the analytics and content side, I often work with Google Workspace, Airtable, and custom CMS dashboards—especially when collaborating with PMs, engineers, or strategists.

I don’t use any drawing tablets or 3D tools like Blender or Cinema 4D, as my focus tends to be on product experience, systems thinking, and interface clarity. That said, I always stay open to learning new tools if they enhance how I can think, share, or care through design.

Ruijingya Tang:
In my work, I primarily use Figma for its collaborative features and powerful design system capabilities. It allows me to prototype, iterate, and share designs with teams in real time—essential for creating cohesive and scalable design solutions. I also leverage tools like Adobe Creative Suite for visual design tasks, as well as whiteboarding and research tools like Miro and Notion for organizing ideas and user insights. My approach is to select tools that best support the project’s needs and foster collaboration, ensuring that design is always user-centered and impactful.

Qihang Zhang:
Color, material, and ambient choices are not just aesthetic decisions—they’re emotional cues. They shape how people feel before they even start interacting.

In digital design, color sets tone and trust. A deep green might suggest reliability; a vibrant coral might spark energy or urgency. I use color not only for hierarchy or accessibility, but to support the emotional arc of an experience—especially in products that deal with sensitive topics like identity, memory, or safety.

While I don’t work directly with physical materials, I often think in terms of texture and weight—how interfaces “feel,” even on a flat screen. That might mean adding just the right shadow, delay, or motion to make something feel intentional and alive.

Ambient design—whether visual, sonic, or spatial—helps people slow down, focus, or reflect. In projects like Memory Land, crafting a calm, timeless visual environment was key to helping users connect emotionally with their memories.
Ultimately, these choices are about atmosphere. When done right, they don’t call attention to themselves—they make the user feel safe, seen, and present.

Ruijingya Tang:
Color, materials, and ambient elements play a crucial role in design by shaping the user’s emotional experience and influencing how they connect with a product or space. Color can guide attention, convey meaning, and evoke feelings—helping users navigate complex information intuitively. Materials add texture and depth, making digital and physical interfaces feel more tangible and human-centered. The ambient environment—light, sound, atmosphere—frames the entire experience, affecting mood, focus, and engagement. I see these elements as essential tools for building trust, comfort, and delight in the user journey. Thoughtfully integrating them is key to creating designs that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant and impactful.

Qihang Zhang:
I wish people would ask: “What kind of emotion or intention is this design trying to hold?”—not just “What does it do?”

So often, design is evaluated by surface features: is it sleek, fast, efficient? But what excites me is when someone pauses and asks: Who was this built for? What’s the invisible story here? I want people to sense the care that went into the experience, not just the outcome.

I’d also love for more people to ask how the design might evolve—what it might become as people grow, or as the world shifts. I believe great design is a living system. It’s not just a product—it’s a relationship.

Those kinds of questions remind me that the best design doesn’t speak the loudest—it listens the deepest.

Ruijingya Tang:
I wish people would ask, “How does your design empower users to feel more confident, connected, and in control?” That question gets to the heart of why I design—to create solutions that don’t just work, but make people’s lives better in meaningful ways. I also love when people ask about the process behind the design—how research, empathy, and collaboration shape the final product—because it highlights the importance of the journey, not just the destination.

Qihang Zhang:
When I see a truly great design, my first thought is usually: “Someone really cared.”

Great design feels intentional at every level—not just in how it looks, but in how it listens. I often find myself asking: What decisions were made behind this? What constraints did they face? What unseen story or emotion are they honoring here?

I also think about the relationship it creates. Does it invite trust? Does it slow me down in a good way? Does it make me want to look closer, or feel more connected? That sense of quiet precision and emotional weight always stays with me.

And then, of course—I smile a little. Because I know how hard it is to make something feel that effortless. Behind every great design is a hundred invisible questions asked with care. That’s what I admire most.

Ruijingya Tang:
When I see a new great design or product, I immediately think about the people behind it and the problems it solves. I’m curious about how it came to be—what challenges it overcame, how the team balanced functionality and aesthetics, and how it pushes the boundaries of the field. I also think about how it makes people’s lives better, because for me, the best designs are the ones that truly resonate with users and leave a lasting positive impact.

Qihang Zhang:
Absolutely—I strongly believe in co-design. Some of my most meaningful projects came to life not because of individual brilliance, but because of deep, trusting collaboration.

My ideal design partner is someone who brings a different lens than mine—someone who challenges assumptions, asks hard questions, and cares deeply about the people we’re designing for. I gravitate toward partners who think in systems, but also feel in stories. They don’t just push pixels; they push purpose.

Co-design, to me, isn’t just about working side by side—it’s about shared authorship. It means listening with humility, designing with transparency, and building something neither of us could have created alone.

Whether it’s with a motion designer, a content strategist, or a researcher, I find that the most powerful ideas emerge in the space between perspectives. That space—that dialogue—is where design becomes truly human.

Ruijingya Tang:
My ideal design partner is someone who shares a deep commitment to empathy, curiosity, and innovation. I believe great design emerges from a blend of diverse perspectives—designers, developers, researchers, and even end-users—working together to solve real problems. I’m a strong advocate for co-design because it ensures that solutions are grounded in real experiences and needs. Co-design fosters inclusivity, creativity, and a sense of ownership among all stakeholders, leading to products that truly resonate with users. For me, the best design partnerships are those where everyone feels heard, respected, and inspired to bring their best ideas to the table.

Qihang Zhang:
Many people have shaped the way I think, feel, and design—but a few stand out.

My mother was the first to teach me that small details matter. Even without a design background, she modeled what it means to be intentional, thoughtful, and deeply attuned to others. That sensitivity became the emotional foundation of my work.

In my professional journey, I’ve been lucky to work with leaders and collaborators who challenged me to see beyond the screen. At Chartmetric, I learned how data, design, and music culture intersect. Through projects like Memory Land, I experienced how multidisciplinary co-creation—with teammates like Ruijingya Tang, Xianghan Wang, and Rebecca—can turn design into shared storytelling.

And I’ve always been influenced by users—the people whose needs are rarely centered in tech. Hearing their frustrations, hopes, and aspirations continually reminds me why I design in the first place.

In the end, the people who shaped my work the most weren’t necessarily designers—but those who helped me see with more empathy and design with more care.

Ruijingya Tang:
The people who’ve influenced my design the most are those who challenged me to think deeper about human needs and the impact of technology. My manager at Chartmetric, Qihang Zhang, has been an incredible mentor—encouraging me to push the boundaries of data-driven design while staying grounded in empathy. My professors in human-centered design at the University of Washington also shaped my perspective, especially in balancing research rigor with creative exploration. Beyond mentors, I’ve been inspired by users themselves—their stories, challenges, and feedback drive me to design solutions that are both meaningful and transformative. Each interaction has strengthened my commitment to design that empowers people and makes a real impact.

Qihang Zhang:
Some of the most influential books in my design journey weren’t “design books” in the traditional sense—they were about systems, people, and meaning.

“The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman gave me language for what I had felt intuitively for years: that good design is not about decoration, but about understanding people and reducing friction.

“Thinking in Systems” by Donella Meadows completely reshaped how I see cause and effect. It taught me to think beyond interfaces and features—to look for feedback loops, incentives, and long-term consequences.

“The Medium is the Massage” by Marshall McLuhan helped me recognize how form shapes perception. It made me more sensitive to how platforms—not just content—carry meaning, especially in digital storytelling.

And perhaps most personally, “How to Do Nothing” by Jenny Odell reminded me that attention is a political and designable space. It challenged me to slow down, listen more deeply, and design not just for efficiency—but for presence.

These books gave me frameworks to not just build, but to think—and that, to me, is what makes a better designer.

Ruijingya Tang:
Books like The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman have deeply influenced my approach to user-centered design—reminding me that good design is intuitive, accessible, and human-centered. Edward Tufte’s The Visual Display of Quantitative Information also shaped how I think about presenting complex data clearly and beautifully, which is essential in my work with data-driven products. Change by Design by Tim Brown inspired me to embrace design thinking as a collaborative, iterative process that solves real-world problems. Each of these books has reinforced my belief that great design is about empathy, clarity, and impact—and they continue to guide my work every day.

Qihang Zhang:
I didn’t become a designer through a traditional path—I became one through observation, curiosity, and constant translation.

I studied communication, history, education, and data—not design. So I learned to see patterns across disciplines, and to reverse-engineer what made things feel clear, beautiful, or deeply human. I taught myself tools, but more importantly, I taught myself to ask better questions.

A lot of my growth came from designing in the real world—building music apps for global artists, public safety tools for underserved communities, or storytelling platforms for memory preservation. These weren’t exercises; they were lived, high-stakes challenges. And each one pushed me to refine not just my craft, but my values.

I also grew by sharing what I knew—mentoring, judging, collaborating. Teaching others forced me to articulate my thinking. Listening to others reminded me how much more there is to learn.

If I’ve developed any mastery, it’s because I never stopped learning—and never stopped caring.

Ruijingya Tang:
I developed my skills as a master designer through a combination of theory, process, and craft. Theory gave me a strong foundation in human-centered design principles and data visualization best practices. A rigorous design process ensured that I approached each project with empathy, research, and iterative testing. And honing my craft—through continuous practice, collaboration, and attention to detail—allowed me to bring those ideas to life in ways that resonate with users and set new standards in the industry. This combination has shaped me into a designer who not only creates great products but also drives meaningful impact.

Qihang Zhang:
I would love to meet Whitney Houston.

Her voice shaped not just music history, but emotional memory for millions of people—including myself. She had an unmatched ability to make people feel seen, moved, and understood through sound alone. That kind of emotional transmission is what I strive for in design—not just clarity, but resonance.

I’d love to ask her how she approached emotional storytelling—how she balanced control and vulnerability, power and softness. In many ways, the arc of a great design mirrors the arc of a great vocal performance: it builds, breathes, listens, and leaves something behind.

We’d probably talk about music, memory, faith, and what it means to move people across time and space. Because ultimately, that’s what I think design aspires to do too—not just solve problems, but touch something timeless.

Ruijingya Tang:
If I could meet anyone, irrelative of time and space, I’d love to have a conversation with Charles and Ray Eames. Their multidisciplinary approach, blending design, art, and architecture, continues to inspire me. I’d want to discuss how they balanced form and function, and how they infused their designs with humanity and purpose. Learning from their philosophy would deepen my understanding of how design can shape not just products but entire experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Qihang Zhang:
I’m deeply grateful for the recognition—not because of the spotlight itself, but because each award means the work reached someone. That’s what matters most to me: knowing that something I designed made someone feel seen, empowered, or inspired.

That said, I don’t think of myself as “famous.” I think of myself as responsible. Every recognition is a reminder that I have more listening to do, more communities to include, more care to bring into the systems I help shape.

What’s hard isn’t the visibility—it’s the quiet pressure to keep evolving, to stay honest, and to not let external validation replace internal clarity. But I’ve learned to treat recognition not as a finish line, but as a checkpoint—a chance to pause, reflect, and recommit to why I started designing in the first place.

In the end, fame fades. But impact, if it’s rooted in intention, lasts longer.

Ruijingya Tang:
I’m incredibly grateful for the awards and recognition I’ve received—it’s a testament to the teams I’ve worked with and the passion I have for design that makes a difference. While it’s an honor to be recognized by the design community, I see awards as milestones rather than the destination. What matters most to me is that my work truly serves people and advances the field. Fame itself isn’t something I focus on; I’m more driven by the impact my designs can have and the opportunity to inspire others. Ultimately, the real reward is knowing that my work has made a positive difference in people’s lives.

Qihang Zhang:
My favorite color is deep emerald green—calm, grounded, and quietly powerful. It shows up in a lot of my design work when I want to communicate clarity without shouting.

My favorite place is any city at night after the rain. There’s something cinematic about the way reflections come alive—like the world briefly remembers it has texture.

My favorite food is anything with hand-pulled noodles. It reminds me of home, rhythm, and the joy of simplicity done well.

My favorite season is early autumn—when the light softens, the air sharpens, and everything feels like it’s on the edge of change.

My favorite thing is a well-worn notebook. I always carry one. It’s messy, half-legible, and probably unremarkable to anyone else—but it holds questions, fragments, sparks. Like a quiet archive of unfinished ideas.

As for a favorite brand, I’ve always admired Muji. Their philosophy of emptiness, restraint, and clarity—combined with quiet purpose—feels very close to how I try to design: not loud, but lasting.

Ruijingya Tang:
Color: I gravitate toward calming greens, as they symbolize growth, balance, and creativity—values that guide my design work.

Place: I love bustling cities with rich cultures and diverse communities—places that inspire empathy and new ideas.

Food: I enjoy fresh, vibrant dishes that reflect different cultures, especially those that bring people together.

Season: Spring, because it represents renewal and growth—a perfect metaphor for iterative design and continuous learning.

Thing: My sketchbook; it’s where raw ideas meet possibility.

Brand: I admire brands that blend design and purpose, like Braun for its timeless functionality and Muji for its simplicity and humanity.

Qihang Zhang:
Ruijingya and I became friends through design—not through some big collaboration, but through a shared feeling: 好麻呀 ("hǎo má ya" – meaning "so exhausting" in Sichuanese dialect).

We were both juggling intense projects, back-to-back meetings, tight deadlines… and somehow, that phrase became our ritual. Instead of saying “Hi,” we’d greet each other with:
“今天麻吗？” (“Are you feeling má today?”)
“你麻不麻？” (“How má are you?”)

It started as a joke, but it stuck. It reminded us that while design can be demanding, we don’t have to carry the weight alone. Sometimes the most comforting support is someone who simply gets it—and shares a laugh through the chaos.

Ruijingya Tang:
One of the most interesting—and surprisingly funny—experiences I’ve had as a designer was during my time at Babyscripts. I was conducting an interview with a doctor about how patients should interact with the app’s health metrics. I expected that giving patients the ability to edit their metrics would empower them to correct mistakes or add details. But the doctor surprised me by suggesting we don’t provide an edit option. The rationale? Some patients might intentionally change their entries to look healthier and avoid difficult conversations with their doctor! It was such an insightful reminder of the complexity of human behavior and how trust and honesty play a critical role in designing for healthcare. It taught me to approach every design challenge with an open mind—and that sometimes, empowering users means setting boundaries that protect their well-being.

Qihang Zhang:
What makes my day great as a designer is often something very small—a message from a user saying, “This helped,” or a moment when a team member sees a prototype and says, “Yes, this feels right.”

Those little signals remind me that design isn’t just about output—it’s about connection. That something I made—through pixels, systems, or words—reached someone on the other end.

I stay motivated by staying curious. Every project is a new language to learn, a new emotion to understand. I’m driven by the idea that clarity is an act of care, and that good design can make someone’s world feel just a little more navigable, a little more human.

And on days when motivation runs low—I return to music, to light, to rhythm. Sometimes a good playlist is all it takes to remind me why I started.

Ruijingya Tang:
What makes my day great as a designer is seeing how my work makes a real difference in people’s lives—whether it’s simplifying a complex workflow or helping users connect emotionally with a product. I find motivation in the process itself: the challenge of turning insights into impactful solutions, the collaboration with talented teams, and the chance to learn something new every day. Knowing that design has the power to transform experiences and empower users keeps me driven and inspired. For me, the most rewarding moments are when a user’s face lights up because a design just “clicks.” That’s when I know I’m making an impact.

Qihang Zhang:
Not at all. I didn’t know what “design” was—I just knew I loved rearranging things until they felt right.

As a child, I would rewrite the covers of my notebooks, color-code my CD playlists, and spend hours making fake logos for imaginary companies. I wasn’t trying to be a designer—I was just trying to make sense of the world in a way that felt calm, clear, and beautiful to me.

Looking back, I think the impulse was always there: to organize chaos into meaning, to turn emotion into structure. But it took time, mentors, and real-world challenges to turn that instinct into a craft—and that craft into a voice.

So no, it wasn’t obvious. But it was inevitable.

Ruijingya Tang:
Looking back, I think the signs were always there that I’d find my way into design. As a child, I was endlessly curious about how things worked—taking apart toys to see their insides and sketching ideas for how to make them better. I loved solving problems creatively, whether it was building cardboard cities or organizing school events. That curiosity and passion for making things both functional and beautiful eventually led me to design. While I didn’t know it would become my career, the seeds of empathy, creativity, and problem-solving were there from the start.

Qihang Zhang:
A thousand years from now, I hope we’ll have learned to design not just for efficiency—but for understanding. That we’ll stop treating technology as something separate from humanity, and start building systems that are more aware, adaptive, and compassionate.

I imagine a future where design is no longer just on screens—but in the air we breathe, the relationships we build, the way we care for one another. Where design is invisible not because it’s ignored, but because it’s fully integrated—quietly guiding, never distracting.

I also believe memory will matter more than ever. In an age of acceleration, the ability to slow down, reflect, and preserve meaning will become a form of resistance—and design will play a key role in helping us remember who we are.

We might not have flying cars or immortality. But if we can still feel, still listen, and still design with empathy a thousand years from now—I think we’ll be okay.

Ruijingya Tang:
A thousand years from now, I think humanity will still be grappling with some of the same core challenges we face today: how to live together harmoniously, how to care for our planet, and how to make sure technology serves everyone. Of course, I imagine we’ll have incredible advances—perhaps living in floating cities, traveling between planets, and communicating instantly across great distances. But I also hope that at the heart of it, we’ll stay grounded in empathy, respect, and curiosity—values that will always be essential no matter how much we change.

Qihang Zhang:
If there’s one thing I’d want you to know—it’s that design, for me, has never been about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about asking better questions. Listening longer. Feeling deeper.

Everything I’ve built comes from a desire to turn noise into clarity, systems into stories, and complexity into care. I don’t design because I have all the answers—I design because I believe we deserve better questions, better tools, and better ways to connect.

I also want you to know: you don’t have to be the loudest, flashiest, or most traditionally trained to make something meaningful. I wasn’t the obvious candidate. But I followed what felt honest—and that made all the difference.
So if anything I’ve made has helped you pause, feel, or see differently—then it’s already done its job.
Thank you for being part of the journey.

Ruijingya Tang:
What I’d love my fans and peers to know is that design, for me, is about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It’s not just about creating beautiful products—it’s about understanding human needs, solving real problems, and building trust through every detail. I’m deeply passionate about using design to empower people, whether that’s helping a record label discover the next big artist or supporting someone through a difficult time with a digital memorial. Every project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate—and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me on this journey.

Qihang Zhang
I previously worked at Chartmetric, a music data analytics company that provides insights for the global music industry. The platform is used by major record labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and entertainment companies like Disney and SM Entertainment.
At Chartmetric, I served as a Senior Product Designer, where I led the end-to-end design of several key features across web and mobile platforms. These included the award-winning Chartmetric Mobile App and Talent Search, a tool that helps industry professionals discover emerging artists through data. The company operates at the intersection of technology, music, and data, and my work there focused on turning complex information into intuitive, actionable experiences for a global user base.

Ruijingya Tang
While I operate independently rather than under a formal studio name, my design and art practice functions as a multidisciplinary studio in every sense. I lead end-to-end design projects that span UX, product strategy, visual storytelling, and digital art—working with forward-thinking companies, researchers, and collaborators around the world.
My recent work includes leading award-winning product design at Chartmetric, where I helped shape tools used by major players in the global music industry, and co-creating Memory Land, a digital memorial platform that blends emotional depth with emerging technology. I specialize in projects that lie at the intersection of human experience, data, and culture—delivering work that is as strategic as it is emotionally resonant.
Every project I take on is an opportunity to push the boundaries of what design can do, and I approach it with the same creative rigor and narrative focus you’d expect from a top-tier studio.

Qihang Zhang
To me, design is the craft of turning complexity into clarity — not just visually, but experientially and emotionally. It’s about making information feel human, technology feel intuitive, and interactions feel meaningful.
With a background spanning education, storytelling, and data products, I see design as a way to bridge disciplines and unlock empathy. Whether I’m building tools for music professionals or creating immersive experiences like Memory Land, my goal is always the same: to design not just for usability, but for connection. Good design doesn’t just solve problems — it reveals opportunities, evokes emotion, and builds trust.

Ruijingya Tang
For me, design is the act of making complexity feel human. It’s about uncovering the emotional, cultural, and cognitive layers of a problem—and shaping solutions that feel intuitive, purposeful, and resonant. Design isn’t just about how things look or function; it’s about how they’re understood, remembered, and trusted.
Whether I’m visualizing data for global music professionals or crafting a digital memorial space for grieving users, design is my way of translating abstract challenges into experiences that empower, comfort, or inspire. It’s a language that connects people to systems, stories, and to each other.

Qihang Zhang
I’m most inspired by designing works that connect with music, memory, and the human experience. Whether it's helping industry professionals discover emerging talent or creating tools for personal storytelling, I’m drawn to projects that amplify culture and emotion through design.
I believe music is one of the most powerful ways we understand each other — across languages, identities, and generations. That’s why I love designing in the music space, where data, creativity, and humanity intersect. My favorite works are those that help people feel seen, heard, and empowered — not just as users, but as humans.

Ruijingya Tang
I’m most drawn to designing experiences that sit at the intersection of emotion and complexity—projects that involve deep systems thinking but also carry cultural or personal weight. I love working on data-heavy tools where the challenge is to make information feel intuitive and empowering, like the award-winning Talent Search platform I designed for Chartmetric.
At the same time, I find deep fulfillment in emotionally driven work—like Memory Land, a digital memorial space I co-created to help people process grief and preserve personal stories. Whether I’m working on B2B analytics tools or human-centered consumer platforms, my favorite projects are always the ones where I can bring clarity, empathy, and a strong sense of narrative into the experience.

Ruijingya Tang
I’m most drawn to designing experiences that sit at the intersection of emotion and complexity—projects that involve deep systems thinking but also carry cultural or personal weight. I love working on data-heavy tools where the challenge is to make information feel intuitive and empowering, like the award-winning Talent Search platform I designed for Chartmetric.
At the same time, I find deep fulfillment in emotionally driven work—like Memory Land, a digital memorial space I co-created to help people process grief and preserve personal stories. Whether I’m working on B2B analytics tools or human-centered consumer platforms, my favorite projects are always the ones where I can bring clarity, empathy, and a strong sense of narrative into the experience.

Ruijingya Tang
I’m most drawn to designing experiences that sit at the intersection of emotion and complexity—projects that involve deep systems thinking but also carry cultural or personal weight. I love working on data-heavy tools where the challenge is to make information feel intuitive and empowering, like the award-winning Talent Search platform I designed for Chartmetric.
At the same time, I find deep fulfillment in emotionally driven work—like Memory Land, a digital memorial space I co-created to help people process grief and preserve personal stories. Whether I’m working on B2B analytics tools or human-centered consumer platforms, my favorite projects are always the ones where I can bring clarity, empathy, and a strong sense of narrative into the experience.

Qihang Zhang
One of my favorite designs is Talent Search, a data-powered scouting tool I led at Chartmetric. Designed for record labels and artist managers, it helps music professionals identify rising talent across millions of global artists by combining performance metrics, social trends, and contextual insights in a single, intuitive interface.
I particularly loved working on Talent Search because it embodies the intersection of technology, music, and human potential. We weren’t just building another dashboard — we were creating a system that could surface undiscovered voices, support more equitable talent discovery, and open doors for emerging artists around the world.
This project was recognized by several international design awards and adopted by major clients in the music industry. It’s meaningful to me because it turns data into opportunity — helping real people get seen, signed, and supported through thoughtful design.

Ruijingya Tang
One of my favorite designs is Memory Land, a digital memorial platform I co-created to help people honor loved ones through personalized, virtual spaces. It’s a project that blends emotional sensitivity with thoughtful technology—allowing users to create intimate, portable memorials filled with 3D-scanned objects, voice notes, text, and imagery.
What makes Memory Land so meaningful to me is that it challenged every part of my design practice: emotional design, accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and storytelling. It was also deeply personal—I wanted to create a space where people could reflect on memory and loss in a way that felt calming, private, and beautifully human. The project went on to win multiple international design awards, but the most rewarding part has been hearing how users connect with it emotionally. It reminded me that design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s also about holding space.

Qihang Zhang
The first thing I designed for a company was a digital storytelling campaign for National Geographic, as part of the World Heritage Journeys initiative supported by UNESCO and the European Union. I contributed to the China campaign, helping design visual content and digital experiences that introduced UNESCO World Heritage sites — such as Mount Huangshan and West Lake — to a global audience.
It was an incredible first experience, because it taught me how to design with both cultural sensitivity and narrative depth. I learned how to balance aesthetics with authenticity, and how to create visuals that respect history while engaging modern travelers. That project sparked my passion for design as a tool for global storytelling.

Ruijingya Tang
The first thing I designed for a company was a B2B web interface at Babyscripts to help healthcare providers more easily manage blood pressure data for pregnant patients. It was a high-impact feature that streamlined how nurses and care teams reviewed incoming patient data—turning what had been a fragmented workflow into a clear, actionable dashboard.
What stood out to me was how much even a first design opportunity could shape patient care outcomes. I conducted interviews with providers, mapped out pain points, and prototyped solutions that were eventually deployed across clinics in over 30 U.S. states. That experience taught me how powerful design can be when it's grounded in empathy and clarity—and it set the tone for how I approach every project that followed.

Qihang Zhang
I don’t have a single favorite material — instead, I’m most excited about platforms and technologies that help turn data into meaningful experiences.
I love working with Figma for interface design, content management systems (CMS) for building scalable digital storytelling platforms, and AI-powered tools that enable smarter, more personalized user experiences. I’m also passionate about data visualization — not just as an aesthetic layer, but as a way to empower decision-making and narrative discovery.
Ultimately, my favorite “material” is human insight — and I’m drawn to any platform that allows me to transform complexity into clarity, especially in the context of music, culture, and connection.

Ruijingya Tang
Figma is my favorite design platform—it’s where I do the bulk of my interface design, system thinking, and rapid prototyping. I love how collaborative and fluid it is, especially when working across disciplines and time zones. It supports both high-fidelity visual detail and big-picture structural thinking, which is essential for the kind of data-heavy and emotionally resonant products I build.
Beyond tools, I’m also fascinated by technologies that sit at the intersection of cognition and emotion—like AI used for personalized insights or 3D scanning for preserving memory-rich objects, as we explored in Memory Land. I’m always excited by platforms and materials that allow me to bring both clarity and humanity into digital experiences.

Qihang Zhang
I feel most creative when I’m deeply immersed in stories — whether it’s a song, a memory, or a piece of culture I’m trying to translate into design.
Sometimes that spark comes late at night, when the world is quiet and my thoughts are free to wander. Other times, it emerges through collaboration — especially when I’m working with people from different disciplines or cultural backgrounds. Those moments of exchange often push me to see a problem in a new light.
For me, creativity isn’t just about inspiration — it’s about connection. I’m most creative when I’m designing something that feels emotionally resonant, not just functional.

Ruijingya Tang
I feel most creative when I’m deep in the problem space—right after user research, when patterns start emerging and the possibilities begin to take shape. There’s a kind of quiet excitement in translating complex needs, emotions, or systems into something intuitive and visual.
I also find bursts of creativity in the in-between moments—walking outside, sketching loosely, or even late at night when the pressure is off and ideas feel more fluid. But at the core, creativity for me isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about listening carefully, synthesizing insights, and staying open to unexpected connections. That’s when the best ideas tend to surface.

Qihang Zhang
When designing, I focus most on clarity, emotion, and context.
Clarity means making complex systems feel intuitive — especially in data-heavy products like Chartmetric, where users need to find insights quickly. Emotion ensures the product connects on a human level, whether it’s helping a music executive discover new talent or guiding a family through a storytelling journey in Memory Land. And context means understanding who the users are, what they need, and how the design fits into their broader goals.
I believe great design doesn’t just look good — it listens. It adapts to its audience, speaks with empathy, and delivers both functionality and meaning.

Ruijingya Tang
I focus most on clarity, emotional resonance, and accessibility. Whether I’m designing a data-heavy tool or a more intimate, reflective experience, I always aim to make the interface intuitive and the interaction meaningful.
I pay close attention to how information is structured and perceived—especially in complex systems where users may feel overwhelmed. I also care deeply about how the design makes people feel: Does it build trust? Is it calming? Does it respect cultural context?
Beyond visuals, I think a lot about narrative flow—how the user’s journey unfolds, and how each moment connects to their larger goal. In the end, I want the experience to feel not just usable, but empowering and human.

Qihang Zhang
Design often feels like a quiet kind of joy — a mix of curiosity, empathy, and responsibility.
There’s a deep satisfaction in solving problems, especially when the solution feels elegant and human. I feel most fulfilled when I know the design will help someone — whether it’s a music executive finding the right artist, or a parent preserving a memory through an interactive story.
Sometimes there’s frustration too — when things don’t align or constraints are tight — but that’s part of the process. In the end, the emotions I feel when I design remind me that it’s not just about pixels and interfaces — it’s about people, impact, and connection.

Ruijingya Tang
When I design, I feel a mix of curiosity, empathy, and responsibility. I’m driven by the challenge of understanding people deeply—what they need, what they feel, and what might help them navigate complexity with more confidence and ease.
There’s often a sense of quiet excitement when things start clicking—when abstract ideas become clear, or when a visual direction captures just the right tone. At the same time, I feel a strong sense of care and accountability, especially when designing for sensitive contexts like health or memory. I want every interaction to respect the user's emotional and cognitive state.
In the best moments, I feel both creative and grounded—knowing that I’m not just building a product, but shaping an experience that could genuinely improve someone’s day, or even their life.

Qihang Zhang
When a design I’ve worked on is realized — launched, used, and felt by others — I often feel a quiet sense of awe.
There’s pride, of course — in seeing something go from sketches to impact. But there’s also humility. Because real people are now interacting with what once lived only in my head. They're discovering music, making decisions, preserving memories — and I had a hand in shaping that.
One of the most meaningful moments was seeing industry professionals use Talent Search to spotlight rising artists who may have otherwise been overlooked. That’s when I truly felt the emotional weight of design: not just creating tools, but opening doors.

Ruijingya Tang
When my designs are realized, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and responsibility. It’s incredibly rewarding to see something that began as sketches or ideas take shape in the real world—especially when users interact with it in ways that affirm its purpose.
I often feel gratitude for the collaboration that made it possible, and pride in the clarity and care that went into every decision. But more than anything, I feel motivated—seeing a design live reinforces my commitment to thoughtful, human-centered work. It reminds me that design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about building trust, creating meaning, and making a lasting impact.

Qihang Zhang
To me, a design is successful when it creates clarity, sparks emotion, and delivers real impact.
It should solve a problem, but also tell a story — one that resonates with the user and reflects their needs, values, and aspirations. A successful design feels invisible when it needs to be, intuitive when it matters, and memorable when it counts.
Whether it's helping a music executive discover talent or helping a family preserve a memory, good design serves both function and feeling. That balance — between system and soul — is what I strive for in every project.

Ruijingya Tang
A design is successful when it not only solves the right problem but does so in a way that feels intuitive, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. It should guide users effortlessly through complexity, while also making them feel seen, empowered, and respected.
To me, success also means measurable impact—whether that’s improving decision-making through better data visualization, helping users feel emotionally supported, or driving real-world outcomes for a business or community.
A successful design stands the test of time not just because it looks good, but because it builds trust and becomes something users genuinely value.

Qihang Zhang
When judging whether a design is good or not, I focus first on clarity, empathy, and intent. A strong design communicates its purpose effortlessly — it feels intuitive, with a clear hierarchy that guides the user. But beyond usability, I look for empathy: does the design reflect a deep understanding of the people it’s meant to serve? Finally, I consider intent — whether every decision feels purposeful, grounded in a clear vision rather than aesthetic trends alone.
To me, a truly good design isn’t just beautiful or functional — it resonates. It tells a story, solves a problem, and stays with you long after the interaction ends.

Ruijingya Tang
When judging a design, the first things I consider are clarity, usability, and intent. Does the design clearly communicate what it’s meant to do? Can users interact with it easily and confidently, without confusion? And does it serve a real need with empathy and purpose?
Beyond function, I also look at the emotional tone—how it makes the user feel. A good design should be not only efficient but also trustworthy, respectful, and appropriate to its context.
Finally, I consider how well the design balances aesthetics and logic, and whether it reflects thoughtful problem-solving rather than surface-level styling. A truly great design reveals care in every detail—because someone took the time to understand both the problem and the people behind it.

Qihang Zhang
I believe designers have a deep responsibility to shape not just interfaces, but the systems and values that guide how people live, connect, and make decisions. Our work influences behavior — often silently — so we must design with intention, integrity, and care.
For society, that means creating with empathy, inclusivity, and accessibility in mind — making sure no one is left behind. For the environment, it means thinking about digital sustainability, ethical technology, and how we minimize waste, not just physically but cognitively.
Whether designing for public safety, memory preservation, or cultural discovery, I try to approach every project with the mindset that design is not neutral — it either empowers or excludes, heals or harms. And we are responsible for choosing the former.

Ruijingya Tang
As designers, we carry a responsibility to shape not just products—but behaviors, perceptions, and systems. That means we must design with intention, empathy, and accountability. We’re responsible for ensuring that what we create is accessible, inclusive, and ethical, and that it serves people from all walks of life—not just the majority or the loudest voices.
We also have a duty to consider the long-term impact of our work on the environment and society. That includes minimizing waste—both digital and physical—advocating for sustainable practices, and making sure technology serves the public good. Whether we’re designing an interface or a physical product, every choice has ripple effects. Our job is to design in ways that are thoughtful, honest, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.

Qihang Zhang
The design field is evolving beyond screens — toward systems, ecosystems, and human experiences that span both the digital and physical world.
I see the future of design as more interdisciplinary, more inclusive, and more intelligent. Designers today aren’t just crafting visuals — we’re shaping behavior, policy, ethics, and emotion. With the rise of AI, we’re being asked not just how things should look or work, but what should be built in the first place — and why.
In that future, I believe the most impactful designers will be those who can bridge data with empathy, systems with storytelling, and technology with humanity. Design is no longer just about making things — it’s about making meaning.

Ruijingya Tang
The design field is evolving from focusing solely on usability and aesthetics to becoming a strategic force that shapes technology, culture, and behavior. Today, designers are not just solving interface problems—they’re helping define how people relate to data, AI, identity, and each other.
I believe the future of design lies in systems thinking, ethical responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Designers will increasingly work across disciplines—integrating AI, sustainability, cultural context, and accessibility into every layer of the experience. The role of design will be not only to make things work, but to ensure that innovation remains human-centered, inclusive, and trustworthy.
We’ll also see more emphasis on designing for complexity—making sense of information overload, supporting mental health, and building products that adapt to diverse emotional and cognitive needs. In short, the future of design will be defined by how thoughtfully we shape the technologies and systems that shape us.

Qihang Zhang
My most recent exhibition was at NYCxDesign 2025, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. It featured Radiant Embrace, one of my award-winning interactive works that explores emotional storytelling through motion and light. Earlier that year, I also exhibited at Art Shopping Paris, held beneath the Louvre at Carrousel du Louvre, as well as at the A’ Design Award Winners’ Exhibition in Como, Italy.
For my next exhibition, I hope to present a new body of work that explores the intersection of generative design and cultural memory — ideally in a space that allows for both digital immersion and emotional resonance.

Ruijingya Tang
My most recent public-facing exhibition was digital in nature, tied to Memory Land, which has been recognized through multiple international design awards. While the project hasn't been shown in a traditional gallery setting yet, it’s been featured in various juried platforms where design, storytelling, and emerging technology intersect.
I’m currently developing new visual works that explore memory, identity, and digital presence—blending UX, illustration, and narrative environments. I’d love to hold my next exhibition within the next year, ideally in a space that welcomes cross-disciplinary conversations around design, emotion, and technology. I’m especially interested in showing work that allows viewers to interact and reflect—not just observe.

Qihang Zhang
My design inspiration often comes from the emotional layers of everyday life — music, memory, culture, and conversation. I’m especially drawn to moments that are deeply human yet often overlooked: a lyric that sticks with you, a childhood story retold, a fleeting sense of déjà vu. These are the sparks I try to preserve and translate into visual or interactive form.
To feed my creativity, I explore across disciplines — from data science to documentary film, from behavioral psychology to folklore. I also draw inspiration from my multicultural background and the many places I’ve studied and worked — China, the U.S., the U.K. — which taught me to see design not as a single language, but as a way of listening, translating, and connecting across contexts.
In short, I see inspiration not as something I wait for, but as something I collect — through curiosity, empathy, and the act of paying attention.

Ruijingya Tang
My design inspiration often comes from observing how people interact with complexity—whether it’s data, systems, emotions, or each other. I’m especially inspired by moments of contradiction: where logic meets emotion, where digital tools intersect with cultural rituals, or where memory shapes behavior. These intersections fuel my creativity.
To keep my creative practice alive, I read widely—ranging from cognitive science and sociology to speculative fiction and art criticism. I also feed my creativity through journaling, sketching, and visiting museums or public spaces where everyday behavior becomes a source of insight. Conversations with users, collaborators, and even strangers often spark ideas I wouldn’t have arrived at on my own.
Ultimately, my inspiration comes from being curious about the world and deeply empathetic toward the people in it. That’s what keeps my design work both grounded and expansive.

Qihang Zhang
I would describe my design style as narrative-driven, emotionally grounded, and clarity-focused. I often work at the intersection of data and storytelling — where functionality meets feeling. My style favors clean structures with subtle emotional cues: generous whitespace, intentional typography, smooth transitions, and visual metaphors that guide without overwhelming.
What drew me to this style was the desire to make complex systems feel human. I’ve designed for music analytics, public safety, and memory preservation — very different domains, but all requiring empathy, restraint, and narrative intuition. My approach is always user-centered, but also story-centered: I want every interaction to feel not just usable, but memorable.
I believe good design is quiet but confident. It doesn’t shout, but it stays with you.

Ruijingya Tang
My design style is minimal yet emotionally intentional—focused on clarity, calmness, and narrative depth. Whether I’m designing a data visualization interface or a reflective digital space, I aim to create experiences that feel intuitive, grounded, and human. I often use clean visual hierarchy, soft color palettes, and thoughtful interaction cues to make complexity feel approachable and meaningful.
This style developed naturally from working across fields like healthcare, music analytics, and digital memorials—contexts where users are often navigating overwhelming systems or sensitive emotions. I learned that restraint, empathy, and clarity can be more powerful than visual noise.
My overall approach is research-driven and emotionally aware. I start by listening—to users, to context, to constraints—and then translate insights into systems, flows, and visuals that respect both logic and feeling. I want every design I create to not only work well, but feel like it belongs.

Qihang Zhang
I was born and raised in China, and have since lived and studied in the United States and the United Kingdom. That blend of Eastern roots and Western education has shaped not only how I design, but how I see the world.
The cultural heritage of China deeply influences my work — especially in how I think about symbolism, restraint, and emotional subtlety. There’s a quiet poetry in traditional Chinese aesthetics that often informs how I use space, tone, and rhythm in digital design. At the same time, living and working internationally has taught me to design for diverse audiences, to challenge assumptions, and to balance tradition with innovation.
The biggest advantage of my background is perspective — being able to move between worlds and translate between them. The challenge, sometimes, is negotiating expectations: different cultures define “good design” in different ways. But I see that not as a limitation, but as a bridge — and design, at its best, is exactly that.

Ruijingya Tang
I’m originally from China and currently based in Seattle. Growing up in China gave me a strong appreciation for subtlety, symbolism, and cultural nuance—values that deeply influence how I think about design. I often draw from traditional Chinese visual principles like balance, negative space, and harmony, especially when designing for emotion or memory.
Living in the U.S., especially in a tech-forward, multicultural city like Seattle, has given me a different lens—one that emphasizes systems thinking, innovation, and user autonomy. The blend of these two worlds allows me to design with a more global, cross-cultural perspective.
The biggest strength of this dual influence is the ability to design for emotional depth and cognitive clarity at the same time. The challenge, of course, is navigating different expectations around hierarchy, communication style, and even color symbolism across cultures. But I see that tension as a creative opportunity—it pushes me to design experiences that feel both universally accessible and culturally respectful.

Qihang Zhang
When working with companies, I see myself not just as a designer, but as a strategic partner. I begin by deeply understanding the product goals, user needs, and business constraints. From there, I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams — including product managers, engineers, data scientists, and marketers — to translate complex ideas into clear, human-centered solutions.
Whether I’m designing a data platform for music executives or an app for public safety, I focus on aligning design decisions with real-world impact. I value communication, iteration, and empathy — not just toward users, but also toward teammates.
In every collaboration, my goal is the same: to help companies create experiences that are not only usable and scalable, but also emotionally resonant and culturally thoughtful.

Ruijingya Tang
I work with companies as a strategic design partner—someone who not only delivers thoughtful visuals and interactions, but also helps shape product direction through user insights, systems thinking, and emotional clarity. I thrive in cross-functional environments where I can collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and executives to ensure that design decisions are aligned with both user needs and business goals.
Depending on the project, I’ve taken on roles ranging from leading end-to-end UX for core product features to co-developing long-term design systems and brand evolution efforts. I bring structure to ambiguity, whether that means designing net-new products like Talent Search, or reimagining emotionally sensitive experiences like Memory Land.
My process is user-centered, transparent, and iterative—I make sure everyone’s voice is heard, while also driving the vision forward. Above all, I focus on delivering work that’s thoughtful, impactful, and ready for the real world.

Ruijingya Tang
I work with companies as a strategic design partner—someone who not only delivers thoughtful visuals and interactions, but also helps shape product direction through user insights, systems thinking, and emotional clarity. I thrive in cross-functional environments where I can collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and executives to ensure that design decisions are aligned with both user needs and business goals.
Depending on the project, I’ve taken on roles ranging from leading end-to-end UX for core product features to co-developing long-term design systems and brand evolution efforts. I bring structure to ambiguity, whether that means designing net-new products like Talent Search, or reimagining emotionally sensitive experiences like Memory Land.
My process is user-centered, transparent, and iterative—I make sure everyone’s voice is heard, while also driving the vision forward. Above all, I focus on delivering work that’s thoughtful, impactful, and ready for the real world.

Ruijingya Tang
My biggest suggestion to companies is to bring designers in early—as strategic partners, not just executors. A great designer isn’t just someone who makes things look good; they help clarify what problem you’re solving, who you're solving it for, and how to build trust through thoughtful interactions.
When selecting a good designer, look for someone who asks smart questions, listens deeply, and translates complexity into clarity. A strong portfolio is important, but so is how a designer communicates their thinking, collaborates with others, and adapts to ambiguity.
Great designers are not only creative but also empathetic, analytical, and intentional. Companies that respect and invest in that full range of skills—rather than treating design as decoration—tend to build stronger, more impactful products.

Qihang Zhang
My design process is iterative, collaborative, and grounded in both empathy and systems thinking.
I begin by understanding the “why” — the user’s needs, the business goals, and the context of the problem. I then move into research, gathering both qualitative insights and quantitative data. From there, I translate insights into information architecture, flows, and wireframes — always testing early and often.
Visual design comes after clarity — using typography, color, and motion to reinforce meaning rather than distract from it. I work closely with engineers throughout the process to ensure feasibility and fidelity, and I always leave room for iteration post-launch based on user feedback.
No matter the project — whether it’s a music analytics app or an emotional storytelling experience — I treat design as both structure and story: a way to organize complexity and create connection.

Ruijingya Tang
My design process is rooted in empathy, clarity, and iteration. I always start by understanding the context—conducting user interviews, stakeholder conversations, and competitive audits to define the problem clearly. From there, I move into sense-making: mapping out user journeys, identifying pain points, and translating insights into clear design opportunities.
I then prototype early and often—starting with low-fidelity wireframes to align on structure, and progressively refining the experience through feedback and testing. I place a strong emphasis on information hierarchy, accessibility, and emotional tone—especially when working on complex or sensitive products like Memory Land or Talent Search.
Throughout, I collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and other designers to ensure feasibility, clarity, and consistency. My goal isn’t just to make something that works—it’s to make something that feels thoughtful, empowering, and true to its purpose.

Qihang Zhang
Here are five of my favorite design items at home:
Muji Wall Clock – It’s so minimal it almost disappears, yet its quiet clarity anchors the space. It reminds me that good design doesn’t shout — it stays with you.

A bamboo folding fan gifted by my grandmother – It’s a small object with deep cultural resonance, beautifully crafted and tied to memory. I love how it bridges tradition and everyday life.

The Apple Magic Trackpad – As a designer, it’s become a natural extension of my hand. I appreciate how it balances precision with fluidity.

A book titled “Design as Art” by Bruno Munari – It’s a constant reminder that design is not just functional — it’s poetic, cultural, and deeply human.

A hand-thrown ceramic mug from a local Japanese artist – Imperfect, organic, and beautifully tactile. It reflects a design philosophy I admire: wabi-sabi — the beauty of things imperfect and impermanent.

Ruijingya Tang
Here are five of my favorite design items at home—they each reflect aspects of clarity, emotion, and function that I strive for in my own work:
My Figma sketch notebook – I use it to quickly map out systems, flows, and messy early thoughts. It’s where structure and creativity meet.
A vintage Braun alarm clock – I love how it embodies functional minimalism without ever feeling cold. It’s a constant reminder that great design can be both rational and warm.
A digital photo frame loaded with personal memories – It reflects my passion for memory-centered design, like the work I did on Memory Land.
A wireless keyboard with tactile switches – Subtle haptics and layout make it a joy to use. It’s a small thing that makes everyday workflows feel better—exactly what I try to do in UX.
A well-worn cast iron pan – Not traditionally “design,” but it’s beautifully utilitarian and has only improved over time. It reminds me that longevity and experience are part of good design, too.

Qihang Zhang
A typical day in my life blends structure and spontaneity — much like my design process.
I usually start my mornings with music and tea. It helps me slow down before the day accelerates. I catch up on Slack and emails, then move into deep work: wireframing, prototyping, or refining UI flows depending on the project. If I’m collaborating with teammates across time zones, we’ll often sync in the late morning or early evening.
Afternoons are when I get the most creative — I might work on a concept sketch, review research insights, or test different ways to visualize a complex dataset. I always carve out time to read, whether it's design writing, poetry, or music journalism — anything that stretches my way of seeing.
Evenings are quieter. I might go for a walk, experiment with motion design, or revisit a personal project like Memory Land. Some of my best ideas arrive when I’m not trying too hard — in the shower, on the subway, or mid-conversation with a friend. That’s the beauty of creative work — it lives between the moments.

Ruijingya Tang
A typical day in my life balances focused design work, collaboration, and quiet reflection. I usually start the morning by reviewing my project goals and sketching ideas—whether for a UX flow, a data visualization, or an illustration concept. Mid-mornings often involve syncs with product managers or engineers, especially when I’m working on a large system like Chartmetric’s design system or a feature like Talent Search.
Afternoons are my most focused creative hours. I’ll be deep in Figma refining interfaces, mapping user journeys, or iterating on prototypes. I like to keep windows open to reflect natural light—it keeps me grounded and connected to rhythm. I often take short walks when I need to untangle a tricky interaction or revisit a problem from a new angle.
Evenings are when I switch gears to more artistic or conceptual work—reading, writing, or working on illustration or Memory Land-related ideas. I always make time to reflect and take notes, because some of my best ideas come after hours when the pressure lifts.

Qihang Zhang
To young designers, I would say this: your value is not in how quickly you make things — it’s in how deeply you think.
Design isn’t just about tools or trends. It’s about curiosity, empathy, and the courage to ask “why” when everyone else is rushing toward “how.” Some of the best work doesn’t come from knowing all the answers — it comes from caring enough to keep asking better questions.
Also: don’t be afraid to design from your story. Your background, your culture, your way of seeing the world — those aren’t obstacles to overcome; they’re your greatest creative assets. The more personal your work becomes, the more universal it tends to feel.
And finally — be kind. To your users, your teammates, and yourself. Good design solves problems. Great design uplifts people.

Ruijingya Tang
To young designers, I’d say: curiosity, empathy, and clarity will take you further than perfection. Learn to ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply to users, and embrace ambiguity as part of the creative process. Don’t be afraid to sketch messy ideas, test early, and iterate often—real insight comes from trying, not just planning.
Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Seek feedback not as criticism, but as collaboration. And remember: great design isn’t just about visuals—it’s about building trust, simplifying complexity, and making people feel seen.
Lastly, define success on your own terms. Awards are wonderful, but the real reward is designing something that makes someone’s life better. Stay grounded in that purpose, and your path will be meaningful—whether it’s linear or not.

Qihang Zhang
Being a designer is one of the most fulfilling — and sometimes one of the most challenging — paths I know.
The positive side is powerful: as a designer, you have the ability to shape how people see, feel, and interact with the world. You get to translate complexity into clarity, create meaning from systems, and often be the voice of the user in conversations that really matter. It’s a role that blends creativity, empathy, and problem-solving — and that never gets boring.
But it’s not without challenges. Design can be undervalued, misinterpreted as decoration instead of strategy. It sometimes takes emotional resilience to advocate for clarity in chaos, to defend users in the face of business pressure, or to push for inclusion when speed is prioritized.
Still, for me, the positives far outweigh the rest. Being a designer means being a bridge — between people and ideas, data and emotion, today and what’s next. And that’s a responsibility I’m proud to carry.

Ruijingya Tang
One of the greatest positives of being a designer is the ability to turn complexity into clarity and make a real, human impact. There’s something deeply rewarding about solving problems not just functionally, but emotionally—creating tools that empower, comfort, or inspire. As designers, we get to shape experiences that influence how people live, work, grieve, heal, and create. That’s a huge privilege and responsibility.
The challenge, however, is that design is often underestimated or misunderstood—sometimes seen as surface-level decoration instead of strategic problem-solving. It can also be emotionally demanding: we’re constantly advocating for users, navigating ambiguity, and balancing business, technical, and ethical considerations.
But for me, the positives outweigh the negatives. The best parts of design—collaboration, storytelling, empathy, and innovation—make it one of the most meaningful and dynamic careers out there.

Qihang Zhang
My golden rule in design is simple: Design for clarity, care, and connection.
Clarity means making the complex understandable. Care means respecting the user — their time, their context, their story. And connection means never losing sight of the human behind the interface.
Whether I’m designing for data platforms, storytelling experiences, or social impact tools, I always come back to this: good design informs, but great design uplifts.

Ruijingya Tang
My golden rule in design is: “Make complexity feel human.”
Whether I’m designing a data analytics platform or a memorial space, I aim to simplify without oversimplifying—to honor nuance while still making things intuitive and emotionally clear. That means listening carefully, designing with empathy, and always considering how a person will feel when they encounter what I’ve made.
Great design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating trust, clarity, and meaning in every interaction. If the user feels confident, seen, and empowered, then I know I’ve done my job.

Qihang Zhang
The most important skills for a designer go beyond software or aesthetics — they include systems thinking, storytelling, and empathy.
Systems thinking allows you to understand how each design decision impacts a broader product or ecosystem. Storytelling helps you communicate ideas clearly — not just to users, but to collaborators, stakeholders, and communities. And empathy grounds your work in real human needs, ensuring that design is not just usable, but meaningful.
Of course, technical fluency matters — from interaction design and prototyping to accessibility and visual hierarchy. But in my experience, the designers who thrive are the ones who can listen deeply, think critically, and adapt gracefully.
Design is less about having all the answers — and more about asking the right questions.

Ruijingya Tang
To me, the most important skills for a designer go beyond visual polish. At the core, it’s about empathy, systems thinking, and communication.
Empathy allows us to truly understand user needs—not just what they do, but what they feel.
Systems thinking helps us navigate complexity, connect details to the big picture, and build scalable, sustainable solutions.
Communication is what brings it all together—translating ideas clearly across disciplines, gathering alignment, and telling a compelling design story.
On a craft level, strong interaction and visual design skills are essential, but the best designers also know how to listen deeply, synthesize ambiguity, and collaborate with purpose. That’s what makes design not just functional—but transformational.

Qihang Zhang
My design toolbox is a mix of digital tools, analog references, and sensory inspiration.
On the software side, I rely heavily on Figma for UI/UX and system design, After Effects for motion, and Notion and FigJam for documentation and brainstorming. For storytelling projects, I sometimes use Canva and Final Cut Pro, especially when working on collaborative or media-rich experiences.
Hardware-wise, I keep it minimal: a MacBook, an external trackpad, and a sketchbook. I believe some of the best ideas start with pen and paper — or even a conversation over coffee.
As for inspiration, I constantly revisit books like Design as Art by Bruno Munari and The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda. I also draw from film, music, museum visits, and cross-cultural moments — especially from my background growing up in China and studying in the U.S. and U.K. I try to collect not just references, but rhythms and emotional cues.
At the end of the day, tools are only as powerful as the perspective behind them. I’m always learning — and always refining.

Ruijingya Tang
My toolbox includes a mix of digital tools, analog methods, and creative resources that support everything from systems thinking to storytelling.
Software: I primarily use Figma for interface design, prototyping, and maintaining design systems. I also use Adobe Illustrator for illustration work and After Effects for simple motion experiments when needed.
Collaboration & Research: I rely on Notion for project documentation and synthesis, Miro for mapping out flows and workshop facilitation, and Google Docs for early content design and strategy.
Hardware: A MacBook Pro, iPad for sketching, and a tactile mechanical keyboard keep my setup functional and creatively flexible.
Books & Theory: I regularly revisit The Design of Everyday Things (Don Norman), The Visual Display of Quantitative Information (Edward Tufte), and Designing for Emotion (Aaron Walter).
Inspiration: I draw inspiration from art exhibitions, memory studies, cultural rituals, and observing how people interact with technology in quiet, everyday moments. I also keep a running visual archive of screenshots, old book covers, and UI moments that feel emotionally smart.

Qihang
For me, managing time effectively starts with prioritization. I focus on the most impactful tasks first and break down larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps. By identifying key priorities early in the design process, I ensure that I’m tackling the most critical aspects first—whether it’s core functionality, user experience, or key design elements that will drive the project forward.
I also regularly reassess my priorities as the project progresses to ensure I’m staying aligned with evolving needs and timelines. Clear communication with my team is essential to stay on track and adapt when necessary. I rely on tools like Figma and Notion to stay organized and frequently check in to make sure I’m not missing any critical deadlines.
In essence, it’s about staying flexible but focused, ensuring that I’m making progress where it matters most.

Ruijingya Tang
Design can definitely be time-consuming, especially when you're committed to quality, clarity, and iteration. To manage my time, I anchor every project around clear priorities and stages—from research to exploration, refinement, and delivery. I break down complex problems into smaller, testable steps so I can get feedback early and avoid unnecessary rework.
I also use time-blocking to protect deep focus hours for creative work, and I leave room for reflection—because some of the best design decisions happen when I step away and come back with fresh perspective. Tools like Notion, Figma, and structured critiques help keep both the project and the collaboration on track.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that good time management isn’t just about moving fast—it’s about knowing when to pause, listen, and make each decision count.

Qihang Zhang
Designing can definitely be time-consuming — especially when you're trying to balance precision with creativity, or clarity with emotion.
To manage my time, I anchor each day with clear priorities. I break large projects into smaller decision points, so I can focus without feeling overwhelmed. I reserve mornings for deep, focused design work — and leave the afternoons for feedback, iteration, and collaboration.
I also try to respect my creative energy. Some ideas take time to incubate, and I’ve learned not to force them. I schedule moments of pause — reading, walking, or even just switching tools — to let inspiration catch up.
Ultimately, good time management in design isn’t just about speed — it’s about flow. Knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to let the work speak back to you.

Ruijingya Tang
It really depends. The timeline for designing something—from idea to completion—varies based on the project’s complexity, scope, and level of refinement needed. A small, focused feature might take a couple of weeks, while a more strategic, emotionally layered product—like Memory Land or Talent Search—can unfold over several months with multiple iterations and rounds of feedback.
The key isn’t speed—it’s alignment and clarity at each stage. I spend time upfront defining the problem, understanding the user, and building shared context with collaborators. That helps avoid unnecessary backtracking later on.
Ultimately, I’m less focused on rushing to the finish line and more focused on making sure every decision contributes to a design that’s clear, thoughtful, and human-centered.

Qihang Zhang
The question I get asked most often is: “How do you make something both intuitive and meaningful?”
Whether it’s by junior designers, product managers, or founders — people often want to know how to balance usability with emotional impact, especially in products that involve complex data or storytelling.
My answer is always: listen more, test early, and design for clarity first — then layer in tone, emotion, and nuance. Good design solves the problem. Great design tells the story. And the sweet spot is where those two meet.

Ruijingya Tang
The key is to build mutual understanding and shared language early on. I make sure to align with PMs on user goals, business objectives, and scope constraints—so we’re not just building what’s feasible, but what’s valuable. With engineers, I focus on designing with implementation in mind: clear documentation, structured handoffs, and proactive discussions about edge cases and feasibility.
I also rely on visuals and prototypes to reduce ambiguity—showing instead of telling whenever possible. And I make space for ongoing feedback, treating collaboration as a dialogue rather than a sequence. In fast-paced environments like Chartmetric, this kind of communication helps turn complex ideas into reality without losing speed or quality.
At the end of the day, good design depends on good relationships—and that starts with clear, respectful, and curious communication.

Qihang Zhang
My most important job experience was serving as the Senior Product Designer at Chartmetric, a leading music data analytics platform used by professionals at Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and other global companies.
At Chartmetric, I led the design of several high-impact products — most notably Talent Search, a scouting tool that helps the industry discover rising artists through data, and the Chartmetric Mobile App, which brought advanced analytics into an accessible mobile experience. Both tools received multiple international design awards and were featured in industry publications and exhibitions.
This role was pivotal not only because of the scale and visibility of the work, but because it taught me how to balance data and emotion, business strategy and user advocacy, all within a fast-paced, global environment. It shaped how I think about design — not just as an interface, but as influence.

Ruijingya Tang
My most important job experience has been my time at Chartmetric, where I’ve led the design of multiple high-impact, award-winning products in the music tech space. One project that stands out is the Talent Search tool—a data-driven platform that helps record labels discover rising artists. Designing this tool pushed me to balance large-scale data visualization with usability, emotion, and business value. It was a powerful example of how design can turn complexity into insight, and insight into action.
This experience deepened my ability to lead cross-functional collaboration, structure systems at scale, and advocate for users in data-rich but emotionally nuanced contexts. It also showed me the power of design to shape not just interfaces, but entire industry workflows.

Qihang Zhang
Many of the products I’ve designed — especially during my time at Chartmetric — have been used by professionals at some of the world’s leading companies in music and entertainment. These include Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Disney, Apple’s Platoon, and SM Entertainment, among others.
While I wasn’t directly employed by these companies, I led the design of tools such as Talent Search and the Chartmetric Mobile App, which became core parts of their daily workflows — from scouting artists to analyzing global trends.
I’ve also collaborated with organizations like National Geographic early in my career, and my independent projects have been exhibited at venues including Art Shopping Paris at the Louvre and NYCxDesign at the Javits Center in New York.

Ruijingya Tang
I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients across industries—most notably in music technology and healthcare, where design plays a crucial role in turning complexity into clarity.
At Chartmetric, I led the design of award-winning products used by global leaders like Spotify, Sony Music, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Platoon (Apple-owned). These tools help professionals discover talent, interpret streaming trends, and make data-informed decisions in a fast-moving industry.
In healthcare, I worked at Babyscripts, where my designs supported over 150,000 pregnancies across 20+ U.S. states. Their client network includes major health systems such as Penn Medicine, George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, Advocate Aurora Health, Banner Health, and WellSpan Health. Designing for this space taught me how to balance clinical accuracy, patient empathy, and workflow efficiency—especially for underserved populations navigating maternal health.
Across both industries, I’ve worked with stakeholders who value design as a strategic force, not just a visual layer—using it to build trust, improve outcomes, and scale impact.

Qihang Zhang
I’m most drawn to design work that sits at the intersection of data, culture, and human emotion — especially in fields like music, memory, and social impact.
Whether I’m building tools for professionals to discover emerging talent through analytics, or creating interactive stories that help people preserve personal memories, I’m fascinated by how design can make the invisible visible — how it can reveal patterns, unlock emotion, and build connection.
What I love most is when the work feels both analytical and poetic — when you’re not just solving problems, but telling stories that matter. That’s where I feel design is most powerful: not just as a tool for function, but as a medium for meaning.

Ruijingya Tang
Across all my projects—whether it's UX design, data visualization, or digital artwork—I consistently prioritize three things: empathy, clarity, and emotional resonance.
Empathy grounds my work in real human needs. I start every project by understanding the context—through research, interviews, and observation—so I’m designing for people, not assumptions.
Clarity shapes how I translate complexity into intuitive systems. Whether I’m working with health data or global music trends, I focus on structure, hierarchy, and simplicity.
Emotional resonance is the thread that connects all my work. I want users to feel something—calm, confidence, connection—not just complete a task.
I rely heavily on digital tools like Figma and Notion, but I always start with hand sketches and messy notes to explore ideas without constraint. Depending on the project, I might prototype in Figma, visualize in Illustrator, or even create conceptual models for more experiential work. My approach is flexible, but always rooted in storytelling and systems thinking.
The common theme across all my work is the desire to make people feel seen, empowered, and supported—especially when they’re navigating something complex or emotionally significant.

Qihang Zhang
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring how design can shape the future of culture, technology, and human connection.
In the near term, I’ll be joining the MBA program at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where I hope to deepen my understanding of product strategy and social innovation. I’m also continuing to develop projects at the intersection of AI, storytelling, and public good — building tools that not only function well, but also amplify underrepresented voices and preserve collective memory.
At heart, I remain a designer — but I’m increasingly thinking like a systems builder, a narrative architect, and a cultural translator. What’s next for me is not just about designing products — it’s about designing futures.

Ruijingya Tang
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue designing at the intersection of technology, culture, and human emotion. I plan to keep working on projects that challenge me to translate complex systems into intuitive, emotionally intelligent experiences—especially in areas like digital health, creative tools, and AI-powered decision-making.
I also want to deepen my impact through mentorship, writing, and public speaking, sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation of designers and contributing to conversations about inclusive, ethical, and emotionally aware design.
Long term, I’m interested in building or co-founding a practice or platform that blends design research, systems thinking, and storytelling—one that helps people navigate the digital world with more clarity, agency, and empathy.

Qihang Zhang
I’ve worked in both settings — independently and as part of cross-functional teams — and I value what each mode brings.
In projects like Memory Land, I collaborated closely with a motion designer and content strategist, co-creating a narrative experience from concept to execution. At Chartmetric, I worked alongside product managers, data engineers, and marketing leads, driving the end-to-end design of tools like Talent Search and the Mobile App. While I often led the design independently, every successful outcome came from meaningful collaboration and shared context.
That said, I’m also comfortable initiating and executing solo projects — especially during early-stage concepting, visual direction, or storytelling work. I believe strong designers should be able to lead autonomously and listen deeply. Design is never in a vacuum — it’s always in conversation.

Ruijingya Tang
I do both. I often work as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team, especially on larger or high-impact projects where aligning with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders is key to success. I enjoy those moments of shared problem-solving—where strategy, technology, and design come together.
At the same time, I’m fully capable of independently driving a design from concept to completion. I’ve led solo design efforts on award-winning projects like Memory Land, where I handled research, UX, visual design, and storytelling. My process is structured but flexible, allowing me to move independently while also building in feedback loops when needed.

Qihang Zhang
Yes — I’m currently exploring a new project that brings together generative AI, cultural memory, and interactive storytelling. The goal is to design an experience that helps users reconstruct personal or collective memories using data, visuals, and ambient sound — blending algorithmic suggestion with deeply human nuance.
It’s still in early stages, but it builds on themes I’ve long been drawn to: memory, narrative, and the emotional side of technology. I’m also thinking a lot about how to preserve digital heritage and design for intergenerational empathy.
At the same time, I’m preparing to begin my MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where I plan to further develop this work — both creatively and strategically — with peers across design, technology, and ethics.

Ruijingya Tang
Yes—I'm currently exploring several new directions that build on my passion for emotional design and emerging technologies. One work-in-progress is a conceptual platform that helps users reflect on and organize emotionally significant digital artifacts—from voice notes to photos to memory objects. It’s a natural evolution of Memory Land, but with broader applications across personal storytelling, digital wellness, and even estate planning.
I'm also developing a visual series that explores the cognitive and cultural implications of AI-generated memory—combining illustration, research, and interface design to reflect on how we externalize and shape our identities through digital tools.
These projects are still evolving, but they all sit at the intersection of memory, identity, and interaction—which is where I feel most creatively and intellectually engaged.

Qihang Zhang
I’m always happy to connect — especially with fellow designers, creatives, and curious minds around the world.
The best way to reach me is through my mentorship page on ADPList: https://adplist.org/mentors/mike-zhang
Whether you’re just starting out or exploring new directions, I’m always open to thoughtful conversations. Design is about connection — and I’m grateful for every one it brings.

Ruijingya Tang
You can reach me at ruijingya.tang@gmail.com or through my portfolio website at ruijingya.com. I’m always open to thoughtful collaborations, interviews, and conversations around design, technology, and culture.

Qihang Zhang
If there’s one thing I’d add, it’s this: I believe design is not just about solving problems — it’s about protecting what’s meaningful.
In an age of acceleration and automation, I find myself coming back to work that honors memory, language, identity, and emotion. I think designers today have a quiet power — not only to shape experiences, but to shape values. And with that comes responsibility.
So I hope to keep designing things that last — not just in function, but in feeling.

Ruijingya Tang
Something I’d love to emphasize is that design, for me, is not just a profession—it’s a way of listening, interpreting, and caring. Whether I’m working on a data platform or a memorial experience, I approach every project with a commitment to emotional depth, cultural sensitivity, and long-term impact.
I also believe that as designers, we’re not just shaping products—we’re shaping how people relate to information, technology, and themselves. That responsibility drives me to keep growing, questioning, and contributing to a more thoughtful and inclusive future for design.