We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yichen Wang ("YW").
Yichen Wang is a visual and product designer, whose design philosophy centers on understanding users' emotional and social needs, creating digital experiences that foster human connections. Her work, recognized with multiple international awards, embodies a unique blend of empathy, thorough research, and innovative storytelling. Holding an MFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute, her academic foundation fuels her pursuit of design excellence. Yichen’s influence extends through her role as a jury member in global competitions, showcasing her commitment to excellence and innovation in design.
Yichen Wang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yichen Wang.
Yichen Wang Design - O'friends Social App
Yichen Wang Design - Tracing Package Typography
Designer Interview of Yichen Wang:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
YW : Imagination and curiosity have always been part of my nature. I’ve been drawn to vibrant, intriguing aspects of life and have always enjoyed creating things with my hands. The functionality and texture of different objects fascinate me and have sparked my interest in design. However, I sometimes felt frustrated by being easily distracted by diverse interests until I encountered mathematics and logic. The satisfaction of solving interconnected puzzles step by step was a revelation for me. I began applying this mindset to daily life—finding optimal solutions and refining tools to make them more efficient. This naturally led me to start “designing” things. In this journey, I immersed myself in classic and cutting-edge design theories to refine my approach. Later, I pursued a formal education in design and earned an MFA degree from Pratt Institute, which profoundly shaped my methodology. I was especially captivated by the idea of integrating emotional and social dimensions into functional and visually compelling designs. Over time, my work has evolved to explore how technology can foster authentic human connections in an ever-changing digital world. This fusion of technology and human-centered design remains at the core of my creative philosophy.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YW : My studio is an online-based studio specializing in user experience design, visual design, branding strategy, and design consulting. I have worked with renowned companies like Microsoft and iFlytek, as well as startups such as Candor and EdCuration, across sectors including fintech, edtech, socialtech, as well as tools and platforms. With experience in both B2B and B2C projects, I adopt a flexible collaboration model, working closely with experts from various fields to ensure high-quality deliverables. While I take responsibility for most of the design work independently, I involve professionals from different disciplines when needed. My design philosophy focuses on providing creative solutions for the future of technology, aiming to enhance the connection between people and technology through design, exploring broader applications of AI, while maintaining a human-centered approach.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YW : For me, design is like a puzzle-solving game. It’s not just about finding the right solution, but about identifying the hidden needs at the right time and navigating the most optimal path through a balance of creativity and analysis. Design is an ongoing process of aligning user needs, business goals, and technological possibilities, with the ultimate goal of creating experiences that not only solve problems but also resonate emotionally with users.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YW : I am most passionate about designing works that are visually compelling and solve problems in an elegant, efficient way. I am drawn to concepts that feel innovative and refreshing, offering new perspectives or unexpected solutions. I enjoy the challenge of creating designs that not only capture attention aesthetically but also provide meaningful solutions that improve experiences and solve complex problems in a creative and effective manner.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YW : The first-generation iPhone is my all-time favorite design because of its revolutionary approach to both aesthetics and functionality. It didn’t just introduce a new device; it fundamentally redefined the entire mobile phone industry and our relationship with technology. Before the iPhone, I was already fascinated by the diversity of phone designs. I remember often visiting phone stores, completely immersed in the creativity of flip phones, sliders, back screens, and even rotating keyboards. Phones at the time felt like playful, innovative gadgets, and I loved exploring the various features. Some designs I still miss to this day. However, the arrival of the iPhone broke all conventional design rules. It eliminated the physical keyboard and created a sleek, intuitive touch interface. This design went beyond adding more buttons or mechanical structures—it was minimalist, yet deeply thoughtful, focusing on the experience within the screen itself, making the device more usable and intuitive. This bold simplicity not only enhanced the user experience but also transformed how we interact with technology. By shifting the design focus from physical mechanics to digital experience, the iPhone’s influence continues to shape modern devices. Its design philosophy has profoundly impacted my understanding of human-computer interaction and user experience, continually inspiring my approach to design.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
YW : The first design I created for a company was during university, where I worked on a project designing peripheral products for a renowned Chinese ink painting artist to promote local culture and history. Our goal was to integrate traditional Chinese art with modern life, making it more accessible. It wasn’t just about creating visually appealing products; it was about embedding the cultural depth of Chinese ink painting into everyday objects. I was involved in every step, from concept and sketching to prototyping and exhibiting. The product was well-received by the local community and eventually selected as a state gift for a global summit. This project showed me the transformative power of design: through thoughtful design, we made Chinese ink painting, once considered an exclusive art form, accessible to a broader audience. It also deepened my understanding of the connection between culture and people, enhancing my empathy in user experience design, especially in localization.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YW : Currently, I’m particularly drawn to the advancements in AI and its potential to transform the design process. AI not only automates repetitive tasks but also provides insights through data analysis, enabling more personalized and impactful design solutions. No need to say how AI integrates with AR and MR would create immersive magic—it’s a natural evolution of these technologies that continues to inspire and shape my approach to innovation.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YW : I feel most creative when I’m well-rested. Like many designers, I’ve had my fair share of late-night work sessions, but I’ve come to realize that quality sleep and a balanced routine are essential for keeping my mind sharp and ideas fresh. A well-rested brain is the best tool for unlocking creativity.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YW : In my design process, I focus on identifying and balancing core requirements, aligning them with project priorities, resource allocation, and stakeholder expectations. While everyone wants a design that’s both visually appealing and efficient, it’s essential to dig into the true needs—balancing time, budget, and the project’s strategic goals. Stakeholders often have differing priorities, so determining the primary objectives and harmonizing the remaining requirements is crucial. I emphasize initial planning, mid-stage alignment, and final-phase integration to ensure that each element aligns cohesively with the overall objectives.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YW : Designing takes me on an emotional journey, with each phase bringing its own energy. I start with excitement and curiosity as I explore user needs and align with project goals, setting the stage for creativity. In ideation, there’s a strong sense of satisfaction in crafting solutions that could elevate the user experience, blending joy with anticipation. Of course, challenges emerge during development, and at times, frustration surfaces when initial concepts don’t align with feedback. Yet, these challenges drive deeper refinement. By the end, seeing the design come to life leaves me with a profound sense of pride and fulfillment, reaffirming my passion for creating meaningful, user-centered solutions.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YW : When my designs are realized, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude. Seeing an idea come to life and positively impact users is incredibly rewarding. It’s a mix of pride in the hard work that went into the process and excitement for the potential it holds. I also value the collaborative effort behind a successful design, knowing that the end result often reflects the combined expertise and dedication of the entire team.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YW : Design success is shaped by numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. However, by adhering to the right process, ensuring clear communication, and focusing on evolving toward the best possible outcome, we can create a strong foundation for success. Additionally, staying open to feedback and engaging in self-reflection allows us to continuously refine both our designs and our skills, ultimately gaining valuable experience.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YW : When evaluating a design, my first priority is to assess how well it communicates the intended message, which is closely tied to the concept of Visual Hierarchy. This ensures that the design delivers the right information clearly and in a logical order. In UX design, my focus is on usability—how intuitive and seamless the user experience is in achieving their goals, such as finding information or navigating through the interface. In branding and visual design, I pay close attention to visual consistency, ensuring that the design aligns with the brand’s identity and creates a cohesive experience across all touchpoints. I also assess the balance and harmony in the composition, ensuring the design is both visually appealing and functional. My approach is rooted in understanding the problem, prototyping solutions, and iterating based on feedback. A successful design should not only be visually engaging but also serve a clear purpose, meet user needs, and create a meaningful impact.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YW : Sustainability can feel like a vast concept, almost like a Sword of Damocles looming over us—so broad that it might seem unrelated to our day-to-day design cases. Yet, it can also be incredibly specific: a single idea or slogan can reduce unnecessary waste or even spark solutions to long-standing problems. For designers, sustainability isn’t just an abstract ideal; it’s an actionable principle. By applying our knowledge, design skills, and creative thinking, we can contribute in meaningful, practical ways. Every small step—a well-thought-out product, a more efficient system, or an inspiring message—adds to a collective effort. Countless sparks of creativity can come together to ignite real change. Many designers start their journey with the hope of making the world a better place. Embracing sustainability is not only a way to fulfill our social responsibility but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth, aligning our values with impactful action.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YW : The future of design is being redefined by the integration of emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR, which are fundamentally transforming how we approach and experience design. AI has become a critical tool, enabling designers to automate repetitive tasks, generate creative ideas, and analyze user data more deeply, making the design process faster, smarter, and more strategic. AR and VR are taking design beyond the flat screen, allowing us to create immersive, interactive environments that blur the line between the physical and digital worlds. These technologies not only enhance creative possibilities but also redefine user engagement, making experiences more intuitive and personal. As we embrace these advancements, designers are moving toward crafting experiences that are more dynamic, human-centered, and inclusive. The focus is shifting from simply solving functional problems to creating connections between users and technology in a way that feels natural and impactful. The fusion of AI, AR, and VR will not only expand the boundaries of what’s possible but also challenge designers to think differently, innovate boldly, and ensure that these tools serve humanity effectively.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
YW : My last exhibition was a showcase of the Adaptive hand gestures Control System, an AI-powered interface that redefined interactions through personalized, context-aware hand gestures recognition, presented last year at a designer hackathon. Building on this exploration of intuitive and human-centered design, my next exhibition will delve deeper into the potential of hand gestures as a medium for connection and storytelling. I envision showcasing a global network of shared experiences—bridging personal and collective memories to inspire reflection, collaboration, and cultural preservation. Families can reconnect with cherished moments, communities can safeguard their heritage, and humanity can reflect on its journey while imagining a shared future.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YW : Creativity often emerges when I take the time to relax and engage with the world around me. Whether it’s going for a walk, visiting an exhibition, or exploring a new environment, these activities help me break away from routine and spark fresh ideas. Movement stimulates my thinking, while exposure to art, design, and nature offers diverse perspectives and rich inputs that naturally inspire creative connections. These moments of discovery often translate into innovative and thoughtful solutions in my designs.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
YW : My design style is minimalist yet emotionally resonant, rooted in the philosophy of "less is more." By embracing simplicity, I focus on enhancing clarity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring every element serves a purpose without unnecessary distractions. This approach helps me create designs that are practical and meaningful, striking a balance between form and function. I’m inspired by the interplay between functionality and emotional impact. Early in my career, I realized that the most effective designs are not just visually engaging but also intuitive and deeply connected to users' needs. This insight has driven my commitment to blending empathy, functionality, and visual harmony in every project. At the core of my process is prioritization. I carefully evaluate user needs, project goals, and contextual challenges to focus on what truly matters. This allows me to create designs that are clear, cohesive, and adaptable to cultural, technological, and contextual nuances. By balancing simplicity with innovation, I strive to deliver solutions that are both impactful and resonant.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
YW : I currently reside in the U.S., but my cultural heritage is rooted in China. Chinese philosophy, especially the concept of balance and harmony, deeply influences my design thinking. The idea of '达则兼济天下，穷则独善其身' (help the world when you can, but improve yourself when circumstances don't allow it) is a guiding principle in both my life and work. Living in a multicultural environment allows me to draw inspiration from various design traditions and integrate them into my work, but it also challenges me to navigate cultural differences in user expectations and aesthetics.
DI: How do you work with companies?
YW : When working with companies, I prioritize collaboration and clear communication to ensure that design solutions align seamlessly with business goals and user needs. I begin by deeply understanding the company’s vision, challenges, and target audience, establishing a strong foundation for the project. My process is iterative, incorporating regular check-ins and user feedback to refine designs and deliver impactful solutions. I also facilitate ideation workshops with stakeholders to align on objectives and maintain adaptability, fostering open dialogue and involving key stakeholders throughout critical stages. This collaborative approach enables me to create designs that not only solve problems effectively but also resonate deeply with the company’s values and objectives.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
YW : When working with a designer, companies should prioritize clear communication and alignment on goals from the outset. Involving designers early in the process ensures they have a comprehensive understanding of the brand, its vision, and the challenges at hand. This foundation allows the designer to contribute meaningfully and stay aligned with the project’s direction. Selecting a good designer goes beyond evaluating technical skills. It’s essential to assess how well the designer fits into your team, their approach to problem-solving, and how they can contribute to the company’s overall goals. A designer who is adaptable, communicates effectively, and can work collaboratively with other departments will be better equipped to deliver impactful solutions that align with both business needs and user expectations.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
YW : I begin by aligning with stakeholders on project goals and gathering research on user needs and behaviors. From there, I sketch ideas, create wireframes, and develop interactive prototypes. I emphasize early testing and continuous iteration, refining the design based on feedback. Throughout the process, I collaborate closely with developers to ensure seamless implementation and regularly check in with stakeholders to keep the design aligned with both business objectives and user needs.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
YW : I adore my collection of Pokémon plush toys because I love the games and animations. I also have a set of beautiful cups that somehow make drinks taste better. My sofa is another favorite; it’s where I unwind after a long day or host friends. My sound system is essential for music and movie nights, enhancing the sound experience. Scented candles create atmosphere, with different scents bringing different vibes.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
YW : At work, I typically start by checking emails and messages to stay informed and ensure team alignment. From there, I prioritize tasks and concentrate on critical goals for the day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
YW : To young designers, my advice is to stay curious and embrace learning at every step. Design is a constantly evolving field, and keeping an open mind will help you stay ahead. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas and tools—failure is part of the process and can teach you valuable lessons. Focus on building a strong foundation of empathy; understanding your users’ needs and challenges is key to creating meaningful designs. At the same time, don't neglect the technical aspects—being able to communicate with developers and understanding the constraints of the medium you’re working with will make your designs more impactful. Finally, seek feedback and embrace collaboration. Design is rarely a solo endeavor, and working with others can expand your perspective and refine your skills. Most importantly, stay passionate about your craft and trust in your unique voice as a designer.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
YW : Being a designer is both rewarding and challenging. The most fulfilling part is shaping user experiences and solving problems through design. It's rewarding to see your ideas make a real impact on users and the business. Design also offers continuous learning—mastering new tools, exploring emerging technologies, and keeping up with trends. Collaboration with cross-functional teams fosters personal growth and adds purpose to the work. However, managing feedback and revisions can be difficult, especially with multiple stakeholders. Design often requires balancing creativity with constraints like time, budget, and technical limitations. Despite these hurdles, being a designer remains a dynamic, rewarding career that encourages creativity, innovation, and growth.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
YW : My golden rule in design is to always stay curious. Design is constantly evolving, and maintaining curiosity allows you to embrace these changes with excitement rather than exhaustion. Even when faced with setbacks or challenges, curiosity drives me to keep searching for answers and new solutions. It’s this mindset that keeps the design process fresh and motivating.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
YW : While it may sound like a cliché, I truly believe the most important skill for a designer is design thinking. The needs, mediums, tools, and contexts of design are incredibly diverse, but the ability to approach problems methodically and creatively is universal. Design thinking empowers designers to understand challenges, explore solutions, and adapt to various situations, making it an indispensable skill for solving problems effectively and delivering meaningful results.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
YW : My primary design tool is Figma, valued for its versatility and collaborative capabilities. I also use AI tools to streamline workflows and spark creativity. Additionally, I rely on Adobe Creative Suite—Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects—for intricate visual and motion design, with p5.js and Blender supporting my experimental projects. For communication, I use Slack and Google Meet, while Trello ensures efficient project management. I’m always eager to explore emerging tools, especially open-source, cloud-based platforms, which I believe represent the future of collaborative and innovative design.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
YW : Designing can be time-consuming, but effective time management ensures a balance between productivity and creativity. I break projects into manageable tasks, set clear deadlines, and prioritize based on impact. Regular check-ins with stakeholders keep priorities aligned, while focused time blocks help minimize distractions. I also leave room for iteration and feedback, avoiding perfectionism while respecting timelines. Ultimately, time management is about balancing structure with flexibility, allowing progress while adapting to new challenges or ideas.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
YW : The time required to design an object depends on the project scope and the available timeline. Within reasonable limits, I prefer to adjust the design process based on the time and resources at hand, ensuring an efficient yet thorough approach that aligns with the project's goals. This flexibility allows me to prioritize key stages of the design while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
YW : AI should act as a collaborator, streamlining repetitive tasks and offering deeper insights to inform decisions. While debates about AI’s role in creative fields persist, its position as a transformative force shaping the future is undeniable. By freeing designers to focus on strategy, innovation, and problem-solving, AI significantly enhances the creative process. Its capacity to analyze data and rapidly generate prototypes accelerates workflows and reveals user patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. A reminder, however, is that the ultimate responsibility must always remain with the designer. Human intuition, empathy, and cultural awareness are irreplaceable in creating designs that truly resonate. For me, AI serves as a powerful tool to amplify human creativity, helping us push boundaries while keeping user needs and values at the center of every design decision.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
YW : Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one experience as the most important. Every project I’ve worked on has contributed to my growth as a designer in unique ways. Some taught me about collaboration, others challenged my technical skills, and many deepened my empathy for users. Together, these experiences have shaped how I approach problem-solving and design today.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
YW : I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of clients, from global tech leaders like Microsoft and Facebook to innovative startups such as Candor (FinTech) and an EdTech platform. Additionally, I’ve partnered with individual entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them enhance their design and user experience strategies.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
YW : I love working on projects that allow me to blend creativity and impact—where the design isn’t just about aesthetics but truly improves the way people interact with a product or experience.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
YW : My future plans involve delving deeper into the integration of emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR into design, leveraging these tools to craft impactful and forward-thinking solutions.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
YW : It depends on the project. For smaller-scale or highly specialized tasks, I often work independently, taking full ownership of the design process. However, for larger or more complex projects, I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
YW : While I’m currently working on some exciting projects, they are still in the early stages or involve sensitive details, so I’m unable to share specifics at this time. However, I’d be happy to discuss the themes and areas I’m focusing on, such as the integration of AI and immersive technologies in design. It’s an area I’m deeply passionate about, and I’d love to explore how these innovations can shape the future of user experiences.
DI: How can people contact you?
YW : You can reach me at ycwangstudio1@gmail.com, visit my website at www.ycwangstudio.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn: Yichen Wang.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
YW : One aspect I’d like to emphasize is the importance of well-being in design. In an increasingly technology-driven world, it’s essential to keep the human element at the core of our work. I’m passionate about crafting digital experiences that go beyond problem-solving to also foster emotional balance and meaningful connections, ensuring technology enriches lives rather than overwhelms them.