We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Anqi Chen ("AC").
Anqi (Angela) is a New York-based UX Designer with a focus in AI design, from where she develops a reinforced understanding in interdisciplinary approaches for real-world applications. Currently an experienced UX Designer at Veritas Technologies, Angela crafts refined AI-powered SaaS designs that push the boundaries of user experience and business capabilities for complex data challenges. Angela is also an award-winning designer in which her design works have been recognized by many internationally renowned design awards (including A' Design Award & Competition, MUSE Design Awards, NY Product Design Awards). Beyond workspace, Angela is proud to be a professional member of prestigious design organizations such as the California Academy of the Arts (CAA), IDSA, AIGA in the United States, where she continually engages with and contribute to the design community. Moreover, her commitment to fostering the next generation of designers is evident in her volunteering role as a top design mentor at ADPList. As a motivated storyteller, she is inspired to deliver impactful designs from day-to-day details, and her interdisciplinary knowledge in multiple domains and a deep understanding of empathy and creativity empowers her to be curious, passionate and resilient to opportunities that bring goodness to the world.
Anqi Chen Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Anqi Chen.
Anqi Chen Design - Calmspace Healthcare Mobile App
Designer Interview of Anqi Chen:
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?
AC : Hey this is Anqi (Angela) Chen, a UX Designer based in New York, United States, with particular expertise in AI Design. I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Cornell University, which laid the foundation for my journey in human-computer interaction design. Throughout my career, I've been driven by the pursuit of creating innovative, impactful, and empathetic solutions. What excites me most is my involvement in the intersection of AI and design, where I've gained valuable insights into interdisciplinary approaches for practical use. My curiosity about the world, coupled with a passion for exploring technology to fuel creativity, along with my sense of empathy and a desire to assist people through designs infused with narratives and functionality, have collectively shaped my journey. I realize that we are currently at a critical juncture where it's imperative to explore and implement innovative and efficient solutions to address challenges within the realm of human-computer interaction methods and tools.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AC : As a UX Designer at Veritas Technologies, my primary focus revolves around crafting advanced AI-infused designs tailored to address the complex challenges inherent in enterprise data management. Within this intricate landscape, I am dedicated to elevating user experience standards while concurrently enhancing business capabilities. My design philosophy places equal emphasis on aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that the solutions I develop are not only visually appealing but also highly efficient and user-friendly. Every day in front of the desk presents an opportunity to engage with impactful projects, and each week brings new collaborations with talented individuals. Throughout this journey, I navigate through the comprehensive lifecycle of user experience, beginning with in-depth exploration of data domain knowledge, user requirements, and technical limitations. This foundation enables me to identify key design opportunities and subsequently iterate through solutions, refining them until they meet the highest standards of usability and effectiveness.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AC : To me, design embodies a harmonious blend of creativity and pragmatism. It's a driving force behind remarkable solutions that aim to elevate and transform human experiences. Yet, beyond its functional aspect, design serves as a dynamic platform for expressing diverse cultural perspectives, storytelling, and eliciting emotions. It's a vibrant space where lighthearted discussions flourish, facilitating the exchange of ideas to address enduring challenges and uncover opportunities for enhancement. In essence, design is both a catalyst for innovation and a canvas for meaningful expression.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AC : I’m excited about designs that seamlessly integrate innovation with environmental consciousness. While I'm drawn to a diverse array of design genres and constantly seek out new inspirations, I'm particularly passionate about creations that marry aesthetic allure with sustainable outcomes. I'm deeply attuned to the significance of incorporating sustainable practices into real design decision-making processes. In my design sphere, I constantly challenge myself and my team with pertinent questions: Are we crafting solutions that accommodate the diverse needs of users? Where does the watershed lie between creativity and sustainability? And most importantly, is our design fostering meaningful, adaptable, and enduring positive impacts on both our daily lives and the health of our planet? These inquiries drive me to pursue designs that not only excel in aesthetics and functionality but also contribute positively to our environment and society as a whole.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
AC : Minimalism resonates deeply with me as my favorite design aesthetic. Its ability to evoke a sense of simplicity, consistency, and inexplicability is truly captivating. I find myself constantly intrigued by minimalist works, pondering the emotions they aim to convey, the motivations behind the artist's creations, and the underlying background and rationale. Immersing myself in minimalist design often leads me to reflect on my own place in the world. I see myself as a small part of a vast universe, humbled by the grandeur of existence. This perspective fuels my curiosity and drives me to persistently seek personal growth and enlightenment. Minimalism is a powerful reminder of the beauty found in simplicity and the importance of embracing life with humility and openness.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AC : My first project upon joining Veritas was the design of a disaster recovery feature for data replication on Veritas' appliances. This opportunity was incredibly exhilarating for me, as it presented numerous challenges and learning experiences. Throughout the process, I encountered a steep learning curve, but I was fortunate to receive ample support from my mentor, manager, and cross-functional stakeholders.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AC : My favorite technology is my iPhone. It saves my best memories from everyday pixels.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AC : I find my creativity ignited when I'm immersed in the details of my surroundings, captivated by the intricacies of everyday life. Whether it's observing the nuances of nature, uncovering hidden patterns in mundane objects, or recognizing the needs around me, I thrive on the opportunity to be a creative problem-solver. It's in these moments of inspiration and engagement that I feel most fulfilled and accomplished. The ability to identify challenges and devise innovative solutions brings a sense of purpose to my work, propelling me to continuously seek out new avenues for creativity and growth.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AC : I focus more on understanding my users and design to meet their goals.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AC : Empathy is the must.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AC : Feeling both excited and accomplished, I'm deeply honored to see my designs brought to life and recognized by the public. The journey from conception to realization is incredibly rewarding, and being able to extend, refine, and nurture my creations fills me with a sense of pride and satisfaction. Each recognition serves as validation of my efforts and fuels my determination to continue evolving and pushing the boundaries of my design capabilities. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the world through my creative endeavors and am eager to continue growing and refining my craft.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AC : A successful design narrates a compelling story. It has the ability to visually immerse individuals in scenarios that achieve goals, alleviate pain points, and foster positivity. High-quality designs are appreciated not only by designers like ourselves but also by our users, as they evoke enjoyment and satisfaction.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AC : I consider that a design is good if it clearly conveys the meaning and goals.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AC : A designer is bound to design for impacts, possibilities, and actively being a problem-solver to foster meaningful, adaptable changes for society and environment.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AC : Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in enriching user insights and refining the design field through personalization and optimization. While I don't foresee AI replacing the design industry, I see a promising future where AI and design collaborate to drive ongoing innovation. As a UX Designer, I'm excited about fostering closer partnerships where I can concentrate on the humanistic and creative facets of design, while AI handles more intricate and data-driven tasks. Throughout this evolution, it's important that the design process remains transparent, ethical, and continuously evolves to efficiently meet the demands of users.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
AC : I had my last design demo and exhibition in 2022 when I graduated from graduate school at Cornell University. I’m excited and looking forward to showcasing Calmspace during the A’Design’s award ceremony this summer in Italy.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AC : My design inspirations stem from everyday experiences, ranging from minute pixel details to broader life themes. I'm committed to imbuing my designs with sustainability and impact, striving to make meaningful contributions through my work.
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?
AC : My design style prioritizes crafting clean and intuitive designs infused with empathy and strategic foresight. I view design as a channel that connects people with products, placing emphasis on usability, functionality, and resonating with human emotions from an aesthetic standpoint.
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?
AC : I’m currently living in the Big Apple (New York), the universe of creative art where I’m inspired to create designs for any possibilities. Born and growing up in China, I was immersed in a bilingual and multicultural environment, which greatly influenced my opinions on design. My diverse life experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for considering various factors in my designs, including cultural diversity, accessibility, and the needs of minority groups. Moreover, I'm driven by a commitment to creating designs that evoke a positive social impact, reflecting my personal missions and values.
DI: How do you work with companies?
AC : For freelance, I’m open to design opportunities that are contract or seasoning projects. I usually initiate and take conversations where we can discuss the design expectation, commitment and ways to collaborate. Recurring meetings are usually expected for sync-up and refinements.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
AC : Designers possess incredible talents, wielding creativity, empathy, and the ability to craft influential user experiences alongside visually appealing elements in products. However, challenges may arise when business expectations and technical constraints limit the flexibility of design involvement. To address this, I advocate for companies to establish clear product roadmaps in advance and to involve designers at the earliest stages possible. By including designers in the early phases of product development, companies can leverage their expertise to navigate potential pitfalls and optimize the user experience from the outset. This proactive approach enables designers to contribute insights, identify opportunities, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align business goals with user needs effectively. Ultimately, early involvement empowers designers to play a more strategic role in shaping products that resonate deeply with users while also meeting business objectives and technical requirements.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AC : My design process starts with a comprehensive understanding of various perspectives, from project objectives and challenges to domain knowledge and user insights. I always initiate 'How Might We (HMW)' questions for sparking brainstorming sessions and refining ideas, while also supporting to identify the most effective assumptions and solutions. During the concept refinement phase, I leverage software or hardware tools that best suit the presentation of designs, all while remaining cognizant of potential limitations. Attention to detail is paramount in ensuring that colors, formats, and every element align seamlessly to achieve pixel-perfect designs, while remaining practical in attaining the core objectives.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AC : My coffee side table, minion toys from Pop Mart, avocado toys from Jellycat, wine rack, spa table in the bathroom.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
AC : My typical day begins with my alarm ringing around 8:30 am, although I often find myself needing a brief 15-minute power nap to quickly re-energize. Prior to commencing work, I prepare coffee using my Nespresso machine. Throughout the day, I engage in a variety of activities including meetings, collaborative group work, individual tasks, and wrap-up sessions. In the evenings, I typically attend a gym class, enjoy dinner, and dedicate time to Duolingo sessions before retiring for the night. I prioritize a meditation session before bed as it significantly enhances the quality of my sleep.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AC : First and foremost, users are the cornerstone of good design. Without a deep understanding of our users, it's nearly impossible to create a visually appealing and functional product. That's why I prioritize thorough research to immerse myself in the market and various user groups. Design, at its core, is about addressing the needs of users and enhancing their experiences. Furthermore, what distinguishes design and makes it difficult to be replaced by AI is its ability to capture human aesthetics. I strongly advise aspiring designers to become proficient in design tools, both software and hardware, and to hone their skills through consistent practice. In addition to technical proficiency, storytelling is an essential skill for a designer. Beyond the design itself, we're passionate about sharing the stories behind each creation—the what, when, and why we design them. These narratives not only enrich the design process but also foster deeper connections with our audience.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AC : Designers play a pivotal role as empathetic advocates throughout the lifecycle of a product. They meticulously consider user needs and pain points when making decisions, infusing their creations with unique aesthetic and styling elements to enhance the overall product experience. However, the reality of constraints within the product lifecycle often presents challenges. Designers frequently find themselves navigating limitations that require compromises to align with business and customer requirements. Despite these challenges, designers remain dedicated to delivering solutions that effectively balance user-centric design with practical considerations.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AC : Curiosity, passion, and resilience are three pillars that drive my approach to work. Engaging in projects that genuinely excite me fuels my commitment and pushes me to explore diverse avenues for achieving optimal results. When confronted with challenges, I use strategic methods such as prioritization, acknowledging limitations, and maintaining optimism in the face of change. I firmly believe in the adage 'practice makes perfect,' so I maintain persistence in my journey of growth, continuously learning and seeking guidance. I also recognize the importance of seizing opportune moments and surrounding myself with supportive individuals and favorable circumstances that can help me overcome obstacles and steer projects towards success.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AC : There are two key skill sets that I believe are most important for a designer: First, a strong design ability is crucial for creating impactful designs. Spending quality time practicing visual design, pixel-perfect detailing, functional layouts, design patterns, and ensuring overall consistency are essential. Investing time daily in design challenges and minimum viable product (MVP) work can significantly enhance one's design skills. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of the domain is essential for crafting effective design solutions. It's crucial to know who the design is for, what their needs and goals are.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AC : When I’m designing, I’m mostly with Figma and Google. Personally, I've found platforms like Medium and McKinsey Digital Insights invaluable for gaining insights and knowledge that inform my design process from conception to completion.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AC : My approach to product design begins with prioritizing the skeleton and key features, ensuring a solid foundation before proceeding to refine the design into a pixel-perfect presentation. Validation of this approach is crucial, as it ensures that the fundamental aspects of the product meet user needs and expectations. Once validated, I then focus on refining the design, paying close attention to every detail to achieve a visually polished and user-friendly final product. This iterative process allows for both creativity and precision, resulting in a design that not only looks great but also functions seamlessly.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AC : It varies to design an object or a product from end to end, but usually we refer to the roadmap and actual timeline that is available for design. Typically we expect a timeline for MVP in a few weeks or a month, but spans a few months to years for a complete product lifecycle.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AC : “What would you do differently if given more time?”
DI: What was your most important job experience?
AC : My experience at Veritas has been incredibly influential in shaping my career. I am fortunate to be part of a remarkable design team of individuals who are not only highly skilled but also passionate and supportive. When faced with challenges, we approach them proactively, engaging in open discussions and offering assistance to one another. Transparency is a cornerstone of our teamwork, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. We value each other's time, both when working together and independently, recognizing the importance of autonomy and collective effort in achieving our goals. Working alongside such a talented and dedicated team at Veritas has been truly inspiring and enriching.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AC : My clients, or customers at Veritas are primarily enterprise firms that seek data management support using our software products. Beyond my workspace, I also receive some freelance and volunteer design work that help New York-based small businesses to achieve their goals, this including but not limited to IT pioneer, MITRE Corporation.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AC : I like to work on designs with ambiguity where I can explore different opportunities and solution spaces. I also enjoy working autonomously so that I can push myself to the margin to better know about my bandwidth and capabilities.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AC : In the next five years, I foresee myself as a growing UX Designer on the track. I’m interested in exploring different domains to understand my scope and passion. Being a designer in the enterprise domain, I’m continuing to meet opportunities and challenges that are sophisticated. I also envision becoming a design lead where I will lead a team of designers to pioneer in the field.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AC : In my personal or passion design concept, I usually design independently. On contract-based or teamwork, I enjoy working with a core team to develop the design, especially having a Product Manager from end to end, and include engineers in early phases as well.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
AC : At this point, my WIP design is underlying in Veritas’s design roadmap, and I’m excited about leading AI-driven solutions to Veritas’ software product integration.
DI: How can people contact you?
AC : I’m happy to be reached by email: angela.design19@gmail.com, and I’m based in Eastern Time Zone in the United States (GMT/UTC -5)