We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang ("COAQZ").
Chunjia Ouyang is a designer dedicated to creating meaningful, human-centered solutions that balance aesthetics and functionality. She envisions using design as a tool for social impact, with a focus on sustainability, public service, education, and support for underserved communities. Her recent project, Blueline, has received 14 international design awards.
Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang.
Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang Design - Blueline Law Enforcement Service App
Designer Interview of Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang:
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?
COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: I’m a multidisciplinary designer with experience across graphic, brand, and product design. I’ve worked as a freelance graphic designer, helping startups and organizations shape their visual identity and communicate their values through clear, compelling brand systems. At the Aspen Institute, I served as a strategy designer, where I collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop creative solutions for social impact initiatives — combining design thinking with long-term planning. I later worked as a product designer at DC Comics, contributing to digital experiences that connected global audiences through narrative and interaction. My background has always been rooted in aesthetics, but what truly shaped my design journey was discovering service design. It helped me realize that I’m not just drawn to how things look, but how they function within systems — and how they can be more inclusive, intuitive, and emotionally resonant. Design became the medium through which I could turn empathy into action. Qihang Zhang: I’m a product and visual designer specializing in data-driven digital tools for music, AI, and public service. My background spans communication, education, and research — fields that taught me to distill complexity, tell compelling stories, and prioritize clarity over noise. Before formally entering the design world, I worked as a strategist and researcher. But I soon realized that design allowed me to go beyond observation — it gave me a way to build solutions. My design career began by bridging storytelling and structure, and eventually evolved into creating full-scale platforms for music analytics, civic safety, and creative workflows. What made me stay in design is its transformative potential: good design can shift power, bring transparency to opaque systems, and help people make confident, informed decisions. I didn’t always know I’d be a designer, but looking back, it’s the most natural convergence of how I think, what I care about, and the kind of impact I want to make.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
COAQZ : Blueline is not a traditional design studio — it’s a professional partnership built around a shared belief: that design can be a tool for civic trust, structural empathy, and systemic clarity. We came together as a cross-functional team with backgrounds in product design, strategy, communication, and research, united by a common goal: to create meaningful, socially impactful design at the intersection of public systems and user experience. Blueline was originally formed to explore a single question: what would it look like to rebuild public safety from a human-centered perspective? Our collaboration began with that purpose — and evolved into a tightly aligned design practice grounded in care, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary rigor. We approach every project as a collaborative inquiry, blending individual strengths with shared responsibility. Rather than scaling for commercial output, we prioritize intentional design that addresses overlooked needs. Our process is deeply research-driven, shaped by systems mapping, prototyping, and iterative co-creation with real communities. As a professional partnership, Blueline reflects not just our work, but our values — transparency, justice, and dignity in design. We believe the most powerful design happens when people come together not just to build products, but to ask better questions and design for lasting impact.
DI: What is "design" for you?
COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: For me, design is a form of care. It’s the act of shaping environments, systems, and interactions to make people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Good design doesn’t just solve problems — it creates emotional clarity. It helps people move through the world with less friction and more dignity. I see design as something deeply human. It’s about listening closely, noticing what others might overlook, and creating with intention. Whether I’m designing an interface or a service flow, I try to ask: how will this feel for someone who’s tired, distracted, or unsure? That question keeps me grounded in empathy. Design, to me, is less about what you make — and more about how you think, how you notice, and how you choose to respond to the needs of others. Qihang Zhang: To me, design is a system for revealing truth and enabling trust. It’s not just about aesthetics or usability — it’s about structuring information, choices, and relationships in a way that helps people act with clarity and confidence. I often work in complex, high-stakes environments — like music data, public safety, or AI tools — where users are overwhelmed by ambiguity. In those contexts, design becomes a form of translation. It transforms noise into signal, intention into interface. Good design doesn’t just make things look better — it reshapes access, agency, and power. I see it as both a craft and an ethical responsibility. It’s how we build bridges between people and the systems they live within — responsibly, transparently, and with care.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: I’m most drawn to designing experiences that combine clarity, emotion, and purpose. Whether it’s a service flow, a digital interface, or a communication system, I love the challenge of simplifying complexity in a way that feels thoughtful and human. I especially enjoy working on projects where design can create emotional safety — for example, tools that support mental health, community engagement, or access to social services. These are the spaces where empathy isn’t just a bonus — it’s essential. I also enjoy the craft of visual storytelling — translating a brand’s values or a user’s journey into something that feels both intuitive and emotionally resonant. For me, the most fulfilling design work is grounded in people, purpose, and the possibility of quiet transformation. Qihang Zhang: I gravitate toward projects that involve systems-level thinking — tools, platforms, and workflows that help people make decisions in high-friction or high-stakes environments. I especially enjoy designing for contexts where clarity is critical: civic tech, AI, music analytics, and public infrastructure. I like working on products that require aligning multiple constraints — user needs, technical feasibility, ethical considerations, and organizational complexity. When those tensions are balanced well, the outcome can feel seamless even if the process was anything but. Most of all, I enjoy designing tools that empower — platforms that give users more agency, insight, or access than they had before. When design helps shift power or reveal truth, that’s when I feel the work really matters.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
COAQZ : Our favorite design project is also one of our most personal: Blueline, a public safety tool designed to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement. It’s a project that challenged us not only as designers, but as people — asking us to listen more deeply, design more carefully, and consider how fear, trauma, and bureaucracy intersect in everyday life. What makes Blueline our favorite isn’t just the final product — it’s the process. The act of sitting with community members, listening to their frustrations and hopes, and turning that complexity into something usable and empowering was both humbling and energizing. We weren’t just designing screens — we were designing for dignity. The details are what stay with us. A button that feels safe instead of exposed. A form flow that allows for anonymity without friction. The challenge of balancing transparency and discretion, clarity and calm. Every design decision felt like a quiet act of advocacy. Blueline reminded us why we became designers in the first place. It’s our favorite project not because it’s perfect, but because it made a difference — and because it asked us to grow.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: The first thing I designed for a company was a human-centered wearable interface for a healthcare device targeted at sepsis survivors. It was a wrist-worn monitor intended to help users track their daily health indicators. My role was to improve the interaction experience — making it intuitive, gentle, and encouraging — so users would feel more motivated and less overwhelmed when managing their recovery. It was also my first time working on a product that directly impacted people’s physical well-being, and it made me realize how meaningful interaction design can be. Qihang Zhang: The first thing I designed for a company was part of the World Heritage Journeys: China social media storytelling campaign with National Geographic, in collaboration with UNESCO. My role focused on designing a digital content system that visualized cultural narratives across platforms — from travel stories and heritage maps to real-time engagement on Chinese social channels. It was my first time working on a global-facing campaign tied to public education and cultural preservation. I was tasked with making complex, multilingual content feel coherent, emotionally resonant, and sharable. It wasn’t flashy, but it taught me how design could help bridge institutional messaging and public storytelling. That project fundamentally shaped how I think about narrative structure, information hierarchy, and cross-cultural communication through design.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
COAQZ : We don’t have a single favorite platform or tool — what matters most to us is using the right medium to bring clarity and connection to a design. That said, we both appreciate tools that allow us to move quickly between ideation and execution. Figma has been a go-to for its collaborative nature — it helps us design, iterate, and communicate with clarity across teams and time zones. We also value Webflow and Framer when we want to bridge the gap between design and interaction, especially for rapid prototyping or storytelling-heavy presentations. But beyond the platforms themselves, we care deeply about accessibility technologies — from multilingual frameworks to WCAG-compliant components. In projects like Blueline, these tools weren’t just “nice to have” — they were essential to making the experience inclusive and meaningful. Ultimately, our favorite “technology” is anything that helps people feel understood.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
COAQZ : We feel most creative when we’re not rushing — when there’s space to think, question, and let ideas unfold. Sometimes that creativity comes in quiet moments — late at night sketching in Figma, or during a walk when our minds are finally free from notifications. Other times, it’s sparked by a conversation: when we’re bouncing ideas off each other, challenging assumptions, or finding a better question to ask. We’ve learned that creativity doesn’t always feel like inspiration — it often feels like clarity. That moment when a messy problem suddenly makes sense, or when we realize the simplest solution is also the most powerful. That’s when we feel most alive as designers. We also find creativity in constraints. Whether it's designing for multilingual users, accessibility needs, or limited resources, the boundaries often push us to think more deeply and design more intentionally.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
COAQZ : We always start with clarity and empathy. No matter the project, our first priority is understanding who we’re designing for — what they’re feeling, what they need, and what might be standing in their way. That informs everything: the flow, the tone, the smallest interaction detail. We pay a lot of attention to structure — making sure the experience feels intuitive and frictionless. But at the same time, we care deeply about emotional tone. How does the design make someone feel? Safe? Confident? Seen? Accessibility is another non-negotiable. We’re always thinking about how to make the product work for as many people as possible — across languages, abilities, and situations. In Blueline, for example, we prioritized multilingual access and anonymous use from the start, because those features weren’t just functional — they were fundamental to trust. In short, we focus on how design feels, how it flows, and whether it’s genuinely serving its purpose — not just how it looks.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
COAQZ : Designing is often an emotional journey for us — it starts with curiosity, moves through frustration and discovery, and often lands in a place of quiet satisfaction. At the beginning, there’s always a sense of wonder: What’s really going on here? What do people need? That curiosity drives us to dig deeper, to listen more closely, to test more thoughtfully. Then comes the messy middle — the part where nothing works the way you expect. There’s tension, self-doubt, and dozens of iterations that don’t quite feel right. But oddly, we enjoy that part too. That’s where we learn the most — about the problem, about the user, and about ourselves. And finally, there’s a kind of peace that comes when everything clicks. When the design not only works but feels right. It’s not always dramatic — often, it’s quiet. Like solving a puzzle where every piece matters. Designing can be emotionally demanding, but that’s also what makes it so meaningful. It keeps us present, thoughtful, and connected to the people we’re designing for.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
COAQZ : There’s always a quiet sense of joy — and sometimes even disbelief — when something we’ve imagined becomes real and starts helping people. Seeing a design go from sketches and prototypes to something someone interacts with in their everyday life is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just pride; it’s a kind of gratitude. Gratitude that the ideas held up, that the collaboration worked, and that someone, somewhere, is benefiting from the thing we created. Especially for projects like Blueline, where the stakes are personal and the impact can be deeply emotional, the moment it goes live is powerful. We often feel a mix of relief, responsibility, and renewed purpose — because when a design is out in the world, it’s no longer just ours. It belongs to the people using it. That feeling — of making something that matters — is why we do what we do.
DI: What makes a design successful?
COAQZ : A successful design is one that quietly does its job — and does it well. To us, success isn’t just about metrics or visual appeal. It’s about whether the design makes someone’s life easier, more dignified, or more connected. Does it remove friction? Does it build trust? Does it serve the people it was meant for? We also think a successful design respects its context. It understands the constraints — whether technical, cultural, or emotional — and still manages to offer clarity, usefulness, and even moments of delight. Most importantly, success is often invisible. The best design doesn’t draw attention to itself — it simply works, seamlessly and intuitively, allowing people to focus on what they came to do. We’ve seen this in projects like Blueline, where success wasn’t measured in downloads or likes, but in whether someone felt safe enough to use it, understood enough to navigate it, and supported enough to return.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
COAQZ : The first thing we look for is intention — does the design serve a clear purpose, and does it succeed in meeting the needs of its users? Aesthetics and polish matter, of course, but a beautiful interface that confuses or excludes people isn’t good design. We pay close attention to clarity, accessibility, and how seamlessly a design fits into its context. Is it intuitive? Does it feel respectful of the user’s time, emotions, or abilities? Does it solve the right problem? We’re also drawn to designs that demonstrate restraint. Sometimes, the best designs are the quietest ones — the ones that don’t try to do too much, but do one thing really well. And finally, we think about impact. A “good” design isn’t just usable — it leaves behind something meaningful. It might make someone feel safer, more seen, or more empowered. That’s the kind of work we aspire to, and the lens we use when evaluating others’ designs too.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
COAQZ : We believe designers have a responsibility to make things better — not just more beautiful. That means thinking beyond the screen or object, and considering the broader impact of our work on people, communities, and the environment. Design choices shape how people access information, how they feel in public spaces, how they trust systems — and sometimes, whether they’re included at all. As designers, we try to ask not only “can we build this?” but also “should we?” Who does this serve? Who might be left out? What values are we reinforcing? These questions are especially important when working on civic, social, or data-driven projects like Blueline. In terms of the environment, we believe in digital sustainability too — designing products that are thoughtful, not wasteful. Simple, intuitive interfaces reduce cognitive load and energy consumption. Fewer screens, less friction, more care. Ultimately, our responsibility is to design with empathy, intention, and awareness — because design doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a much larger ecosystem, and we’re all accountable for the future it helps shape.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
COAQZ : Design is evolving from a discipline of “making things look good” to a practice of shaping systems, behavior, and trust. We’re seeing a shift from surface-level polish to deeper questions: How do we design for transparency? For inclusivity? For long-term impact, not just short-term delight? Today’s designers are being asked to navigate not just pixels, but ethics, power structures, and complexity — and that’s a good thing. At the same time, technology is moving fast. AI, automation, and generative tools are changing what it means to “design.” But we don’t see that as a threat — we see it as an opportunity. The future of design is not just about using new tools, but about asking better questions. It’s about staying human in the loop — bringing empathy, context, and care into every decision. We believe the next era of design will be defined by collaboration across disciplines, radical accessibility, and a return to purpose-driven thinking. The most powerful designs won’t be the most complex — they’ll be the ones that make the most people feel seen, heard, and included.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: My last exhibition was in 2020 at the Spring Show of Academy of Art University, where I was selected as one of the outstanding representatives of my department. It was a meaningful milestone for me, as it showcased not only my visual design skills but also the conceptual thinking behind my work. I hope to hold my next exhibition sometime this year — ideally one that reflects my recent explorations in user-centered design, storytelling, and social impact. I'm excited to share how my work has evolved since then. Qihang Zhang: My most recent exhibition was in May 2025 at ICFF New York, as part of the Re:Craft showcase curated by Dezeen. The piece I exhibited explored how memory, data, and digital interfaces can carry emotional meaning in civic and cultural contexts. It was shown alongside other international works that bridge physical design and digital interaction. For my next exhibition, I hope to present something more collaborative — ideally an interactive, systems-based piece that reflects my current focus on public tools, trust-building, and participatory design.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
COAQZ : Our inspiration often comes from everyday moments — things people struggle with, systems that don’t feel fair, or conversations where someone says, “I wish this were easier.” We pay close attention to emotional friction — those small, often invisible points where people feel lost, frustrated, or left out. That’s usually where the design opportunity lives. We also draw inspiration from outside the design field — literature, architecture, public spaces, films, even overheard conversations on the subway. These sources help us think beyond screens and remember that design is about life, not just interfaces. To stay creatively grounded, we try to keep asking questions: What if this were simpler? What if it felt kinder? What if it worked better for someone who’s usually ignored? These “what ifs” often spark our most meaningful ideas. And of course, we find a lot of inspiration in collaboration. Talking through messy problems together — especially from our different perspectives — often leads to ideas neither of us would’ve reached alone.
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?
COAQZ : Our design style is clean, intentional, and human-centered — we care deeply about clarity, emotional tone, and inclusive functionality. Visually, we tend to favor simplicity with warmth. We lean into soft contrasts, generous spacing, and type systems that feel calm and respectful. We believe that design doesn’t need to shout to be powerful — it just needs to speak clearly to the people it’s meant for. At the same time, our style is shaped by our values. We’re drawn to problems that involve trust, access, and vulnerability — and that influences our visual decisions too. We avoid unnecessary complexity or aesthetic trends that might alienate certain users. Instead, we focus on what feels honest, intuitive, and empowering. What led us here is experience. Working across industries — from news and e-commerce to civic tech and public safety — showed us that no matter how different the product, people always want to feel understood. That’s why our approach is always grounded in listening first, designing second. To us, good design should feel invisible — until the moment you need it most.
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?
COAQZ : We’re both originally from China, and our cultural background continues to shape how we think, create, and collaborate — even when we’re working internationally. Growing up in China gave us a deep appreciation for balance, subtlety, and visual storytelling. Chinese design traditions often emphasize harmony, rhythm, and meaning beneath the surface — qualities that influence how we approach interface design, layout, and user flow. We’re also very aware of how language, symbolism, and context can vary dramatically across cultures, which makes us more thoughtful when designing for global audiences. At the same time, working as designers in China comes with unique challenges. The pace is fast, expectations are high, and design is often seen as a tool for delivery rather than discovery. But these pressures have also made us more resilient, adaptable, and detail-oriented. We’ve learned how to think quickly, iterate often, and still hold onto our values as designers. In many ways, our roots give us a dual lens — one that respects tradition while embracing innovation. And that combination continues to guide us as we build bridges between cultures through design.
DI: How do you work with companies?
COAQZ : We approach every collaboration as a partnership. Whether we’re working with startups, nonprofits, or larger organizations, our goal is to listen first — to understand not just the product requirements, but the people behind them, the users they serve, and the challenges they’re facing. We work best when brought in early, where we can help shape not only how something looks, but why it exists and how it should feel. We’re highly collaborative — we love working alongside product managers, engineers, and researchers to build a shared language and process. Clear communication, thoughtful feedback, and flexibility are core to how we operate. Our approach is both strategic and hands-on. We balance systems thinking with pixel-level care, and we’re not afraid to ask difficult questions if it helps uncover better solutions. We also believe in co-creating with our partners — bringing transparency to every step of the process, from wireframes to launch. Ultimately, we aim to create lasting relationships, not just deliverables. The best outcomes come from mutual respect, shared purpose, and a willingness to build something meaningful together.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
COAQZ : The best collaborations happen when companies see designers as partners, not just executors. A good designer brings much more than visuals — they bring perspective. They help teams ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and turn complexity into clarity. So when selecting a designer, we always encourage companies to look beyond aesthetics. Pay attention to how a designer thinks, how they solve problems, and how well they listen. Once you start working together, involve them early and share context generously — not just the “what,” but the “why.” The more a designer understands your users, your goals, and even your challenges, the better they can contribute. Great design doesn’t happen in isolation — it thrives on collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect. And finally, trust the process. Design takes exploration, iteration, and sometimes a little patience. But when companies invest in that process, the results are not only more thoughtful — they’re often more impactful.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
COAQZ : Our process always begins with listening. Before we design anything, we make space to understand the context — who we’re designing for, what they need, and what might be standing in their way. That often means conducting user interviews, reviewing research, or mapping out emotional journeys. Once we’ve built that foundation, we move into exploration. We sketch out ideas, test concepts, and ask a lot of “what if” questions — sometimes with low-fi prototypes, sometimes just through conversation. We’re not afraid to iterate early and often, especially when the problem is ambiguous. As the direction becomes clearer, we shift into systems and structure — defining flows, creating design components, and refining interaction details. Throughout, we stay close to collaborators: working with engineers, product teams, and stakeholders to make sure the work is both visionary and buildable. We also make a point to revisit the emotional tone at every stage. Even when the layout is functional and the UX makes sense, we ask: Does this feel right? Does it support the user emotionally as well as practically? In short, our process is intentional, iterative, and human-centered — focused not just on solving problems, but on designing experiences that truly resonate.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
COAQZ : Muji Wall Clock – Its simplicity is timeless. No branding, no extra lines — just quiet clarity. It reminds us that restraint can be powerful. Xiaomi Desk Lamp – Smart, minimal, and beautifully engineered. We admire how it balances functionality and form without feeling cold or clinical. Leuchtturm1917 Notebook – As much as we work digitally, there's something grounding about sketching or writing by hand. The paper quality, spacing, and tactile experience all reflect careful design. Anglepoise Lamp – A classic piece of British industrial design. The adjustability, weight, and rhythm of movement are a daily reminder of what thoughtful mechanics feel like. A hand-thrown ceramic cup from Jingdezhen – It’s imperfect, but that’s what makes it special. It holds a story, a texture, and a kind of quietness that we’re always trying to bring into our own work. These aren’t flashy objects, but they all have something in common: they respect the user. They’re useful, beautiful in a quiet way, and built with care — which is what we hope to bring into every project we work on.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
COAQZ : Our days usually begin quietly — coffee, sunlight, and a few moments away from screens. We both like to ease into the day with intention, whether that’s reviewing our to-do list, reading something unrelated to design, or sketching loosely to get ideas flowing. Most of our work time is structured around collaboration. We often start with a sync: sharing progress, questions, or feedback with each other and with any team members we’re working alongside. From there, it’s a mix of deep focus and dialogue — some hours spent building wireframes or refining interactions, others jumping into Figma together or testing user flows side-by-side. In between, we make space for reflection. That could mean walking, journaling, or just stepping away to look at a design from a different angle. Evenings are usually less about productivity and more about nourishment — cooking, music, or seeing friends. And sometimes, when inspiration strikes late, we’re right back in Figma at midnight, refining something we couldn’t leave alone. Every day is a little different, but the rhythm stays consistent: listen, make, refine, and stay present. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always meaningful.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
COAQZ : Design is not about knowing all the answers — it’s about learning how to ask better questions. To young designers, we’d say: stay curious, stay kind, and stay close to the people you’re designing for. Great design doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from listening, iterating, and caring deeply about the impact of your work. Don’t be afraid to slow down. In a world that moves fast, clarity and empathy take time. You’ll grow more by understanding one problem deeply than by rushing through ten shallow ones. Also, find your people. Design can be isolating if you let it — but it’s so much more powerful when it’s collaborative, when you have peers to share with, mentors to learn from, and communities to grow in. And lastly, don’t lose your voice. Trends will change. Tools will change. But your values, your perspective, and your way of seeing the world — that’s what will make your work truly yours.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
COAQZ : One of the biggest positives is the privilege of creating things that didn’t exist before — and seeing them make a real difference in someone’s life. As designers, we get to shape how people interact with the world, how they access information, feel supported, or even just feel seen. That’s powerful, and never something we take for granted. Another positive is the constant learning. Design keeps you curious. Every project is a chance to enter a new domain, understand new users, and grow not just as a professional — but as a person. But it’s not without its challenges. One of the harder parts is the emotional weight — designing responsibly means thinking deeply about ethics, inclusion, and unintended consequences. And in fast-moving industries, design is sometimes undervalued or rushed, treated more as decoration than strategy. There’s also the challenge of balance — between creative vision and business needs, between advocating for users and working within constraints. It can be draining if you’re not in an environment that respects the process. Still, for all its ups and downs, we’ve found design to be a deeply meaningful way to engage with the world — one problem, one interface, one person at a time.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
COAQZ : Design with care — and design like someone you love will use it. We always remind ourselves that behind every screen, there’s a real person — someone who might be stressed, confused, or just trying to get through their day. If we design with that in mind — with empathy, clarity, and responsibility — then we’re on the right path. Good design isn’t just about solving problems. It’s about doing so with respect — for the user’s time, their dignity, and their context. That’s our golden rule: never lose sight of the human on the other side.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
COAQZ : We believe the most important skills for a designer go beyond software or tools — they’re about how you think, listen, and collaborate. At the core, good designers are good observers. The ability to listen deeply — to users, to teammates, to what's not being said — is what helps us design with intention and empathy. Critical thinking is just as essential. It’s not enough to make things look good — we have to understand context, question assumptions, and connect the dots between needs, systems, and outcomes. Communication is another key skill. Whether we’re presenting an idea, giving feedback, or aligning with engineers, how we tell the story of a design can be just as important as the design itself. And of course, adaptability. The tools will always change. Trends come and go. What stays relevant is your ability to learn fast, stay curious, and keep your values at the center of your work. So while craft is important, the most impactful designers lead with clarity, empathy, and thoughtfulness — and never stop growing.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
COAQZ : Our design toolbox is a thoughtful blend of software, habits, and inspiration sources that help us stay creative, focused, and intentional throughout the process. We use Figma as our primary workspace — from early wireframes to high-fidelity UI and system components, it’s where most of our collaboration lives. For more narrative or interactive projects, we turn to tools like Framer and Webflow, which allow us to prototype with motion and responsiveness in mind. Adobe Creative Suite supports our work when illustration, branding, or visual storytelling elements come into play, while tools like FigJam or Whimsical help us quickly map out ideas, user flows, or early-stage thinking. Beyond software, we rely on simple but essential hardware: our MacBooks, secondary displays for multitasking, and good headphones to protect focus during deep work. That said, we believe the most important “hardware” is actually uninterrupted time and mental clarity — even the best tools can’t substitute for that. Inspiration-wise, we draw from both classic and emerging voices in design. Books like The Design of Everyday Things, Speculative Everything, and Ruined by Design continue to shape how we think about systems, responsibility, and possibility. We also stay connected to current conversations through museum catalogs, award showcases, and independent publications that explore design at the intersection of culture and ethics. At the core of everything, though, is listening. Tools help us create — but listening is what helps us design with care.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
COAQZ : Design can definitely be time-consuming — especially when you care deeply about the details. We’ve learned over time that managing our energy is just as important as managing our hours. We try to start every project by aligning on priorities and outcomes. What are we solving? What actually needs to be perfect, and what can evolve over time? This helps us focus our attention where it matters most, rather than getting lost in perfectionism. We also work in intentional cycles — alternating between focused solo time and collaborative check-ins. This rhythm allows us to go deep when needed, while still making space for feedback and iteration. When possible, we set internal “soft deadlines” to create healthy constraints and keep momentum going without burning out. But more than anything, we give ourselves permission to pause. Sometimes the best solution comes when we step away — whether it’s a walk, a nap, or just letting an idea sit overnight. Creativity needs room to breathe, and sustainable design work isn’t about always going faster — it’s about knowing when to slow down. Time management, for us, isn’t about squeezing more in. It’s about working with clarity, purpose, and enough space to do the work with care.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
COAQZ : It really depends on the complexity of the project — and what “finished” even means. Some smaller features or interface updates can be designed in a few days with focused collaboration. But for more meaningful, human-centered products like Blueline, the process can take weeks or even months — not because the visuals are complicated, but because the problems are. Research, iteration, testing, and refining all take time, especially when the stakes involve accessibility, trust, or vulnerable users. That said, we try not to treat design as something that starts and stops at fixed points. Good design is often ongoing — it evolves as we learn more, as the context shifts, or as users give us new insights. What matters is not how fast we finish, but how well we respond. So while timelines vary, our goal stays the same: to move with clarity and care, and to ensure the final result truly serves the people it’s meant for.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
COAQZ : Probably: “Can you make it look better?” It’s a fair question — most people associate design with visuals first. But it always opens the door for a deeper conversation: “Better for whom? In what context? And what are we trying to communicate?” We’ve found that many of the most common design questions — about color, layout, or style — are actually surface-level expressions of something deeper: clarity, trust, or usability. So we welcome those questions, because they give us a chance to dig into the “why” together. Sometimes we’re also asked: “How do you come up with ideas?” And the truth is, it’s not magic. It’s listening, testing, iterating — and caring enough to get it right.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: One of my most important job experiences was working as a product designer at DC Comics. I collaborated closely with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to design a digital platform that connected fans with stories, merchandise, and behind-the-scenes content. It was my first time working on a large-scale product with such a strong existing brand identity and passionate user base. I had to carefully balance visual storytelling, user needs, and technical constraints. This experience helped me grow not only as a designer, but also as a communicator and problem-solver. It taught me that great design happens at the intersection of creativity, structure, and teamwork. Qihang Zhang: One of my most formative job experiences was working as a senior product designer at Chartmetric, a music data analytics platform used by record labels and artists worldwide. I led the design of several high-impact tools — including Talent Search and the Chartmetric Mobile App — both of which have since been recognized by international design awards. What made the role so meaningful wasn’t just the scale or the data — it was the challenge of making complex music trends feel understandable, actionable, and empowering for people with vastly different levels of access. It pushed me to become a better systems thinker, and reminded me that clarity is a form of equity.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a wide range of companies — from early-stage startups to established brands. Some of my notable collaborations include DC Comics, where I designed an innovative entertainment app concept, and Artisk, a tech startup where I continue to work part-time on AI-based creative tools. I’ve also contributed to health tech and news platforms, helping teams bring user-centered thinking into complex, high-impact spaces. Qihang Zhang: My design work has spanned media, tech, and the music industry. I’ve designed for organizations like National Geographic, where I created social media graphics for cultural campaigns in China, and Born This Way Foundation, where I helped reimagine internal research systems. In recent years, I’ve worked as Senior Product Designer at Chartmetric, collaborating with clients such as Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, SM Entertainment, and Disney. My focus there was on music data products — from mobile analytics apps to tools that support artist discovery and industry transparency.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
COAQZ : We enjoy design work that feels deeply human — projects where the goal isn’t just to sell or entertain, but to help someone feel understood, empowered, or supported. Whether it’s civic tech like Blueline, mental health tools, or community-focused platforms, we’re drawn to problems that involve real people navigating real challenges. These projects often require more than just visual skill — they ask for empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. That’s where design becomes more than just a job — it becomes a way to serve. We also enjoy working on experiences that require emotional nuance. Designing for moments of uncertainty, vulnerability, or trust — where every interaction matters — is both challenging and rewarding. That kind of work reminds us that design isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, responsibility, and care. The type of design we love most is the kind that makes someone’s day a little easier — even if they never know who made it that way.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: I hope to continue designing products that prioritize people — especially those often overlooked by mainstream tech. I'm excited to explore more opportunities at the intersection of design, AI, and social impact. Whether it’s through startups, public service, or cross-disciplinary collaborations, I want my work to contribute to something meaningful. Long term, I’d love to help build a studio or platform that supports underrepresented voices in product and UX design — something that grows with both integrity and care. Qihang Zhang: I plan to continue working on design-led products that bring clarity, equity, and storytelling into complex digital spaces. I’m especially interested in civic tech, music data, and creative tools — areas where design can truly shape trust and access. In the near future, I’ll be exploring opportunities that combine systems thinking with social impact, whether through entrepreneurship, cross-functional collaboration, or mission-driven product teams. I’m also committed to mentoring emerging designers and staying involved in design communities that value openness and long-term responsibility.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
COAQZ : We work as a team — and not just in a logistical sense, but as true thought partners. Every idea we develop goes through cycles of shared sketching, open critique, and aligned decision-making. We push each other to go deeper: to ask better questions, clarify intent, and challenge our own assumptions. That back-and-forth isn’t just helpful — it’s essential to the way we design. At the same time, we each bring our own strengths — from systems thinking to visual storytelling — and often develop parts of the work individually before coming together to refine and align. It’s a rhythm of trust and autonomy. We believe the best design doesn’t come from isolation or consensus — it comes from collaboration built on clarity, care, and mutual respect. And Blueline is the product of that exact kind of partnership.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
COAQZ : Yes — we’re currently exploring a few new directions, both individually and collaboratively. One area we’re both excited about is how AI tools can be designed more ethically and transparently — not just as powerful technologies, but as experiences that are understandable, inclusive, and human-first. We're working on concepts that focus on giving users more agency and clarity when interacting with intelligent systems. We’re also developing ideas around cross-cultural communication tools, especially for multilingual or diaspora communities who often fall through the cracks of mainstream design. It’s still early, but the goal is to create experiences that honor language, memory, and emotional nuance — much like we aimed for in Blueline, but through a broader lens. At the same time, we continue to mentor younger designers, contribute to design communities, and stay involved in conversations around social impact, accessibility, and civic tech. Some of our work-in-progress isn’t a product — it’s the systems and support networks we want to help shape behind the scenes.
DI: How can people contact you?
COAQZ : People can contact us and learn more about Blueline through our official website: https://www.bluelineapp.us/. On our website, you can find more information about our mission, services, and ways to get in touch with our team. We welcome questions, collaborations, and feedback from anyone interested in improving community and law enforcement relationships.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
COAQZ : If there’s one thing we’d like to add, it’s this: some of the most important design work happens in places no one sees. The backend tool for a caseworker. The intake form that prevents someone from giving up. The quiet system that helps a family feel safe enough to speak. These are not always the most glamorous parts of design — but they’re often the most meaningful. We’re grateful to have had the chance to share our process through this platform, and we hope it encourages more designers to explore the spaces where empathy, systems, and service quietly meet. And if you’re doing work like this — often invisible, but deeply human — we see you. Keep going.