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 and Qihang Zhang is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
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 : We both came to design from different paths, but with the same desire: to create meaningful experiences that improve people’s lives. Chunjia began her design journey in 2015, driven by a fascination with how technology could solve real-world problems. From her early work in entertainment and healthcare to AI and social media, she has explored how human-centered design can simplify complexity and bring empathy into digital interactions. She studied UI/UX Design at Academy of Art University and later earned a Master's in Design Management at Parsons School of Design, where she deepened her understanding of product ecosystems and leadership in design. Qihang came from a background that merges storytelling and systems thinking. After studying communications and digital humanities at UCLA and completing a Master’s in Learning Design at Harvard, he realized that product and UI/UX design allowed him to combine creativity with structured problem-solving. He sees design as a form of storytelling — one that bridges data, emotion, and user needs to create intuitive, impactful interfaces. What brought us together as designers was a shared belief that design should serve — not just impress. Our project Blueline is a reflection of that belief: using inclusive and accessible design to rebuild trust in public systems that have historically excluded many communities.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
COAQZ : Blueline is not a traditional company or commercial design studio — it is a purpose-driven design collaboration between the two of us, Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang. We joined forces around a shared goal: to reimagine how technology could rebuild trust between law enforcement and underserved communities through inclusive and transparent design. The project emerged from a deep concern about how marginalized individuals often face barriers when seeking help or navigating interactions with public institutions. Blueline responds to this challenge with a mobile-first experience that prioritizes accessibility, multilingual support, anonymous reporting, and real-time case tracking. We aimed to create a tool that not only looks intuitive but also feels safe and empowering to use. While Blueline is not a formal studio, it represents the kind of work we are most passionate about — using thoughtful design to drive social impact and bridge the gap between technology and community trust.
DI: What is "design" for you?
COAQZ : To us, design is a form of responsibility. It’s not just about aesthetics or usability — it’s about intention. Design is how we shape interactions, systems, and emotions into something that serves real human needs. It’s a way of listening before speaking, of observing before assuming, and of solving problems with empathy, not ego. We believe that good design should be inclusive, ethical, and accessible. Whether we’re creating a civic app like Blueline or designing a commercial product, our approach always starts with the same question: Who is this for, and how can we serve them better? Design is also a form of storytelling. It gives structure to abstract ideas, and transforms difficult realities into navigable experiences. In that sense, design isn’t just a tool — it’s a bridge between what exists and what’s possible.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
COAQZ : We’re most drawn to designing products that serve a social purpose — tools that make people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether it’s civic technology, healthcare, education, or community-centered platforms, we’re passionate about solving problems that matter. We’re especially interested in projects that require balancing emotional nuance with functional clarity — where trust, safety, or equity are core design challenges. We enjoy working on mobile and web applications that translate complexity into simplicity, and that help people take meaningful action in their daily lives. Projects like Blueline remind us that design can be more than just beautiful — it can be just. Ultimately, we’re most excited when we’re designing for people who are often overlooked — and when we can turn empathy into impact through thoughtful, accessible, and inclusive experiences.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
COAQZ : One of the projects we’re most proud of is Blueline — a mobile app we designed to help rebuild trust between law enforcement and communities that have historically been underserved or overlooked. The idea behind Blueline was simple, but urgent: reporting incidents or seeking help shouldn’t be complicated, intimidating, or inaccessible. We focused on designing an experience that felt safe, intuitive, and respectful. Features like anonymous reporting, multilingual support, and real-time case tracking weren’t afterthoughts — they were essential from day one. What made this project especially meaningful was how personal it felt. As designers, we both come from communities that have experienced moments of not being heard. Blueline was our way of using design to give voice to others — to create a tool that doesn’t just work, but truly cares. It reminded us that good design isn’t about flashy features. It’s about listening closely, responding thoughtfully, and always putting people first.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
COAQZ : The first thing I designed professionally was a series of social media graphics for National Geographic’s World Heritage Journeys campaign. The project focused on promoting UNESCO cultural heritage sites to Chinese-speaking audiences, so I worked on adapting visual content specifically for platforms like WeChat and Weibo. It was a crash course in cross-cultural design — understanding how visual language, color, and storytelling shift depending on cultural context. I had to think not just about what looked good, but about what would resonate with an entirely different audience. Every post needed to be visually striking yet respectful of the deep cultural meaning behind these historic locations. Looking back, it was a small part of a large initiative, but it taught me something lasting: that good design is not universal by default — it’s specific, intentional, and always rooted in empathy.
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 : Qihang Zhang: My most recent exhibition was Re:Craft at ICFF in New York City, curated by Dezeen and held at the Javits Center in 2025. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase work focused on socially responsive design in a space that blended craft, technology, and public engagement. Being part of that dialogue reaffirmed my interest in physical and interactive storytelling. I hope to participate in more exhibitions that focus on civic design, public systems, and digital tools that serve real communities — whether in New York, Asia, or Europe. Chunjia Ouyang: While I haven’t exhibited in a formal gallery or design show yet, I’m deeply interested in exploring that format — especially exhibitions that create space for community voices, ethical tech, and emotionally resonant interaction design. I would love for my first exhibition to be centered around inclusive digital systems or speculative design for everyday dignity. It’s something I’m currently researching and building toward.
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 : One of the most important experiences for both of us was working on Blueline. It wasn’t just a design project — it was a deeply human challenge. We weren’t building something flashy or commercial. We were designing a tool that could help people report incidents safely, access information they could trust, and feel seen by a system that too often overlooks them. It forced us to slow down, ask harder questions, and design not just for usability — but for dignity. That experience reminded us why we chose this field in the first place. It showed us how design can hold space for complexity, emotion, and social responsibility — and how collaboration grounded in empathy can lead to something quietly powerful. Blueline taught us that good design isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about careful decisions, made with care for people we may never meet — and that, to us, is the most meaningful kind of work.
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 do both — and we value the balance. As individual designers, we each have our own areas of strength and creative rhythm. We’re fully capable of developing designs independently, from research and ideation to final execution. But when we come together as a team, something special happens — our perspectives challenge each other, refine ideas, and often lead to more thoughtful, layered outcomes. In projects like Blueline, collaboration was essential. We discussed emotional tone, user journeys, accessibility, and technical feasibility together — often moving fluidly between solo work and shared decision-making. It’s not about splitting tasks; it’s about co-owning the problem. We believe that good design can be done alone, but great design often comes from collaborative energy, shared care, and honest dialogue. That’s why we continue to work as both independent creators and as a creative team — depending on the needs of the project.
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.