Mengyu Cao

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mengyu Cao ("MC") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

MC : I hold a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Design and Technology.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

MC : I believe design has the power to make a difference—simplifying, improving, and serving people effectively. I love art, but I’m more drawn to design that serves people and spaces, rather than solely as a means of self-expression.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

MC : I chose to become a designer intentionally, selecting my majors in school with a clear vision of pursuing this path.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

MC : I encourage young designers to constantly explore, discover, experience, and learn.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

MC : A great designer is inspiring. Their designs have a soul—they are powerful, warm, empathetic, and innovative, leaving a lasting emotional and intellectual impact.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

MC : A truly good design goes beyond functionality and aesthetics; it seamlessly integrates purpose, and emotional resonance.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

MC : Good design enhances people’s lives both emotionally and physically. It addresses practical needs while creating experiences that inspire, comfort, and delight.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

MC : I enjoy designing culture-related projects as they allow me to immerse myself in the culture and help spread design so more people can feel and experience it.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

MC : My secret ingredients are pouring your heart into it and embracing the power of iteration.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

MC : Step into real life to experience and discover.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

MC : If I hadn’t become a designer, I think I would have become an archaeologist.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

MC : Design is both a skill and a tool for creating, improving, and inspiring.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MC : My experience and my passion.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

MC : AI-assisted design feels like the next chapter, but I’m also eager to explore how we can preserve design with heart, soul, and craftsmanship.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

MC : Always from research.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

MC : Design sets the trends.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

MC : Technology is a tool that helps design faster and more efficiently.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

MC : Shaping the emotional, functional, and aesthetic experience of a space, product, or visual.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

MC : green, home, hotpot, summer, my dog, Dole

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

MC : See the impact and the feedback from users and audiences.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

MC : As a child, I loved designing clothes for my dolls. Now, I design all sorts of things.