Zhiqi Lin

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Zhiqi Lin ("ZL") 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?

ZL : My journey began with a strong educational background in design, complemented by a degree in Informatics (Human-Computer Interaction) from the University of Washington. This foundation was further solidified by roles at prominent companies like Adobe and Ingram Micro, where I honed my skills in UI/UX design and accessibility, leading impactful projects and driving innovative design solutions.

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

ZL : My motivation to design comes from a deep-seated passion for solving real-world problems and enhancing user experiences. Initially, as a software engineer, I realized my true interest lay in improving how people interact with technology, making it more accessible and enjoyable. The desire to make a positive impact on users' lives drove me to become a designer.

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

ZL : I chose to become a designer out of a personal passion for creating user-centered solutions. My background in software engineering naturally transitioned into a focus on design, driven by an internal desire to make technology more user-friendly and impactful.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

ZL : I primarily design user interfaces and experiences, focusing on accessibility and usability. I wish to design more tools and platforms that address mental well-being and enhance everyday life, blending functionality with creativity to solve meaningful problems.

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

ZL : Young designers should focus on mastering the fundamentals, staying curious, and continuously learning. Embrace feedback, build a diverse portfolio, and network with other designers. Most importantly, stay true to your passion and let it drive your creative journey.

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

ZL : A good designer creates functional and visually appealing designs. A great designer goes beyond this, deeply understanding user needs and creating solutions that are innovative, intuitive, and impactful. The ability to empathize with users and solve complex problems effectively distinguishes a great designer.

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

ZL : A really good design is intuitive, user-friendly, and meets the users' needs effectively. It is characterized by simplicity, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal. I evaluate good design based on usability, user feedback, and how well it solves the intended problem.

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

ZL : Good design solves real problems, enhances user experience, increases efficiency, and can significantly improve the usability and accessibility of products. Investing in good design leads to satisfied users, better engagement, and ultimately, more successful products and services.

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

ZL : If I had the time, I would design a comprehensive platform focused on mental well-being, aimed at helping people manage stress, track positive experiences, and foster a healthier mindset. This platform would be for anyone looking to improve their mental health and well-being.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

ZL : My dream project is to create an integrated platform that seamlessly combines productivity, relaxation, and mental well-being tools. This project would help users balance their work and personal lives more effectively, promoting overall wellness.

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

ZL : The secret recipe to my success in design is empathy. Understanding and prioritizing the user's needs and experiences guide all my design decisions. This user-centric approach, combined with a relentless pursuit of simplicity and functionality, is my secret ingredient.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

ZL : I draw inspiration from Dieter Rams, known for his "less but better" philosophy, and Jony Ive, who revolutionized product design at Apple. Their emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and timeless design principles greatly influence my work.

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

ZL : If I hadn't become a designer, I would likely have continued in software engineering, focusing on developing user-friendly applications. However, my passion for solving user problems and enhancing experiences would have remained central to my work.

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

ZL : For me, design is the process of solving problems and creating solutions that enhance user experiences. It involves understanding user needs, applying creativity and innovation, and delivering products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

ZL : My biggest supporters have been my mentors, colleagues, and the design community. Their guidance, feedback, and encouragement have been invaluable in helping me grow and succeed as a designer.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

ZL : Continuous learning, a user-centered approach, and a passion for solving real-world problems have helped me become a great designer. Embracing feedback and being open to new ideas have also been crucial in my development.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

ZL : Designers should present their work by clearly explaining the problem, the design process, and how the solution addresses user needs. Visuals, prototypes, and user feedback can help communicate the effectiveness and impact of the design.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

ZL : My ultimate goal as a designer is to create solutions that genuinely improve people's lives, making technology more accessible, enjoyable, and beneficial. I aim to leave a lasting impact by designing products that address meaningful problems and enhance user well-being.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

ZL : People expect an esteemed designer to deliver innovative, user-centered solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They also look for leadership, the ability to mentor and inspire others, and a commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

ZL : Design helps create a better society by solving problems, improving accessibility, and enhancing user experiences. Good design can make everyday tasks easier, foster inclusivity, and promote well-being, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and enjoyable world.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

ZL : I would like to see a greater emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity in design, ensuring that products are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. Additionally, I hope for more sustainable design practices that consider the environmental impact of products.

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

ZL : The design field is heading towards more personalized and predictive technologies, leveraging AI to anticipate user needs. There will also be a continued focus on sustainability and ethical design practices, ensuring that products are both innovative and responsible.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

ZL : The time it takes to finalize a design project varies depending on its complexity. Simpler projects may take a few weeks, while more complex ones can take several months. The process involves research, prototyping, testing, and iteration to ensure the final product meets user needs effectively.

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

ZL : When starting a new design project, I begin with thorough research to understand the users' needs and the context of the problem. This is followed by brainstorming and sketching initial ideas, which are then refined through prototyping and user testing.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

ZL : My life motto as a designer is "Design with empathy, innovate with purpose." This reminds me to always prioritize the user's needs and create solutions that are both meaningful and impactful.

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

ZL : I believe that design and trends influence each other. Innovative designs can set new trends, while existing trends can inspire designers to explore new ideas and approaches. It is a dynamic relationship where both elements play a crucial role.

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

ZL : Technology plays a central role in my design process. It provides powerful tools and analytics that help me understand user behavior and needs, allowing me to create more effective and user-centered solutions. I leverage various design software and prototyping tools to visualize and iterate on my ideas. Additionally, technology enables me to integrate innovative features into my designs, enhancing functionality and user experience.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

ZL : I primarily use Figma for collaborative interface design and prototyping.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

ZL : I wish people would ask more about the thought process and user research behind my designs. Understanding the rationale and decisions that went into creating a solution can provide deeper insights into its effectiveness and impact.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

ZL : When I see a new great design or product, I think about the user experience and the problem it solves. I appreciate the creativity and innovation involved and consider how it might inspire or influence my own work.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

ZL : My ideal design partner is someone who shares a passion for user-centered design and brings a complementary skill set to the table. I strongly believe in co-design as it fosters collaboration, diverse perspectives, and ultimately leads to more well-rounded and effective solutions

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

ZL : Mentors, colleagues, and users have had the most influence on my design. Mentors provided guidance and insights, colleagues offered collaborative opportunities, and users gave invaluable feedback that shaped my approach and solutions.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

ZL : I developed my skills through continuous learning, hands-on experience, and seeking feedback. Engaging with the design community, attending workshops, and staying updated with industry trends also played a crucial role in my growth as a designer.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

ZL : If I could meet and discuss with anyone, irrespective of time and space, it would be Steve Jobs. His visionary approach to design and technology revolutionized multiple industries, and his emphasis on user experience and simplicity resonates deeply with my own design philosophy. I would love to learn about his creative process, how he balanced innovation with practicality, and how he inspired his teams to achieve extraordinary results.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

ZL : I am grateful for the awards and recognition, as they validate the hard work and dedication I put into my designs. While fame is not my primary goal, being recognized helps amplify the impact of my work and opens up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

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

ZL : My favorite color is blue for its calming effect. My favorite place is Kyoto, Japan, for its blend of tradition and modernity, and the serene temples that help me feel at peace. I love the food in Kyoto, which always offers something delightful and calming. My favorite thing is my MacBook, as it is essential for my work and creativity. My favorite brand is Apple, for its unwavering commitment to design excellence and innovation.

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

ZL : A great day as a designer is when I see the positive impact of my work on users. Knowing that my designs make a difference motivates me. I also stay motivated by setting personal goals and celebrating small achievements along the way.

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

ZL : As a child, I was always curious and loved to create things, whether it was writing, reading, or exploring new activities. I had a passion for creativity and a natural inclination to put effort into my projects, which usually turned out well. This early love for exploring and making things better laid the foundation for my future as a designer.