Yingxiao Ouyang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Yingxiao Ouyang ("YO") 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?

YO : I studied Industrial Design during my undergraduate and first graduate program, and later expanded into Human-Computer Interaction as a secondary major. This path instilled in me a strong belief that ‘form follows function,’ a principle that continues to shape my design foundation. I place great importance on ensuring that users can intuitively understand a product’s purpose and utility.

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

YO : Good designs I’ve encountered in my life have inspired me to create as well. I felt pure joy when I first played on a Nintendo Switch, a sense of wonder when I saw Uber’s robotic delivery car, and a strong urge to design something equally impactful when I used a Joseph peeler.

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

YO : I decided to pursue design at 17, when it was first introduced to me as the intersection of art and technology. That idea deeply resonated with me and inspired my younger self to step onto the path of becoming a designer.

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

YO : Currently mostly web and apps. Branding design is something i wish to design more of.

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

YO : When I first started, I saw design as an ultimate destination. But after 7 years of practice and 8 years of study, I’ve come to realize that design is an infinite game. My hope is that younger designers can embrace and enjoy their journey, rather than feeling pressured to chase the status of a design legend.

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

YO : Great designers reimagine businesses and create new ways to connect with their customers.

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

YO : Good design gives you the sense that it couldn’t be any other way.

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

YO : It inspires people in certain ways, either speak up the hidden feeling or form a new life habit that lasts.

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

YO : If i had time, i wish to do more data related project for general public to help them understand what is going on in the society. Currently many data projects are for enterprise leaders, i feel there is a strong need for the general public to have a way to gain visibility into the constant evolving world.

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

YO : I would love to work more on data related project for general public.

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

YO : Personally i find constant communication with the design community is a great way to keep up with the trends. It has helped me to understand what design is needed and what are the common struggles in the design community.

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

YO : I like Joshua Black's anatomy drawings, I admire Andy Kribel's analytics capability, and I am constantly inspired by Marco Hernandez's data viz projects.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

YO : Marco Hernandez's data viz projects are really amazing, changing data into arts.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

YO : I like the project which i digitized how truck drivers select their schedules. It is a challenging product given all the current way of doing things, but we successfully launched a project that is scaleable and standard.

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

YO : Go to conference, speak up about your thoughts, and do good mockups.

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

YO : I have also selected Aerospace Engineering as my backup major when i apply for undergrad.

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

YO : Design is a visual business plan.

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

YO : Dustin Goodman and the Walmart Supply Chain Team. Jieyu Xiong and Mastercard product team.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

YO : Bo Ouyang, my undergrad school professor. Dan Liao, my undergrad school advisor. Carrie Bruce, my grad school Mentor. Wendell Wilson, my grad school mentor.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

YO : Knowing how can design help business is one of the hardest obstacle.

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

YO : I think it depends on each designer's preference. I love presenting by business problem, but i fully respect what other designers value.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

YO : I would love to enhance my craft capability and business impact in my future projects.

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

YO : Aspire to be the designer behind products used by billions.

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

YO : Maybe a deep understanding about what they need and what can be helpful for them.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

YO : Design creates understanding.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

YO : Working with analysts and economists is something i never thought about, but it is my current work, which is very exciting.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

YO : There was a project i conducted several months research, and got approved by users the moment they saw my design.

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

YO : With AI, more people without design education will have the opportunity to build things by themselves. I think that will unleash new creativity and create more interesting projects!

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

YO : I think with AI, there will be more professional designers, who are really good at certain things beyond AI. And also there will be more non-designers who are interested in design and do computer assisted design jobs with AI.

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

YO : Varies based on business needs.

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

YO : Understand the goal and user needs.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

YO : Create a better place with design.

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

YO : I think design sets the trends.

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

YO : They are a big part of my projects ensuring designs are feasible.

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

YO : To make strong contrast and create feelings.

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

YO : I don't have anything specific. I wish they can talk about my design in a way they want.

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

YO : What is the process of creating it.

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

YO : Marco Hernandez. I would love to work with him on 3D data viz project.

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

YO : Wendell Wilson has the biggest influence on me since he always fully believes in me while holding a high standard, even when some ideas appeared to be bad to others.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

YO : Articulate design decisions.

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

YO : Focusing on the craft.

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

YO : Joshua Black and Marco Hernandez.

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

YO : I am very grateful for the recognition I had, it marked a big milestone to my design career.

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

YO : Blue, Atlanta, rice noodles, fall, iphone and Nitendo.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

YO : My apartment uses a washer I designed. Each time the completion tune plays, I’m reminded of the folder that once held its design specs and the audio files for that very sound.

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

YO : I hope to enjoy everyday i am a designer.

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

YO : Not at all. I used to think designers are painters until i learned about the role from the industry leaders.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

YO : I hope human still exists at that time.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

YO : I really appreciate A' Design for giving me the recognition and awards.