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Interview with Mingzhi Cai |
Home > Designer Interviews > Mingzhi Cai |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Mingzhi Cai (MC) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Mingzhi Cai by clicking here.
FS: 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?
MC: My career in art and design has been fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to create meaningful real-world impacts. With over eight years in the field, I have developed a diverse skill set encompassing industrial and visual design, 3D modeling, AR/VR, user experience, and design systems. My passion for staying abreast of the latest design trends and techniques is relentless, but what truly motivates me is the practical impact of design. I believe great design goes beyond aesthetics; it's about enhancing lives and solving real problems. This conviction has been the foundation of my choice to pursue a career in design, where I can merge my artistic curiosity with functional solutions to produce designs that are not only visually appealing but also genuinely transformative.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MC: At Mastercard, where I work as a product experience designer, I focus on crafting digital solutions that enhance business operations. My role involves developing a variety of enterprise products related to digital payments. These products serve multiple purposes, such as enabling credit card issuers to monitor transactions in real-time, assisting suppliers with invoice tracking and payment collection, and helping financial institutions manage their cash-back models. We're dedicated to using design as a tool to foster business growth and enhance user satisfaction.
FS: What is "design" for you?
MC: For me, design is the art of merging vision with craftsmanship. It's about seeing beyond the obvious and drawing connections between disparate elements, then transforming these insights into purposeful, emotive, and thought-provoking solutions. Design transcends mere aesthetics; it's a tool for innovation, communication, and most importantly, for humanizing interactions between the world and people, and technology and its users.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MC: My greatest passion lies in designing interdisciplinary experiences that challenge conventional perceptions by integrating multi-sensory elements. I find immense satisfaction in devising solutions that tackle real-world issues, marrying cutting-edge technology with practical applications to create impactful and innovative experiences.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MC: One of my favorite designs is an AR project that explored innovative ways to integrate virtual objects into real-world scenes. We developed a unique shape-matching mechanism, enabling users to launch a virtual environment by scanning street signs, moving beyond traditional QR codes. This project not only advanced the capabilities of AR technology but also delved into innovative storytelling methods. It resulted in a distinctive and immersive experience for users, redefining the boundaries of user interaction in AR spaces.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MC: My initial design project for a company involved creating a comprehensive branding suite for headphones. This project, part of a school collaboration, was both challenging and intriguing as it encompassed product design, visual design, and package design. It offered a valuable opportunity to learn about multiple aspects of design simultaneously. Our proposal was ultimately selected, marking a rewarding moment as it was the first time I received compensation for my work as a designer.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MC: Currently, my favorite design platform is Figma. Despite using it daily, its appeal never diminishes for me. It's rare to find a product that resonates so deeply with both its designers and users. Figma expertly blends aesthetics with user-friendliness, demonstrating a profound understanding of its user base. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm among its users further enhances my love for the platform.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
MC: My creative peaks vary; at times, they occur when I'm relaxed and have absorbed a wealth of inspiration. Other times, my creativity surges right before project deadlines. As a designer, understanding my behavior patterns and tendencies helps in harnessing creativity effectively and knowing when I'm most likely to produce the best work.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MC: During the design process, I focus on user experience, functionality, and simplicity. Ensuring that the design is intuitive and meets the users' needs while maintaining a clean and minimalistic aesthetic is crucial.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MC: When I design, most of the time I feel focused and peaceful, it’s relatively natural for me to find the right solution and bring it to visible form. However, I often get stuck when it comes to the visual design, in that case, I can get a bit impatient, which indicates it’s time for a walk.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MC: I can’t think of anything else than excitement. Seeing my designs being realized, and the end users being satisfied is one of the most amazing things in the world.
FS: What makes a design successful?
MC: A successful design, in my view, effectively solves the problem it was created to address. It should be user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and contribute positively to the user's experience.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MC: I’d like to consider if the design cares about a specific target user group and solves a valid problem. Functionality is what differentiates a design from a piece of art which is more self-expressive.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MC: My personal opinion is a designer should promote common values and universal design for a broader audience. Because design can be the vehicle of marketing to its target audience, it can be influential sometimes. If we promote accessibility in our design to accommodate users with vision deficiencies then accessibility will be more valued in society over time. For myself, I’m committed to design to help people, I continuously share knowledge with the design community to break the information barriers so that design resources can be more accessible to other designers and their audiences.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MC: As the design field evolves, you can see all types of experiments of merging different media and technology, as people are trying to figure out what hybrid can bring about the most power. So I’ll say the future of design will be open and welcoming, a designer should be resourceful and knowledgeable of all types of trendy design skills and technology to find the best combinations.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MC: My inspiration comes from a variety of sources including art, science, technology, and my Chinese cultural heritage. I also draw inspiration from everyday life and the challenges people face, which drives my problem-solving approach to design.
FS: 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?
MC: My design style leans towards minimalism and functionality. I believe in creating designs that are self-explanatory and serve their intended purpose without unnecessary elements. My approach is user-centric, focusing on creating designs that are intuitive and enhance the user experience.
FS: 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?
MC: As a Chinese person living in the United States, I find that my designs are profoundly influenced by a unique blend of my cultural heritage and my current environment. The rich historical heritage of China provides a deep well of inspiration, particularly in traditional arts and aesthetics. Simultaneously, living in the U.S. offers me access to cutting-edge design technologies and modern artistic influences. This fusion of East and West in my work has several advantages, such as the ability to create culturally rich, cross-cultural designs and the use of state-of-the-art tools that enhance my creativity. However, it also presents challenges, including the need to balance Chinese cultural elements with Western design principles, maintaining my cultural identity while appealing to a diverse audience, and navigating the different market expectations in the U.S. This dynamic interplay between my Chinese heritage and my experiences in the U.S. not only adds depth and breadth to my design work but also shapes my journey as a designer in a constantly evolving cultural landscape.
FS: How do you work with companies?
MC: As an in-house designer, my role is deeply intertwined with the core operations and strategic objectives of the company. This position allows me to work closely on projects that are directly linked to the company's business goals. By being an integral part of the internal team, I gain a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape and the market strategies of my company. This in-depth insight not only informs my design decisions but also ensures that my creative contributions are closely aligned with the company's vision and market objectives. My work, therefore, is not just about aesthetics but also about contributing to the company's success through design that understands and reflects its business strategy.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MC: Companies should recognize the diversity in designers' skills and preferences, understanding that they don't all fit one mold. Respecting these differences and learning how to effectively collaborate with each designer is key to maximizing their value. When hiring, it's crucial to clearly define the desired qualities and skills, breaking them down into measurable metrics. This approach allows for an accurate assessment of each candidate's fit, ensuring the selection of a designer whose abilities and approach align with the project's needs and company culture.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MC: My design process is methodical, starting with extensive research to grasp the core problem or need. I then engage in brainstorming to develop innovative ideas. This leads to the creation of mockups, interactive prototypes, or other visualizations of the concepts. These are then tested with feedback from the target audience and our internal cross-functional team. Incorporating this feedback, I refine the design through several iterative cycles, always mindful of constraints such as budget, technical limitations, and timelines, to achieve the optimal outcome.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MC: The MacBook Pro from Apple is an essential tool for realizing my creative vision. The Orchid from Lego, with its delicate and realistic yet mechanical design, adds a surreal cyberpunk vibe to my living environment. The Aeron chair from Herman Miller, known for its elegant design, provides great back support, enabling me to work comfortably from home all day. The stainless steel bowl from MUJI, with its beautifully glowing surface finish, is a joy to use for washing ingredients, baking, and eating meals. Furniture from IKEA is usually portable and affordable, offering minimalistic aesthetics, comfort, and convenience, which suits my nomadic lifestyle.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
MC: My day typically starts with me waking up and enjoying breakfast, followed by a day at the office where I focus on my work. After returning home, I spend time reading, watching videos, and seeking inspiration from various sources. I also enjoy catching up with friends or indulging in some quiet 'me time'. Despite working in a creative field, my days are quite routine and ordinary.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MC: For young designers, my advice is to be curious, experiment, and embrace the iterative nature of design. Don't be afraid to fail; every mistake is a step towards your growth. Stay open to new ideas and keep learning.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MC: The positives of being a designer encompass the vast opportunities to bring your creative visions to life, which is crucial for those with expressive personalities. You also get numerous chances to collaborate with open-minded people, who can range from being wildly imaginative to visionary. On the negative side, people often hold stereotypical views about designers, thinking that design is merely about making things look pretty. This can lead to the design being deprioritized over business concerns, making it challenging to deliver the most value in such scenarios.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MC: My approach to design doesn't adhere to a fixed rule, given the industry's ever-evolving nature and the unpredictability of future trends. My guiding principle is to remain open and continuously absorb new knowledge. However, I do believe in the importance of validation, especially when designing for others. It's crucial to ensure that both the needs and the final design resonate with the target audience. This practice helps in creating designs that are not only innovative but also relevant and user-centric.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
MC: For a designer, essential skills include creativity, empathy, technical proficiency, problem-solving, and effective communication. It's vital to have the ability to empathize with users, understand their needs, and adeptly translate these insights into practical and functional designs.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MC: My go-to tool is Figma, an all-encompassing platform that allows for design execution, team collaboration, and access to design resources and community-driven inspiration. Additionally, I frequently use the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly for tasks related to graphic design, photography, and illustration.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MC: To manage my time effectively, I set clear goals for each design project. I utilize a calendar to divide my tasks into time blocks, establishing a specific duration to complete each one. This approach not only helps me accomplish tasks within set deadlines, but it also allows for extra time to handle the frequent last-minute changes common in this fast-paced industry. Additionally, understanding and learning about my own pace and behavioral patterns over time has been crucial. This self-awareness enables me to better plan and gradually adjust my tasks, ensuring a more efficient and tailored workflow.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MC: The duration of designing an object varies significantly and is influenced by factors such as the team you're working with and the resources available. It can range anywhere from a few weeks to several years.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
MC: My most significant job experience has been my current role at a major global fintech company. This position has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to design products at large scales and collaborate with colleagues across various departments, time zones, and functions. Being part of such a large organization has greatly enhanced my skills in communication, collaboration, and empathy within the workplace.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MC: I am most energized by tackling challenging problems that have the potential to lead to innovative and impactful solutions. I particularly enjoy projects where I can not only contribute meaningfully but also have the opportunity to enhance and expand my skill set.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MC: In the future, my focus is on continuously expanding the limits of design, especially by integrating emerging technologies to craft innovative and influential user experiences within the industry. Concurrently, I plan to invest more time in giving back to the design community. This includes mentoring, offering guidance, and addressing questions from aspiring designers, helping them navigate and advance in their career paths.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MC: Collaboration is key in my work. While I develop many designs myself, working as part of a team is essential, especially when dealing with complex projects that require a range of skills and perspectives.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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