Anqi Chen

My curiosity about the world, coupled with a passion for exploring technology to fuel creativity, along with a sense of empathy and a desire to help people through designs infused with storytelling and functionality, have collectively shaped my journey. I realize that we are currently at a critical juncture where it is imperative to explore and implement innovative and efficient solutions to the challenges of human-computer interaction methods and tools.

As a UX Designer at Veritas Technologies, I focus on developing sophisticated AI-infused designs to advance the user experience and enhance business capabilities within the complex landscape of enterprise data challenges. In my design approach, I prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality, striving to create solutions that are not only visually appealing but also efficient and user-friendly. Every day and week, I feel privileged to work on impactful projects, collaborating with talented individuals along the way. This journey involves a complete lifecycle of user experience, from delving into domain knowledge, user needs, and technical constraints, to identifying design opportunities and crafting solutions through iterative phases.

For me, design represents an elegant fusion of creativity and pragmatism. While driving remarkable solutions to enhance and transform human experiences, the design also serves as a vibrant platform for expressing diverse cultural perspectives, storytelling, and evoking emotions. It is a space where we can engage in lighthearted discussions, exchange ideas to tackle enduring challenges and explore opportunities for improvement.

My favorite design is both innovative and environmentally conscious. I find myself drawn to various design genres, constantly exploring new avenues. However, designs that combine aesthetic appeal with sustainable outcomes resonate particularly with me and I am acutely attuned to the importance of sustainable practices in real design decision-making. In my field of design, I often ask myself and my teammates: Are we developing solutions that cater to diverse user needs? Where is the watershed? Is our design fostering meaningful, adaptable, and lasting positive impacts on our daily lives and the health of our planet?

A good design tells a compelling story. It can visually immerse individuals in scenarios that achieve goals, alleviate pain points, and foster positivity. High-quality designs are appreciated not only by designers like ourselves but also by our users, as they evoke enjoyment and satisfaction.

My design style prioritizes crafting clean and intuitive designs infused with empathy and strategic foresight. I see design as a channel that connects people with products, emphasizing usability and functionality, and resonating with human emotions from an aesthetic standpoint. My design inspirations stem from everyday experiences, ranging from minute pixel details to broader life themes. I am committed to imbuing my designs with sustainability and impact, striving to make meaningful contributions through my work.

My design process starts with a comprehensive understanding of various perspectives, from project goals and challenges to domain knowledge and user insights. I always initiate 'How Might We (HMW) questions for brainstorming sessions and refining ideas, while also supporting the identification of the most effective hypotheses and solutions. During the concept refinement phase, I use the software or hardware tools that best fit the design presentation, all while remaining aware of potential limitations. Attention to detail is paramount in ensuring that colors, formats, and every element align seamlessly to achieve pixel-perfect designs while remaining practical in achieving the core goals.

Born and raised in China, I was immersed in a bilingual and multicultural environment, which greatly influenced my views on design. My diverse life experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for considering various factors in my designs, including cultural diversity, accessibility, and the needs of minority groups. Moreover, I am driven by a commitment to creating designs that evoke a positive social impact, reflecting my mission and values.

Receiving the 2024 NY Product Design Awards recognizes my dedication and contributions to the UX field. This recognition marks a significant milestone in my personal and professional journey, providing valuable insights into my identity as both an individual and a designer. It has been a powerful encouragement for me to embrace uncertainty and tackle new challenges with confidence as I continue to explore extraordinary design opportunities that have the potential to transform the world of learning and beyond in the future.

The concept of Calmspace was born out of my observation during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the prevalence of anxiety among young adults increased due to the constant digital connectivity enforced by remote work and learning. Recognizing this issue, I envisioned Calmspace as a mobile design solution tailored to alleviate technology-induced anxiety among young adults in educational and professional settings. Operating on a freemium model, Calmspace offers a range of wellness features for both individual self-care and group activities, with a focus on promoting mental wellness.

One of Calmspace's creative features is its reward program, which encourages users to engage with the platform by providing opportunities to learn about digital anxiety, earn credits through quizzes, and invite friends for free sessions. Users can also track their well-being performance through a profile dashboard. By combining aesthetics with functionality, Calmspace aims to foster happiness and encourage proactive digital interactions, ultimately promoting a healthier digital lifestyle.

I am immensely proud to have seen Calmspace recognized at the 2024 NY Product Design Awards as a creative and impactful contribution to wellness and digital communication.

The most challenging aspect of designing the Calmspace concept was defining the target user group while navigating technical constraints. During the research phase, I identified the ideal users for Calmspace as individuals between the ages of 18 and 30, including students and professionals with access to digital technologies.

Winning an award reaffirms my confidence and ability to create creative and impactful designs. It is a milestone that validates the dedication I have put into my work and highlights the meaningful impact my designs have had. It also opens me up to new inspirations and opportunities to collaborate with other talented individuals, expanding my network within the design community.

I'm proud of the diversity of backgrounds, empathy, and curiosity that we designers bring to our work. It's inspiring to see how curiosity drives innovation and empathy shapes the designs we create. Embracing the unique backgrounds of each designer fosters an inclusive and collaborative design community where diverse perspectives enrich our work and drive positive change.

China's vast population provides a rich tapestry of user diversity, offering intriguing insights into how various design formats cater to different demographic segments. It's fascinating to see the widespread adoption of design applications across the population. By delving into user behaviors, preferences, and acceptance levels, we can craft targeted 'How Might We' questions that guide our design process, ensuring our solutions resonate effectively with our diverse user base.

In the next 5-10 years, I believe AI will play a pivotal role in enriching user insights and refining the user experience through personalization and optimization. While I don't foresee AI replacing the design industry, I see a promising future where AI and design collaborate to drive ongoing innovation. As a UX Designer, I'm excited to foster closer partnerships where I can focus on the humanistic and creative aspects of design, while AI handles more complex and data-driven tasks. Throughout this evolution, the design process must remain transparent, ethical, and constantly evolving to effectively meet user requirements.

First and foremost, users are the cornerstone of good design. Without a deep understanding of our users, it is almost impossible to create a visually appealing and functional product. That's why I prioritize thorough research to immerse myself in the market and various user groups. Design, at its core, is about meeting the needs of users and enhancing their experiences.

Moreover, what distinguishes design and makes it difficult to be replaced by AI is its ability to capture human aesthetics. I strongly advise aspiring designers to become proficient in design tools, both software and hardware, and to hone their skills through consistent practice.

In addition to technical proficiency, storytelling is an essential skill for a designer. Beyond design itself, we're passionate about sharing the stories behind each creation

There are two key skill sets that I highly recommend to fellow designers:

First, a strong design ability is crucial for creating impactful designs. Spending quality time practicing visual design, pixel-perfect detail, functional layouts, and design patterns, and ensuring overall consistency are essential. Investing daily in design challenges and minimum viable product (MVP) work can significantly enhance your design skills.

Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of the domain is essential for crafting effective design solutions. It's crucial to know who the design is for, and what their needs and goals are. I've found platforms like Medium and McKinsey Digital Insights invaluable for gaining insights and knowledge that inform my design process from conception to completion.

I often came up with an even better idea when I had trouble falling asleep. Then I must find a pen and paper, or a digital memo to outline the details before going back to bed. :)

My parents. They are always my support for emotions and life decisions. I was inspired by their wisdom, resilience, and positivity, which shaped me to be a better person.

Curiosity, passion, and resilience are the three pillars that drive my approach to work. Engaging in projects that truly excite me fuels my commitment and pushes me to explore diverse avenues to achieve optimal results. When faced with challenges, I use strategic methods such as prioritizing, recognizing limitations, and staying optimistic in the face of change.

I firmly believe in the adage "practice makes perfect," so I maintain persistence in my growth journey, constantly learning and seeking guidance. I also recognize the importance of capturing moments of opportunity and surrounding myself with supportive individuals and circumstances that can help me overcome obstacles and steer projects toward success.