Robert Ye

I am Robert Ye, a Product Designer specializing in user-centered design and AI applications. Born in China, I moved to the US for college six years ago. I graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in Interactive Media Arts. Currently, I work at C3 AI, where I focus on designing enterprise AI applications such as inventory optimization and production scheduling. Over the past two years, I've led multiple projects and owned the design of several applications, enhancing user experiences and improving efficiency through innovative design solutions.

I work at C3 AI as a Product Designer. C3 AI is an enterprise AI company delivering machine learning applications to customers worldwide. My day-to-day responsibilities include conducting user interviews to understand requirements, creating low-fidelity wireframes for stakeholder alignment and quick iteration, and developing high-fidelity workflows for engineers to implement. My role ensures that user needs are met through thoughtful and effective design solutions.

Design means solving real-world problems in the most effective, elegant, and buildable way. Design is not just about aesthetics or self-expression; it's about helping others achieve their goals and enhancing their experiences.

My favorite kind of design is UX design because it sits at the intersection of design and technology. It allows me to combine creativity with practical problem-solving to create user-centered solutions that have a real impact on people's lives.

A good design is always user-centric, originating from a deep understanding of user needs. It is intuitive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, effectively addressing the problem it was designed to solve.

My design style is clean, user-focused, and functional. I follow a "less is more" approach, avoiding unnecessary complexity. I prioritize understanding user needs and feedback, ensuring that designs are intuitive and easy to use. My designs solve real problems, combining beauty with practicality. I aim for a visually pleasing experience while maintaining simplicity and functionality. Additionally, my designs work well across different contexts and devices, ensuring a seamless user experience. Overall, my style blends minimalism, practicality, and elegance to create meaningful user experiences.

My design process begins with thorough research and understanding user needs through interviews and data analysis. I then brainstorm and sketch initial concepts, creating low-fidelity wireframes for quick iteration and stakeholder feedback. After refining ideas, I develop high-fidelity prototypes and conduct user testing to identify improvements. Post-launch, I gather feedback and measure the design's effectiveness, making necessary refinements. This iterative, user-centric approach ensures the final product effectively meets user needs and solves the intended problem.

My cultural background has certainly influenced how I understand the world and approach problem-solving. The values and perspectives I gained from my heritage shape my design process, helping me create solutions that are both innovative and culturally sensitive.

Winning this award is a significant validation of my work and creativity. It gives me confidence to continue pursuing my passion projects. It also highlights the importance of our mission to address climate change through design.

My winning project, "Save Exit Glacier," is a personal passion project aimed at raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable living. I chose to enter this project to showcase my work to a broader audience and emphasize the critical need for environmental protection.

The main challenge was making the concept of CO2 consumption tangible for users. I overcame this by iteratively brainstorming, creating low-fidelity wireframes, and conducting user testing to refine the design until it effectively communicated the impact of everyday actions on carbon emissions.

Winning this award boosts my confidence and credibility as a designer. It encourages me to continue pushing the boundaries of design and to pursue more innovative and impactful projects.

The supportive community: Designers are always willing to help each other, which fosters a collaborative and nurturing environment.
The problem-solving aspect: I love tackling complex problems and coming up with creative solutions.
The opportunity to make a positive impact: Design has the power to improve lives and address important issues, which is incredibly fulfilling.

My design stands out due to its high quality and creativity. I focus on creating solutions that are not only functional and user-centric but also innovative and impactful.

I believe AI will take over many repetitive tasks, allowing designers to focus more on strategic design thinking and creativity. The industry will likely see more integration of AI and advanced technologies, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in design.

Work on projects that genuinely interest you and tackle problems you are passionate about. Authenticity and passion often lead to the most innovative and impactful designs.

I recommend online courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy, joining design communities for networking and feedback, and reading books on design principles and methodologies. Additionally, practicing by working on real projects, even personal ones, is invaluable.

This is my first time applying for a design award, and the process has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

My father has been my greatest inspiration. As a production line designer/engineer, his dedication and passion for his work inspired me to pursue a career in design. Watching him create and innovate instilled in me a desire to draw, design, and make a living from my creativity.

My key to success is perseverance and a genuine passion for design. Always stay curious, never stop learning, and be open to feedback and collaboration. Trust the process, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.