Baoqi Ding and Chuoer Liang.

Baoqi: I’m a UX designer with a focus on AI-driven products. My journey began in accessory design during my undergraduate studies, where I first developed an interest in user experience through my thesis project. I designed a wearable piece that responded to users' emotions, merging technology with design.

That project led me to pursue UX further, emphasizing human-centered design in my master’s studies. Since then, I’ve worked as a product designer across industries like finance and healthcare, creating solutions that enhance users' experiences.

Chuoer: I’m a UX designer specializing in e-commerce products. My master’s studies in human-centered interaction and UX have deepened my understanding of designing seamless and effective user experiences. I’m passionate about building user flows that not only address user needs but also contribute to business success.

With extensive experience in both e-commerce and finance, I’ve been a strong advocate for users throughout the design process, ensuring their needs remain a priority at every stage.

Baoqi: I've always loved sketching and bringing ideas to life, which naturally led me down a creative path. The ability to turn concepts into real-world solutions has always fascinated me. I see design as a powerful tool to shape the world, and my passion for creating meaningful solutions ultimately led me to UX and product design.

Chuoer: My career began at an airline in Seattle, where I enjoyed assisting passengers from around the world. Over time, I noticed recurring issues, like difficulties with flight transfers and delays, and started wondering how these experiences could be improved.

This curiosity led me to explore UX design and pursue a master’s degree in UX and human-centered interaction, where I developed a deeper understanding of user-driven solutions.

What excites me most about UX is the ability to solve real user challenges while also supporting business goals. With a background in customer service, I naturally take a user-first approach, allowing me to empathize with people and design solutions that improve their overall journey.

Baoqi: I’m currently a designer at Learneo, where I work on QuillBot, an AI-powered writing tool that helps users improve their writing skills. As part of the App & Extension team, I focus on creating a smooth and efficient experience for over 35 million users worldwide.

Outside of my main role, I also work on side projects like Furco, with a focus on designing intuitive and user-friendly experiences that enhance daily life.

Chuoer: I work as a product designer at Inmar Intelligence, where I develop e-commerce solutions to help retailers boost sales and build long-term customer loyalty. My work involves optimizing user flows and incorporating innovative features to create seamless shopping experiences. Alongside my role at Inmar, I collaborate on side projects like Furco with Baoqi.

Furco is an AI-powered app that helps pet owners by offering personalized breed recommendations based on lifestyle, connecting them with local events and resources, and providing support for responsible rehoming when necessary.

Baoqi: Design is all about solving problems with empathy. It’s about crafting solutions that are both functional and meaningful, improving experiences by making them intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing.

Chuoer: For me, design is about creating experiences that address real challenges. It’s not just about appearance but also how something functions and impacts people. Good design makes things simpler, more effective, and more meaningful while also delivering value to businesses.

Baoqi: I’m most passionate about UX design because it directly influences how people interact with technology and products in their daily lives. I enjoy the challenge of designing intuitive, user-centered solutions that simplify complex tasks.

There’s something deeply rewarding about creating experiences that empower users, enhance their efficiency, and give them a sense of ease and confidence.

Chuoer: UX design is my favorite because it blends creativity with problem-solving, allowing me to craft interfaces and features that feel natural and engaging.

What excites me most is its impact—seeing how a well-designed product can improve users' everyday experiences while also driving business success. It’s a unique balance of art, empathy, and strategy.

Baoqi: A good design should effectively address users' pain points while striking a balance between outcome and output. It should be impartial, considering the user’s perspective rather than solely reflecting the designer’s or business’s interests.

At its core, great design prioritizes a deep understanding of user challenges and actively involves them in the process.

Chuoer: For me, good design seamlessly integrates functionality, aesthetics, and user needs. It should feel intuitive, solving problems effortlessly without users even noticing. Beyond visual appeal, every element should have a clear purpose, contributing to a thoughtful and effective experience.

Baoqi: My creative approach is explorative and interaction-driven. In a past project, I designed a social interactive experience where strangers engaged with a machine to reflect on data privacy concerns. I strive to create designs that spark curiosity, encourage participation, and provide meaningful user engagement with a clear purpose and impact.

Chuoer: My design style prioritizes simplicity and a user-centered approach. I consider both user needs and business objectives, ensuring a balance between functionality and clarity. By focusing on intuitive and accessible experiences, I aim to create designs that feel effortless while maintaining a clean and polished aesthetic.

Baoqi: My design process starts with in-depth research and a strong focus on understanding users. I prioritize gathering firsthand insights to ensure my designs genuinely address their needs.

For example, while working on a project involving individuals experiencing homelessness, I found that most owned a smartphone. This insight led me to develop a mobile app, reinforcing the importance of designing with users rather than for them. Engaging users throughout the process helps avoid assumptions and biases, leading to more effective solutions.

Chuoer: My approach begins with thorough research to understand both the problem and the users, allowing me to identify their needs and challenges.

Once I have clear insights, I move into ideation—brainstorming solutions and sketching initial concepts. From there, I create wireframes and prototypes, focusing on usability and ensuring an intuitive design flow. I believe in rapid iteration, continuously testing and refining designs based on user feedback and team collaboration. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with cross-functional teams to align with business objectives and technical feasibility.

Baoqi: Definitely. Growing up in China, I was deeply influenced by traditional art forms such as calligraphy and ink painting. These practices instilled in me an appreciation for minimalism and balance.

The principles of yin and yang have also shaped my design philosophy, guiding me to create harmony between form, function, and the human experience.

Chuoer: Absolutely. China's rich cultural heritage has played a major role in shaping my design approach. Being raised in a diverse environment has heightened my awareness of different perspectives and the importance of inclusivity in design.

It has also taught me to prioritize simplicity, functionality, and storytelling, all of which influence my creative process.

Baoqi: Receiving the 2024 NY Product Design Awards is a significant accomplishment for me and my team. It acknowledges our collective effort to enhance design and user experiences for both people and other living beings on this planet.

This recognition reinforces our commitment to innovation and highlights the value of collaboration in our creative journey.

Chuoer: I truly appreciate it! Winning the 2024 NY Product Design Awards is a tremendous honor for me and my team. It affirms the dedication, creativity, and effort we’ve invested in our projects.

This achievement is a proud milestone that reflects our teamwork and passion for crafting meaningful user experiences. It inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and striving for even greater excellence.

Baoqi: We submitted Furco, a comprehensive solution designed to improve the lives of pets and their owners. This AI-powered app provides personalized breed recommendations based on individual lifestyles, connects users with local events and resources, and offers crucial support for responsible rehoming when needed.

More than just a tool, Furco aims to make a meaningful difference by helping reduce euthanasia rates through ethical rehoming practices.

Chuoer: Our entry, Furco, is an AI-driven platform created to support and enhance every stage of a pet’s life. It caters to pet owners by offering personalized features, from recommending suitable breeds for first-time owners to tracking pet milestones and suggesting relevant events.

What makes Furco truly unique is its ability to assist in difficult situations, such as rehoming, ensuring pets can find loving homes when circumstances change. We take great pride in Furco’s role in educating pet owners, promoting responsible ownership, and providing essential resources on pet care and behavior to help reduce pet abandonment.

Baoqi: One of the main challenges was designing a seamless experience for both pet owners and pets, as we had to consider the needs of both groups simultaneously. To address this, we mapped out a flowchart outlining user actions and worked on refining each step to create a smoother journey.

This led to the idea of integrating rehoming into the experience, allowing pet owners to find loving new homes for their pets if they were unable to keep them.

Chuoer: The most challenging aspect of this project was streamlining the user journey while keeping the app intuitive and accessible. Striking the right balance between offering robust features and maintaining a simple, user-friendly experience required multiple iterations to get it just right.

Baoqi: Winning has created new opportunities for collaboration and projects. It has enhanced my professional profile and connected me with like-minded creatives from various industries. This recognition serves as a mark of credibility and drives me to keep exploring new possibilities in my work.

Chuoer: This award has been a significant milestone in my career, offering both recognition and validation. It has strengthened my confidence in my design approach and reinforced the value of user-centered design. The experience has motivated me to push creative boundaries, refine my skills, and take on new challenges with even greater ambition and focus.

Baoqi: What excites me most about the UX industry is its ever-evolving nature—there’s always something new to discover. I also value the emphasis on human-centered design, ensuring that creativity is both meaningful and functional.

Additionally, the collaborative aspect, where diverse perspectives and expertise come together, makes every project a valuable learning experience.

Chuoer: For me, it’s all about innovation, collaboration, and impact. I love how the design field constantly pushes creativity and challenges us to find new solutions. Working with cross-functional teams provides fresh insights and diverse viewpoints.

Most importantly, I find it fulfilling to enhance user experiences and solve real-world problems through design.

Baoqi: What makes China stand out is its fusion of rich cultural traditions and rapid technological progress. This blend provides designers with a wealth of inspiration while allowing them to engage in forward-thinking, innovative projects.

Chuoer: China's long history of craftsmanship, art, and philosophy continues to shape contemporary design, while its fast-evolving digital landscape drives innovation and user-focused solutions.

Baoqi: I envision a future where AI and creativity become even more intertwined, offering highly personalized solutions. Ethical design will be a major focus as consumers seek greater transparency and responsible technology use.

Meanwhile, AR and VR will transform user interactions, creating immersive experiences that expand the possibilities of creative expression.

Chuoer: Over the next 5-10 years, I expect the design industry to integrate technology even further, with AI, AR, and VR reshaping how users engage with products and services. Inclusivity and accessibility will be key priorities, ensuring designs cater to diverse audiences.

As the field advances, it will become more human-centered, technologically sophisticated, and socially conscious.

Baoqi: Embrace experimentation and don’t fear making mistakes—they’re part of the learning process. Building connections and collaborating with others can lead to unexpected innovations. Lastly, consider the long-term impact of your work and strive to create solutions that contribute positively to the world.

Chuoer: Stay curious and keep learning by keeping up with emerging trends, technologies, and tools. Develop a strong foundation in user-centered design, always keeping the user’s needs and experiences at the core of your work.

Baoqi: I suggest using platforms like Coursera for structured courses and Dribbble for creative inspiration. Books such as *Speculative Everything* offer valuable insights into the future of design. Additionally, engaging with design communities like Figma can be a great way to learn and exchange ideas.

Chuoer: Online courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy are excellent for building UX skills. I also recommend listening to podcasts like 'Design Matters' and 'The UX Podcast for industry insights and inspiration.

Baoqi: I am an introvert with an adventurous mind. I like surfing, boxing, and climbing. It feels so free when I immerse myself in adventures, and I greatly enjoy that process. They are all my stress relievers.

Chuoer: One thing I haven’t shared before is my passion for traveling and immersing myself in local neighborhoods. I love observing how people live and experiencing different cultures, as it gives me a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives. These experiences have taught me to approach things with an open mind and a broader understanding of different viewpoints.

Baoqi: I find inspiration in the guests on my podcast, who come from various backgrounds and share their insights on art, technology, and design. In a recent discussion with three UX designers, we explored how cultural differences influence digital experiences and what makes localization truly effective.

These conversations are always thought-provoking and give me fresh perspectives.

Chuoer: My biggest inspiration is my mom. She exemplified resilience and a strong work ethic while expressing her creativity through art. Despite many challenges, she remained positive and resourceful, showing me that dedication and passion are essential for success. Her example continues to motivate me in my work.

Baoqi: Empathy is essential in design. Truly listening to users and understanding their challenges allows you to create solutions that are both innovative and meaningful. Keeping the user at the center of your design process leads to more impactful outcomes.

Chuoer: Success in design comes from a mix of curiosity and persistence. Since design is an iterative process, not every idea works immediately, but overcoming challenges leads to meaningful results. My advice is to keep learning and remember that the best designs are the ones that genuinely improve people's lives.