We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang ("QZART").
Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang.
Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang Design - Talent Search Artist Discovery Tool
Designer Interview of Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang:
DI: 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?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I am a designer with over three years of professional experience, working at the intersection of product design, data visualization, and user experience. I hold a Master’s degree in Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology from Harvard University, and previously studied at UCLA and the University of Oxford. Most recently, I served as a Senior Product Designer at Chartmetric, a global music data company used by major record labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group. At Chartmetric, I led the design of several award-winning products, including the Chartmetric Mobile App and the Talent Search tool, which have been recognized by international design competitions such as the iF Design Award, A’ Design Award, and Indigo Design Award. My work has also been exhibited at events such as Art Shopping Paris at the Louvre and NYCxDesign 2025, and I’ve served as a design judge, mentor, and speaker across international platforms. I am passionate about using design to bridge data and human emotion, and to create experiences that are both functional and deeply meaningful. Ruijingya Tang Ruijingya is a designer, visual artist, and illustrator whose work explores the intersections of human-technology relationships, cultural identity, and cognition. Working primarily in digital media, she creates compositions that examine memory, perception, and the evolving relationship between individuals and their environments. Her practice blends traditional artistic techniques with contemporary digital tools to produce dynamic, thought-provoking imagery. In parallel with her artistic work, Ruijingya is also an award-winning UX designer with a focus on data-driven and emotionally resonant digital products. Her design practice spans B2B platforms, healthcare, and creative tools—often working at the intersection of complex systems and human experience. Whether she’s designing an AI-powered artist discovery tool or a virtual memorial platform, she brings a deep sensitivity to user emotion, cultural context, and cognitive accessibility. In addition to her creative work, Ruijingya has a background in art journalism, having authored critical analyses on contemporary art, film, and museum exhibitions. Her writing investigates the emotional, cultural, and societal dimensions of creative expression. This dual engagement in both creation and critique enriches her visual storytelling—bringing a sharp analytical lens and a strong narrative sensibility to every project.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I previously worked at Chartmetric, a music data analytics company that provides insights for the global music industry. The platform is used by major record labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and entertainment companies like Disney and SM Entertainment. At Chartmetric, I served as a Senior Product Designer, where I led the end-to-end design of several key features across web and mobile platforms. These included the award-winning Chartmetric Mobile App and Talent Search, a tool that helps industry professionals discover emerging artists through data. The company operates at the intersection of technology, music, and data, and my work there focused on turning complex information into intuitive, actionable experiences for a global user base. Ruijingya Tang While I operate independently rather than under a formal studio name, my design and art practice functions as a multidisciplinary studio in every sense. I lead end-to-end design projects that span UX, product strategy, visual storytelling, and digital art—working with forward-thinking companies, researchers, and collaborators around the world. My recent work includes leading award-winning product design at Chartmetric, where I helped shape tools used by major players in the global music industry, and co-creating Memory Land, a digital memorial platform that blends emotional depth with emerging technology. I specialize in projects that lie at the intersection of human experience, data, and culture—delivering work that is as strategic as it is emotionally resonant. Every project I take on is an opportunity to push the boundaries of what design can do, and I approach it with the same creative rigor and narrative focus you’d expect from a top-tier studio.
DI: What is "design" for you?
QZART : Qihang Zhang To me, design is the craft of turning complexity into clarity — not just visually, but experientially and emotionally. It’s about making information feel human, technology feel intuitive, and interactions feel meaningful. With a background spanning education, storytelling, and data products, I see design as a way to bridge disciplines and unlock empathy. Whether I’m building tools for music professionals or creating immersive experiences like Memory Land, my goal is always the same: to design not just for usability, but for connection. Good design doesn’t just solve problems — it reveals opportunities, evokes emotion, and builds trust. Ruijingya Tang For me, design is the act of making complexity feel human. It’s about uncovering the emotional, cultural, and cognitive layers of a problem—and shaping solutions that feel intuitive, purposeful, and resonant. Design isn’t just about how things look or function; it’s about how they’re understood, remembered, and trusted. Whether I’m visualizing data for global music professionals or crafting a digital memorial space for grieving users, design is my way of translating abstract challenges into experiences that empower, comfort, or inspire. It’s a language that connects people to systems, stories, and to each other.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I’m most inspired by designing works that connect with music, memory, and the human experience. Whether it's helping industry professionals discover emerging talent or creating tools for personal storytelling, I’m drawn to projects that amplify culture and emotion through design. I believe music is one of the most powerful ways we understand each other — across languages, identities, and generations. That’s why I love designing in the music space, where data, creativity, and humanity intersect. My favorite works are those that help people feel seen, heard, and empowered — not just as users, but as humans. Ruijingya Tang I’m most drawn to designing experiences that sit at the intersection of emotion and complexity—projects that involve deep systems thinking but also carry cultural or personal weight. I love working on data-heavy tools where the challenge is to make information feel intuitive and empowering, like the award-winning Talent Search platform I designed for Chartmetric. At the same time, I find deep fulfillment in emotionally driven work—like Memory Land, a digital memorial space I co-created to help people process grief and preserve personal stories. Whether I’m working on B2B analytics tools or human-centered consumer platforms, my favorite projects are always the ones where I can bring clarity, empathy, and a strong sense of narrative into the experience. Ruijingya Tang I’m most drawn to designing experiences that sit at the intersection of emotion and complexity—projects that involve deep systems thinking but also carry cultural or personal weight. I love working on data-heavy tools where the challenge is to make information feel intuitive and empowering, like the award-winning Talent Search platform I designed for Chartmetric. At the same time, I find deep fulfillment in emotionally driven work—like Memory Land, a digital memorial space I co-created to help people process grief and preserve personal stories. Whether I’m working on B2B analytics tools or human-centered consumer platforms, my favorite projects are always the ones where I can bring clarity, empathy, and a strong sense of narrative into the experience. Ruijingya Tang I’m most drawn to designing experiences that sit at the intersection of emotion and complexity—projects that involve deep systems thinking but also carry cultural or personal weight. I love working on data-heavy tools where the challenge is to make information feel intuitive and empowering, like the award-winning Talent Search platform I designed for Chartmetric. At the same time, I find deep fulfillment in emotionally driven work—like Memory Land, a digital memorial space I co-created to help people process grief and preserve personal stories. Whether I’m working on B2B analytics tools or human-centered consumer platforms, my favorite projects are always the ones where I can bring clarity, empathy, and a strong sense of narrative into the experience.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
QZART : Qihang Zhang One of my favorite designs is Talent Search, a data-powered scouting tool I led at Chartmetric. Designed for record labels and artist managers, it helps music professionals identify rising talent across millions of global artists by combining performance metrics, social trends, and contextual insights in a single, intuitive interface. I particularly loved working on Talent Search because it embodies the intersection of technology, music, and human potential. We weren’t just building another dashboard — we were creating a system that could surface undiscovered voices, support more equitable talent discovery, and open doors for emerging artists around the world. This project was recognized by several international design awards and adopted by major clients in the music industry. It’s meaningful to me because it turns data into opportunity — helping real people get seen, signed, and supported through thoughtful design. Ruijingya Tang One of my favorite designs is Memory Land, a digital memorial platform I co-created to help people honor loved ones through personalized, virtual spaces. It’s a project that blends emotional sensitivity with thoughtful technology—allowing users to create intimate, portable memorials filled with 3D-scanned objects, voice notes, text, and imagery. What makes Memory Land so meaningful to me is that it challenged every part of my design practice: emotional design, accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and storytelling. It was also deeply personal—I wanted to create a space where people could reflect on memory and loss in a way that felt calming, private, and beautifully human. The project went on to win multiple international design awards, but the most rewarding part has been hearing how users connect with it emotionally. It reminded me that design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s also about holding space.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
QZART : Qihang Zhang The first thing I designed for a company was a digital storytelling campaign for National Geographic, as part of the World Heritage Journeys initiative supported by UNESCO and the European Union. I contributed to the China campaign, helping design visual content and digital experiences that introduced UNESCO World Heritage sites — such as Mount Huangshan and West Lake — to a global audience. It was an incredible first experience, because it taught me how to design with both cultural sensitivity and narrative depth. I learned how to balance aesthetics with authenticity, and how to create visuals that respect history while engaging modern travelers. That project sparked my passion for design as a tool for global storytelling. Ruijingya Tang The first thing I designed for a company was a B2B web interface at Babyscripts to help healthcare providers more easily manage blood pressure data for pregnant patients. It was a high-impact feature that streamlined how nurses and care teams reviewed incoming patient data—turning what had been a fragmented workflow into a clear, actionable dashboard. What stood out to me was how much even a first design opportunity could shape patient care outcomes. I conducted interviews with providers, mapped out pain points, and prototyped solutions that were eventually deployed across clinics in over 30 U.S. states. That experience taught me how powerful design can be when it's grounded in empathy and clarity—and it set the tone for how I approach every project that followed.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I don’t have a single favorite material — instead, I’m most excited about platforms and technologies that help turn data into meaningful experiences. I love working with Figma for interface design, content management systems (CMS) for building scalable digital storytelling platforms, and AI-powered tools that enable smarter, more personalized user experiences. I’m also passionate about data visualization — not just as an aesthetic layer, but as a way to empower decision-making and narrative discovery. Ultimately, my favorite “material” is human insight — and I’m drawn to any platform that allows me to transform complexity into clarity, especially in the context of music, culture, and connection. Ruijingya Tang Figma is my favorite design platform—it’s where I do the bulk of my interface design, system thinking, and rapid prototyping. I love how collaborative and fluid it is, especially when working across disciplines and time zones. It supports both high-fidelity visual detail and big-picture structural thinking, which is essential for the kind of data-heavy and emotionally resonant products I build. Beyond tools, I’m also fascinated by technologies that sit at the intersection of cognition and emotion—like AI used for personalized insights or 3D scanning for preserving memory-rich objects, as we explored in Memory Land. I’m always excited by platforms and materials that allow me to bring both clarity and humanity into digital experiences.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I feel most creative when I’m deeply immersed in stories — whether it’s a song, a memory, or a piece of culture I’m trying to translate into design. Sometimes that spark comes late at night, when the world is quiet and my thoughts are free to wander. Other times, it emerges through collaboration — especially when I’m working with people from different disciplines or cultural backgrounds. Those moments of exchange often push me to see a problem in a new light. For me, creativity isn’t just about inspiration — it’s about connection. I’m most creative when I’m designing something that feels emotionally resonant, not just functional. Ruijingya Tang I feel most creative when I’m deep in the problem space—right after user research, when patterns start emerging and the possibilities begin to take shape. There’s a kind of quiet excitement in translating complex needs, emotions, or systems into something intuitive and visual. I also find bursts of creativity in the in-between moments—walking outside, sketching loosely, or even late at night when the pressure is off and ideas feel more fluid. But at the core, creativity for me isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about listening carefully, synthesizing insights, and staying open to unexpected connections. That’s when the best ideas tend to surface.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
QZART : Qihang Zhang When designing, I focus most on clarity, emotion, and context. Clarity means making complex systems feel intuitive — especially in data-heavy products like Chartmetric, where users need to find insights quickly. Emotion ensures the product connects on a human level, whether it’s helping a music executive discover new talent or guiding a family through a storytelling journey in Memory Land. And context means understanding who the users are, what they need, and how the design fits into their broader goals. I believe great design doesn’t just look good — it listens. It adapts to its audience, speaks with empathy, and delivers both functionality and meaning. Ruijingya Tang I focus most on clarity, emotional resonance, and accessibility. Whether I’m designing a data-heavy tool or a more intimate, reflective experience, I always aim to make the interface intuitive and the interaction meaningful. I pay close attention to how information is structured and perceived—especially in complex systems where users may feel overwhelmed. I also care deeply about how the design makes people feel: Does it build trust? Is it calming? Does it respect cultural context? Beyond visuals, I think a lot about narrative flow—how the user’s journey unfolds, and how each moment connects to their larger goal. In the end, I want the experience to feel not just usable, but empowering and human.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
QZART : Qihang Zhang Design often feels like a quiet kind of joy — a mix of curiosity, empathy, and responsibility. There’s a deep satisfaction in solving problems, especially when the solution feels elegant and human. I feel most fulfilled when I know the design will help someone — whether it’s a music executive finding the right artist, or a parent preserving a memory through an interactive story. Sometimes there’s frustration too — when things don’t align or constraints are tight — but that’s part of the process. In the end, the emotions I feel when I design remind me that it’s not just about pixels and interfaces — it’s about people, impact, and connection. Ruijingya Tang When I design, I feel a mix of curiosity, empathy, and responsibility. I’m driven by the challenge of understanding people deeply—what they need, what they feel, and what might help them navigate complexity with more confidence and ease. There’s often a sense of quiet excitement when things start clicking—when abstract ideas become clear, or when a visual direction captures just the right tone. At the same time, I feel a strong sense of care and accountability, especially when designing for sensitive contexts like health or memory. I want every interaction to respect the user's emotional and cognitive state. In the best moments, I feel both creative and grounded—knowing that I’m not just building a product, but shaping an experience that could genuinely improve someone’s day, or even their life.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
QZART : Qihang Zhang When a design I’ve worked on is realized — launched, used, and felt by others — I often feel a quiet sense of awe. There’s pride, of course — in seeing something go from sketches to impact. But there’s also humility. Because real people are now interacting with what once lived only in my head. They're discovering music, making decisions, preserving memories — and I had a hand in shaping that. One of the most meaningful moments was seeing industry professionals use Talent Search to spotlight rising artists who may have otherwise been overlooked. That’s when I truly felt the emotional weight of design: not just creating tools, but opening doors. Ruijingya Tang When my designs are realized, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and responsibility. It’s incredibly rewarding to see something that began as sketches or ideas take shape in the real world—especially when users interact with it in ways that affirm its purpose. I often feel gratitude for the collaboration that made it possible, and pride in the clarity and care that went into every decision. But more than anything, I feel motivated—seeing a design live reinforces my commitment to thoughtful, human-centered work. It reminds me that design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about building trust, creating meaning, and making a lasting impact.
DI: What makes a design successful?
QZART : Qihang Zhang To me, a design is successful when it creates clarity, sparks emotion, and delivers real impact. It should solve a problem, but also tell a story — one that resonates with the user and reflects their needs, values, and aspirations. A successful design feels invisible when it needs to be, intuitive when it matters, and memorable when it counts. Whether it's helping a music executive discover talent or helping a family preserve a memory, good design serves both function and feeling. That balance — between system and soul — is what I strive for in every project. Ruijingya Tang A design is successful when it not only solves the right problem but does so in a way that feels intuitive, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. It should guide users effortlessly through complexity, while also making them feel seen, empowered, and respected. To me, success also means measurable impact—whether that’s improving decision-making through better data visualization, helping users feel emotionally supported, or driving real-world outcomes for a business or community. A successful design stands the test of time not just because it looks good, but because it builds trust and becomes something users genuinely value.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
QZART : Qihang Zhang When judging whether a design is good or not, I focus first on clarity, empathy, and intent. A strong design communicates its purpose effortlessly — it feels intuitive, with a clear hierarchy that guides the user. But beyond usability, I look for empathy: does the design reflect a deep understanding of the people it’s meant to serve? Finally, I consider intent — whether every decision feels purposeful, grounded in a clear vision rather than aesthetic trends alone. To me, a truly good design isn’t just beautiful or functional — it resonates. It tells a story, solves a problem, and stays with you long after the interaction ends. Ruijingya Tang When judging a design, the first things I consider are clarity, usability, and intent. Does the design clearly communicate what it’s meant to do? Can users interact with it easily and confidently, without confusion? And does it serve a real need with empathy and purpose? Beyond function, I also look at the emotional tone—how it makes the user feel. A good design should be not only efficient but also trustworthy, respectful, and appropriate to its context. Finally, I consider how well the design balances aesthetics and logic, and whether it reflects thoughtful problem-solving rather than surface-level styling. A truly great design reveals care in every detail—because someone took the time to understand both the problem and the people behind it.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I believe designers have a deep responsibility to shape not just interfaces, but the systems and values that guide how people live, connect, and make decisions. Our work influences behavior — often silently — so we must design with intention, integrity, and care. For society, that means creating with empathy, inclusivity, and accessibility in mind — making sure no one is left behind. For the environment, it means thinking about digital sustainability, ethical technology, and how we minimize waste, not just physically but cognitively. Whether designing for public safety, memory preservation, or cultural discovery, I try to approach every project with the mindset that design is not neutral — it either empowers or excludes, heals or harms. And we are responsible for choosing the former. Ruijingya Tang As designers, we carry a responsibility to shape not just products—but behaviors, perceptions, and systems. That means we must design with intention, empathy, and accountability. We’re responsible for ensuring that what we create is accessible, inclusive, and ethical, and that it serves people from all walks of life—not just the majority or the loudest voices. We also have a duty to consider the long-term impact of our work on the environment and society. That includes minimizing waste—both digital and physical—advocating for sustainable practices, and making sure technology serves the public good. Whether we’re designing an interface or a physical product, every choice has ripple effects. Our job is to design in ways that are thoughtful, honest, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
QZART : Qihang Zhang The design field is evolving beyond screens — toward systems, ecosystems, and human experiences that span both the digital and physical world. I see the future of design as more interdisciplinary, more inclusive, and more intelligent. Designers today aren’t just crafting visuals — we’re shaping behavior, policy, ethics, and emotion. With the rise of AI, we’re being asked not just how things should look or work, but what should be built in the first place — and why. In that future, I believe the most impactful designers will be those who can bridge data with empathy, systems with storytelling, and technology with humanity. Design is no longer just about making things — it’s about making meaning. Ruijingya Tang The design field is evolving from focusing solely on usability and aesthetics to becoming a strategic force that shapes technology, culture, and behavior. Today, designers are not just solving interface problems—they’re helping define how people relate to data, AI, identity, and each other. I believe the future of design lies in systems thinking, ethical responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Designers will increasingly work across disciplines—integrating AI, sustainability, cultural context, and accessibility into every layer of the experience. The role of design will be not only to make things work, but to ensure that innovation remains human-centered, inclusive, and trustworthy. We’ll also see more emphasis on designing for complexity—making sense of information overload, supporting mental health, and building products that adapt to diverse emotional and cognitive needs. In short, the future of design will be defined by how thoughtfully we shape the technologies and systems that shape us.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
QZART : Qihang Zhang My most recent exhibition was at NYCxDesign 2025, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. It featured Radiant Embrace, one of my award-winning interactive works that explores emotional storytelling through motion and light. Earlier that year, I also exhibited at Art Shopping Paris, held beneath the Louvre at Carrousel du Louvre, as well as at the A’ Design Award Winners’ Exhibition in Como, Italy. For my next exhibition, I hope to present a new body of work that explores the intersection of generative design and cultural memory — ideally in a space that allows for both digital immersion and emotional resonance. Ruijingya Tang My most recent public-facing exhibition was digital in nature, tied to Memory Land, which has been recognized through multiple international design awards. While the project hasn't been shown in a traditional gallery setting yet, it’s been featured in various juried platforms where design, storytelling, and emerging technology intersect. I’m currently developing new visual works that explore memory, identity, and digital presence—blending UX, illustration, and narrative environments. I’d love to hold my next exhibition within the next year, ideally in a space that welcomes cross-disciplinary conversations around design, emotion, and technology. I’m especially interested in showing work that allows viewers to interact and reflect—not just observe.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
QZART : Qihang Zhang My design inspiration often comes from the emotional layers of everyday life — music, memory, culture, and conversation. I’m especially drawn to moments that are deeply human yet often overlooked: a lyric that sticks with you, a childhood story retold, a fleeting sense of déjà vu. These are the sparks I try to preserve and translate into visual or interactive form. To feed my creativity, I explore across disciplines — from data science to documentary film, from behavioral psychology to folklore. I also draw inspiration from my multicultural background and the many places I’ve studied and worked — China, the U.S., the U.K. — which taught me to see design not as a single language, but as a way of listening, translating, and connecting across contexts. In short, I see inspiration not as something I wait for, but as something I collect — through curiosity, empathy, and the act of paying attention. Ruijingya Tang My design inspiration often comes from observing how people interact with complexity—whether it’s data, systems, emotions, or each other. I’m especially inspired by moments of contradiction: where logic meets emotion, where digital tools intersect with cultural rituals, or where memory shapes behavior. These intersections fuel my creativity. To keep my creative practice alive, I read widely—ranging from cognitive science and sociology to speculative fiction and art criticism. I also feed my creativity through journaling, sketching, and visiting museums or public spaces where everyday behavior becomes a source of insight. Conversations with users, collaborators, and even strangers often spark ideas I wouldn’t have arrived at on my own. Ultimately, my inspiration comes from being curious about the world and deeply empathetic toward the people in it. That’s what keeps my design work both grounded and expansive.
DI: 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?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I would describe my design style as narrative-driven, emotionally grounded, and clarity-focused. I often work at the intersection of data and storytelling — where functionality meets feeling. My style favors clean structures with subtle emotional cues: generous whitespace, intentional typography, smooth transitions, and visual metaphors that guide without overwhelming. What drew me to this style was the desire to make complex systems feel human. I’ve designed for music analytics, public safety, and memory preservation — very different domains, but all requiring empathy, restraint, and narrative intuition. My approach is always user-centered, but also story-centered: I want every interaction to feel not just usable, but memorable. I believe good design is quiet but confident. It doesn’t shout, but it stays with you. Ruijingya Tang My design style is minimal yet emotionally intentional—focused on clarity, calmness, and narrative depth. Whether I’m designing a data visualization interface or a reflective digital space, I aim to create experiences that feel intuitive, grounded, and human. I often use clean visual hierarchy, soft color palettes, and thoughtful interaction cues to make complexity feel approachable and meaningful. This style developed naturally from working across fields like healthcare, music analytics, and digital memorials—contexts where users are often navigating overwhelming systems or sensitive emotions. I learned that restraint, empathy, and clarity can be more powerful than visual noise. My overall approach is research-driven and emotionally aware. I start by listening—to users, to context, to constraints—and then translate insights into systems, flows, and visuals that respect both logic and feeling. I want every design I create to not only work well, but feel like it belongs.
DI: 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?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I was born and raised in China, and have since lived and studied in the United States and the United Kingdom. That blend of Eastern roots and Western education has shaped not only how I design, but how I see the world. The cultural heritage of China deeply influences my work — especially in how I think about symbolism, restraint, and emotional subtlety. There’s a quiet poetry in traditional Chinese aesthetics that often informs how I use space, tone, and rhythm in digital design. At the same time, living and working internationally has taught me to design for diverse audiences, to challenge assumptions, and to balance tradition with innovation. The biggest advantage of my background is perspective — being able to move between worlds and translate between them. The challenge, sometimes, is negotiating expectations: different cultures define “good design” in different ways. But I see that not as a limitation, but as a bridge — and design, at its best, is exactly that. Ruijingya Tang I’m originally from China and currently based in Seattle. Growing up in China gave me a strong appreciation for subtlety, symbolism, and cultural nuance—values that deeply influence how I think about design. I often draw from traditional Chinese visual principles like balance, negative space, and harmony, especially when designing for emotion or memory. Living in the U.S., especially in a tech-forward, multicultural city like Seattle, has given me a different lens—one that emphasizes systems thinking, innovation, and user autonomy. The blend of these two worlds allows me to design with a more global, cross-cultural perspective. The biggest strength of this dual influence is the ability to design for emotional depth and cognitive clarity at the same time. The challenge, of course, is navigating different expectations around hierarchy, communication style, and even color symbolism across cultures. But I see that tension as a creative opportunity—it pushes me to design experiences that feel both universally accessible and culturally respectful.
DI: How do you work with companies?
QZART : Qihang Zhang When working with companies, I see myself not just as a designer, but as a strategic partner. I begin by deeply understanding the product goals, user needs, and business constraints. From there, I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams — including product managers, engineers, data scientists, and marketers — to translate complex ideas into clear, human-centered solutions. Whether I’m designing a data platform for music executives or an app for public safety, I focus on aligning design decisions with real-world impact. I value communication, iteration, and empathy — not just toward users, but also toward teammates. In every collaboration, my goal is the same: to help companies create experiences that are not only usable and scalable, but also emotionally resonant and culturally thoughtful. Ruijingya Tang I work with companies as a strategic design partner—someone who not only delivers thoughtful visuals and interactions, but also helps shape product direction through user insights, systems thinking, and emotional clarity. I thrive in cross-functional environments where I can collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and executives to ensure that design decisions are aligned with both user needs and business goals. Depending on the project, I’ve taken on roles ranging from leading end-to-end UX for core product features to co-developing long-term design systems and brand evolution efforts. I bring structure to ambiguity, whether that means designing net-new products like Talent Search, or reimagining emotionally sensitive experiences like Memory Land. My process is user-centered, transparent, and iterative—I make sure everyone’s voice is heard, while also driving the vision forward. Above all, I focus on delivering work that’s thoughtful, impactful, and ready for the real world.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
QZART : Ruijingya Tang I work with companies as a strategic design partner—someone who not only delivers thoughtful visuals and interactions, but also helps shape product direction through user insights, systems thinking, and emotional clarity. I thrive in cross-functional environments where I can collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and executives to ensure that design decisions are aligned with both user needs and business goals. Depending on the project, I’ve taken on roles ranging from leading end-to-end UX for core product features to co-developing long-term design systems and brand evolution efforts. I bring structure to ambiguity, whether that means designing net-new products like Talent Search, or reimagining emotionally sensitive experiences like Memory Land. My process is user-centered, transparent, and iterative—I make sure everyone’s voice is heard, while also driving the vision forward. Above all, I focus on delivering work that’s thoughtful, impactful, and ready for the real world. Ruijingya Tang My biggest suggestion to companies is to bring designers in early—as strategic partners, not just executors. A great designer isn’t just someone who makes things look good; they help clarify what problem you’re solving, who you're solving it for, and how to build trust through thoughtful interactions. When selecting a good designer, look for someone who asks smart questions, listens deeply, and translates complexity into clarity. A strong portfolio is important, but so is how a designer communicates their thinking, collaborates with others, and adapts to ambiguity. Great designers are not only creative but also empathetic, analytical, and intentional. Companies that respect and invest in that full range of skills—rather than treating design as decoration—tend to build stronger, more impactful products.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
QZART : Qihang Zhang My design process is iterative, collaborative, and grounded in both empathy and systems thinking. I begin by understanding the “why” — the user’s needs, the business goals, and the context of the problem. I then move into research, gathering both qualitative insights and quantitative data. From there, I translate insights into information architecture, flows, and wireframes — always testing early and often. Visual design comes after clarity — using typography, color, and motion to reinforce meaning rather than distract from it. I work closely with engineers throughout the process to ensure feasibility and fidelity, and I always leave room for iteration post-launch based on user feedback. No matter the project — whether it’s a music analytics app or an emotional storytelling experience — I treat design as both structure and story: a way to organize complexity and create connection. Ruijingya Tang My design process is rooted in empathy, clarity, and iteration. I always start by understanding the context—conducting user interviews, stakeholder conversations, and competitive audits to define the problem clearly. From there, I move into sense-making: mapping out user journeys, identifying pain points, and translating insights into clear design opportunities. I then prototype early and often—starting with low-fidelity wireframes to align on structure, and progressively refining the experience through feedback and testing. I place a strong emphasis on information hierarchy, accessibility, and emotional tone—especially when working on complex or sensitive products like Memory Land or Talent Search. Throughout, I collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and other designers to ensure feasibility, clarity, and consistency. My goal isn’t just to make something that works—it’s to make something that feels thoughtful, empowering, and true to its purpose.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
QZART : Qihang Zhang Here are five of my favorite design items at home: Muji Wall Clock – It’s so minimal it almost disappears, yet its quiet clarity anchors the space. It reminds me that good design doesn’t shout — it stays with you. A bamboo folding fan gifted by my grandmother – It’s a small object with deep cultural resonance, beautifully crafted and tied to memory. I love how it bridges tradition and everyday life. The Apple Magic Trackpad – As a designer, it’s become a natural extension of my hand. I appreciate how it balances precision with fluidity. A book titled “Design as Art” by Bruno Munari – It’s a constant reminder that design is not just functional — it’s poetic, cultural, and deeply human. A hand-thrown ceramic mug from a local Japanese artist – Imperfect, organic, and beautifully tactile. It reflects a design philosophy I admire: wabi-sabi — the beauty of things imperfect and impermanent. Ruijingya Tang Here are five of my favorite design items at home—they each reflect aspects of clarity, emotion, and function that I strive for in my own work: My Figma sketch notebook – I use it to quickly map out systems, flows, and messy early thoughts. It’s where structure and creativity meet. A vintage Braun alarm clock – I love how it embodies functional minimalism without ever feeling cold. It’s a constant reminder that great design can be both rational and warm. A digital photo frame loaded with personal memories – It reflects my passion for memory-centered design, like the work I did on Memory Land. A wireless keyboard with tactile switches – Subtle haptics and layout make it a joy to use. It’s a small thing that makes everyday workflows feel better—exactly what I try to do in UX. A well-worn cast iron pan – Not traditionally “design,” but it’s beautifully utilitarian and has only improved over time. It reminds me that longevity and experience are part of good design, too.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
QZART : Qihang Zhang A typical day in my life blends structure and spontaneity — much like my design process. I usually start my mornings with music and tea. It helps me slow down before the day accelerates. I catch up on Slack and emails, then move into deep work: wireframing, prototyping, or refining UI flows depending on the project. If I’m collaborating with teammates across time zones, we’ll often sync in the late morning or early evening. Afternoons are when I get the most creative — I might work on a concept sketch, review research insights, or test different ways to visualize a complex dataset. I always carve out time to read, whether it's design writing, poetry, or music journalism — anything that stretches my way of seeing. Evenings are quieter. I might go for a walk, experiment with motion design, or revisit a personal project like Memory Land. Some of my best ideas arrive when I’m not trying too hard — in the shower, on the subway, or mid-conversation with a friend. That’s the beauty of creative work — it lives between the moments. Ruijingya Tang A typical day in my life balances focused design work, collaboration, and quiet reflection. I usually start the morning by reviewing my project goals and sketching ideas—whether for a UX flow, a data visualization, or an illustration concept. Mid-mornings often involve syncs with product managers or engineers, especially when I’m working on a large system like Chartmetric’s design system or a feature like Talent Search. Afternoons are my most focused creative hours. I’ll be deep in Figma refining interfaces, mapping user journeys, or iterating on prototypes. I like to keep windows open to reflect natural light—it keeps me grounded and connected to rhythm. I often take short walks when I need to untangle a tricky interaction or revisit a problem from a new angle. Evenings are when I switch gears to more artistic or conceptual work—reading, writing, or working on illustration or Memory Land-related ideas. I always make time to reflect and take notes, because some of my best ideas come after hours when the pressure lifts.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
QZART : Qihang Zhang To young designers, I would say this: your value is not in how quickly you make things — it’s in how deeply you think. Design isn’t just about tools or trends. It’s about curiosity, empathy, and the courage to ask “why” when everyone else is rushing toward “how.” Some of the best work doesn’t come from knowing all the answers — it comes from caring enough to keep asking better questions. Also: don’t be afraid to design from your story. Your background, your culture, your way of seeing the world — those aren’t obstacles to overcome; they’re your greatest creative assets. The more personal your work becomes, the more universal it tends to feel. And finally — be kind. To your users, your teammates, and yourself. Good design solves problems. Great design uplifts people. Ruijingya Tang To young designers, I’d say: curiosity, empathy, and clarity will take you further than perfection. Learn to ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply to users, and embrace ambiguity as part of the creative process. Don’t be afraid to sketch messy ideas, test early, and iterate often—real insight comes from trying, not just planning. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Seek feedback not as criticism, but as collaboration. And remember: great design isn’t just about visuals—it’s about building trust, simplifying complexity, and making people feel seen. Lastly, define success on your own terms. Awards are wonderful, but the real reward is designing something that makes someone’s life better. Stay grounded in that purpose, and your path will be meaningful—whether it’s linear or not.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
QZART : Qihang Zhang Being a designer is one of the most fulfilling — and sometimes one of the most challenging — paths I know. The positive side is powerful: as a designer, you have the ability to shape how people see, feel, and interact with the world. You get to translate complexity into clarity, create meaning from systems, and often be the voice of the user in conversations that really matter. It’s a role that blends creativity, empathy, and problem-solving — and that never gets boring. But it’s not without challenges. Design can be undervalued, misinterpreted as decoration instead of strategy. It sometimes takes emotional resilience to advocate for clarity in chaos, to defend users in the face of business pressure, or to push for inclusion when speed is prioritized. Still, for me, the positives far outweigh the rest. Being a designer means being a bridge — between people and ideas, data and emotion, today and what’s next. And that’s a responsibility I’m proud to carry. Ruijingya Tang One of the greatest positives of being a designer is the ability to turn complexity into clarity and make a real, human impact. There’s something deeply rewarding about solving problems not just functionally, but emotionally—creating tools that empower, comfort, or inspire. As designers, we get to shape experiences that influence how people live, work, grieve, heal, and create. That’s a huge privilege and responsibility. The challenge, however, is that design is often underestimated or misunderstood—sometimes seen as surface-level decoration instead of strategic problem-solving. It can also be emotionally demanding: we’re constantly advocating for users, navigating ambiguity, and balancing business, technical, and ethical considerations. But for me, the positives outweigh the negatives. The best parts of design—collaboration, storytelling, empathy, and innovation—make it one of the most meaningful and dynamic careers out there.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
QZART : Qihang Zhang My golden rule in design is simple: Design for clarity, care, and connection. Clarity means making the complex understandable. Care means respecting the user — their time, their context, their story. And connection means never losing sight of the human behind the interface. Whether I’m designing for data platforms, storytelling experiences, or social impact tools, I always come back to this: good design informs, but great design uplifts. Ruijingya Tang My golden rule in design is: “Make complexity feel human.” Whether I’m designing a data analytics platform or a memorial space, I aim to simplify without oversimplifying—to honor nuance while still making things intuitive and emotionally clear. That means listening carefully, designing with empathy, and always considering how a person will feel when they encounter what I’ve made. Great design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating trust, clarity, and meaning in every interaction. If the user feels confident, seen, and empowered, then I know I’ve done my job.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
QZART : Qihang Zhang The most important skills for a designer go beyond software or aesthetics — they include systems thinking, storytelling, and empathy. Systems thinking allows you to understand how each design decision impacts a broader product or ecosystem. Storytelling helps you communicate ideas clearly — not just to users, but to collaborators, stakeholders, and communities. And empathy grounds your work in real human needs, ensuring that design is not just usable, but meaningful. Of course, technical fluency matters — from interaction design and prototyping to accessibility and visual hierarchy. But in my experience, the designers who thrive are the ones who can listen deeply, think critically, and adapt gracefully. Design is less about having all the answers — and more about asking the right questions. Ruijingya Tang To me, the most important skills for a designer go beyond visual polish. At the core, it’s about empathy, systems thinking, and communication. Empathy allows us to truly understand user needs—not just what they do, but what they feel. Systems thinking helps us navigate complexity, connect details to the big picture, and build scalable, sustainable solutions. Communication is what brings it all together—translating ideas clearly across disciplines, gathering alignment, and telling a compelling design story. On a craft level, strong interaction and visual design skills are essential, but the best designers also know how to listen deeply, synthesize ambiguity, and collaborate with purpose. That’s what makes design not just functional—but transformational.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
QZART : Qihang Zhang My design toolbox is a mix of digital tools, analog references, and sensory inspiration. On the software side, I rely heavily on Figma for UI/UX and system design, After Effects for motion, and Notion and FigJam for documentation and brainstorming. For storytelling projects, I sometimes use Canva and Final Cut Pro, especially when working on collaborative or media-rich experiences. Hardware-wise, I keep it minimal: a MacBook, an external trackpad, and a sketchbook. I believe some of the best ideas start with pen and paper — or even a conversation over coffee. As for inspiration, I constantly revisit books like Design as Art by Bruno Munari and The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda. I also draw from film, music, museum visits, and cross-cultural moments — especially from my background growing up in China and studying in the U.S. and U.K. I try to collect not just references, but rhythms and emotional cues. At the end of the day, tools are only as powerful as the perspective behind them. I’m always learning — and always refining. Ruijingya Tang My toolbox includes a mix of digital tools, analog methods, and creative resources that support everything from systems thinking to storytelling. Software: I primarily use Figma for interface design, prototyping, and maintaining design systems. I also use Adobe Illustrator for illustration work and After Effects for simple motion experiments when needed. Collaboration & Research: I rely on Notion for project documentation and synthesis, Miro for mapping out flows and workshop facilitation, and Google Docs for early content design and strategy. Hardware: A MacBook Pro, iPad for sketching, and a tactile mechanical keyboard keep my setup functional and creatively flexible. Books & Theory: I regularly revisit The Design of Everyday Things (Don Norman), The Visual Display of Quantitative Information (Edward Tufte), and Designing for Emotion (Aaron Walter). Inspiration: I draw inspiration from art exhibitions, memory studies, cultural rituals, and observing how people interact with technology in quiet, everyday moments. I also keep a running visual archive of screenshots, old book covers, and UI moments that feel emotionally smart.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
QZART : Qihang For me, managing time effectively starts with prioritization. I focus on the most impactful tasks first and break down larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps. By identifying key priorities early in the design process, I ensure that I’m tackling the most critical aspects first—whether it’s core functionality, user experience, or key design elements that will drive the project forward. I also regularly reassess my priorities as the project progresses to ensure I’m staying aligned with evolving needs and timelines. Clear communication with my team is essential to stay on track and adapt when necessary. I rely on tools like Figma and Notion to stay organized and frequently check in to make sure I’m not missing any critical deadlines. In essence, it’s about staying flexible but focused, ensuring that I’m making progress where it matters most. Ruijingya Tang Design can definitely be time-consuming, especially when you're committed to quality, clarity, and iteration. To manage my time, I anchor every project around clear priorities and stages—from research to exploration, refinement, and delivery. I break down complex problems into smaller, testable steps so I can get feedback early and avoid unnecessary rework. I also use time-blocking to protect deep focus hours for creative work, and I leave room for reflection—because some of the best design decisions happen when I step away and come back with fresh perspective. Tools like Notion, Figma, and structured critiques help keep both the project and the collaboration on track. Most importantly, I’ve learned that good time management isn’t just about moving fast—it’s about knowing when to pause, listen, and make each decision count.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
QZART : Qihang Zhang Designing can definitely be time-consuming — especially when you're trying to balance precision with creativity, or clarity with emotion. To manage my time, I anchor each day with clear priorities. I break large projects into smaller decision points, so I can focus without feeling overwhelmed. I reserve mornings for deep, focused design work — and leave the afternoons for feedback, iteration, and collaboration. I also try to respect my creative energy. Some ideas take time to incubate, and I’ve learned not to force them. I schedule moments of pause — reading, walking, or even just switching tools — to let inspiration catch up. Ultimately, good time management in design isn’t just about speed — it’s about flow. Knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to let the work speak back to you. Ruijingya Tang It really depends. The timeline for designing something—from idea to completion—varies based on the project’s complexity, scope, and level of refinement needed. A small, focused feature might take a couple of weeks, while a more strategic, emotionally layered product—like Memory Land or Talent Search—can unfold over several months with multiple iterations and rounds of feedback. The key isn’t speed—it’s alignment and clarity at each stage. I spend time upfront defining the problem, understanding the user, and building shared context with collaborators. That helps avoid unnecessary backtracking later on. Ultimately, I’m less focused on rushing to the finish line and more focused on making sure every decision contributes to a design that’s clear, thoughtful, and human-centered.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
QZART : Qihang Zhang The question I get asked most often is: “How do you make something both intuitive and meaningful?” Whether it’s by junior designers, product managers, or founders — people often want to know how to balance usability with emotional impact, especially in products that involve complex data or storytelling. My answer is always: listen more, test early, and design for clarity first — then layer in tone, emotion, and nuance. Good design solves the problem. Great design tells the story. And the sweet spot is where those two meet. Ruijingya Tang The key is to build mutual understanding and shared language early on. I make sure to align with PMs on user goals, business objectives, and scope constraints—so we’re not just building what’s feasible, but what’s valuable. With engineers, I focus on designing with implementation in mind: clear documentation, structured handoffs, and proactive discussions about edge cases and feasibility. I also rely on visuals and prototypes to reduce ambiguity—showing instead of telling whenever possible. And I make space for ongoing feedback, treating collaboration as a dialogue rather than a sequence. In fast-paced environments like Chartmetric, this kind of communication helps turn complex ideas into reality without losing speed or quality. At the end of the day, good design depends on good relationships—and that starts with clear, respectful, and curious communication.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
QZART : Qihang Zhang My most important job experience was serving as the Senior Product Designer at Chartmetric, a leading music data analytics platform used by professionals at Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and other global companies. At Chartmetric, I led the design of several high-impact products — most notably Talent Search, a scouting tool that helps the industry discover rising artists through data, and the Chartmetric Mobile App, which brought advanced analytics into an accessible mobile experience. Both tools received multiple international design awards and were featured in industry publications and exhibitions. This role was pivotal not only because of the scale and visibility of the work, but because it taught me how to balance data and emotion, business strategy and user advocacy, all within a fast-paced, global environment. It shaped how I think about design — not just as an interface, but as influence. Ruijingya Tang My most important job experience has been my time at Chartmetric, where I’ve led the design of multiple high-impact, award-winning products in the music tech space. One project that stands out is the Talent Search tool—a data-driven platform that helps record labels discover rising artists. Designing this tool pushed me to balance large-scale data visualization with usability, emotion, and business value. It was a powerful example of how design can turn complexity into insight, and insight into action. This experience deepened my ability to lead cross-functional collaboration, structure systems at scale, and advocate for users in data-rich but emotionally nuanced contexts. It also showed me the power of design to shape not just interfaces, but entire industry workflows.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
QZART : Qihang Zhang Many of the products I’ve designed — especially during my time at Chartmetric — have been used by professionals at some of the world’s leading companies in music and entertainment. These include Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Disney, Apple’s Platoon, and SM Entertainment, among others. While I wasn’t directly employed by these companies, I led the design of tools such as Talent Search and the Chartmetric Mobile App, which became core parts of their daily workflows — from scouting artists to analyzing global trends. I’ve also collaborated with organizations like National Geographic early in my career, and my independent projects have been exhibited at venues including Art Shopping Paris at the Louvre and NYCxDesign at the Javits Center in New York. Ruijingya Tang I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients across industries—most notably in music technology and healthcare, where design plays a crucial role in turning complexity into clarity. At Chartmetric, I led the design of award-winning products used by global leaders like Spotify, Sony Music, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Platoon (Apple-owned). These tools help professionals discover talent, interpret streaming trends, and make data-informed decisions in a fast-moving industry. In healthcare, I worked at Babyscripts, where my designs supported over 150,000 pregnancies across 20+ U.S. states. Their client network includes major health systems such as Penn Medicine, George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, Advocate Aurora Health, Banner Health, and WellSpan Health. Designing for this space taught me how to balance clinical accuracy, patient empathy, and workflow efficiency—especially for underserved populations navigating maternal health. Across both industries, I’ve worked with stakeholders who value design as a strategic force, not just a visual layer—using it to build trust, improve outcomes, and scale impact.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I’m most drawn to design work that sits at the intersection of data, culture, and human emotion — especially in fields like music, memory, and social impact. Whether I’m building tools for professionals to discover emerging talent through analytics, or creating interactive stories that help people preserve personal memories, I’m fascinated by how design can make the invisible visible — how it can reveal patterns, unlock emotion, and build connection. What I love most is when the work feels both analytical and poetic — when you’re not just solving problems, but telling stories that matter. That’s where I feel design is most powerful: not just as a tool for function, but as a medium for meaning. Ruijingya Tang Across all my projects—whether it's UX design, data visualization, or digital artwork—I consistently prioritize three things: empathy, clarity, and emotional resonance. Empathy grounds my work in real human needs. I start every project by understanding the context—through research, interviews, and observation—so I’m designing for people, not assumptions. Clarity shapes how I translate complexity into intuitive systems. Whether I’m working with health data or global music trends, I focus on structure, hierarchy, and simplicity. Emotional resonance is the thread that connects all my work. I want users to feel something—calm, confidence, connection—not just complete a task. I rely heavily on digital tools like Figma and Notion, but I always start with hand sketches and messy notes to explore ideas without constraint. Depending on the project, I might prototype in Figma, visualize in Illustrator, or even create conceptual models for more experiential work. My approach is flexible, but always rooted in storytelling and systems thinking. The common theme across all my work is the desire to make people feel seen, empowered, and supported—especially when they’re navigating something complex or emotionally significant.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
QZART : Qihang Zhang Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring how design can shape the future of culture, technology, and human connection. In the near term, I’ll be joining the MBA program at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where I hope to deepen my understanding of product strategy and social innovation. I’m also continuing to develop projects at the intersection of AI, storytelling, and public good — building tools that not only function well, but also amplify underrepresented voices and preserve collective memory. At heart, I remain a designer — but I’m increasingly thinking like a systems builder, a narrative architect, and a cultural translator. What’s next for me is not just about designing products — it’s about designing futures. Ruijingya Tang Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue designing at the intersection of technology, culture, and human emotion. I plan to keep working on projects that challenge me to translate complex systems into intuitive, emotionally intelligent experiences—especially in areas like digital health, creative tools, and AI-powered decision-making. I also want to deepen my impact through mentorship, writing, and public speaking, sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation of designers and contributing to conversations about inclusive, ethical, and emotionally aware design. Long term, I’m interested in building or co-founding a practice or platform that blends design research, systems thinking, and storytelling—one that helps people navigate the digital world with more clarity, agency, and empathy.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I’ve worked in both settings — independently and as part of cross-functional teams — and I value what each mode brings. In projects like Memory Land, I collaborated closely with a motion designer and content strategist, co-creating a narrative experience from concept to execution. At Chartmetric, I worked alongside product managers, data engineers, and marketing leads, driving the end-to-end design of tools like Talent Search and the Mobile App. While I often led the design independently, every successful outcome came from meaningful collaboration and shared context. That said, I’m also comfortable initiating and executing solo projects — especially during early-stage concepting, visual direction, or storytelling work. I believe strong designers should be able to lead autonomously and listen deeply. Design is never in a vacuum — it’s always in conversation. Ruijingya Tang I do both. I often work as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team, especially on larger or high-impact projects where aligning with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders is key to success. I enjoy those moments of shared problem-solving—where strategy, technology, and design come together. At the same time, I’m fully capable of independently driving a design from concept to completion. I’ve led solo design efforts on award-winning projects like Memory Land, where I handled research, UX, visual design, and storytelling. My process is structured but flexible, allowing me to move independently while also building in feedback loops when needed.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
QZART : Qihang Zhang Yes — I’m currently exploring a new project that brings together generative AI, cultural memory, and interactive storytelling. The goal is to design an experience that helps users reconstruct personal or collective memories using data, visuals, and ambient sound — blending algorithmic suggestion with deeply human nuance. It’s still in early stages, but it builds on themes I’ve long been drawn to: memory, narrative, and the emotional side of technology. I’m also thinking a lot about how to preserve digital heritage and design for intergenerational empathy. At the same time, I’m preparing to begin my MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where I plan to further develop this work — both creatively and strategically — with peers across design, technology, and ethics. Ruijingya Tang Yes—I'm currently exploring several new directions that build on my passion for emotional design and emerging technologies. One work-in-progress is a conceptual platform that helps users reflect on and organize emotionally significant digital artifacts—from voice notes to photos to memory objects. It’s a natural evolution of Memory Land, but with broader applications across personal storytelling, digital wellness, and even estate planning. I'm also developing a visual series that explores the cognitive and cultural implications of AI-generated memory—combining illustration, research, and interface design to reflect on how we externalize and shape our identities through digital tools. These projects are still evolving, but they all sit at the intersection of memory, identity, and interaction—which is where I feel most creatively and intellectually engaged.
DI: How can people contact you?
QZART : Qihang Zhang I’m always happy to connect — especially with fellow designers, creatives, and curious minds around the world. The best way to reach me is through my mentorship page on ADPList: https://adplist.org/mentors/mike-zhang Whether you’re just starting out or exploring new directions, I’m always open to thoughtful conversations. Design is about connection — and I’m grateful for every one it brings. Ruijingya Tang You can reach me at ruijingya.tang@gmail.com or through my portfolio website at ruijingya.com. I’m always open to thoughtful collaborations, interviews, and conversations around design, technology, and culture.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
QZART : Qihang Zhang If there’s one thing I’d add, it’s this: I believe design is not just about solving problems — it’s about protecting what’s meaningful. In an age of acceleration and automation, I find myself coming back to work that honors memory, language, identity, and emotion. I think designers today have a quiet power — not only to shape experiences, but to shape values. And with that comes responsibility. So I hope to keep designing things that last — not just in function, but in feeling. Ruijingya Tang Something I’d love to emphasize is that design, for me, is not just a profession—it’s a way of listening, interpreting, and caring. Whether I’m working on a data platform or a memorial experience, I approach every project with a commitment to emotional depth, cultural sensitivity, and long-term impact. I also believe that as designers, we’re not just shaping products—we’re shaping how people relate to information, technology, and themselves. That responsibility drives me to keep growing, questioning, and contributing to a more thoughtful and inclusive future for design.