Interview with Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang

Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang ("COAQZ") interviewed on Monday, 7 July.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: I’m a multidisciplinary designer with experience across graphic, brand, and product design. I’ve worked as a freelance graphic designer, helping startups and organizations shape their visual identity and communicate their values through clear, compelling brand systems. At the Aspen Institute, I served as a strategy designer, where I collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop creative solutions for social impact initiatives — combining design thinking with long-term planning. Additionally, I worked as a product designer at DC Comics, where I contributed to enhancing digital product experiences for a global fan base, blending storytelling with user-centered design. I care deeply about user experience — I believe design is ultimately about serving people. To me, good design is not just about how things look, but how they work and how they align with the broader goals of a product or business. I find purpose in using design to bridge communication, drive engagement, and create positive change. Qihang Zhang: I’m a product and visual designer specializing in data-driven digital tools for music, AI, and public service. My work combines systems thinking with emotional clarity—especially in fast-moving, information-heavy environments. I served as Senior Product Designer at Chartmetric, where I led the design of Talent Search and the mobile app—platforms now used by professionals at Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and more. These products have received international recognition, including the iF Design Award, A’ Design Award, and Indigo Design Award. Outside of music tech, I’ve designed for nonprofits, education, and civic tech—including partnerships with Harvard, Born This Way Foundation, and National Geographic. My approach is grounded in the belief that good design makes the complex feel intuitive, and that even in B2B products, we should never lose sight of human impact. I see design as a tool to empower—not just to decorate—and to make systems more transparent, inclusive, and actionable.

How did you become a designer?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: From a young age, I’ve been naturally drawn to aesthetics. I loved fashion and had a habit of surrounding myself with beautiful, well-designed things. That early curiosity led me to explore drawing, which gave me a solid foundation in visual expression. Later, I moved into the digital space — learning how to bring my ideas to life through software and design tools. I experimented with various media: print magazines, packaging, videos, and eventually user interfaces for apps and websites. In many ways, my creative journey has always been guided by a passion for beauty. But what truly shaped my path as a designer was discovering service design. It helped me realize that I’m not just passionate about visuals — I’m also deeply interested in how people interact with systems, products, and environments. Today, my work focuses on crafting experiences that are not only visually refined but also intuitive and human-centered. To me, the most powerful design happens when aesthetics and function work hand in hand. Qihang Zhang: I became a designer because I’ve always been fascinated by how things work—and more importantly, how they can work better for people. Growing up, I loved dissecting systems, whether it was the structure of a news article, the interface of a mobile app, or the narrative arc of a concert. Design became my way of connecting those pieces: form, function, and feeling. What keeps me motivated today is the idea that design can shift power. In many of the industries I work in—like music, public safety, or AI—information is often inaccessible, confusing, or reserved for insiders. Through design, I aim to bring clarity to that complexity and give people tools that feel empowering, not overwhelming. At its core, I see design as a service. It’s about amplifying human decisions, making systems more transparent, and building experiences that earn trust. That belief continues to guide my work, especially when designing for high-stakes or underserved contexts.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: In my design process, I prioritize three key aspects: understanding user pain points, conducting user and market research, and aligning with the company’s overall business goals. To me, design doesn’t start with visuals — it starts with empathy. My core philosophy is to follow the user. True design inspiration comes from uncovering real needs and behavioral insights. When we understand who we are designing for and what they truly need, design becomes purposeful and effective. In terms of technique, I enjoy combining freehand sketching with digital tools. Sketching helps me capture spontaneous ideas without limitation, while digital tools like Figma or Adobe allow me to refine those ideas with structure and precision. I rely on this hybrid process to maintain both creative freedom and execution quality. When starting a new project, I always begin by stepping back and asking: What problem are we trying to solve? Who are the people affected? What context are they in? I map out the ecosystem — from users to stakeholders — and look for patterns, unmet needs, or friction points. Only after this phase do I begin sketching or prototyping. This human-first, research-grounded approach helps me build solutions that are both visually compelling and strategically grounded. In every project, my goal is to balance user experience with long-term business impact — creating designs that feel intuitive, emotionally resonant, and aligned with larger goals. Qihang Zhang: My design process is grounded in three priorities: systems clarity, emotional resonance, and responsible impact. I believe the best design doesn’t just solve a problem—it reveals a deeper truth about how people navigate information, power, and trust. When I take on a new project, I start by mapping the system: Who are the users? What are the workflows? Where are the bottlenecks or blind spots? I look for the invisible forces shaping behavior—whether it’s organizational structure, legacy tools, or unspoken anxieties. From there, I define a design strategy that doesn’t just patch the issue, but reframes it with clarity. My style is clean, accessible, and emotionally intelligent. I often rely on Figma, Webflow, and code-based tools for precision and iteration—but I always sketch and map first to think spatially. I also prioritize accessibility and inclusivity standards early in the process, not as a final polish. In every project, I try to balance logic and feeling: designing with both the mind and the gut. Whether I’m working on a mobile app or a civic platform, I aim to create tools that feel transparent, empowering, and honest—designs that not only function, but resonate with purpose.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: When I’m designing, I often feel a strong mix of curiosity and responsibility. I’ve always been drawn to practical, human-centered design — not just abstract ideas, but solutions that can be used, felt, and experienced by real people. I want my work to serve actual communities and meet real needs. My favorite part of the process is user research. It’s where all my ideas begin, and where I get the clearest understanding of who I’m designing for. Listening to people — their frustrations, habits, expectations — helps me build not only better products but also more empathy-driven systems. Design brings me deep fulfillment and joy, especially when I see it improving someone’s quality of life. That’s when I feel like what I do truly matters. I continue to design because I genuinely love solving problems — and I’ve come to realize that I have a natural talent for it. In life, I tend to be someone who notices and cares about how others feel. That same sensitivity shows up in my work. What motivates me the most is user feedback. When someone tells me that my design made their day easier, clearer, or safer, it reminds me that I’m creating value — and that is the most powerful feeling. Qihang Zhang: Designing fills me with a blend of curiosity, urgency, and quiet joy. There’s something deeply fulfilling about turning ambiguity into clarity—about taking a mess of data, opinions, or constraints and shaping it into something that feels simple, intuitive, and kind. That transformation process is what I live for. The most exciting phase for me is the moment when things start to click—when I’ve mapped the system, listened to users, tested ideas, and suddenly the pieces align. It’s not a single spark, but a slow reveal. That moment carries a mix of calm and exhilaration—like solving a puzzle while knowing someone else’s life might be improved because of it. I feel most emotionally connected during usability testing and feedback moments. When a user says, “This makes me feel seen,” or “I didn’t think this tool could work for someone like me,” it’s incredibly moving. It reminds me that design isn’t just a job—it’s a way to show care, to build trust, and to bridge gaps that systems often leave behind. Design gives me purpose because it turns observation into action. It lets me respond to injustice with clarity, and to complexity with compassion. That sense of contribution—of building something that helps someone navigate their world more confidently—is where my fulfillment truly comes from.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: My background has always been rooted in a strong sensitivity to aesthetics and people. Since I was a child, I’ve had a deep interest in visual beauty — from fashion to composition to how objects relate to the body and space. I naturally gravitated toward drawing, which laid the foundation for my visual literacy. Later, I transitioned from traditional media to digital design, where I learned to bring my ideas into more practical, scalable formats — such as branding, print, video, packaging, websites, and apps. This shift helped me realize that design is not just about expressing beauty, but also about solving problems and improving how people experience the world. One of the biggest turning points in my path was discovering service design and user experience. I realized that beyond just making things look good, I could use design to create systems that are intuitive, inclusive, and helpful — especially for people in vulnerable or underserved communities. Another key influence is my personality: I tend to be someone who notices details, empathizes with others, and enjoys being the one who “figures things out” for people. That sense of attentiveness and care naturally translated into how I design. So, in short: my background in aesthetics, drawing, digital tools, and empathy — all came together to shape the kind of designer I am today. Qihang Zhang: My background in communication, education, and social impact work has had a huge influence on how I design. Before formally studying design, I worked as a researcher and strategist, where I learned how to distill complex ideas, conduct interviews, and tell stories that resonate. These skills helped me build strong foundations in narrative, empathy, and systems thinking—long before I touched a design tool. One of the most valuable non-design skills I carry is listening. Whether it’s sitting with a user, unpacking team tensions, or interpreting conflicting feedback, I’ve learned that much of design success comes from being able to hear what’s really being said beneath the surface. I also bring skills in writing and facilitation, which help me align stakeholders and articulate why design choices matter. Another influence has been my lived experience navigating different cultures and institutions—from UCLA to Oxford to Harvard. That cross-cultural perspective has made me more attuned to edge cases, inclusivity, and the unspoken rules that shape how people use products. My design journey wasn’t linear. I didn’t start in art school—I came from storytelling, policy, and teaching. But that detour gave me a wider lens. Today, it allows me to approach design not just as interface work, but as a way to structure power, access, and opportunity.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: My growth as a designer has followed a path from aesthetics to systems thinking. I started with a love for visual storytelling and illustration, then moved into digital tools to create more scalable and practical designs — websites, apps, brand identities. Over time, I found myself drawn more and more to service design, user research, and strategy, especially in areas where design can improve people’s lives in concrete ways. Now, I focus not only on how things look, but how systems feel — how intuitive, inclusive, or dignified they are for the people using them. That shift changed everything for me. In the future, I want to continue growing in design for public good — especially in civic design, community platforms, and products that serve vulnerable or overlooked populations. I’d like to work more with interdisciplinary teams — including policy makers, engineers, and social workers — to create solutions that are both humane and scalable. My dream project would be something that combines social impact, behavioral change, and systemic design — like reimagining how urban communities report and resolve non-emergency incidents, or building a multilingual platform that bridges immigrant families with local services. Design, to me, has always been a tool for care. I want to use it to make things that are not just beautiful or efficient, but deeply human. Qihang Zhang: My growth as a designer has been shaped by a shift from communication to computation—and now, toward impact at scale. I started in media and research, learning how to tell stories and simplify complexity. Over time, I moved into product design, building platforms that combine data with emotion—especially in music, safety, and AI. What’s guided me throughout is a desire to make tools that empower people—not just serve institutions. I’m especially drawn to products that sit at the intersection of public systems and private tech: tools that help individuals navigate complex services, from finding emergency aid to understanding algorithmic decisions. In the future, I hope to build design teams that tackle structural problems—like the opacity of public records, the stigma around mental health, or the inaccessibility of creative tools for underserved artists. I want to keep collaborating with engineers, researchers, and policymakers to build systems that are not only efficient, but dignified. My dream project would be designing a platform that helps people reclaim agency—whether it’s a data transparency dashboard, an AI companion that explains government documents, or a civic reporting tool designed for non-English speakers. Ultimately, I want to be remembered not just for clean interfaces, but for helping create more honest, inclusive systems—designs that quietly change how people relate to power, and to each other.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

COAQZ : To designers just starting out, our biggest advice is to embrace ambiguity and stay curious. Great design rarely starts from a clear brief—it often begins in the mess, where things are uncertain, goals are evolving, and constraints are still emerging. Don’t be afraid of that. The discomfort is where the most meaningful design happens. It’s also important not to confuse visual polish with thoughtful problem-solving. Learn to ask better questions before jumping into solutions. Understand who you're designing for, what systems you're operating within, and where the real friction points lie. User research and systems thinking are your best allies. Another lesson we've learned is to stay grounded in process, not just outcomes. Some of your best work may never launch, or it may change drastically due to external forces. That doesn't mean it wasn’t worthwhile. Every iteration strengthens your instincts, resilience, and creative voice. And don’t rush to specialize. Try different mediums—print, product, brand, interaction. You’ll find that the broader your toolkit, the more versatile and valuable you become. Stay interdisciplinary. Read widely. Talk to people outside the design world. Teach others, even if you're still learning yourself. Finally, remember: your worth as a designer isn’t defined by your portfolio, job title, or the number of likes on a project. It’s in how well you listen, how thoughtfully you solve, and how human your work feels. That’s what truly lasts.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

COAQZ : Success in design isn’t just about talent—it’s about how you navigate ambiguity, advocate for users, and build systems that scale without losing soul. One principle we live by is this: clarity is more powerful than cleverness. Whether you’re designing a button, a policy flow, or a brand identity, aim for decisions that feel inevitable, not just impressive. Another core belief is that design is not neutral. Every color choice, layout, or feature prioritization reflects values and assumptions. Be intentional. Ask whose needs are being centered—and whose are being left out. Build processes that include diverse voices early, not as a final check. We’ve also learned that the best designers think beyond interfaces. Don’t just design screens—design outcomes. Spend more time understanding upstream context: the team dynamics, the data limitations, the business incentives. When you understand the full system, you’ll stop treating symptoms and start solving root causes. Prototyping early—even before you're ready—can unlock collaboration and alignment across teams. Writing clearly and intentionally can sharpen your thinking and build trust, especially in interdisciplinary environments. And creative growth often happens when you take on projects that feel slightly out of your depth—those are the moments that stretch your capabilities the most. Finally, it's important to protect your energy. Creative work is emotionally demanding. Learning when to rest, when to ask for help, and when to say no is just as important as any technical skill. At the end of the day, good design is often invisible. If your work helped someone feel seen, respected, or empowered—even if they never know your name—that is success.

What is your day to day look like?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: My daily routine starts with setting the tone for the day — usually by reviewing my to-do list, catching up on messages, and checking in on project timelines. I try to reserve the morning for heads-down work like ideating, sketching, or building out designs in Figma. That’s when I feel most focused and creative. Midday usually brings meetings — design reviews, team check-ins, or syncs with engineers and product managers. I enjoy those collaborative moments, especially when we’re problem-solving together and shaping a shared vision. In the afternoon, I often spend time refining visual details or organizing handoff files. I find a lot of joy in making things feel both polished and purposeful. Sometimes I’ll also read design blogs or newsletters to stay in touch with what’s happening in the field. Even on the most routine days, there are little things that make me happy — like solving a tricky UI interaction, hearing a teammate say “this just feels right,” or catching a bit of design humor in a Slack thread. Those moments remind me how lucky I am to do what I love. Qihang Zhang: My day-to-day as a designer is a dynamic mix of independent focus and team leadership. On one hand, I dive deep into research, prototyping, and refining design flows using tools like Figma and Notion. On the other hand, I often take the lead in defining project direction, setting stage-based goals, and coordinating with cross-functional teams — including PMs, engineers, researchers, and stakeholders. In some projects, I also serve as a design mentor, helping junior designers clarify their ideas and improve their process. I really enjoy that aspect — design is a collaborative craft, and being able to guide others gives me a broader perspective as well. What keeps me inspired every day is the balance between creative problem-solving and strategic planning. I love translating insights into clear, human-centered solutions — and making sure the team stays aligned on both the "why" and the "how." Even in a routine day, those moments of alignment and shared clarity are deeply fulfilling.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: I do keep an eye on design trends — not to follow them blindly, but to stay in conversation with the wider design culture. I regularly browse design blogs, newsletters, and visual inspiration platforms like Behance and Pinterest, and I enjoy observing how color palettes, typography, and layout conventions evolve over time. That said, I don’t believe in designing just to fit what’s popular. My goal is to create work that feels timeless, grounded in clarity and intention. If a trend supports that — for example, if it helps make an interface feel more accessible or delightful — I’m happy to embrace it. But I’m equally comfortable deviating from trends when a project calls for it. Ultimately, my style is rooted in emotional clarity and thoughtful structure. I want my designs to resonate with people, not just reflect what’s “in” at the moment. For me, inspiration often comes from outside the design world — art, architecture, nature, fashion. Trends can be a helpful reference, but they’re never the goal. Qihang Zhang: I treat design trends more as signals than as rules. I stay aware of them by reading design publications, monitoring emerging interaction patterns in new apps, and attending cross-disciplinary conferences. Trends often reflect deeper shifts in culture, tech, or behavior — and I find that fascinating. But I don’t let trends dictate my decisions. My work tends to prioritize systems thinking, accessibility, and emotional resonance over surface-level novelty. I’m more interested in designing tools that remain relevant five years from now than ones that feel trendy today but age poorly. That said, I do study trends critically — to understand what’s resonating, what’s being overused, and where the gaps are. Sometimes, I’ll draw from a trend not to blend in, but to subvert or reframe it in a more meaningful way. My inspiration comes from diverse sources: policy design, music visualizations, editorial layouts, even subway signage. I believe great design balances awareness of the moment with a deeper commitment to timelessness and integrity.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: To me, good design is measured by its impact — not just how it looks, but how well it solves the right problem for the right people. I know a product is well-designed when: It feels intuitive and frictionless to the user; It addresses a real pain point in a clear and human-centered way; It aligns with the broader business or social objectives, and contributes to long-term value; And it evolves based on feedback — because good design is rarely a one-time decision, it’s a continuous process of listening, testing, and improving. A well-designed experience should make people feel understood, respected, and empowered — not confused or left out. That’s why I always ask: “Who is this for? Are we truly helping them? Can they navigate this with clarity and confidence?” So for me, good design is not about perfection — it's about purpose, empathy, and effectiveness. When these three things come together, we create work that is both beautiful and meaningful. Qihang Zhang: I define good design as clarity that creates confidence. A product is well-designed when it makes complex tasks feel simple, helps users make better decisions, and honors their time, attention, and emotional state. When I evaluate a project, I ask: Does it reduce friction without removing agency? Does it align with real user needs, not just imagined ones? And does it hold up under pressure—across edge cases, accessibility challenges, and long-term use? To me, good design should feel inevitable in hindsight, even if it took a hundred drafts to get there. It’s not about cleverness or novelty; it’s about doing the hard work to make something feel natural. One mistake I often see is over-design—when the solution tries to say too much, solve too much, or stand out for the wrong reasons. The best designs often stay out of the way while delivering value with grace. Above all, I believe good design earns trust. And trust comes from consistency, care, and the courage to prioritize what truly matters.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

COAQZ : Chunjia Ouyang: I consider a design ready when it has gone through thoughtful validation and meaningful alignment. For me, it’s never just about how polished something looks — it’s about whether it solves a real problem for real users in a clear and intuitive way. I usually rely on user interviews, usability testing, or behavior feedback to make sure the design works in actual scenarios, not just in theory. At the same time, I make sure the design aligns with technical feasibility, business goals, and brand consistency. This often involves collaboration with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure the experience is solid from all angles. Even when a design is ready to ship, I still view it as part of an ongoing process. Good design doesn’t stop at launch — I leave space for iteration based on real-world usage and learning. But when a design is understandable, feasible, purposeful, and ready to live in the hands of users, that’s when I know it’s ready. Qihang Zhang: For me, a design is “ready” not when it feels perfect, but when it holds up under pressure—from users, systems, and time. I look for a moment when the design is clear enough to explain in one sentence, stable enough to ship without surprises, and flexible enough to evolve without breaking. I don’t believe in absolute completion. There’s always something that could be refined, but I’ve learned to ask: does this version serve its purpose well, and does further iteration bring meaningful value—or just personal satisfaction? That line helps me decide when to move forward. I rely on both qualitative feedback and behavioral data to determine readiness. Usability tests, internal critiques, and cross-functional reviews all play a role. I also look for emotional signals—when users say, “Oh, this makes sense now,” or when engineers say, “This is clean to build,” I know we’re close. Even after launch, I keep a light mental tab open. Sometimes the real insights only emerge in production. But the moment I feel confident that the design empowers its users, aligns with its context, and carries its weight without needing to be explained—that’s when I consider it ready.

What is your biggest design work?

COAQZ : Our most meaningful and ambitious project to date is Blueline, a public safety platform designed to rebuild trust between law enforcement and underserved communities. It’s a project rooted in urgency, empathy, and systems thinking — and one that challenged us to rethink how design can shape institutional relationships in moments of crisis. We began Blueline in response to a fundamental question: What does safety feel like — and who gets to define it? In many communities, particularly those marginalized by race, class, or immigration status, reporting crimes or seeking help can feel unsafe in itself. We wanted to create a tool that restored a sense of dignity and agency to those who need protection the most. The platform is built around a few key principles: accessibility, anonymity, real-time transparency, and multilingual support. It allows users to file and track cases without fear of retaliation, while providing departments with a streamlined, ethically-informed interface for responding. From typography and color to form structure and tone of voice, every design decision was made with care — balancing clarity, discretion, and emotional sensitivity. Blueline was technically and emotionally demanding. We had to design for edge cases, legal constraints, and real human fears — all while maintaining usability and trust. One of the biggest challenges was aligning multiple stakeholders: users, officers, lawyers, and community advocates. But those tensions made the project stronger. They forced us to listen deeply, prototype responsibly, and iterate toward shared understanding. We’re proud of Blueline not only for its interface, but for the questions it asks — about power, protection, and responsibility. It’s our biggest work not because of its size, but because of its stakes. It’s a reminder that good design doesn’t just make things easier. It can make systems more just.

Who is your favourite designer?

COAQZ : As a team, we’re especially inspired by designers who reshape the relationship between form, clarity, and interaction at a systemic level. One recent example that truly resonated with us is the Apple Human Interface Team’s visual direction in iOS 26 — particularly their continued evolution of the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic first hinted at in VisionOS. This design language blends depth, translucency, and light in a way that feels fluid, breathable, and quietly futuristic. It’s not just visually beautiful — it reflects a thoughtful shift in how we perceive digital space, transparency, and tactility across interfaces. While Apple doesn’t credit individual designers, we deeply admire the collective philosophy and execution from the team, and would love the chance to learn how they approached such a multi-sensory, scalable experience. Beyond Apple, we’ve long admired the clarity of Dieter Rams, the poetic restraint of Kenya Hara, and the enduring influence of Raymond Loewy. These designers remind us that great design is timeless not because it resists change, but because it embraces purpose, feeling, and systems thinking. To us, the most iconic designers are those who don’t just follow trends — they build frameworks for how the future can feel.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

COAQZ : Both of us come from China, and that shared cultural background deeply informs how we see the world — and how we design. Growing up in a place where tradition and innovation coexist, we developed a strong sensitivity to nuance, symbolism, and rhythm. Chinese culture values balance — between form and function, restraint and expression — and that principle continues to guide our design work today. We draw inspiration not only from the rich visual language of Chinese calligraphy, ceramics, and architecture, but also from everyday systems — the order of a tea ritual, the pace of urban life, the patterns of conversation. These subtle influences shape our attention to detail, our approach to layout and flow, and our belief in clarity as a form of respect. While we’ve lived and worked in global cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Boston, New York, and San Francisco, we often return to our cultural roots to re-ground ourselves. Music is a big part of our process — ambient sounds or instrumental tracks often help us enter a deep focus state when prototyping or refining. Design, for us, is not just a profession — it’s a philosophy that extends into daily life. It has taught us to be more intentional in how we structure our time, how we communicate with others, and how we build systems that are gentle, clear, and inclusive. Even small changes — like simplifying our digital workspace or adjusting how we give feedback — become ways to practice design ethics in everyday life. We believe good design is essential for a more equitable society. In a world that’s increasingly complex and fragmented, thoughtful design can restore a sense of connection, dignity, and trust — values that resonate deeply with both our culture and our personal journeys.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

COAQZ : As the team behind Blueline, our work culture is built on trust, clarity, and shared responsibility. We believe that great design comes not from individual brilliance, but from a collaborative process where everyone feels heard, challenged, and respected. We work closely across disciplines — from research and UX to visual design, content strategy, and product management. Our process is transparent and iterative. We ask hard questions early, welcome critique often, and treat ambiguity as part of the creative terrain. There’s no ego in the room — just a shared commitment to doing work that matters. When we choose collaborators or teammates, we look for curiosity, empathy, and a systems mindset. We value people who listen before speaking, who care about real users more than visual trends, and who are comfortable operating in complex, high-stakes environments. Design is not just what you do — it’s how you think, how you communicate, and how you hold space for others. We also believe in emotional safety as part of creative safety. That means fostering an environment where it’s okay to say “I don’t know,” to ask naïve questions, and to challenge assumptions without fear. Our best ideas often come from unexpected angles — from conversations with junior teammates, or insights shared in informal moments of reflection. The core challenge of our work is designing for impact without oversimplifying the realities of the systems we’re working within — especially in areas like public safety or social infrastructure. We aim to build tools that are not only functional and ethical, but also emotionally intelligent. If there’s one thing that defines our team culture, it’s this: we’re not designing for screens — we’re designing for people. And people are complex, evolving, and deserving of care.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

COAQZ : As designers, we believe that our role extends far beyond client briefs or commercial deliverables. Design is a tool for equity, and we’re committed to using it in service of communities that are often overlooked, underserved, or misrepresented. Blueline itself was born from that mindset — a pro bono initiative that began with the question: How can we make public safety more humane, accessible, and accountable? We didn’t design Blueline for recognition or revenue. We designed it because we saw a systemic gap — and we knew that thoughtful, ethical design could help close it. Outside of project work, we actively mentor emerging designers through programs like hackathons, community accelerators, and university partnerships. We’ve judged student designathons, reviewed portfolios, and given career talks — especially to students from underrepresented backgrounds who may not have traditional access to design networks. We remember how valuable guidance and encouragement were in our own journeys, and we’re committed to paying that forward. We also support nonprofits and civic groups with strategic design advice — whether it's simplifying a government form, improving a volunteer onboarding experience, or rethinking communication flows for a mental health helpline. These smaller moments of contribution often have outsized impact. To us, good design is not only beautiful or functional — it’s generous. It gives people dignity, agency, and clarity. And the more we center that generosity in our practice, the closer we get to building systems that are truly just.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

COAQZ : Participating in the A’ Design Award has been an incredibly affirming experience — not only as a form of recognition, but as an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the purpose and process behind our work. As a team, we often work in complex, emotionally charged spaces like public safety and social infrastructure. Winning the award for Blueline reminded us that thoughtful, systems-driven design — even when it’s quiet or difficult — matters on a global stage. It helped validate the idea that design can serve not only business goals, but civic and human needs as well. One of the most valuable aspects of the A’ Design Award is its emphasis on storytelling. The application process pushed us to articulate our design philosophy more clearly, to frame the context of our work, and to connect our decisions with the values we care about. That reflection alone strengthened how we present and advocate for our work moving forward. Three main benefits of participating in design competitions are: First, exposure — your work reaches a wider, more diverse audience that may include collaborators, clients, or mentors you wouldn’t otherwise meet. Second, credibility — being recognized by a respected international jury helps establish trust, especially in socially impactful design where legitimacy is critical. Third, growth — the act of documenting and defending your work sharpens your clarity and confidence as a designer. Being selected as Designer of the Day was a humbling honor. It gave us a moment to celebrate not just the outcome of our project, but the values, relationships, and risks that shaped it. More than anything, it reminded us that design is a shared journey — and that visibility can be a powerful tool for advocacy. We’re deeply grateful to the A’ Design Award for creating a platform that elevates thoughtful, interdisciplinary design and connects designers from across the world.

Chunjia Ouyang and Qihang Zhang Profile