Today we’d like to introduce you to Mingzhi Cai.
Hi Mingzhi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there, I’m a multi-disciplinary product experience designer. For over 8 years, I’ve been deeply involved in the design world. My journey has spanned various areas – from industrial design to 3D art and from graphic design to AR/VR experiences. My foundation in design is rooted in my early experiences with painting and Chinese calligraphy. I decided to become a designer, immersing myself in multiple design genres. I’ve designed furniture and home appliances to enhance aesthetics and functionality in people’s lives, branding to echo cultural roots, concert experiences to delve into fan-idol dynamics, and AR/VR experiences that bridge the gap between the virtual and the real. To me, it’s not just about the design genre but the problems we address and the stories we tell. My practical side eventually led me to my current passion: product experience design, where I focus on creating interfaces that solve real-world issues and elevate daily workflows.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The beginning of my design journey was challenging. While I have been immersed in art from a young age, my parents envisioned a traditional STEM path for me. As a science student, I found that design harmoniously balanced my expressive and logical inclinations, so I eventually chose to become a designer. My path wasn’t immediately clear right after that decision. I gravitated towards craft, but due to limited workshop resources, I ended up focusing on 3D modeling, which wasn’t my first love. With time and reflection, I accepted that my curiosity didn’t need to be confined to one niche. This acceptance allowed me to genuinely appreciate my diverse journey.
For our readers who might not be as familiar with you, can you tell them about what you do, what you specialize in, and what sets you apart from others?
I currently hold the position of product experience designer at a globally renowned credit card company. My expertise lies in devising digital strategies that uplift organizational performance. I aim to boost operational efficiency and foster informed decision-making by curating intuitive and captivating user experiences. I handle a wide spectrum of enterprise products that focus on digital payments, ranging from solutions that facilitate suppliers in invoice management and payment collection to tools that allow credit card issuers to oversee transaction performance in real time. I also designed systems that support financial institutions in optimizing the effectiveness of their cash-back programs. Within our design team, I am the main contributor to the design system, a pivotal tool that enhances collaboration, ensures a consistent brand presentation, and accelerates product deployment, all contributing to cost reduction.
In terms of what sets me apart, first and foremost, I prioritize empathy, not just for users but also for my team. My attention to detail, combined with my multicultural background, has cultivated a profound empathy for people. I enjoy engaging with users to understand their experiences and pain points, the stories behind their feelings. Recognizing that delivering exceptional user experiences requires a collaborative team effort, I care deeply about our team’s goals, scope, and the time and effort invested by my colleagues. I strive to make collective decisions that can benefit both the users and our team.
Additionally, I take pride in my ability to design fast and learn relentlessly. I’m a quick learner, always motivated to acquire new knowledge about the business domains I design for and other ones I’m curious about as understanding the essence of the business is crucial for delivering high-quality design. I constantly strive to improve my aesthetic skills, refining my craftsmanship to meet high standards.
Equally important is my system-level thinking. I consider the entire user journey, the broader ecosystem, and the factors influencing user decisions. I strive to empathize with users and unearth potential business opportunities. I also balance the quick wins with long-term, sustainable solutions in alignment with the product’s roadmap.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic was undoubtedly a tumultuous period. Meanwhile, it highlighted human vulnerability and the essence of life. I was advised to prioritize my mental well-being instead of work, leading me to introspect deeply about my life choices, relationships, and personal health. I started routine exercises and began to understand the intricate relationship between physical health and mental states. This introspection fostered a stronger connection with myself, both as an individual and as a designer. The pandemic also heightened my empathy for those adversely affected, particularly artists grappling with gallery shutdowns. This empathy catalyzed the creation of my award-winning project, Gallermy, a mobile platform designed to bolster artists’ profitability and help people appreciate the beauty artists create. I truly believe in leveraging design as an instrument for positive change, and I will continue to contribute and give back to the communities I’m a part of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dribbble.com/MinzC
- Other: https://www.figma.com/@mingzhic
