Today we’d like to introduce you to Mingchen Ye.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Back when I was a kid, there was this amazing shop near our home, a treasure trove of fascinating items – from collapsible storage bins to spill-proof mugs. As a kid with limited pocket money, I couldn’t afford any of these things, but just window shopping there was so much fun. My dream used to be the owner of that magical place. However, as I grew older, I realized there was something even more thrilling than owning cool items: creating them. In middle school, I was naturally drawn to creative activities, like designing posters for school events, crafting props for plays, and making handmade gifts for my friends. Looking back, those were my early steps into the world of design.
Later on, I came across an interview with an industrial designer in a magazine. It dawned on me that creating cool things was more than a hobby; it could actually be my profession. That insight sparked my new dream. Upon entering college, I enthusiastically pursued industrial design. I earned my undergraduate degree at Tianjin University and later completed my graduate studies at ArtCenter. This educational journey deepened my understanding that design wasn’t just about dreaming up cool ideas. It’s a broad field requiring deep empathy for users, a keen eye for aesthetics, a solid grasp of business, and a thorough understanding of engineering. Marrying these elements is key to crafting meaningful designs that touch lives and bring joy.
After completing my master’s, I landed a dream role in a fantastic in-house design team in China. It was my first dive into the entire product development process, from ideation to mass production. I was incredibly fortunate to work alongside a team of talented designers, engineers, and product managers. One of my first designs to launch was the OPPO Reno8 smartphone. In this project, we pushed the boundaries of materials and manufacturing, bringing a fresh and elevated design language to the brand. The launch of the OPPO Reno8 was a great success, receiving a lot of positive feedback from users. Knowing that something I’ve designed is now in the hands of millions brings an indescribable feeling of joy and achievement. These are the moments that underscore my passion for design.
In 2022, I ventured into a new adventure in the US, immersing myself in consultancies with a variety of design challenges. Collaborating with clients ranging from large corporations to vibrant startups, I tackled projects in kitchenware, lighting, consumer electronics, and beyond. Each project offered a new insight into diverse markets and user experiences. Reflecting on my journey, I realize how incredibly lucky I am to be a designer. This career has led me through a rich tapestry of cultures, shaped my ability to embrace challenges, and enabled me to view the world through various lenses.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every time I’ve left my comfort zone, it’s been tough, but it’s always brought unexpected rewards too.
Take my move from China to the US for graduate studies, for instance. Navigating through language barriers and cultural differences was really challenging. In one of my design research courses, we were tasked with interviewing people outside our usual social circles to gain authentic user insights. It pushed me to break out of my social comfort zone. Without any local contacts, I resorted to cold emailing people for my project. Surprisingly, most people were more than willing to help. This taught me a valuable lesson: don’t be afraid to ask for help.
I’m truly grateful for the challenges and obstacles I’ve encountered along the way, as well as for the support I received during tough times. These experiences have greatly boosted my self-confidence and helped me stay positive and proactive when I face new challenges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My international background and diverse experiences have shaped a distinctive approach to my design work. In the last ten years, I’ve lived in eight global cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Taipei, Shanghai, and more. Immersing myself in diverse cultures has broadened my perspective, deepened my empathy, and kept me ready to embrace new challenges. Moreover, through these journeys, I’ve gained the ability to quickly connect with different stakeholders and thoughtfully address their needs with an open and adaptive mindset.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Don’t worry about not being ‘good enough.’ You are much stronger than you realize.
Before starting at ArtCenter, I heard about the intense workload and worried whether I could handle the academic pressure. But as soon as I delved into my design studies, my worries faded away. I found myself concentrating on improving my designs rather than fearing failure.
A similar situation arose when I transitioned from an in-house team to a consultancy. Initially, I was concerned about adapting to the faster pace since in-house projects tend to have longer timelines than consultancies. Yet, once I started working in consultancy, I realized that the fundamental aspects of design thinking and approach were quite alike. With support from my manager, I quickly learned how to swiftly understand client needs and craft fitting solutions.
If you’re at the beginning of your journey, it’s natural to feel you lack the experience or skills and to doubt your ability to succeed in your goals. By taking action rather than just waiting and worrying, you’ll soon discover that your personal growth and accomplishments will surpass what you had initially anticipated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mingchenye.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mingchenye/
