Meet Qingyi Li of New York

Today we’d like to introduce you to Qingyi Li

Hi Qingyi , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My design journey has been a continuous exploration of how digital experiences can shape the way we connect, create, and understand the world.

I see design as a dialogue—between technology and humanity, functionality and emotion. It’s about crafting experiences that speak not just to the mind but also to the heart. Over the years, I’ve led projects at the intersection of design, technology, and social impact, always guided by a belief that complexity should be made simple, and that great design resonates both functionally and emotionally.

At Google, I lead the Figma design ecosystem within the Google Cloud Design System, a role where I shape the future of enterprise design. This space allows me to explore how we can empower creativity and redefine user interactions at scale. We are working on setting new industry benchmarks—streamlining workflows, boosting productivity, and maintaining design consistency across complex digital environments. Every decision here is part of a larger ecosystem, where innovation meets practicality and where every interaction matters.

Beyond my role at Google, I’m drawn to projects that challenge narratives and invite deeper reflection. Stars Collective and anywheredoorcollection.com are examples of this pursuit—projects that have earned multiple Gold and Silver accolades from the MUSE Creative Awards, Vega Awards, Graphis, and Paris DNA. These works merge immersive storytelling with cultural resonance, blending cutting-edge technology and thoughtful narratives that engage users in meaningful, unexpected ways. For me, each project is a journey—an exploration of how design can spark curiosity, foster empathy, and create moments of delight.

Community is at the core of my creative practice. As a leader of Friends of Figma NYC, I help cultivate a thriving network of over 1,000 designers. By curating events and encouraging conversations and knowledge sharing with experts from leading companies I aim to build spaces where diverse voices come together to imagine and shape the future of design. I believe the best ideas emerge from collaboration—when different perspectives meet, challenge each other, and create something entirely new.

Ultimately, I see design as a tool for impact—bridging cultures, simplifying the complex, and crafting experiences that truly matter. From developing universal design systems that scale globally to creating digital narratives that celebrate cultural diversity, my work reflects a balance of strategic vision, creative innovation, and a deep commitment to user-centered thinking.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth—but I believe that’s where the most meaningful growth happens.
Design, for me, has always been about navigating complexity. While I’ve had the opportunity to work on incredible projects, the journey has come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been balancing innovation with practicality. It’s easy to be drawn to cutting-edge ideas, but turning them into functional, user-centered solutions that scale is a far more complex process. I’ve had to learn how to push boundaries while staying grounded in what truly serves the user.
Working at the intersection of design and technology also means embracing uncertainty. Integrating emerging technologies into practical design projects, for example, comes with constant experimentation and unknowns. There’s no clear roadmap—only questions about how technology can enhance creativity without compromising accessibility, inclusivity, or human connection.
Another challenge has been navigating the cultural nuances of global design. As I worked on projects meant for diverse audiences, I realized that design is never one-size-fits-all. Understanding the subtle cultural cues that make an experience resonate takes time, empathy, and an openness to learn.
And then, there’s the challenge of leading. At Google, where I own the Figma design ecosystem, I had to quickly adapt to leading at scale—making decisions that impact 100+ teams and products. It’s a constant balancing act between fostering creativity and ensuring consistency across vast digital environments.
But perhaps the most personal challenge has been learning to trust the process. Design is iterative by nature. There are moments when ideas don’t come together as planned, when feedback is tough, or when the vision feels out of reach. I’ve learned that creativity often thrives in those moments of discomfort. The ability to sit with uncertainty, adapt, and keep moving forward is where the real breakthroughs happen.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in crafting transformative digital experiences that seamlessly merge user-centered thinking with innovative technologies. My work spans developing large-scale design systems, designing immersive storytelling platforms, and exploring how emerging technologies like VR, MR, and AI can unlock new realms of creativity. For me, design is always purposeful—each experience crafted to connect, inspire, and resonate deeply.

At Google, I lead efforts in shaping next-generation design systems that redefine user interactions at scale. It’s a space where innovation meets practicality—streamlining workflows, boosting productivity, and setting new industry benchmarks across complex digital environments. My role allows me to push the boundaries of what’s possible, blending cutting-edge technology with thoughtful, human-centered design.

Of all my projects, Anywhere Door Collection holds a special place in my heart. This immersive storytelling experience, recognized with multiple Gold accolades from the MUSE Creative Awards, reflects my belief that design can bridge cultures and spark curiosity. It fosters cultural understanding by blending narrative exploration with intuitive technology. I’m also deeply proud of CulturaSphere, a collaborative VR experience honored with a Gold Vega Award. Celebrating global festivals through immersive technology, it promotes inclusivity and cultural resonance—core values that guide my work.

Beyond digital design, my artistic works explore contemporary themes and have gained attention for their thoughtful reflections. Ephemeral Pages and Lost in Translation, exhibited at The Holy Art Gallery in London, delve into the impermanence of storytelling and the complexity of information overload. Ephemeral Pages evokes the fleeting nature of narratives through the poetic motion of flipping pages, while Lost in Translation captures the chaos of modern communication with layered abstraction. These works illustrate my ability to translate complex societal ideas into compelling visual narratives, further defining my voice as a multidisciplinary designer and artist.

Community lies at the heart of my creative practice. As co-organizer of Friends of Figma NYC, I’ve cultivated a vibrant community of over 1,000 designers. By curating conversations with industry leaders from Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, I’ve created spaces where diverse voices converge to shape the future of design. I believe that meaningful design emerges from collaboration—when different perspectives come together to tackle complex challenges.

What sets my work apart is the balance I strike between strategic vision and creative exploration. I see design as a dialogue—a thoughtful exchange between technology and humanity, where functionality meets emotion. For me, every design decision holds the potential to create moments that are not only functional but also personal, purposeful, and poetic. Ultimately, my work is about crafting experiences that simplify complexity, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impression.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about New York City is its endless energy and diversity. There’s an unmatched vibrancy here—a sense that anything is possible. The city is a living tapestry of cultures, stories, and perspectives, constantly evolving. Every street corner holds inspiration, whether it’s art, architecture, or simply the people you encounter. For someone in the creative field, NYC offers a rare blend of history and innovation, tradition and reinvention. It’s a place where ideas collide, and creativity feels boundless.

What I like least about New York City is the pace that sometimes feels relentless. The constant rush, the noise, and the cost of living can be overwhelming. It’s a city that challenges you as much as it inspires you. Finding stillness and space to reflect can be difficult amid the hustle. But perhaps that’s part of the beauty too—NYC pushes you to grow, adapt, and carve out your own rhythm in the midst of its chaos.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://qingyi-li.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/li-qingyi/