By: Elena Mart

In the dynamic field of design, Ziyu Ye has distinguished himself through his innovative and user-centered approach. Hailing from China and now based in the United States, Ziyu has built a notable career as a Product Designer, particularly excelling in AI applications. He holds a degree in Interactive Media Arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, which has provided him with a robust foundation in various design disciplines. Currently, Ziyu is a key player at C3 AI, where he leads projects that seamlessly blend creativity and functionality, always with the end user in mind. In this interview, Ziyu shares his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the inspiration behind his award-winning projects.

Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself and your design background. 

Ziyu Ye: I am Ziyu Ye, a Product Designer specializing in user-centered design and AI applications. Born in China, I moved to the US for college six years ago. I graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in Interactive Media Arts. Currently, I work at C3 AI, where I focus on designing enterprise AI applications such as inventory optimization and production scheduling. Over the past two years, I’ve led multiple projects and owned the design of several applications, enhancing user experiences and improving efficiency through innovative design solutions.

What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist? 

Ziyu Ye: My journey into design started with an interest in photography, which evolved into video creation, animation, and digital media. Studying Interactive Media Arts at NYU allowed me to explore various fields such as VR, 3D modeling, installation design, and UX design. During my internship at Quext Technology, I realized my passion for UX design. This experience solidified my decision to pursue a career in product design, ultimately leading me to my current role at C3 AI.

Tell us more about your agency/company, your job profile, and what you do.

Ziyu Ye: I work at C3 AI as a Product Designer. C3 AI is an enterprise AI company delivering machine learning applications to customers worldwide. I work closely with product managers, data scientists, and engineers to understand customer issues, design innovative solutions, and deliver finished products that enable customers to make fast and accurate business decisions. I consistently use data and analytics to inform my design decisions, ensuring that my designs are both aesthetically pleasing and aligned with user needs and business goals.

What does “design” mean to you?

Ziyu Ye: Design means solving real-world problems in the most effective, elegant, and buildable way. Design is not just about aesthetics or self-expression; it’s about helping others achieve their goals and enhancing their experiences.

What’s your favorite kind of design and why?

Ziyu Ye: My favorite kind of design is UX design because it sits at the intersection of design and technology. It allows me to combine creativity with practical problem-solving to create user-centered solutions that have a real impact on people’s lives.

To you, what makes a “good” design?

Ziyu Ye: A good design is always user-centric, originating from a deep understanding of user needs. It is intuitive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, effectively addressing the problem it was designed to solve.

Can you talk about a design you did that you are particularly proud of?

Ziyu Ye: I am particularly proud of the “Save Exit Glacier” project, which recently won the NY Product Design Award and London Design Award. It is a personal passion project aimed at raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable living.

What was your main source of inspiration for this design?  

Ziyu Ye: In 2008, I traveled to Exit Glacier, Alaska, which is a visible indicator of glacial recession due to climate change. Witnessing its rapid retreat struck me deeply, and I realized the urgency of addressing climate change. Motivated by concern for our planet’s future, I started a passion project called “Save Exit Glacier,” focusing on reducing carbon emissions through everyday actions. Another inspiration was the simplicity and effectiveness of the Nest home temperature control system. Its design requires little to no effort to operate, which aligns with my goal of creating an accessible and impactful solution for reducing carbon emissions.

What were the main challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them? 

Ziyu Ye: The main challenge was making the concept of CO2 consumption tangible for users. I overcame this by iterative brainstorming, creating low-fidelity wireframes, and conducting user testing to refine the design until it effectively communicated the impact of everyday actions on carbon emissions.

How do you think winning this award will impact your future as a designer?

Ziyu Ye: Winning this award encourages me to continue pushing the boundaries of design and to pursue more innovative and impactful projects.

What are your three (3) favorite things about the design industry?

Ziyu Ye: The supportive community: Designers are always willing to help each other, which fosters a collaborative and nurturing environment. The problem-solving aspect: I love tackling complex problems and coming up with creative solutions. The opportunity to make a positive impact: Design has the power to improve lives and address important issues, which is incredibly fulfilling.

Where do you see the evolution of the design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

Ziyu Ye: I believe AI will take over many repetitive tasks, allowing designers to focus more on strategic design thinking and creativity. The industry will likely see more integration of AI and advanced technologies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in design.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create award-winning designs?

Ziyu Ye: Work on projects that genuinely interest you and tackle problems you are passionate about. Authenticity and passion often lead to innovative and impactful designs.

Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Ziyu Ye: My father has been my greatest inspiration. As a production line designer/engineer, his dedication and passion for his work inspired me to pursue a career in design. Watching him create and innovate instilled in me a desire to draw, design, and make a living from my creativity.

What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Ziyu Ye: My key to success is perseverance and a genuine passion for design. Always stay curious, never stop learning, and be open to feedback and collaboration. Trust the process, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

Published by: Holy Minoza