Interview with Ninglu Zhang

Design is more than about aesthetics, it was about creating solutions that empowered people to live conveniently and comfortably, I wanted to create something that mattered.

I choose to become a designer

My primary areas of focus were product design and furniture design.

A truly exceptional design begins with the question: Is it genuinely serving the users? It must be user-centered, built on real insights and tailored to meet specific needs, ensuring every interaction is intuitive and meaningful. Every detail should have a clear purpose, eliminating unnecessary elements and creating a seamless, cohesive experience. When functionality, empathy, and intentionality align, the result is a design that not only works but also resonates deeply with its users.

Good design creates value by enhancing functionality, improving user experiences, and fostering emotional connections. It solves real problems efficiently, making products and systems more intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use. Investing in good design leads to long-term benefits, such as increased customer satisfaction, stronger brand loyalty, and greater market competitiveness.

If I hadn’t become a designer, I would probably have pursued a career as a doctor, focusing on helping people in a different but equally meaningful way.

Professor Monica Correia

My ultimate goal as a designer is to create things that truly make a difference and simplify people’s lives in meaningful ways. I want my work to go beyond aesthetics or trends and genuinely address real needs, fostering solutions that improve daily experiences and solve problems.

Design helps create a better society by solving problems, improving accessibility, and fostering inclusivity.

The time it takes to finalize a design project varies significantly, ranging from a few months to as long as two years. The timeline depends on the complexity of the project.

Technology plays a crucial role in my design process, serving as both a tool and an enabler. It allows me to visualize ideas, prototype efficiently, and test concepts with precision, ensuring practicality and functionality.

I primarily use 3ds Max, Rhino, and AutoCAD in my design work, as they are essential for modeling, rendering, and drafting.

Color, materials, and ambiance are what users notice first, creating an immediate impression. They set the tone, convey mood, and define the character of the design.

I developed my skills as a designer by staying attuned to trends and continually exploring new ideas. Attending exhibitions and shows has been instrumental in gaining inspiration, learning from others, and understanding evolving design practices.

Not really. As a child, I was more obsessed with drawing and painting than design. My passion for art was evident, but it wasn’t until later that I discovered how to channel that creativity into the world of design.

Design merges art, science, and technology to build practical, aesthetically pleasing products that enhance everyday life. It focuses on the user experience, making sure that each product is intuitive, accessible, and meets the needs of its intended audience.

Light Fixture, and soft seating.

Felt is my favorite material

A successful design not only solves a specific problem effectively and efficiently, but also appeals aesthetically, offering a visually pleasing experience that enhances usability and user satisfaction.

When evaluating a design, I prioritize its practicality and user experience. A good design must first and foremost be functional, addressing the needs it was intended to solve efficiently. Equally important is how the design interacts with its users—whether it provides an intuitive, seamless experience that enhances usability and satisfaction. These elements are critical in determining the overall effectiveness and success of a design.

Essential skills for a designer include a keen ability to identify public needs, meticulous attention to detail, creativity, technical proficiency, and effective communication.

In my experience, the design process can vary significantly in duration—it can be as brief as a few weeks or extend up to two years, depending on the complexity and scope of the project.

My experience as a teaching assistant at the University of Iowa stands out as my most valuable job experience. It honed my presentation skills through regular opportunities to speak in front of groups, and sharpened my critical eye for evaluating others' work, allowing me to provide meaningful feedback. Throughout the teaching process, I repeatedly reinforced my understanding of basic design concepts and technologies, deepening my expertise and proficiency in the field.

I develop my designs by myself

Email would be the best way: ninglzhang1@gmail.com