Interview with Yingxiao Ouyang
Yingxiao is a product designer with 6 years of experience in B2B data platform design. She is currently the lead designer in OYYX Design studio.
Design Legend Interview
28 September 2025
I studied Industrial Design during my undergraduate and first graduate program, and later expanded into Human-Computer Interaction as a secondary major. This path instilled in me a strong belief that ‘form follows function,’ a principle that continues to shape my design foundation. I place great importance on ensuring that users can intuitively understand a product’s purpose and utility.
Good designs I’ve encountered in my life have inspired me to create as well. I felt pure joy when I first played on a Nintendo Switch, a sense of wonder when I saw Uber’s robotic delivery car, and a strong urge to design something equally impactful when I used a Joseph peeler.
I decided to pursue design at 17, when it was first introduced to me as the intersection of art and technology. That idea deeply resonated with me and inspired my younger self to step onto the path of becoming a designer.
Currently mostly web and apps. Branding design is something i wish to design more of.
When I first started, I saw design as an ultimate destination. But after 7 years of practice and 8 years of study, I’ve come to realize that design is an infinite game. My hope is that younger designers can embrace and enjoy their journey, rather than feeling pressured to chase the status of a design legend.
Great designers reimagine businesses and create new ways to connect with their customers.
Good design gives you the sense that it couldn’t be any other way.
It inspires people in certain ways, either speak up the hidden feeling or form a new life habit that lasts.
If i had time, i wish to do more data related project for general public to help them understand what is going on in the society. Currently many data projects are for enterprise leaders, i feel there is a strong need for the general public to have a way to gain visibility into the constant evolving world.
I would love to work more on data related project for general public.
Personally i find constant communication with the design community is a great way to keep up with the trends. It has helped me to understand what design is needed and what are the common struggles in the design community.
I like Joshua Black's anatomy drawings, I admire Andy Kribel's analytics capability, and I am constantly inspired by Marco Hernandez's data viz projects.
Marco Hernandez's data viz projects are really amazing, changing data into arts.
I like the project which i digitized how truck drivers select their schedules. It is a challenging product given all the current way of doing things, but we successfully launched a project that is scaleable and standard.
Go to conference, speak up about your thoughts, and do good mockups.
I have also selected Aerospace Engineering as my backup major when i apply for undergrad.
Design is a visual business plan.
Dustin Goodman and the Walmart Supply Chain Team. Jieyu Xiong and Mastercard product team.
Bo Ouyang, my undergrad school professor. Dan Liao, my undergrad school advisor. Carrie Bruce, my grad school Mentor. Wendell Wilson, my grad school mentor.
Knowing how can design help business is one of the hardest obstacle.
I think it depends on each designer's preference. I love presenting by business problem, but i fully respect what other designers value.
I would love to enhance my craft capability and business impact in my future projects.
Aspire to be the designer behind products used by billions.
Maybe a deep understanding about what they need and what can be helpful for them.
Design creates understanding.
Working with analysts and economists is something i never thought about, but it is my current work, which is very exciting.
There was a project i conducted several months research, and got approved by users the moment they saw my design.
With AI, more people without design education will have the opportunity to build things by themselves. I think that will unleash new creativity and create more interesting projects!
I think with AI, there will be more professional designers, who are really good at certain things beyond AI. And also there will be more non-designers who are interested in design and do computer assisted design jobs with AI.
Varies based on business needs.
Understand the goal and user needs.
Create a better place with design.
I think design sets the trends.
They are a big part of my projects ensuring designs are feasible.
To make strong contrast and create feelings.
I don't have anything specific. I wish they can talk about my design in a way they want.
What is the process of creating it.
Marco Hernandez. I would love to work with him on 3D data viz project.
Wendell Wilson has the biggest influence on me since he always fully believes in me while holding a high standard, even when some ideas appeared to be bad to others.
Articulate design decisions.
Focusing on the craft.
Joshua Black and Marco Hernandez.
I am very grateful for the recognition I had, it marked a big milestone to my design career.
Blue, Atlanta, rice noodles, fall, iphone and Nitendo.
My apartment uses a washer I designed. Each time the completion tune plays, I’m reminded of the folder that once held its design specs and the audio files for that very sound.
I hope to enjoy everyday i am a designer.
Not at all. I used to think designers are painters until i learned about the role from the industry leaders.
I hope human still exists at that time.
I really appreciate A' Design for giving me the recognition and awards.
Designer Interview
28 June 2025
I’m a product designer specializing in data platforms, web design, and UI/UX. I’m passionate about understanding people’s stories — who they aspire to be and what challenges frustrate them. What draws me to design is its power to solve problems and improve people’s lives.
At my design studio, OYYX Design, I focus on creating elevated data experiences for professional users. I specialize in designing data platforms for audiences such as truck drivers, small business owners, and large retailers. In addition, I offer services in website design, mobile design, and UI/UX projects.
To me, design is a visual business plan. It guides businesses toward their next steps by aligning internal stakeholders and addressing pain points for external customers.
UI/UX projects are the most interesting to me. I enjoy uncovering users’ pain points and brainstorming solutions to address them.
My favorite piece of design is the Nintendo Switch, which uses simple technology to deliver maximum joy to its users. I once read a quote that captures it perfectly: ‘Sometimes even I forget what I want, but Nintendo always remembers.’
A mascot, Drake the Owl, for an Atlanta startup company.
I love how Adobe has brought professionalism to the design community through tools like Illustrator, Photoshop, and its other creative suites. Although these tools aren’t as dominant as they once were, they laid essential foundations for modern software such as Figma and Sketch.
In the evenings, I enjoy sketching on quiet nights — especially when it’s raining.
I’m drawn to the simplicity of the final result. As Jony Ive put it, simplicity means succinctly expressing the essence of something — its purpose and its role in our lives.
It can be very overwhelming until i find a right design direction.
I feel extremely proud and happy. That sense of accomplishment motivates me to take on new projects and see them through to success.
I believe successful design creates joyful and inspiring moments for users, making them feel truly understood.
Successful designs build meaningful connections between businesses and their end users.
Designers should always create with positive impact in mind, not just focus on business metrics.
The design field evolves alongside people’s needs. Good design, like the iPhone, answers the demands of a large audience. Increasingly, non-professional designers will use AI to unleash their creativity, shaping future design trends.
Mood Museum of Design exhibited my design work online. You can check out here https://www.museumofdesign.com/exhibition-item.php?ITEM=164966.
I draw design inspiration by observing small business owners and other professionals, such as female developers. I also attend design weeks, seminars, and lectures to fuel my creativity. Nicer Tuesday in New York is an excellent event for those seeking inspiration from the next generation of design leaders.
Simple and clean — I follow this style to help users quickly grasp the design and enable developers to efficiently build the solution.
I live in New York right now. I originally come from Henan, the origin of China. Both places have shaped me to be creative and resilient.
I’ve had the honor of working at renowned Fortune 500 companies such as Tencent, Electrolux, Walmart, and Mastercard. These organizations offer excellent mentorship programs and are led by inspiring design leaders. Through these experiences, I’ve learned to kick off projects by understanding stakeholders’ needs and clearly communicating my design ideas through mockups and prototypes.
At my current company, I’ve learned the importance of being specific about the design services you request. If a designer specializes in UI/UX, then assign them UI/UX projects; if they focus on content design, then request content-related work. Understanding each person’s strengths is key.
I begin by understanding the business goals, then conduct user research to identify pain points. Next, I create mockups to evaluate the pros and cons of different design solutions, followed by finalizing the mockups for handoff.
Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse, Nintendo Switch, iPad, Procreate, and Apple Pencil.
I usually start my day with a cup of coffee in the morning and enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoon. I begin by understanding the needs of my work and planning my time accordingly.
I strongly encourage young designers to actively participate in design conferences, seminars, and events. The best design advice often comes from these experiences and can have a lasting impact on your career.
The positive side of being a designer is having creativity as your greatest asset. The downside is the vulnerability that comes when your work is released—unexpected feedback can sometimes feel overwhelming and discouraging.
Always start by understanding business needs and users pain points.
Critical thinking.
Figma and Procreate.
Focus on what truly matters to avoid spending time on trivial details
It depends. Some projects may take up to half a year, while others can be completed in just a few months.
What is Design? Is it the same as painting?
Over-communication is better than under-communication.
I have been honored to work with some industry leaders like Tencent, Electrolux, Walmart, Mastercard and some amazing startups like DataVibe and NanoResearch.
The ones that can change user behaviors. For example, in Mastercard, I designed a platform along with my design leaders to allow sales people to use data to understand merchants better. This is a platform that really changed how these people work, creating great financial returns to their company.
I love my role at Mastercard and am planning to continue contributing to Finance and Fintech areas using my creative skills.
I love working in a team. A team goes further while an individual goes faster.
I am working on my personal data platform projects to help people understand the current society. Please stay tuned!
I am open to be contacted through ADPlist for young designers who would love a mentorship session. https://adplist.org/mentors/yingxiao-ouyang For other requests, you can contact me at lunaatlgt@gmail.com.
I really appreciate this interview opportunity A' Design Award provide. It is a great honer to be granted with a Silver Award!
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