Interview with Ziyu ‘Robert’ Ye | A User-Centered Design & AI Applications Specialist

Hi! I'm Ziyu 'Robert' Ye, a Product Designer specialising in user-centered design and AI applications. I was born in China and then 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 optimisation 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.

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 realised 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.

I work at C3 AI as a Product Designer. C3 AI is an enterprise AI company delivering machine learning applications to customers worldwide. My day-to-day responsibilities include conducting user interviews to understand requirements, creating low-fidelity wireframes for stakeholder alignment and quick iteration, and developing high-fidelity workflows for engineers to implement. My role ensures that user needs are met through thoughtful and effective design solutions.

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.

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.

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.

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 realised 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.

One of my inspirations 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.

My cultural background has certainly influenced how I understand the world and approach problem-solving. The values and perspectives I gained from my heritage shape my design process, helping me create solutions that are both innovative and culturally sensitive.

Thanks! Winning this award is a significant validation of my work and creativity. It gives me confidence to continue pursuing my passion projects and reinforces the value of our efforts at C3 AI. It also highlights the importance of our mission to address climate change through design.

My winning project, "Save Exit Glacier," is a personal passion project aimed at raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable living. I chose to enter this project to showcase my work to a broader audience and emphasise the critical need for environmental protection.

The main challenge was making the concept of CO2 consumption tangible for users. I overcame this by iteratively 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.

Winning this award boosts my confidence and credibility as a designer. It encourages me to continue pushing the boundaries of design and to pursue more innovative and impactful projects.

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.

My design stands out due to its high quality and creativity. I focus on creating solutions that are not only functional and user-centric but also innovative and impactful.

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.

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.

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.