Interview with Ying Pan | An Experienced Product Designer with Marqeta

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Ying Pan

Ying Pan is a Product Designer at Marqeta with 4 years of experience, crafting dispute experiences and designing SDK kits for over 150 enterprise clients. He has experience in the consumer RentTech and business CallTech sectors and is passionate about user experience design.


1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.
I'm Ying Pan, specializing in Product Design with a focus on enhancing user experiences through meticulous design. Based in the Bay Area, I hold an MS in Human-Computer Interaction from Indiana University Bloomington and currently work at Marqeta, where I design intuitive interfaces and SDK kits for enterprise clients. With a robust background in consumer RentTech and business CallTech, I apply my extensive UX knowledge to solve complex design challenges.
2What inspired you to be involved in your respective industry?
My entry into design began with creating posters in college and evolved as I discovered the profound impact design could have beyond mere aesthetics—its ability to solve real-world problems and improve lives. This realization motivated me to pursue a career where I could merge creativity with impactful solutions.
3What is your role in the agency, and what traits should a professional in marketing, media and communications possess to be successful in their role?
As a Product Designer at Marqeta, my role spans from concept development to final implementation, often leading projects that enhance both user experience and client interaction. Successful professionals in this field should possess creativity, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Adaptability and a user-centered mindset are also crucial for thriving in a dynamic industry environment.
4Tell us more about your agency/company.
Marqeta is a fintech powerhouse based in the Bay Area, revolutionizing payments through innovative design solutions. As part of the product design team, I contribute to developing SDK kits and dispute experience enhancements for over 150 enterprise clients, ensuring our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of a diverse client base.
5What do you think is the definition of a successful marketing, media or communications project / presentation?
A successful project in marketing, media, or communications should clearly communicate its message, engage its target audience effectively, and achieve its intended business outcomes. It should also be measurable in terms of impact and ROI, demonstrating a clear understanding of market needs and creative problem-solving.
6Describe your preference or style of work and how it benefits your career.
My work style is highly collaborative and iterative, focusing on constant refinement and user feedback. This approach allows me to remain flexible and responsive to changing needs, which is invaluable in a fast-paced industry like design. It fosters a deep understanding of user-centric design principles, which are crucial for advancing my career.
7Tell us about your ideation process.
My ideation process involves extensive research, brainstorming sessions, and user interaction to ensure that every design solution is grounded in real user needs. I use a combination of sketching, prototyping, and user testing to refine concepts and ensure that the final product is both innovative and practical.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the NYX Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you! Winning the NYX Awards is a tremendous honor that validates our team's hard work and dedication. It not only reinforces our commitment to excellence but also boosts morale and inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in design.
9How has winning an international award help to promote your agency and projects?
Winning an international award has significantly raised our profile, attracting new clients and partnerships while affirming our status as industry leaders. It has opened doors to new opportunities and has allowed us to showcase our capabilities on a global stage.
10What are the challenges of your winning entry(s)?
The primary challenge was ensuring the design was both technically feasible and user-friendly, requiring extensive testing and iteration. Balancing innovation with practical application was key, as was maintaining a focus on the user's needs throughout the project lifecycle.
11How has the country you are based in contribute towards your ideation process?
Being based in the U.S., particularly in the Bay Area, provides a dynamic environment filled with innovation and cutting-edge technology. This setting fosters a culture of creativity and continuous improvement that heavily influences my ideation process, allowing me to incorporate advanced technology and diverse perspectives into my designs.
12What are the current trends in the marketing, media and communications industries that you are most excited about?
I'm particularly excited about the integration of AI and machine learning in design, which allows for more personalized user experiences and smarter data-driven decision making. Additionally, the shift towards more inclusive and accessible design is not only a positive trend but also a necessary evolution that makes products usable by a broader audience.
13What are your top three (3) favorite things about the marketing, media or communications industries?

Creativity: The endless opportunity to innovate and think outside the box.

Impact: The ability to reach and influence a vast audience, shaping perceptions and behaviors.

Diversity: Working with a variety of technologies and methodologies, which ensures that no two projects are ever the same.

14What resources would you recommend to someone who is searching to improve their ideas and concepts?
I recommend engaging with a diverse array of content such as books on design thinking and user experience, online courses from platforms like Coursera or Udemy, and industry podcasts. Attending webinars, workshops, and conferences can also provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
15Where do you see the evolution of these industries in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next decade, I anticipate a greater focus on sustainability and ethical practices in marketing, media, and communications. The industry will likely see increased use of AI for hyper-personalization, while virtual and augmented reality could become commonplace in creating immersive marketing experiences.
16Who inspired you in your life, and why?
My biggest inspiration comes from my mentors and peers in the design community. Their dedication to crafting meaningful and accessible experiences continually motivates me to elevate my own work and contribute positively to the field.
17What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
My key to success is a relentless focus on learning and adapting. Stay curious, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and always keep the end-user in mind. Success in design isn't just about making things look good—it's about making them work better for the people who use them.
18Do you have anything else you would like to add for the interview?
I’d like to express my gratitude for this recognition and for the opportunities that participating in the NYX Awards has provided. It’s been an invaluable platform for growth and exposure in the design community. I look forward to seeing how the industry evolves and how we can all contribute to that evolution.

Winning Entry

Phrase: AI powered Musical Instrument Learning App | 2024 NYX Awards

"Phrase" emerges from the collaborative vision of two designers, each embarking on their musical journey from a young age. Together, they identified a pervasive challenge in music education: the... (read more here.)


Ying Pan

Ying Pan is a Product Designer at Marqeta with 4 years of experience, crafting dispute experiences and designing SDK kits for over 150 enterprise clients. He has experience in the consumer RentTech and business CallTech sectors and is passionate about user experience design.


Read more about the interview with Scott Berry | The CMO & President of MarketCrest here.

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