Turning Philosophy to UX: Qianzhuo Zeng’s Journey in Thoughtful Design

I am Qianzhuo Zeng (Elaine), a freelance designer and artist based in the United States. While my professional background is rooted in design, I see myself more as an artist—a creative who embraces freedom and independence in exploring diverse perspectives and solutions.

My work spans UX and service design, but my approach is deeply influenced by artistic philosophies, focusing on crafting experiences that resonate emotionally while addressing societal needs. For example, my news app for elderly users, which won the Silver award, reflects my belief in inclusive and thoughtful design, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier.

This recognition reinforces my commitment to using creativity as a tool to inspire and empower, blending art and design to create work that is both impactful and deeply human.

From a young age, my journey in art and music, particularly through years of studying piano, instilled in me an appreciation for structure, rhythm, and emotional storytelling. Music taught me to express ideas beyond words, and that same creative impulse eventually led me to the visual arts and design.

I see myself as an artist rather than being confined by titles like “graphic designer” or “interaction designer.” My work is guided by the idea that form should follow the message. Depending on the context and the emotions I want to convey, I choose the medium that best brings my vision to life—whether it’s a visual interface, a service blueprint, or even an interactive experience.

I find that rigid definitions tied to specific disciplines often limit creativity. By embracing artistic freedom and flexibility, I can better respond to the unique demands of each project and push beyond conventional boundaries. For me, being an artist means using creativity as a tool to explore, express, and connect on a deeper level, no matter the medium.

As a freelancer, I enjoy the flexibility of working on diverse projects that align with my interests and values. My work spans multiple design disciplines, including graphic design, user experience design, and service design. I approach each project as an opportunity to explore unique creative solutions, often integrating my background in visual arts and storytelling.

My role involves collaborating with clients to identify their needs and delivering tailored, impactful designs that not only meet their goals but also evoke emotional and meaningful connections. From creating cohesive visual identities to designing user-friendly interfaces and crafting service experiences, I see my work as a way to blend functionality with artistic expression.

Freelancing allows me to wear multiple hats—designer, strategist, and artist—and provides me with the freedom to adapt my skills to each project’s unique demands. This versatility is what I enjoy most about my current role.

To me, "design" is a form of expression that bridges the tangible and the conceptual. It’s not just about aesthetics or functionality but also about creating meaning and sparking reflection. My passion for studying art and philosophy deeply influences how I view design—I see it as a dialogue between the self and the world, a way to communicate complex ideas and emotions through a chosen medium.

Design is both methodical and intuitive. It involves understanding human needs and behaviours while also challenging boundaries and exploring the unknown. It’s a discipline that allows me to question, interpret, and shape the way we experience the world. Much like philosophy seeks to uncover truths and art seeks to express them, design, to me, is where these two pursuits intersect—a tool to inspire, provoke, and innovate.

My favourite kind of design is one that transcends a single discipline and allows for exploration across multiple mediums. I am particularly drawn to designs that blend storytelling, artistic expression, and philosophical depth, whether it’s through service design that impacts human interactions or visual design that communicates powerful narratives.

What I enjoy most is creating designs that provoke thought and evoke emotion, designs that connect with people on both a practical and intellectual level. For me, the beauty of design lies in its ability to adapt and transform based on the message it seeks to convey—whether it’s through a detailed illustration, a seamless user interface, or an immersive service experience. This freedom to experiment and innovate is why I’m passionate about multidisciplinary and concept-driven design.

To me, a "good" design is one that achieves harmony between form, function, and meaning. It should not only fulfil its intended purpose efficiently but also connect with people on an emotional and intellectual level. A good design respects the user’s needs while challenging them to see the world differently—it’s intuitive, impactful, and thought-provoking.

I also believe that the role of design should go beyond mere commercial objectives. Personally, I don’t fully support the commercialisation of art and design, as it often reduces the creative process to simply "solving user needs" and responding passively to external demands. As an artist, I see my role as more transformative—I believe in the power of design to change the world, to question norms, and to redefine what’s possible. Good design doesn’t just respond to the present; it shapes the future.

The idea for my award-winning design, Paperwise, stems from my design philosophy, which emphasises the integration of deep philosophical concepts into practical solutions. I wanted to create more than just a tool for accessing information; I envisioned a platform that allows elderly users to engage in a meaningful dialogue with modern society.

The concept draws inspiration from key themes such as body, technology, everyday life, identity, trust, and interaction:

Body: I focused on designing a user interface that aligns with the physiological needs of elderly users. Enlarged fonts and streamlined navigation reduce visual strain and make reading the news more comfortable.

Technology: To bridge the gap between seniors and modern technology, I emphasised simplicity and accessibility. The app’s intuitive features make it easy for elderly users to embrace technology without feeling overwhelmed.

Everyday Life: The design integrates seamlessly into users' daily routines, offering features like a lightweight reading mode and immersive audio broadcasts to enrich their everyday experiences.

Identity: Paperwise helps elderly users maintain a sense of cultural and personal identity. Through personalised content and nostalgic design elements, the app fosters connection and self-recognition.

Trust: Recognising the importance of credibility, I included a fact-checking feature to address concerns about misinformation, building a secure and reliable news platform for seniors.

Interaction: Finally, I wanted to encourage connection by designing user-friendly interaction tools that enable seniors to share and discuss information, fostering a sense of community.

In essence, Paperwise represents my belief that design should go beyond solving surface-level problems; it should deepen the relationship between people, technology, and society while respecting cultural identity and individual dignity.

For the main source of inspiration for Paperwise, I drew upon the philosophical concept of Phenomenology, particularly the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Phenomenology emphasises the lived experience of individuals and how they perceive and interact with the world around them. For elderly users, this means recognising how their interaction with technology is shaped by both their physical bodies and their accumulated life experiences.

By applying this theory, I designed Paperwise to be not just a functional tool, but an empathetic bridge between the elderly and the world of modern technology. The app is centred on simplifying the user experience to align with the sensory and cognitive changes that come with ageing.

For example, larger fonts, simplified interfaces, and personalised content are drawn from the idea that technology should be deeply connected to the individual's lived experience, allowing for meaningful engagement rather than frustration.

Moreover, I was inspired by Heidegger’s concept of "Being-in-the-world", which posits that our existence is fundamentally tied to our surroundings and social contexts. In this design, I sought to keep elderly users connected to their identity and cultural heritage, allowing them to stay engaged in their community and the world at large in ways that are both accessible and culturally resonant.

Thus, the inspiration behind Paperwise was not just to design a news app but to create a tool that helps elderly users maintain their presence in the modern world, bridging the gap between their lived experience and the evolving technological landscape.

Yes, I do believe that my country and its cultural heritage have had an impact on my design process, though not in the way one might expect. I grew up in a society where personal expression and independent thinking were often limited by strict societal norms. This cultural environment made me acutely aware of the importance of freedom in creative work. I’ve always strived to escape these restrictions, both personally and creatively, which has shaped the way I approach design.

For me, design is about breaking boundaries and fostering individual freedom—whether that's through creating intuitive and accessible user experiences or encouraging people to think critically and independently. The constraints I faced growing up pushed me to seek out ways to use design to express freedom, to give voice to those whose creativity may have been stifled, and to create designs that are empowering rather than limiting.

My work often reflects this tension between my roots and my aspiration for a more liberated approach to design, allowing me to engage with global ideas while reflecting a deep understanding of my cultural heritage.

Thank you! Winning the London Design Award is not just an acknowledgement of my work, but a recognition of my broader vision as a designer and artist. For me, design is not merely about solving user problems or following trends—it's a form of self-expression and a medium through which I explore and communicate my own artistic philosophy. My approach to design is deeply influenced by my belief that art and design should transcend traditional boundaries and conventions.

This award reinforces my conviction that design can be a powerful tool to challenge the status quo and contribute to a deeper cultural dialogue. I don't see my work as just a response to existing needs, but as a way to shape and inspire the future, to provoke thought, and to influence how we perceive the world.

The recognition fuels my desire to continue pushing boundaries and striving to lead, not just in terms of meeting functional needs, but in fostering meaningful cultural and philosophical conversations through my designs. I believe that design has the potential to change the world—not by conforming to it, but by redefining it.

The project I entered into the London Design Awards, Paperwise, is a news app specifically designed for elderly users. The concept of the app goes beyond just providing information—it serves as a bridge between older generations and modern society, blending technology, daily life, and identity in a way that prioritises user comfort and accessibility.

What sets Paperwise apart is its deep integration of philosophical concepts into the design process. I wanted to create an experience that acknowledges and respects the elderly user’s cultural identity and personal history, making them feel connected to the world while enhancing their sense of self. The app not only simplifies navigation through large text and intuitive controls but also integrates features that help users maintain trust in the news, like a dedicated "debunking rumours" section.

I chose to submit this project because it aligns with my belief that design should not just meet user needs but also shape the way people interact with the world. The project reflects my own artistic philosophy of transcending conventional design boundaries and using technology to evoke deeper emotional and cultural connections.

I believe Paperwise is more than just a tool—it's a means of preserving identity, fostering trust, and improving lives in ways that go beyond mere functionality. This project embodies my vision of design as a vehicle for social change and cultural dialogue, and that is why I felt it was important to showcase it at the London Design Awards.

One of the main challenges I faced during the design process of Paperwise was designing an interface that not only catered to the technical and physical needs of elderly users but also respected their cultural identity and emotional connection to the world around them.

Elderly users often face difficulties with small text, complex navigation, and unfamiliar technology, so creating a user-friendly, accessible experience was essential. However, it was crucial that the design didn’t feel patronising or overly simplified—it had to empower the users, making them feel competent and connected rather than isolated.

To overcome this, I applied a user-centred design approach, conducting in-depth research to understand the unique challenges elderly users face when interacting with technology. I worked closely with a small group of users throughout the design process, testing different interface elements and functionalities.

I focused on making the design intuitive by simplifying the user flow and using larger fonts and touch-friendly elements while ensuring that the design still felt sophisticated and respectful of their cultural background. Additionally, I incorporated features like the "debunking rumours" function to build trust and confidence in the news source.

Another challenge was the emotional aspect of the design. I wanted Paperwise to be more than just a functional app—I wanted it to resonate with the users on a deeper level. To address this, I integrated elements that evoke nostalgia and promote cultural identity, which helped users feel more at home with the technology and reinforced their sense of self.

By combining these practical and emotional design considerations, I was able to create a product that not only met their needs but also improved their engagement with the digital world in a meaningful way.

Winning the London Design Awards is an incredible honour and a significant milestone in my journey as a designer. It validates the philosophy that guides my work, which is to create designs that go beyond mere functionality and aesthetics, and instead challenge the norms, evoke deeper emotional responses, and address the real needs of users in a meaningful way.

This recognition will not only bolster my confidence in pursuing innovative ideas but also open up more opportunities for me to collaborate with like-minded professionals who share a similar vision for design.

Moreover, this award will give me a broader platform to continue advocating for a design that encourages self-expression, cultural identity, and human-centred values. It will also give me the chance to further explore the intersection of art, design, and technology in ways that push the boundaries of traditional design practices. I believe this recognition will help me build stronger connections within the design community, potentially leading to exciting new projects and partnerships that align with my artistic philosophy.

Firstly, the design industry provides a platform to express limitless creativity. It’s a field where ideas can be constantly reinvented, and there are always new opportunities to experiment with different media, technologies, and styles. Whether it’s a new concept for a user interface or a unique visual storytelling approach, the constant evolution of design challenges me to think in new and innovative ways.

Secondly, design is not just about aesthetics; it has the power to shape how we interact with the world and each other. I love that design can influence culture, improve lives, and even spark social change. Whether it’s through creating inclusive products for underrepresented groups or promoting sustainable practices, design has a profound impact on shaping society in ways that are both meaningful and lasting.

Thirdly, the design industry blends art with purpose, creating solutions that are both visually appealing and practically effective. This balance between creative expression and functional design is what keeps the industry exciting and dynamic. For me, it’s thrilling to be part of a process that combines artistic vision with real-world applications to create something that can serve a specific purpose and inspire at the same time.

What sets my design apart from others in the same category is my approach to integrating deep philosophical concepts with the practical aspects of design. For example, in my award-winning design for the Paperwise app, I drew inspiration from the idea of identity and trust—focusing on how design can not only meet functional needs but also resonate with the cultural and emotional aspects of the users. Rather than just solving user problems, I believe design should have the power to change the way we perceive and interact with the world.

In addition, I consciously avoid limiting myself to a single medium or design category, such as ‘graphic design’ or ‘UI/UX design’. Instead, I approach each project as an opportunity to select the most fitting form of expression for the message or concept I want to convey. This holistic and flexible approach to design allows me to create work that is not only user-centred but also deeply reflective of broader cultural and philosophical themes.

By blending technology with personal identity and human connection, my designs aim to transcend traditional categories, offering solutions that speak to both the intellectual and emotional needs of the user.

Over the next five to ten years, I believe the design industry will continue to evolve, especially driven by the combination of technology and human-centred design. As technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented reality advance, designers will use these tools not only to improve efficiency, but also to create more immersive, intuitive, and personalised user experiences. This change will promote the emergence of more complex and flexible design systems that can sense and respond to user needs in real time.

At the same time, the design industry will also pay more attention to ethical and sustainable issues. As the world's attention to environmental and social responsibility continues to increase, designers will face new challenges: they will not only meet user needs but also contribute to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future. The design industry must also take more responsibility to shape a world that is more respectful of people and the planet.

For me, this change brings new opportunities for designers to combine art and technology. Design is not only about solving problems but also about inspiring change and challenging conventions. I believe that in the future, designers will no longer be limited to optimising user experiences, but will more actively participate in shaping social values ​​and cultural narratives. This will break through the traditional boundaries of design and bring more opportunities for artists and designers to redefine their roles.

To start, always be curious and eager to learn. Design is not just about solving the task at hand; it is also about a deep understanding of the world, human needs, and behaviours. Whether it is art, philosophy, or knowledge in other fields, it can provide unique inspiration for design. Therefore, I encourage young designers to explore widely and not just limit themselves to their own professional fields.

In addition, design should have real emotions and meaning. I believe that design is not just for beauty and practicality. The best designs often have a profound concept and sense of mission. In my projects, I try to give the design a deeper level and meaning by combining philosophical and cultural perspectives, which is one of the reasons why I finally succeeded. Therefore, it is very important to find the core idea you want to express and incorporate it into every design detail.

Then, don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. Innovation is the core of award-winning design, which requires breaking through the boundaries of convention and thinking. Although the design industry is full of competition, it is those designs that dare to try new ideas and explore different possibilities that can stand out from the crowd. Believe in your own ideas, and bravely practice them, constantly try and adjust, and you will eventually create influential and valuable works.

The key to my success is to adhere to and practice my personal philosophy - Polyfreedomism. This concept encourages us to pursue true freedom and diversity in art and design, rather than being bound by fixed frameworks and definitions. As a designer, I am unwilling to be limited by a single label or traditional design thinking.

My philosophy tells me that design should be a way to express myself and explore endless possibilities. It is this idea that allows me to pursue innovation and independence in each project, rather than blindly cater to trends.

True success comes from constantly pursuing inner freedom and respecting everyone's independence in the creative process. This means that I want to inject personality into my designs and make unique choices, rather than blindly following mass trends or catering to market demand. Design is not only about solving problems, it is also a cultural expression and self-realisation.