Interview with Ningyuan Deng | Blending Technical Precision & Creativity Together

My name is Ningyuan Deng, and I’m a UX designer with a background in architecture. Originally from China, I transitioned from designing physical spaces to crafting digital experiences, allowing me to combine technical precision with a creative, user-centered approach.

I specialize in integrating AR and VR into my work, and I’m currently based in New York, drawing inspiration from the city's diversity and fast-paced environment. My projects focus on solving real-world problems, as seen in OutfitAR and HackQuest, which merge innovation with practicality.

My journey into digital design began with my background in architecture, where I was always fascinated by the intersection of form, function, and experience. I realized that in the digital world, I could have an even greater impact, creating intuitive interfaces and immersive experiences that users could interact with directly. The possibilities of AR and VR further drew me into this field, as I saw the potential for digital tools to solve real-world problems creatively and efficiently.

I currently work as a UX designer, with a focus on creating intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences. My role involves everything from initial research and ideation to high-fidelity design and usability testing. I also collaborate closely with backend and frontend developers, ensuring that the designs are both visually compelling and functionally sound.

A good design is one that solves a real problem while offering an intuitive and delightful user experience. It’s not just about aesthetics but about understanding users’ needs and designing with empathy. In my opinion, a great design is simple, functional, and delivers a 'wow' factor without overcomplicating the user experience. It should feel natural and easy to use, while also offering something unexpected or exciting.

My design style is modern, functional, and user-focused. I aim for clean, intuitive layouts with a minimalistic approach to ensure that the interface doesn't get in the way of the user’s experience. I also like to integrate immersive elements, such as AR and VR, to enhance interactivity. My designs often focus on creating smooth flows that guide users naturally through the experience, with attention to usability and accessibility.

My design process begins with deep research—understanding the problem, the users, and the competitive landscape. I spend time defining the core issues before moving into ideation. In the ideation phase, I prefer sketching ideas on paper to quickly visualize concepts.

Once I have a clear direction, I move into tools like Figma or Illustrator to create high-fidelity designs. Throughout the process, I conduct usability testing to ensure that the design is both functional and user-friendly. Iteration is key, and I believe in refining the design continuously based on user feedback.

I draw inspiration from the world around me, especially living in a city as dynamic as New York. The diversity, the cultural mix, the arts, and even the challenges of city life all feed into my creative process. Museums, exhibitions, and even everyday interactions provide fuel for my design thinking.

I’m most excited about the growing integration of AR and VR in digital design. These technologies are creating more immersive and interactive experiences for users, whether it’s virtual try-ons in fashion, virtual spaces for collaboration, or enhanced learning environments.

I’m also intrigued by the shift toward decentralized, user-generated platforms in the Web3 space, where users can actively participate in content creation, as we’ve explored in HackQuest.

Thank you! Winning the Vega Awards is an incredible honor for me and my team. It validates all the hard work and creative energy we’ve invested in our projects. For me, it’s a milestone that reaffirms our vision of pushing the boundaries of user experience. For my team, it’s a collective achievement that highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating designs that resonate with users on a deeper level.

I entered OutfitAR into the 2024 Vega Awards because it represents a blend of my passion for fashion, AR technology, and user-centered design. The project allows users to virtually try on outfits and visualize how different combinations look without physically changing clothes.

This idea was inspired by my partner, Yefei Guo, and her fashion sense. I believe the project’s innovative use of AR, combined with its practical application, made it a strong contender for the award.

For OutfitAR, the biggest challenge was the technical aspect of automatically generating 3D models from 2D images of clothing. Currently, I’ve had to manually create these models using tools like Marvelous Designer and Blender, which is time-consuming.

While it’s a workable solution, I believe the future lies in developing more advanced 3D scanning technology that can automate this process. Balancing innovation with current technological limitations was definitely the hardest part, but it’s also what excites me about the future of this project.

Winning this award has not only provided validation for my design work but also opened new doors professionally. It has given me greater visibility in the industry, allowing me to connect with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators. The recognition has boosted my confidence, affirming that the blend of AR, UX design, and user-focused problem-solving is a path worth pursuing. I’ve also gained more trust from clients and teams, which helps push innovative projects forward.

1. Innovation: The digital industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies like AR, VR, and AI redefining what’s possible. This continuous innovation is what keeps me excited and driven to explore new ideas.

2. Accessibility: Digital tools allow anyone, from anywhere, to create and share their work. This democratization of creativity means that fresh ideas can emerge from unexpected places, leading to richer, more diverse designs.

3. Collaboration: I love the collaborative nature of the digital industry. UX design, especially, involves working with cross-functional teams—developers, marketers, product managers—and that exchange of ideas makes the process more dynamic and the end result more well-rounded.

Living in New York, a global hub for creativity and innovation, offers unique advantages. The city’s diversity, with people from all walks of life, creates a melting pot of ideas and cultural influences that fuel creativity. New York also has a fast-paced energy that drives experimentation and iteration, which are crucial in the digital world.

Additionally, being in the United States provides access to cutting-edge technology and some of the world’s most influential tech companies, making it a fertile ground for pushing the boundaries of digital design.

Over the next 5-10 years, I see the digital industry becoming even more immersive, personalized, and decentralized.

Immersive Experiences: AR and VR will become integral parts of everyday digital interactions, not just for entertainment but also for practical applications like e-commerce, education, and remote collaboration.

AI-Driven Personalization: AI will take personalization to new levels, creating more tailored and dynamic experiences based on real-time user data. This will make interfaces more intuitive and relevant to individual users.

Decentralization and Web3: With the rise of decentralized platforms, users will have more control over their data and the content they create. This shift will empower communities and challenge traditional business models, creating more user-centric ecosystems.

A fun fact that I haven’t really shared before is that I originally pursued architecture not just for the love of design but because of my fascination with how people interact with spaces. That same curiosity has driven my UX career today—understanding how people navigate digital environments and how design can shape those experiences. The switch from architecture to digital design may seem like a leap, but in many ways, the two are deeply connected for me.

My partner, Yefei Guo, has been a huge inspiration in my life. Her passion for fashion and a keen eye for design directly inspired my project OutfitAR. Beyond that, she approaches life with a unique blend of creativity and practicality, which constantly pushes me to think outside the box in my own work. Her insights and feedback have played a big role in refining my designs and keeping me grounded.

My key to success comes down to one word: empathy. Understanding the people you’re designing for, whether it’s through user research or just observing everyday interactions, is crucial. Good design is about solving problems for real people.

My parting advice would be a lesson I learned from my professor: 'Do what you have to do, with who is next to you, and do it right now.' Don’t wait for the perfect moment or conditions—start creating, collaborating, and making things happen.