Interview with Weiping Cai | Gold Winner of Vega Digital Awards

Hello, I'm Weiping, though many know me as Kaia. I'm a product designer based in London, where I've been fortunate enough to explore the world of digital design across various industries. My journey began with my studies in software engineering and human-computer interaction. This blend of disciplines has given me a special lens through which I view design - one that brings together the practical aspects of technology with the nuanced needs of users.

Over the years, I've had the joy of working on an array of projects, each one unique and full of learning opportunities. My curiosity led me to delve into data analytics and machine learning, which has been incredibly helpful, especially when I've faced the exciting challenges of areas like generative AI.

My path to design began in childhood, with a simple yet profound pastime. I loved collecting unique stones, drawing on them, and arranging them into patterns. This seemingly small act felt like a powerful form of creation to me. Looking back, I see how this early fascination with transforming ordinary objects into something meaningful was my first step into the world of design. It taught me about composition, creativity, and the impact of thoughtful arrangement.

Today, instead of stones, I work with digital elements. But the core principle remains the same - taking individual pieces and combining them to create something intuitive and engaging. In many ways, becoming a designer was a natural extension of that curious child who saw potential in every pebble.

I'm particularly drawn to psychedelic and abstract designs. These styles fascinate me because they stretch the boundaries of human imagination. In our practical, reality-focused world, I find that engaging with unrealistic and seemingly purposeless designs offers a refreshing break. It's a form of visual escapism that allows for pure creativity and emotion.

These designs serve as a kind of artistic relaxation for me. They provide a mental space where conventional logic can be set aside, offering a chance to explore the limits of visual expression. This not only helps me unwind but also inspires fresh perspectives in my more practical design work. While I value functional design professionally, I have a special appreciation for designs that challenge perceptions and offer a brief, imaginative departure from reality.

To me, a good design is rooted in simplicity. I'm a firm believer in minimalism. A truly effective design strips away the unnecessary, leaving only what's essential. It communicates clearly and serves its purpose without excess or distraction. Good design is intuitive, focusing on core functionality and user needs. It's about achieving maximum impact with minimum elements and creating a clean, focused, and effortless user experience. In essence, good design makes complex things feel simple and accessible.

In simple words: Less is more.

My main source of inspiration for this design was, surprisingly, the cartoon character Peppa Pig. What struck me about Peppa is the sense of comfort and ease she brings to her audience. I was drawn to how a simple character design could evoke such positive feelings.

This observation led me to reflect on how I could translate that same sense of comfort into product design. I aimed to create something that, like Peppa, would feel approachable, and friendly, and put users at ease. The goal was to design a product that not only functions well but also provides an emotionally satisfying experience.

Thank you! It is an honor to win the 2024 Vega Digital Awards!

The project I entered is a gift card exchange platform designed to reduce waste associated with unused gift cards. This digital solution allows users to trade or repurpose gift cards they don't need, promoting sustainability and efficiency in the gift card market.

I chose to enter this project because it aligns well with the competition's theme. It demonstrates how design can address real-world problems and promote more sustainable consumer practices. The platform not only serves a practical purpose but also encourages a shift towards more mindful consumption, which I believe is an important aspect of modern design.

My top three favorite things about the design industry are:

(1). The freedom to dream and visualise new possibilities.

(2). Its constant state of renewal, with ever-evolving trends and technologies.

(3). The insatiable hunger for innovation that pushes us to create and improve constantly.

Over the next 5-10 years, I anticipate AI playing a transformative role in the design industry. We're likely to see AI tools becoming integral to the design process, augmenting human creativity and streamlining workflows. Simultaneously, I believe there will be a growing emphasis on integrating product thinking into business design. This shift will lead to more holistic approaches, where design isn't just about aesthetics or functionality, but also about how products fit into broader business strategies and user ecosystems.

There are tons of great resources, but to start, a few design books can be incredibly helpful! For example, The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman.

Both my father and grandmother. Their unconditional love has instilled in me the importance of life.