Seeing the Bigger Picture: How Qianzhuo Zeng Tackles Design Challenges

Oh, I must admit, I don’t particularly enjoy being labeled merely as a designer. To me, the word sometimes feels like it reduces creativity to a task, like a tool that exists solely to fulfill user needs. But I have never aspired to be a tool. My journey into product design began with a desire to challenge precisely this notion—to prove that design can be an art form, a philosophy, and even a rebellion against mediocrity.

I see myself as an artist who uses design as a medium, rather than a designer bound by formulas or conventions. Becoming a product designer was a way for me to bridge art and functionality, to inject soul into systems and meaning into interactions. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about questioning assumptions, evoking emotions, and crafting experiences that transcend utility.

So why did I choose this path? Because product design offers a paradoxical freedom: it’s a structured discipline, yet it allows room for artistic expression and humanistic exploration. It’s the perfect playground for someone like me—an artist at heart, but one who thrives on making an impact in tangible, meaningful ways.

As a freelancer, I have the privilege of wearing multiple hats—designer, artist, researcher, and problem solver. My work is not confined to a single company or role, which allows me to explore a wide variety of projects and industries. I specialize in UX and service design, but my approach is deeply informed by my artistic background, bringing a unique blend of creativity and strategy to each project.

My role involves everything from user research and ideation to crafting intuitive experiences and visual storytelling. I’ve worked with clients across sectors, helping them address complex challenges through thoughtful, human-centered solutions.

Freelancing has also given me the freedom to align my work with my values, whether that’s advocating for inclusivity in design or exploring intersections between technology and human connection.

Ultimately, my "business" is less about traditional structures and more about creating meaningful impact—using design as a tool to inspire, empower, and solve problems in ways that are both functional and deeply resonant.

Design is far more than aesthetics or functionality—it’s a language, a philosophy, and a bridge between ideas and reality. It’s the art of crafting connections: between people and technology, between needs and solutions, between emotions and experiences.

Design, at its core, is about understanding humanity. It’s not just about solving problems but also about asking the right questions. It’s about empathy—seeing the world through someone else’s eyes—and using that perspective to create work that resonates, inspires, and empowers.

As an artist and designer, I see design as a form of storytelling. Every interface, service, or product tells a story about the people who created it and the people who use it. My goal is to ensure that the story is one of inclusivity, creativity, and meaning. For me, design isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of engaging with the world, challenging assumptions, and imagining what could be.

My favorite kind of design is service design, particularly projects that address complex societal challenges. I’m drawn to it because it’s not just about creating a single product or interface—it’s about orchestrating an entire system of touchpoints to improve people’s experiences in meaningful ways.

What fascinates me most about service design is its human-centered nature. It requires a deep understanding of people’s needs, behaviors, and emotions, as well as the ability to step back and see the bigger picture. I love the challenge of untangling complexity and finding elegant, intuitive solutions that not only solve problems but also inspire trust and connection.

For example, I’ve worked on projects like designing a news app for elderly users, where accessibility and inclusivity were at the heart of every decision. It’s this combination of empathy, creativity, and impact that makes service design my favorite—it’s a powerful reminder of how design can truly make a difference.

To me, a “good” design is not defined by popularity or widespread recognition—it’s defined by how well it meets the needs of its users, challenges conventions, and evokes a meaningful response. While a design may be celebrated by the masses, that doesn’t necessarily make it “good” in a deeper sense. Popularity often reflects trends, but true design excellence goes beyond what’s currently fashionable.

A good design is one that solves real problems in an innovative and empathetic way. It’s about considering the user’s emotional experience, the cultural context, and the long-term impact. It should be inclusive and accessible, reflecting the diverse needs and perspectives of the people it serves.

A design that is merely popular may follow the crowd or cater to surface-level needs, but a truly good design challenges the status quo, redefines expectations, and provides a deeper value. It’s not about being widely accepted—it’s about creating something that adds value, sparks curiosity, and stands the test of time.

Actually, I created my own artistic philosophy: "Polyfreedomism", which emphasizes freedom, independence, and the exploration of diverse perspectives. I believe that design should not be limited to a single narrative or solution; instead, it should celebrate multiple viewpoints and open up space for interpretation.

In practice, this means that my designs are not just functional—they are expressive and thought-provoking. I aim to create experiences that engage users on an emotional level, inviting them to explore, question, and reflect. Whether through intuitive interfaces or evocative visual storytelling, my designs seek to foster connection and provoke deeper thought.

I also draw from existentialist philosophy, especially the idea of embracing ambiguity and uncertainty. My work is often minimalist yet layered, reflecting a balance between clarity and complexity. It challenges users to find their own meaning within the design, allowing for flexibility and personal engagement.

At the core of my style is a commitment to freedom—both for the user and for the creative process. I believe in pushing boundaries, rejecting convention, and designing in a way that is both human-centered and thought-provoking. My work is not just about solving problems but about inviting users to embark on a journey of discovery.

It begins with deep empathy—understanding the user’s needs, desires, and frustrations. I start by immersing myself in their world, gathering insights through research, observation, and conversation. This phase is crucial because it allows me to embrace the diversity of perspectives and experiences that shape the problem space.

Once I have a clear understanding of the user's context, I move into ideation. Here, I encourage open-ended exploration and avoid being constrained by conventional solutions. I sketch, experiment, and push boundaries, always keeping in mind that the best solutions often lie outside of what's immediately apparent. It’s a process of embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, as I believe true innovation often emerges when we are willing to step into the unknown.

Then, I enter the iterative phase. I prototype and test, allowing the design to evolve naturally with feedback from real users. This phase is characterized by flexibility—the design is always in flux, refining and growing with each new insight. I value collaboration during this stage, as different viewpoints help refine the work and bring new dimensions to the solution.

Throughout the process, I focus on balance, ensuring that the design remains both functional and expressive. I prioritize clarity while allowing for complexity and layers that invite users to engage deeply with the experience. It’s about creating a design that doesn’t just serve a need but also sparks curiosity and fosters an emotional connection.

Ultimately, my design process is about freedom and discovery. It’s a journey of exploration where the goal is not just to arrive at a solution, but to create something meaningful and thought-provoking for the user.

Yes, I do believe that my country and its cultural heritage have had a significant impact on my design process, though perhaps not in the way one might expect. I grew up in a society where personal expression and independent thinking were often constrained by societal norms. This environment made me keenly aware of the value of freedom in creative work. It pushed me to constantly seek ways to break free from these limitations, both in my personal life and in my creative pursuits.

This early experience shaped my approach to design. For me, design is not just about functionality—it’s about breaking boundaries and empowering individuals. Whether it’s through creating intuitive and accessible user experiences or encouraging critical thinking, I see design as a tool to foster independence and freedom.

The restrictions I faced growing up made me determined to use design as a way to express freedom, both for myself and for others whose creativity might have been stifled by external forces. I aim to create designs that are empowering, not limiting, and that encourage people to explore and express themselves freely.

In my work, you’ll often see a tension between my cultural roots and my desire for a more liberated, open-minded approach to design. This dynamic allows me to engage with global ideas while remaining deeply connected to my cultural heritage. My design process is influenced by this blend of tradition and aspiration, always striving for a balance between honoring the past and creating something new that pushes the boundaries of what design can achieve.

Thank you so much! Winning the 2024 NY Product Design Awards is truly an honor and a significant milestone in my design journey. As a solo designer, this recognition feels especially meaningful because it validates not only the hard work and dedication I've put into my craft but also the core principles that drive my design philosophy.

This award reinforces my belief in the power of creativity to inspire, challenge, and empower. It serves as a reminder that good design is not just about meeting practical needs—it’s about creating something that resonates on a deeper, emotional level with people. It motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and to approach each project with the same passion and commitment to creating meaningful, impactful experiences.

The work I entered into the 2024 NY Product Design Awards is a modular building system designed specifically for remote regions in Africa, where economic development is limited and access to basic living conditions is a significant challenge.

The main focus of this project was to create a solution that could improve living conditions by providing clearly defined living zones to ensure a clean, hygienic, and functional environment.

In many parts of Africa, particularly in rural or remote areas, the lack of infrastructure and clear separation of living spaces often leads to severe health problems, including the spread of infectious diseases. This design is not just about providing shelter, but about offering a sustainable way to create a healthier and more organized environment for people who live in these communities.

The modular approach allows for flexible and scalable solutions, meaning it can be adapted to different needs and locations, ensuring that the design can be implemented in a way that suits the specific conditions of each area.

I chose to enter this project because I believe that design has the power to address real-world problems and improve lives. By combining functional design with social impact, this project aligns with my belief that design should go beyond aesthetics to address critical needs, particularly in underserved communities.

This work is a way of using design to make a tangible, meaningful difference—ensuring that people have access to not only a home but a healthy and dignified living environment.

The biggest challenge with this project was the limited availability of primary research, particularly given the remote nature of the target regions in Africa. Because I was unable to directly conduct field research, I had to rely on secondary data, which often meant piecing together information from various sources.

This not only made the process more time-consuming but also presented challenges in ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the data, especially when it came to understanding the specific needs and nuances of the communities I was designing for.

Despite these challenges, I focused on synthesizing the available information in a way that would still allow me to create a meaningful and impactful design. The complexity of this project stemmed from balancing the constraints of limited research with the urgency of creating a design that would truly address the real-world challenges faced by these communities.

In the end, overcoming this challenge helped me refine my design thinking, ensuring it was both adaptable and deeply considerate of the needs of the people it aimed to serve.

Winning this award has been a pivotal moment in my journey as a designer and, more importantly, as an artist. It has reinforced my belief that design should be more than just a functional solution—it should be a platform for personal expression and an exploration of deeper societal issues.

The recognition has not only affirmed my approach to blending art and design but has also inspired me to move closer to my core identity as an artist, rather than just a designer who addresses user needs.

This award has allowed me to step back and reflect on my creative vision. It has encouraged me to continue breaking boundaries and challenging conventional ideas about design, using my work to provoke thought, inspire change, and explore the human experience.

My ultimate goal has always been to merge my artistic sensibilities with my design practice, and this recognition gives me the confidence to pursue that vision with even greater dedication.

Moving forward, this award strengthens my resolve to focus on creating work that is meaningful, expressive, and impactful. It serves as a reminder that design is not just about solutions—it’s about using creativity to articulate ideas, tell stories, and connect with people on a deeper level.

Ultimately, it’s an affirmation that I’m on the right path toward becoming the artist I aspire to be.

One of the things I love most about our industry is the constant drive for innovation. Design is never static; it evolves with technology, culture, and human needs. This endless potential for reinvention keeps me excited about the future and fuels my desire to push boundaries in my own work.

Whether it’s through new materials, design tools, or emerging technologies, there’s always an opportunity to rethink how we approach problems and create solutions that have a meaningful impact.

Another aspect I truly appreciate is how the design industry revolves around human-centered solutions. Design isn't just about aesthetics or functionality—it’s about understanding people, their needs, and their experiences. This emphasis on empathy is what keeps design relevant and powerful. I’m drawn to the way design can shape the way people interact with the world, making it a more inclusive, accessible, and thoughtful space.

Finally, I love how the design industry fosters collaboration across disciplines. It’s not just about working within the confines of design; it’s about bringing together different perspectives—from technology and engineering to psychology and art.

This collaborative spirit enriches the design process and leads to richer, more innovative outcomes. It challenges me to think beyond my own expertise and draws on the strengths of others to create something truly transformative.

I see the design industry continuing its evolution, particularly with the integration of technology and human-centered principles. As advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented reality unfold, designers will harness these innovations not just to enhance efficiency, but to craft richer, more intuitive, and personalized experiences for users. This shift will lead to the development of more adaptive and complex design systems capable of responding to user needs in real time.

Simultaneously, there will be a growing emphasis on ethics and sustainability in design. With increasing global awareness around environmental and social responsibility, designers will face the dual challenge of addressing user needs while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future. The industry will need to take a proactive role in shaping a world that respects both individuals and the planet.

For me, this progression represents exciting new opportunities for designers to merge art with technology. The design will transcend problem-solving and evolve into a platform for inspiring change and challenging established norms. I believe designers in the future will not only focus on improving user experiences but will be more engaged in shaping societal values and cultural narratives. This will break down traditional boundaries in design, offering more space for artists and designers to redefine their roles in the broader context.

There’s something I’ve never shared before: while many designers thrive in team brainstorming sessions, I’ve never been particularly fond of them. I’ve always believed that truly transformative ideas don’t emerge from group discussions, but rather from deep individual reflection.

The moments of solitude, where I can untangle complex ideas on my own, are where my most valuable insights come to life, without the interference of external influences.

This preference for solitude is intertwined with my personal philosophy of Polyfreedomism. I created this philosophy to champion personal freedom, independence, and the unyielding pursuit of one’s own path, untethered by societal pressures.

Growing up, I was often told that my preference for time alone was strange, that I should “fit in” and follow the crowd. Yet, it’s precisely this experience that shaped my understanding of freedom, not just the freedom to speak openly, but the freedom to think critically, challenge conventions, and carve out my own creative space.

I’ve come to embrace this solitude, not as something limiting, but as a wellspring of my creative power. In these quiet moments, I connect deeply with myself, with my thoughts, and with the world around me. I believe that true creativity thrives when we break away from the noise of external expectations and give ourselves permission to think for ourselves.

This is where the heart of my design lies: in the freedom to explore, to experiment, and to create without constraint.

One of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life has been Frédéric Chopin. Having studied piano from a young age, I was naturally drawn to his music. Chopin’s compositions, especially his Nocturnes and Études, are not only technically brilliant but also emotionally profound.

As a pianist, I learned to express a wide range of feelings through his music, which opened my eyes to the power of art to connect with the deepest parts of our humanity. His works embody a delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, restraint and expression—qualities that resonate deeply with me both personally and creatively.

Chopin’s music taught me that true artistry lies in expressing the nuances of life, not just solving technical problems or following rules. As I’ve evolved in my design career, his approach to art has shaped my perspective on creativity: it’s not just about following conventional paths, but about embracing freedom and exploring the full depth of emotion, experience, and thought.

Like Chopin, I believe that true creative power comes from remaining authentic, challenging conventions, and pushing boundaries. His commitment to his art, even in the face of personal challenges, inspires me to stay true to my own path and embrace the imperfections that come with the pursuit of greatness.

Chopin’s influence extends beyond music for me—it’s a philosophy of life. It reminds me that creativity is not only about external recognition but about expressing what lies within, exploring the unknown, and giving voice to the deepest parts of the human spirit.