Meet Hong Qiu | Product Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hong Qiu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hong, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Design is often perceived as primarily visual, but after over five years in the industry, I’ve come to understand that visual appeal is just one facet of design excellence. In my evaluation of design work, I prioritize elements like intent, clarity, and the depth of the thought process behind it. Visual presentation, while important, is not the sole determinant of quality. Contrary to popular belief, being a designer isn’t solely about having a natural talent for visuals; it’s a skill that can be cultivated through learning and practice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a designer with a background in design and branding, I have worked for 6 years at a renowned internet company in China and have received numerous international design awards. I have always viewed design as a creative way to solve problems. The problems I excel at solving include both business and social aspects, which may set me apart from other designers. For example, one of my award-winning projects, Jagline, helped improve the overall usability of products for employees and students at Indiana University by providing them with simpler and visually friendly interfaces. Additionally, in another case, I led the design of a project to optimize an advertising platform. This project, powered by proactive AI reinforcement technology, helped 80,000 advertisers achieve maximum ROI with minimal budgets.

Through these projects, I have discovered the power of design as a force for good. Honestly, the journey has not always been smooth. I have faced many challenges and difficulties, both in terms of skill and mindset. However, I have never given up. The key to overcoming challenges for me has been persistence, continuous learning, and growth. I have learned to draw lessons from failures and see them as opportunities for improvement rather than obstacles. I have also learned to seek support and help from others when facing difficulties and to share my challenges and confusion with them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Here, I would like to sincerely thank my teammates Sara Wang and Nora Wang, who collaborated with me to complete the AI Advertising Management project. We faced countless challenges throughout this project, but it was our mutual encouragement and support that enabled us to overcome every obstacle. Each of us contributed our strengths to the project, collectively achieving remarkable results and ultimately winning the prestigious If Award in the design industry. This honor not only recognizes our individual talents but also validates the collaboration and efforts of the entire team.

Our collaboration went beyond mere work; it was a precious journey of teamwork. Throughout this process, we learned from each other, grew together, and forged deep friendships and trust. Each person brought unique insights and creativity to the team, adding depth to our path to success.

This collaboration not only led to outstanding achievements but also enhanced our friendships and team spirit.

Website: https://www.hongqiu.design/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hong-qiu-79216b75/

Image Credits
Hong Qiu