Meet Qingyi Li

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

Hi Qingyi, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My success stems primarily from maintaining flexibility which enables ideas to lead the medium rather than forcing the medium to shape the ideas. I work across multiple disciplines, including UX, system design, and digital storytelling, depending on project requirements. Through this adaptive method I’ve created work that resonates deeply across my projects from shaping large-scale design systems at Google to designing interactive experiences like Anywhere Door Collection and CulturaSphere.

I believe in designing with purpose. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about clarity, connection, and making interactions feel effortless. In both my professional endeavors and personal initiatives I have maintained a commitment to building experiences that feel intuitive and meaningful—something people engage with not because they have to, but because it adds value to their daily lives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is rooted in human experiences—capturing emotions, connections, and interactions in ways that feel immersive and intuitive. I began with illustration and expanded into digital design, UX, and interaction design, merging storytelling with functionality to create meaningful, user-centered experiences. Whether designing large-scale systems, interactive projects like Anywhere Door Collection and CulturaSphere, or exploring how design can bridge culture and memory, my focus has remained the same: to craft work that resonates and enhances how people engage with the world.

What sets my approach apart is my ability to work across disciplines. Creativity isn’t limited to a single medium—some ideas take shape as visual narratives, others as interactive experiences, and some as design systems that quietly improve daily interactions. This adaptability has allowed me to create work that extends beyond traditional boundaries, blending art, technology, and human-centered design.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. The creative field comes with uncertainty, and early on, I struggled with defining my own direction. But I’ve learned that the most meaningful work comes from trusting your instincts, staying adaptable, and collaborating with people who push you to think differently.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, we’d skip the usual tourist spots and focus on places that make the city feel alive. Brunch at Two Hands in Williamsburg is always a great start—good coffee, fresh food, and a laid-back atmosphere. After that, we’d wander through beautifully curated furniture shops nearby, picking up inspiration from the design details.

For something different, SoHo’s pop-up shops are always worth checking out—there’s always an interesting brand activation, an experimental retail space, or a small gallery hidden between storefronts. If we’re up for a day trip, Dia Beacon and Storm King Art Center would be perfect—there’s something about seeing large-scale art in open landscapes that makes the city feel far away in the best way.

Some of my favorite moments in the city are the unplanned ones—grabbing a fruit tea from Debutea, stopping for a quiet coffee at Dialogue, or stumbling into a small jazz club and staying for just one more set. Public Records is great when the energy feels right, and a comedy show always makes for a fun night. The best part of NYC is that you don’t have to plan every moment—there’s always something unexpected waiting to be found.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No creative journey happens alone, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have shaped mine. Since my time at RISD and Parsons, the friendships I’ve built with fellow artists and designers have been my biggest source of inspiration and support. More than just peers, they’ve challenged my ideas, pushed me to think differently, and reminded me why I love what I do. The late-night conversations, shared creative struggles, and collaborations have shaped my perspective in ways I never expected. Being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about their craft has made all the difference.

Later, working alongside talented designers at Google further deepened my understanding of designing at scale, reinforcing the balance between structure and creativity. Beyond that, collaborating with artists and designers at the BigHouse Studio has been just as impactful—pushing boundaries and redefining how we experience design. Their perspectives continue to shape my work and challenge me to grow. And, of course, my family and close friends have been my greatest support system, giving me the space to explore, take risks, and evolve without fear. Creativity thrives in connection, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who inspire me to keep pushing forward.

Website: https://www.qingyi-li.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/li-qingyi/