Meet Zhongqi Fu

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zhongqi Fu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zhongqi below.

Zhongqi, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

To keep my creativity alive, I believe it’s essential to cultivate a mindset that is open to new experiences, continuous learning, and exploration. Creativity thrives in an environment where curiosity and inspiration are constantly nurtured, so I actively seek out ways to feed my imagination.

One of my key habits is regularly learning new things by reading books, newspapers, and articles on diverse topics, not just those related to design. I also attend exhibitions, shows, and cultural events, which often inspire fresh ideas and challenge my thinking. These experiences provide new perspectives that I can incorporate into my creative work.

I also make it a point to connect with people from different backgrounds, beyond the design field. Building relationships with individuals from various industries, such as technology, education, or healthcare, allows me to gain insights from different viewpoints and learn about new approaches. Hearing unique stories and understanding different ways of solving problems often sparks new ideas and helps me think outside the box.

In addition, I love trying new experiences to keep my creative energy alive. Whether it’s traveling to a new place, exploring a different culture, or learning a new technique or skill, stepping out of my comfort zone exposes me to new ideas and ways of thinking. For example, visiting a new city or learning a new craft can influence my design approach and inspire innovative solutions.

I also dedicate time for brainstorming and ideation, both individually and with my team. Creating a space where we can freely explore ideas without judgment encourages creative thinking and generates a wide range of possibilities. This collaborative environment allows us to value everyone’s input and come up with creative solutions together.

Finally, I embrace challenges and view them as opportunities to learn and grow. I believe that experimenting with new techniques and being willing to fail are crucial parts of the creative process. Staying curious and continually learning helps me stay adaptable and innovative in my approach.

By combining these practices—continuous learning, connecting with diverse individuals, trying new experiences, dedicating time for ideation, and embracing challenges—I keep my creativity vibrant and ready for any new challenge that comes my way.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m excited to share more about my journey and what I’m currently focused on professionally. I am a lead product designer with extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, where I’ve worked on projects that promote sustainability. I find it incredibly rewarding to create designs that are not only visually compelling but also impactful and functional. My role allows me to use design to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges, making complex renewable energy solutions more accessible and engaging for users. This work requires a deep understanding of both user needs and the technical aspects of renewable technologies, which keeps me learning and innovating constantly.

In addition to my work in product design, I am passionate about mentoring and coaching the next generation of designers. I believe in the importance of giving back to the community, and I enjoy helping junior designers develop their skills, build confidence, and navigate their careers. As a design mentor, I provide guidance on portfolio development, industry insights, and career growth. Watching these designers find their unique voice and succeed is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.

On my path to becoming a design manager, I am focused on expanding my leadership skills and learning how to drive innovation through collaboration. I am passionate about fostering a creative and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. This approach not only enhances our design outcomes but also builds a supportive and dynamic team culture.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about several new initiatives. We’re planning to launch a design service focused on sustainable and inclusive practices, emphasizing accessibility and environmental consciousness. Additionally, I’m working on a structured mentoring program to help junior designers develop both their design skills and career strategies.

I’m also excited about the opportunities to connect with others who share my passion for design, sustainability, and mentorship. If you’re interested in learning more about my work or the initiatives we’re launching, I would love to engage further and explore how we can collaborate or support one another. I look forward to what the future holds and am eager to continue making a positive impact in the design and renewable energy sectors.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: adaptability, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. Adaptability has been crucial in helping me navigate the ever-changing landscape of design, especially in sectors like renewable energy where technology and user needs are constantly evolving. By staying flexible and open to new ideas, I’ve been able to innovate and respond to challenges effectively. Collaboration, on the other hand, has taught me the immense value of working with diverse teams. Design is inherently a collaborative process, and I’ve learned that the best ideas often come from bringing together different perspectives and disciplines. Effective communication and empathy are key to fostering these collaborative environments, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard and valued. Finally, my commitment to continuous learning has been a driving force in my career. The design field is always evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest tools, techniques, and trends is essential for remaining relevant and competitive. This dedication to learning has kept me curious and motivated, encouraging me to explore new areas and push the boundaries of my skills.

For those early in their careers, my advice is to embrace change and see it as a chance to grow. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take on diverse projects that challenge you to learn and adapt. Make a conscious effort to work with others and build strong communication skills, as these are critical for effective collaboration. Also, practice empathy and active listening, as understanding and valuing different perspectives will lead to more innovative and inclusive design solutions. Most importantly, adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge through reading, workshops, courses, and mentorship. Stay curious about the world around you, explore different fields, and always be open to new experiences and ideas. By cultivating adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning, you can not only enhance your skills and build valuable professional relationships but also stay passionate and engaged in your work, setting a strong foundation for a successful career in design.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been transitioning from a product designer who primarily focused on designing and prototyping in Figma to a more proactive role, engaging directly with stakeholders, end users, and cross-functional teams to drive the design direction. Two years ago, working as the sole designer in a startup, I was often given specific tasks and told what features to build next or what changes were needed in the design. My role was largely reactive; I would take the requirements and work on them independently. However, my role has evolved significantly. Now, as a lead product designer in a company with 400 employees, I wear multiple hats. I’m not just focused on design skills and prototyping; I’m deeply involved in cross-functional meetings and prioritization, driving the direction forward. This requires me to engage with colleagues from various departments who have different backgrounds and perspectives, understand their viewpoints, and make compromises or negotiate when necessary. This shift has been a substantial area of growth for me, helping me develop not just as a strong designer but also as a leader who is on the path to becoming a design manager.

Additionally, in my spare time, I’ve dedicated myself to side projects with friends, which have also contributed to my growth. Two notable projects I’ve worked on are “Yo-Yo,” which won several prestigious awards, including the Red Dot Winner 2024, A’Design Award Winner, Asia Design Prize Gold Winner, and Titan Health Award Gold Winner. The other project, “Unibike,” received recognition as a Core 77 Nominee, Titan Design Awards Gold Winner, and NY Product Design Award Silver Winner. These achievements have been incredibly valuable, not only because of the recognition and media exposure but also because they’ve allowed me to connect with many UX professionals and expand my network. These experiences have boosted my confidence and broadened my perspective on design, reinforcing my commitment to pushing creative boundaries and continuing my growth in the field.

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