Qihang Fan: Passion and Persistence
Product Designer
by Elizabeth Lavis
|26 Mar 2025
Qihang Fan, an official Product Designer and unofficial Indie Developer, emphasizes the importance of passion and persistence if you want to be successful in design. “While it’s essential to nurture your passion for design as it helps you overcome challenges and stay motivated, creativity is not just about moments of inspiration,” Fan says. “It’s a discipline that demands consistent, dedicated effort.” Fan nurtures his creativity daily and allows it to shape every project he works on. “I constantly remind myself why I started designing, allowing that initial park to guide my journey,” he says. “The combination of passion and persistence not only deepens my creative ability but also helps to inspire those around me. Please embrace the process, stay committed, and let your passion fuel your growth.”
Fan’s philosophy centers around the belief that technology should work for people, not vice versa. His interest in technology and its applications in the real world were the reasons he decided to be a designer. “I’ve always been fascinated by the rapid evolutions of technology and its potential to enhance our quality of life,” he says. “However, I’ve also observed that many people struggle to access the benefits of advancements like AI and XR. As a designer, especially in interaction design, I feel responsible for breaking down these barriers and making technology more accessible and user-friendly.”
Fan embraces inclusive design principles, which help emerging technologies serve a broad and diverse audience. “Focusing on accessibility improves usability and empowers people, creating tools that genuinely enhance lives,” he says. “This philosophy of making technology more human-centered drives my career and everyday work as a designer.”
"Four Typologies", Qihang Fan
His approach to each project is highly functional and deliberate. “As a product designer and user experience engineer, my design approach is deeply integrated with development, ensuring that the creative vision is both innovative and feasible,” Fan says. “I begin by thoroughly examining both the design and development aspects and carefully balancing aesthetics with functionality to ensure that what we envision can be realistically implemented.” His process involves quite a bit of re-evaluating and adjusting so that the end design meets the user's needs and technical constraints. “By taking this approach, I ensure that every design is not only visually compelling but also practical, functional, and user-centered,” Fan says.
Overall, the design must be inclusive. “I’m passionate about creating emerging technology products and interfaces that are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or background,” Fan says.
The intersection of design and technology is what excites Fan most about his work. “I love the opportunity to explore the practical applications of emerging technologies, such as augmented reality, extended reality, and artificial intelligence, specifically in surgical practices,” he says. “The unpredictable challenges that come with integrating these technologies excite and motivate me.”
When he’s not designing, Fan is devoting his time and effort to making emerging technologies accessible to everyone. “I believe that technology should benefit everyone, and I strive to push the boundaries of innovation while keeping the user experience intuitive and accessible,” he says.
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