Yingu Pan and Zhongqi Fu are urban designers who have both contributed to projects for international architectural firms. Pan has experience in urban design and sustainability, while Fu has expertise in product design, UX\/UI design, and IoT enterprise products. They co-founded Unibike Co., a company focusing on the design and development of an electric bike system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yingu:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am Yingu Pan, an urban designer at the Boston Planning and Development Agency, with a rich background that blends academic excellence and practical experience in urban design. My educational journey led me to obtain a Master of Urban Planning from MIT in 2023, followed by a Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2016. Professionally, I have had the privilege of contributing to projects for internationally renowned architectural firms including Sasaki and SOM, with roles spanning Boston, Chicago, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. My creative process and design thinking are fueled by diverse interests, including photography, railway modeling, collecting antiques and maps, and traveling. Leveraging my expertise in urban design, I infuse Unibike’s product design with a deep understanding of urban dynamics and sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zhongqi:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am Zhongqi Fu, a Boston-based Product Designer with a rich background that combines a Master’s degree from Columbia University and over five years of experience in UX\/UI design. My expertise lies in developing innovative solutions that leave a positive mark on various sectors of daily life. Currently, I lead the design initiatives at Electric Hydrogen Co, focusing on IoT enterprise products right from their conceptual stages through to their market launch, with a keen eye on revolutionizing the energy industry towards zero emissions. In addition to my primary responsibilities, I also co-founded TA Design Studio, where we provide mentorship to over 50 design students. Alongside this, I collaborated with Yingu Pan to establish Unibike Co, focusing on the design and development of an electric shared bike system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q2. What made you become\/why did you choose to become a product designer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yingu:<\/p>\n\n\n\n My journey into product design evolved naturally from my deep-rooted interests in urban design, architecture, and personal hobbies. Initially, my fascination was with the broader strokes of urban planning and architecture, where I sought to understand and contribute to the way urban environments are structured and how they influence human behavior. My work in urban design has exposed me to a variety of design philosophies and the intricate ways in which every element of a city interacts with human life. My transition to product design was triggered by the realization that the principles of creating functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing spaces in urban design could be applied to the more intimate scale of product design. My hobbies and activities have honed my attention to detail, appreciation of historical context, and understanding of user experience, all of which are crucial in product design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zhongqi:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an individual deeply fascinated by the power of visual aesthetics, I derive profound fulfillment and joy from the act of crafting exquisite designs. My identity as a UX designer places me at the heart of a discipline that artfully combines design, technology, and psychology. This unique confluence not only enhances my ability to make significant contributions to design but also enables me to meet and exceed human needs, thereby enhancing my ability to solve problems and improve the quality of life. My commitment and intellectual curiosity drive me to apply my design expertise in ways that transform the world, seamlessly integrating impactful designs into everyday experiences. This pursuit is not just a testament to my dedication to excellence; it underscores my pivotal role in fostering a more intuitive and enjoyable human experience, demonstrating my passion for making a meaningful difference through design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q3. Tell us more about your business\/company, job profile, and what you do.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unibike Co., co-founded by Yingu Pan and Zhongqi Fu, is a forward-thinking startup dedicated to revolutionizing urban mobility through innovative design and technology. Specializing in e-bikes, Unibike Co. introduces a sustainable, user-friendly solution to the challenges of urban commuting. At the heart of its mission is the Unibike, a product of meticulous urban and product design, highlighting a lightweight, rechargeable battery system and a smart, dockless parking feature. Unibike Co. is poised to set new standards in the bike-sharing industry, driven by a deep understanding of urban dynamics and a passion for sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yingu, Founder, and Chief Designer at Unibike CoHe oversees the overall design process of our bikes, from conceptualizing the business model to detailed visualization and modeling. His role encompasses not only the aesthetic and functional aspects of cycling but also the integration of sustainable urban mobility solutions into our business strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zhongqi, founder and chief designer of Unibike Co., is dedicated to refining the shared e-bike experience with the innovative Unibike App. Her work not only enhances user engagement but also contributes significantly to marketing effectiveness and customer base expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q4. What does \u201cdesign\u201d mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Design, to us, is a profound blend of art and science, aiming to solve the problems that affect our daily lives, enhancing the quality of life through the use of cutting-edge technology. It transcends mere aesthetics, drawing on a deep understanding of user needs, behaviors, and emotions to create tangible, impactful solutions. Our holistic approach encompasses the entire journey from concept to completion, including in-depth research, iterative design processes, and collaborative efforts across a variety of disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy is at the heart of our design philosophy. By empathizing with users, we strive to craft intuitive, accessible, and inclusive products that connect with a broad audience. This focus ensures that our designs are not only visually appealing but also genuinely useful and sustainable, effectively addressing real-world challenges with creativity and forward thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, design represents our commitment to innovation and challenges the status quo. It’s an opportunity to rethink possibilities, turn visions into reality, and drive social and environmental change. Through initiatives like Unibike, we leverage design to significantly improve urban mobility, focusing on sustainability and user experience to develop an electric shared bike system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, design is how we express ideas, explore solutions, and make a meaningful impact. It’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to creating a more user-friendly and better world, using design as a tool to solve everyday challenges and enhance the quality of life with the latest technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q5. What\u2019s your favorite kind of design and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My preferred type of design is characterized by its simplicity, fun, and adaptability. These qualities resonate with me because they encapsulate the essence of impactful design \u2013 making complex systems accessible and enjoyable for everyone while ensuring that the design can evolve to meet changing needs. Simplicity ensures that the design is intuitive and easy to use, stripping away unnecessary elements to focus on the essentials. Integrating fun into design transforms everyday interactions into enjoyable experiences, engaging users in meaningful ways. Adaptability keeps the design relevant and responsive to new trends, technologies, and user feedback. Together, these attributes create a design approach that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply functional and future-proof, making it my favorite kind of design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q6. To you, what makes a \u201cgood\u201d design?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For me, a “good” design achieves a harmonious balance between functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. It should solve a real problem in a simple, intuitive way, making the solution feel almost obvious once it’s encountered. A good design is accessible, ensuring that it can be used by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. This inclusivity is fundamental, reflecting a deep understanding and empathy for the user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, a good design is sustainable, both in terms of environmental impact and its ability to stand the test of time. It should not only minimize negative impacts on the planet but also have the durability and flexibility to adapt as users’ needs evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aesthetically, a good design communicates clearly and effectively, using visual elements to enhance the user’s understanding and engagement without overwhelming or confusing them. It should evoke a positive emotional response, whether it’s a sense of satisfaction, delight, or trust, contributing to a deeper connection between the user and the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In essence, a good design is one that people find easy and enjoyable to use, meets their needs sustainably and ethically, and creates a positive impact on their lives and the environment. It is the result of a thoughtful process that considers every aspect of the user’s interaction with the product, aiming not only to meet but to exceed expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q7. Describe your design style and its main characteristics.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our design style is characterized by minimalism, functionality, and user-centricity, mirroring the ethos of my work on projects like Unibike. At its core, our style emphasizes simplicity, aiming to create designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. We believe that every element in a design should serve a purpose, avoiding unnecessary clutter that can detract from the user’s experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Minimalism plays a crucial role in my approach, focusing on clean lines, ample white space, and a restrained color palette to create a sense of calm and clarity. This not only enhances visual appeal but also improves usability, directing the user’s attention to the most important aspects of the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Functionality is paramount, ensuring that designs are not only beautiful but also practical. We prioritize intuitive interfaces that users can interact with naturally, making technology accessible to a wider audience. Our goal is to create designs that seamlessly integrate into the user’s life, enhancing their daily routines without introducing complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n User-centricity is the foundation of my design philosophy. We deeply consider the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the target audience, employing empathy to guide the design process. This involves extensive user research and testing to create personalized experiences that resonate with users on a meaningful level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, these characteristics define a design style that is clean, intuitive, and deeply focused on the user experience. It is a style that seeks to bridge the gap between form and function, crafting solutions that are not only visually striking but also genuinely useful and adaptable to changing user needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q8. Tell us about your design process.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Unibike project began with a deep-dive research phase to understand our main users\u2013urban cyclists and commuters. Through interviews, surveys, and direct observation, we uncovered insights into their mobility needs and environmental aspirations. This step was critical in identifying the need for an eco-friendly, efficient urban transport solution that is in line with modern lifestyle needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the ideation phase, we used these insights to conceptualize the Unibike shared e-bike system. By sketching, 3D modeling, and early prototyping, our team explored designs focused on ease of use, sustainability, and universal accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moving to design refinement, we used digital tools like Figma for high-fidelity prototyping, testing each iteration with our target audience. This process ensured that the system was not only user-friendly but also aesthetically pleasing and fully integrated into urban life. The iterative, feedback-based approach was crucial to refining the final design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collaboration with engineers and developers in the final implementation phase brought our vision to life, creating a functional service and continuing to collect user feedback after launch allowed for continuous improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reflecting on the Unibike project, its success reinforced the importance of user-centric design in addressing urban mobility challenges. This effort highlighted how innovative design can address critical needs, making a positive impact on city life. Unibike has become a testament to the power of design in creating sustainable, user-friendly urban transport solutions, providing valuable lessons for future initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q9. Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Growing up in China, we have observed that younger generations frequently use public shared bikes for their daily commute. However, current bike-sharing solutions fall short of meeting the massive demand due to mismatched supply, high maintenance costs, and poor user experience. These challenges are not unique to China; they are prevalent in major cities around the world, including Boston and NYC, where there is a significant need for improved bike systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This first-hand observation of the inefficiencies in existing bike-sharing systems has profoundly influenced our design approach. It has instilled in us a keen awareness of the practical challenges faced by users and a commitment to developing solutions that better match their needs. In creating designs like Unibike, we aim to tackle these issues head-on by offering a system that not only matches demand and supplies more effectively but also prioritizes low maintenance costs and a user-friendly experience. Our background and observations have been crucial in shaping a design philosophy that emphasizes practicality, sustainability, and enhanced user satisfaction in urban mobility solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2026 (Read more at NY Product Design Awards<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n