We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Qian Wan about their original and creative Chatbot App design work. Qian Wan is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original chatbot app works.
Qian Wan ("QW") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Ling Chatbot App. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
QW : The inspiration behind the creation of Ling came from the urgent need to address the rising racism and violence against Asians, particularly Chinese international students, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These students, who come from a distinct culture and are studying abroad, often face discrimination and harassment but may be less sensitive to it due to their unfamiliarity with the local culture.
QW : The goal was to create a mobile-based educational chatbot that could provide real-time support, learning resources, and guidance on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) to help these students identify and prevent discrimination and harassment. Ling aims to bridge the gap in knowledge and provide a humanized approach to addressing these challenging experiences.
QW : I intend to actively promote Ling to raise awareness among educational institutions, student communities, and relevant stakeholders about the importance of addressing racial discrimination and providing support.
QW : Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have become increasingly aware of the challenges and issues faced by Asians, particularly in relation to the rise in racism and discrimination. This heightened awareness has prompted me to engage in conversations and actively seek to understand the experiences of Asians who have encountered similar difficulties.
QW : By designing this work, the goal was to bridge that gap and provide a solution that could empower students to recognize discrimination, express their experiences, and access trusted resources and support. It was driven by the desire to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for these students, enabling them to navigate their studies abroad with greater confidence and well-being.
QW : What sets the design of Ling apart from other similar or resembling concepts is its focus on the specific needs of Asian international students facing racial discrimination. While there are other platforms and resources that address equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), Ling takes a unique approach by combining real-time inquiry functionality, personalized learning resources, and connection to trusted case report sources within the students' own schools.
QW : I utilized a variety of design tools to aid in the development and execution of the design. Some of the key design tools that were employed included user research where I used tools such as interview guides, note-taking apps, and audio/video recording devices. These tools helped capture and document the experiences and perspectives of the users accurately. As for design, I used Figma and After Effects for prototyping.
QW : Yes, the design of Ling is influenced by data and analytical research. Extensive research was conducted to gain insights into the experiences, needs, and challenges. I conducted interviews with 11 Asian who were currently studying or working in the USA and had experienced racial discrimination. These interviews provided valuable firsthand insights into their experiences, emotions, and reactions to discrimination. The interviews focused on understanding their journey, mood, and reactions, helping identify design opportunities and areas of improvement.
QW : Participating in an international design competition provides a platform to share the design concept and story behind Ling with a global audience. It offers the opportunity to raise people’s awareness in post-COVID era, and it inspires more people contribute to and address the issue.
QW : During the design process of Ling, I learned and improved myself. Working on a project focused on the experiences of Asians highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in design. It deepened my awareness of cultural nuances, communication styles, and diverse perspectives. This experience broadened my horizons and improved my ability to design inclusively for users from different cultural backgrounds.
