We were lucky to catch up with Lei Ye recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lei, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful projects I’ve worked on are “Data-Driven Narratives: BLM” and its successor, “BeyondNO” (Beyond Number). Both initiatives were born from a desire to leverage design for social justice, sparked by the global movements for racial equity.

The “Data-Driven Narratives: BLM” project involved creating interactive data visualizations to encapsulate vast amounts of data on income, education, and racial disparities across the United States. The goal was to make complex information digestible and compelling, enabling users to grasp the systemic nature of these issues and reflect on their wide-reaching implications. This project was particularly meaningful because it used design as a tool for education and change, moving beyond traditional design boundaries to influence and educate.

Building on this foundation, I developed “BeyondNO” for the 2024 Data for Black Lives (D4BL) Conference, showcased at the Pérez Art Museum in Miami. This platform challenged traditional perceptions of data as merely factual and impartial. It encouraged users not only to interact with data visualizations but also to personalize and internalize the information. Through digital postcards and posters, users could blend quantitative insights with personal narratives, making the abstract personal and transforming data from something one views to something one feels and remembers.

These projects underscore the impact of thoughtful design beyond the screen, reaching into the fabric of our social consciousness. Together, they have shaped my philosophy as a designer committed to social justice, demonstrating that design can be a powerful advocate for change and understanding.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Lei Ye, and I am a Senior Product Designer currently working at McKinsey & Company. My journey into the world of design began at Harvard GSD, where I pursued a Master in Design Studies.

In my professional career, I specialize in UX/UI design with a strong emphasis on product design. My role involves crafting digital solutions that enhance user interaction and operational efficiency, particularly through internal software that supports business processes. The projects I undertake often aim to simplify complex systems, making them more intuitive and accessible for users, which in turn enhances productivity and satisfaction.

What sets me apart in this field is my commitment to merging aesthetics with functionality. I believe that good design goes beyond just looking great—it must also solve problems and enhance usability. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding the user’s needs and the strategic objectives of the business, ensuring that every design element is both purposeful and positioned for real-world application.

As a designer, I strive to be at the forefront of innovation and social responsibility, ensuring that my creative outputs not only meet the immediate needs of users and clients but also contribute positively to our community and society at large. My work is driven by a passion for transformative design that informs, engages, and inspires.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to make design a catalyst for positive change. I believe that good design is not just about aesthetics or functionality—it should also engage, educate, and inspire. My goal is to use my skills to address complex challenges, whether they involve simplifying user interfaces for better accessibility or using data visualization to highlight social issues.

A significant part of my mission is rooted in creating designs that resonate with people on a personal level. I aim to foster empathy and understanding through my projects, such as “BeyondNO” (Beyond Number), where I challenge the viewers to think beyond mere data and engage with the human stories behind the numbers. This project, for instance, is not just about visual aesthetics but about invoking a deeper reflection on societal issues, promoting a more thoughtful and informed discourse.

Additionally, sustainability in design is another cornerstone of my approach. I strive to create solutions that are not only innovative but also environmentally and socially responsible. This involves considering the lifecycle of products and designs, from the materials used to the impact they have on communities.

Ultimately, my mission is to push the boundaries of what design can achieve. By blending technology, creativity, and strategic thinking, I hope to continue developing solutions that are not only effective but also transformative, enhancing the way people interact with the world around them.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Supporting artists and creatives involves a holistic approach that recognizes their economic needs and cultural value. Financial support through grants, stipends, and funding opportunities is critical, as many artists struggle with financial stability. This support allows them to focus on their craft without constant financial pressure and encourages artistic innovation through tax incentives and project funding.

Educational opportunities also play a crucial role. Arts should be integrated into school curricula from an early age to foster creativity, and scholarships or workshops in higher education can provide essential skills development in both traditional and digital mediums.

Providing community spaces for creatives to work, showcase, and collaborate can significantly enhance local arts scenes. These hubs facilitate networking, mentorship, and exposure, helping to reduce the isolation many artists experience while fostering a supportive community atmosphere.

Market opportunities are essential for artists to gain visibility and develop sustainable careers. Platforms for selling artwork, such as local art markets, online galleries, and public art projects, along with government and corporate commissions for public artworks, offer substantial support and exposure.

Legislative protection of intellectual property is crucial to ensuring artists can benefit from their innovations. Clear and enforced fair use policies and accessible legal resources help protect artists’ work.

Public engagement and appreciation are vital. A culture that values and actively seeks out artistic work can significantly impact demand and integration of the arts into society. Initiatives like public art projects and community-involved programs play a significant role in enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the arts.

In the digital age, it is essential to equip artists with tools and training to effectively navigate digital spaces, from social media marketing to online content creation. This support can open up global markets and audiences, expanding the reach and impact of local artists.

By adopting these approaches, society can create a nurturing environment where artists are appreciated for their aesthetic contributions and recognized as vital members of the community, capable of inspiring, challenging, and driving cultural and social progress.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ye-lei/

Image Credits

Lei Ye