We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mingcheng Guo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mingcheng, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

One of the most significant trends shaping the tech industry—and especially the field of User Experience (UX) Design—is the demand for highly customized, automated solutions that meet the specific, long-tail needs of both enterprises and end-users. UX design, at its core, is about creating seamless, intuitive interactions that align with user needs and business goals, which today means pushing the boundaries of personalization and automation.

A good example of this is a project I worked on during my time at Tesla, where I contributed to the development of an internal tool for global product pricing. This tool needed to manage complex pricing models across different markets, and our focus was on automating the pricing process as much as possible. By simplifying the user interface and introducing self-pricing capabilities, we reduced manual input requirements, freeing up our team to focus on strategic tasks rather than repetitive calculations.

At my current role with Rubrik, where I work on data security features, I see similar opportunities. Here, we’re enhancing product workflows to give users a streamlined, worry-free experience by automating data security configurations and compliance checks. We also leverage AI-driven analytics to help users identify and respond to security risks faster.

The rise of AI in UX is another trend I’m excited about, as it offers ways to predict user needs and personalize experiences at scale. AI allows us to gather insights from vast amounts of user interaction data, enabling more adaptive and responsive interfaces—tools that “learn” from each user and adjust accordingly. However, these innovations also bring challenges, particularly in data privacy and ensuring AI-driven recommendations remain ethical and transparent.

In both cases, automation and AI-driven customization have been essential in simplifying complex processes, and this trend shows no signs of slowing. With the increasing expectation for products that are not only powerful but also intuitive, I believe the next era of UX design will be all about smart, responsive systems that anticipate user needs with minimal friction.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Mingcheng Guo, a Senior Product/UX Designer specializing in crafting seamless, user-centered digital experiences. UX design is all about making technology intuitive and accessible, ensuring that users can accomplish their goals effortlessly while interacting with digital products. My journey into UX began with advanced studies in product innovation at Carnegie Mellon University, where I learned to bridge design, user experience, and business strategy. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with leading tech companies like Rubrik, Tesla, Intuit, and NIO, focusing on impactful design that simplifies complex processes and enhances user satisfaction.

At Rubrik, I design intuitive solutions for data security, helping users protect their data with ease by simplifying intricate workflows. Previously, at Tesla, I led the design of Tesla’s internal pricing platform that helps the finance team to make accurate and speedy pricing decisions that impact 98% of Tesla’s revenue in global markets as the sole designer.

What sets me apart is my dedication to creating user-centered designs that solve complex problems. My approach combines a deep understanding of user needs with a commitment to continuous improvement. I’m particularly proud of my ability to balance business goals with exceptional user experiences, and my goal is to create products that not only meet today’s needs but also evolve with users’ expectations.

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

My creative journey is driven by a mission to use the power of design to share my perspective on the world, reaching people and places that might otherwise be beyond my direct influence. Through my work, I aim to create inclusive, impactful experiences that resonate widely, particularly for underserved communities. One example is Besty.ai, a conversational AI mobile app I co-designed specifically for adolescents, especially girls. Besty.ai provides accessible, unbiased information on topics like sexual health and mental well-being, offering teens a safe space to explore sensitive subjects such as puberty, relationships, and reproductive health. I’m proud that this project has also gained recognition in the industry, winning both the Red Dot Communication Award and the Muse Award. By designing tools like this, I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of young people, offering support and understanding during their development.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation within the market has been built through a combination of carefully curated work, community involvement, and mentorship. I take pride in creating a portfolio that showcases my most successful projects, demonstrating both my design skills and my commitment to impactful user experiences. Beyond my work, I actively share my insights with the design community and volunteer as a mentor on ADPList, where I provide free guidance to emerging designers and share practical advice. This has allowed me to connect with others in the field and contribute to the growth of future talent. Additionally, industry recognition from awards like the Red Dot Communication Award and Muse Award has also brought attention to my work from peers and beyond, helping to further establish my presence in the industry.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcguo/