Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zihang Zheng. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zihang, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects that I got the pleasure to work on is the Xpeng X2 eVTOL(electric vertical take-off and landing) Aircraft.

As designers, our work is the most successful when it enhances people’s lives. The Xpeng X2 is exactly the kind of project that inspires society to rethink what is possible for future mobility. It is a sleek looking aircraft that could takeoff and land vertically in tight urban environments, at the same time adopting full self-piloting technology. This means that people would not have to suffer from traffic and road conditions anymore.

Admittedly, there is still a long way to go for technology and legislation to actually bring this kind of mobility to real life. But having the opportunity to work on the Xpeng X2, and be a part of the force that pushes the boundary for what we could have for the future in definitely a once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience.

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 Zihang Zheng, and I go by “Matt”. I attended ArtCenter College of Design located in Pasadena,CA for transportation design.

Cars have been a great passion of mine since I was little. Going into the automotive design industry was a dream come true. During my time at ArtCenter, I learned amazing skills that empowered me to bring wild automotive design ideas to life, and also the ability to solve problems in the most creative ways possible.

I’ve had experience working for multiple traditional automotive companies such as Toyota, Hyundai-Genesis, and also for EV newcomers such as Xpeng. With the valuable experience that I learnt, I have also been helping smaller product brands to design and develop their products better.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It would be to see our products getting made, and help our clients succeed.

I believe the biggest value a creative mind brings to the table is the ability to solve problems in ways that makes people go wow! The process might be a struggle, and we know that not all the effort we put into a project would be paid off due to so many variables. However, when it does, that is the best feeling in the world.

Of course we get compensated for our work. But the biggest reward is the feeling when we see a happy client or a happy boss. Because the point of a design project is to make people’s life better, and make people happier. If we can make the first person happy with our product, it would surely make the next one happy, so on and so.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think the fact that a lot of creative people would spend a lot of overtime beyond business hours to keep working on projects is something that non-creatives will struggle to understand.

The pursuit for the best form of our design is what makes us happy about the final product. It is that feeling of accomplishment that would make us give up everything else in life to work towards.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mattzz.agency
• Instagram: @mz.archived
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zihang-zheng-067780162