Meet Daren Cheng | Product and UX Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daren Cheng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daren, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because it feels like a natural extension of who I am and what I love. Imagine growing up in China, surrounded by many artistic wonders, from mesmerizing calligraphy to intricate embroidery. It was like living in a movie where creativity took center stage, and I was the eager sidekick trying to keep up.

When I embarked on my academic journey in the United States, I felt like I stumbled into a whole new genre – one where creativity collided with technology in UX design. It was an exhilarating experience, akin to discovering a blockbuster hit, but with pixels instead of Pandora like in ‘Avatar.’

Movies have always been my passion, each one offering a new adventure waiting to unfold. I wanted to recreate that magic in digital experiences, becoming the director of my interactive blockbusters. Instead of serving popcorn, I aimed to deliver seamless user journeys that captivate and engage, just like a thrilling film.

But what’s a blockbuster without its supporting cast? Music sets the mood, acting as the perfect soundtrack to our UX masterpieces. On the other hand, reading is like delving into the script of human behavior and understanding the intricacies of our audience’s reactions. Together, they form the secret sauce that creates experiences that hit all the right notes.

Pursuing an artistic and creative career in UX design, I feel like I’ve found my perfect blend of creativity and technology. It’s like combining all my favorite genres into one epic adventure. And who knows—if my career ever gets made into a movie, you know who to call for the blockbuster adaptation!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultural influences, a blend that distinguishes my work and infuses it with innovation and cultural resonance. Drawing from my Chinese heritage and the diverse perspectives gained during my studies at SCAD, I strive to instill harmony, balance, and simplicity in my designs while pushing the boundaries of creativity and technological advancement.

What truly sets me aglow is my capacity to employ design as a unifying force, bridging cultural chasms and fostering empathy and comprehension in our interconnected global community. Whether crafting digital platforms infused with Chinese aesthetics and philosophy or crafting inclusive interfaces for diverse users, I am fervently dedicated to leveraging my talents for the betterment of society.

My journey has needed to be smoother. I’ve encountered myriad challenges, setbacks, and bouts of self-doubt. Yet, from surmounting cultural and linguistic barriers to navigating demanding academic regimens, each obstacle has catalyzed growth and enlightenment.

Resilience and adaptability reign supreme among the invaluable lessons learned. In the face of adversity, I’ve embraced failure as a conduit to triumph, maintaining a flexible and open-minded stance amidst uncertainty. Moreover, I’ve drawn immense strength from the unwavering support of peers, mentors, and loved ones.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Imagine my friends traveling to Savannah. During my time at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve been immersing myself in the relaxed vibe of the place and delving into the art and cultural scene. I’ve always strived to create unique experiences that combine beauty with practicality, and Savannah is the place to do just that. So, I’ve prepared a week-long adventure to show them the best the city offers.

Day 1: Experiencing Old-Fashioned Living in the Historic District

Good morning. We’ll explore the fascinating architecture of Savannah’s historic district. We’ll take some photos at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Forsyth Park because, well, why not?
Lunch: Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is where we’ll enjoy Southern home-style cooking. Please pass the cookies!
Afternoon: Head to the SCAD Museum of Art for an afternoon of contemporary art and stunning design.
In the evening, we’ll head to The Grey for dinner. It’s an excellent restaurant at the old Greyhound bus terminal that serves distinctive Southern cuisine.
Day 2: Arts, Culture and Leisure

Morning: Coffee at the Foxy Loxy Café, surrounded by local artwork.
Lunch Picnic and meditate amidst the statues and history of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Afternoon Telfair Museums for a modern twist at the Jepson Center.
Evening: End your day with a live show at the Savannah Theater.
Day 3: Beach Day and More

Take a day trip to Tybee Island for sun, sand and kayaking. Oh, and we must attend the Tybee Island Light Station.
Day 4: Foodie Paradise

A.M.: Back in the Day Bakery Sample the fluffiest cookies ever.
Afternoon: GOURMET TOUR Take a food tour and sample Savannah’s best food.
Evening: Cocktails at Alleycat Lounge, followed by dinner at Husk featuring fresh Southern ingredients.
Day 5: Shop till you drop

Good morning. Browse the vast array of goods on Broughton Street.
Afternoon Enjoy Parisian style at the Mirabelle Café.
Evening Drinks on the rooftops of Peregrin, followed by dinner in The Collins Quarter.
Day 6: Explore the coast

Head to the beautiful Lowcountry for views of iconic oaks at the Wormsloe Historic Site and a walk on the nature trails at Skidaway Island State Park.
Day 7: End the tour

AM Enjoy a lazy brunch in the Collins neighborhood of Forsyth.
Afternoon: Take one last stroll through Savannah to enjoy our missed sights.
Evening: Dinner on a Savannah River cruise to catch up on our favorite times.
Throughout the week, we immersed ourselves in Savannah’s slow, captivating pace and let the area’s art, history, and natural beauty inspire us. As someone who loves UX design, I find this city, where old meets new, to be an inspiration for creativity.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to tribute several key individuals and groups that have significantly influenced my journey as a UX designer.

First, I would like to thank my family in China. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and sacrifices have been the cornerstone of my success, giving me the courage and determination to pursue my dreams.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my professors, instructors, and classmates at SCAD. Their guidance, expertise, and collaborative spirit have enriched my learning experience, pushed me to explore new horizons, and honed my skills as a user experience detective.

Additionally, I would like to thank the countless writers, thought leaders, and creatives whose insights and contributions have expanded my understanding of design, technology, and human behavior. Books, articles, and online resources have been a source of knowledge and inspiration, fueling my passion to continue learning and growing in the dynamic field of user experience design.

Website: www.darenchengdesign.com/

Instagram: darencheng.idus

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/daren-cheng-77334729b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085445507319&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
All the company logos I use are for fair use and educational purposes.