Hello, I’m Emily! I am a senior at Yale studying design…and I have a collection of 200+ fruit stickers.
It all started as a fun alternative to stamp collecting*
*I eat way more fruit than I mail letters…
Over time, these colorful little pieces became something more personal.
Design, in many ways, is a lot like collecting. It's about gathering ideas and experiences from the world around us…
while finding beauty in the small details.
As a designer, I am always trying to strike that balance- creating designs that are both personal and universal.
And ultimately, I hope to bring a bit of fun into the world.
Awards and Recognition
AIGA WorldStudio- Selected as one of 15 students nationwide who demonstrate commitment to positive social change through design
Lohmann Prize- Selected as one of 5 students whose work exemplifies design at Yale
CCAM (Center for Collaborative Arts and Media) Studio Fellow
Scholastic Arts and Writing- 2x National Gold Medalist, American Visions Award
My Design Philosophy
Collaboration- Design is not created in a vacuum! I aim to include stakeholders, artists, and engineers in my design process. With my background in computer science, I can communicate effectively with engineers and work together towards innovative solutions.
Storytelling- At the heart of my design philosophy is the power of storytelling. I believe that stories can transform interfaces into memorable experiences, creating a deeper connection between the user and the design.
Empathy- Empathy is the cornerstone of my design process, guiding me towards creating designs that are inclusive and accessible to all.
When I’m Not Designing I’m…
Hello! My name is Emily Cai.
I previously worked as a designer for Universal Studios, Kindness.org, design specialist at Yale University, and Lead Genre Editor for Cortex. Through these projects, I have witnessed firsthand that design is an expression of love and care. Whether it’s an accessible user interface, a thoughtful infographic, or a doodle for a friend, my aim is to connect with people through visual storytelling. If the goal of design is to draw attention to something, I aspire for my designs to let people be seen and seen lovingly.
Please feel free to reach out! I’m always looking forward to chatting over coffee ☕️