DX, or digital transformation, in the context of cities, refers to the comprehensive process of leveraging digital technologies to address multifaceted urban challenges. It involves utilizing innovative approaches, diverse data sources, and technological advancements such as cloud computing, mobility, and data analytics to enhance urban experiences, foster sustainability and resilience, and elevate the financial and operational performance of municipalities.

Smart Cities, aiming for outcomes-based digital transformation, seek to integrate disparate operations and processes, starting from smaller departmental projects and gradually expanding toward a cohesive citywide ecosystem. The complexity arises from the need to align interconnected physical and human systems within cities, requiring ICT systems to mirror and function as interconnected systems themselves. This interconnectedness forms the foundation for tackling intricate urban issues through digital means.

I was working at the Chengdu Tianfu Software Park, one of the most Hi-tech Industrial Development Zones in China. Here, the majority of people follow the minimum 996 work schedule, which means working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. During my time here, I experienced high pressure and learned how to collaborate with the team to deliver multiple projects within tight timelines.

My day typically started at 7:30 a.m. I would wake up, quickly freshen up, have breakfast, and then ride a shared bike for 25 minutes to reach the office. Before the product manager arrived, I would usually use this time to communicate with another designer and discuss our design tasks for the day. Sometimes, we would also communicate with UX testers to address any areas that needed improvement based on recent test results. We would also touch base with the front-end team to check on the progress of pages that were either still in discussion or undergoing improvements from the previous day.

Once the product manager arrived, we would have a brief stand-up meeting. We would gather around a whiteboard displaying everyone's tasks for the week. During this meeting, we would discuss each person's current progress. The other designer and I would simultaneously coordinate with the product manager and front-end team. I typically worked with around five front-end developers on different pages and occasionally coordinated with the back-end team to ensure the completeness of product functionality. Lunchtime typically ran from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. We would have lunch together and sometimes take a half-hour nap at our desks when we returned.

In the afternoon, we continued working until 5:30 p.m., ensuring that all remaining tasks were well-prepared for handover before leaving at 6 p.m. However, due to pressure from stakeholders, upper management, and multiple product demands, we often chose to work overtime. In some cases, we worked until 8-10 p.m. or even later. After leaving work, I would ride the shared bike back home. Sometimes, I had additional tasks or meetings to attend after work, and occasionally, I had to work on Sundays as well.

Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in China, is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.

Chengdu is famous for being the home of giant pandas!

Spicy food Is an essential part of the Chengdu lifestyle!

Chengdu is famous for its teahouses!

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