From Beijing to Ingolstadt: Connected for Visionary Display Solutions

You’re originally from China, studied in Germany, and now work at Audi in Ingolstadt. How did this fascinating journey unfold?

Jiayi: I grew up in an engineering family in Beijing and came to Germany, a country that had long fascinated me with its strength in engineering and technology, ten years ago. After completing my master’s degree in optics and photonics in Marseille and Karlsruhe and gaining initial practical experience, Audi was the ideal next step for me to apply and further develop my expertise in a challenging environment. 

At Audi, you and your team develop advanced display systems. What does your work look like in practice?

Jiayi: It’s an incredibly exciting challenge! My focus is on continuously improving display performance and the customer experience – for instance through even-better image quality and brilliance. We are constantly exploring innovative display technologies to meet the needs of all passengers in the vehicle. A key part of our work is the technical implementation of these new concepts. This involves intensive testing and precise fine-tuning to ensure that the displays are not only visually appealing but also meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. We pay attention to details such as color accuracy, brightness, and contrast to create a truly premium experience. As the interior of vehicles becomes increasingly significant, this is naturally reflected in the development of our displays as well.

Which of your innovations are you currently most proud of?

Jiayi: I’m particularly proud of a groundbreaking technology we recently integrated into the new MMI passenger display: the Active Privacy Mode with shutter technology. This feature allows the passenger to enjoy infotainment during the drive without distracting the driver visually. It helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road and prevents accidents. For example, the passenger can watch movies during the ride without disturbing the driver. Being part of this project is something I’m truly proud of.

What do you enjoy most about working for Audi? How do you balance a demanding job with your personal life?

Jiayi: Flexible working hours make it easy for me to balance work and private life. The entire team benefits from this environment because, without the right work–life balance, it would be impossible to collaborate at this level and still have so much fun doing it.

Do you sometimes miss your home?

Jiayi: Yes, of course that happens, but I’m very happy here and feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. As a Chinese woman at Audi, I feel very welcome and well-integrated. The work culture is very open, and I feel genuinely valued and supported. Additionally, I feel connected to my homeland through constant exchanges with international partners, including those in China. With my linguistic and cultural background, I’ve been able to build and strengthen important relationships – this not only accelerates Audi’s progress, but also helps me cope with homesickness. Through our global collaboration, I can help shape Audi and the vehicle technology of the future while staying closely tied to my roots.