I think I didn’t know that one day I would become a designer or artist when I was young. When I was a child, I found myself having a strong ability to connect to the environment around me, empathize with people’s emotions, and express my feelings through all kinds of mediums. So it just naturally turns out to be the path I pursue. When I was in college, I studied digital media technology, which is an interdisciplinary field combining art, design, and technology. After my undergrad, I continued to pursue my graduate degree in the interactive media field and started to explore the broader concept of interactivity. I believe that interactivity is a fluid medium that connects people together, connecting people with the environment and with the machine. And as a designer, I could design and create interactivity which could help us shape and build a better world.
Design is a mindset to see the world, a medium to build the world, and a distinctive metric to gauge the world. In this process, I communicate and understand people and the world surrounding me more, and more importantly, understand myself more.
I like to design interactive and storytelling works that could invite audiences to become not only an observer, but also a participant and influencer in the work, at the same time, bringing beautiful, delightful, and unique experiences.
I like designs that could tell a good story, bring people sparkling and help them live a better life. More importantly, the technique it uses should feel natural, intuitive, and seamless.
That was 5 years ago. I was a technical artist working for a big game company. I created and designed the plants and trees in the game the company was working on at that time (laugh).
For me, I think material/platform/technology is not the most important thing. I choose different materials and technology based on different projects. For me, the concept always comes first. Technology serves for the art, design, and concept.
When I, as a vulnerable human being, start to feel empathetic and get connected to the world, I transform these emotions into something beautiful and strong.
Designer is responsible for creating imagination and positive possibilities for the future of our society and environment. It’s leading where we go by designing the blueprint.
The future of design is nature friendly, sustainability, and seamless integration of tech, art, and all other fields which will need to have more cross-field interdisciplinary collaboration infusion.
It was last year before the covid quarantine in New York. I’m open to anywhere in the world, probably in the near future, SF Bay Area and China would have higher chances.
I am from China. China has a resourceful cultural heritage and more than 5000 years of history. The art style and history from different dynasties always bring me inspiration and open my imagination.
Figuring out what I want to express and convey is the first step. Any great design comes from a great mind and concept. After that, it’s getting inspiration and doing research. And finally designing and iterating.
From Creative thinking, to incubate a new product or experience and finally prototype them. I enjoy the process of incubating new things and being able to make them real, not just think and design, but also bring them into life.