Xunxing liang

I grew up in an artistic family, which inspired my passion for design. A book by Kenya Hara, "Design in Design," given by my father during high school, sparked my interest in graphic design. Its simple yet profound design motivated me to pursue a career in visual arts.

For me, design is the art of creating meaningful and effective visual solutions that communicate ideas and evoke emotions. It's about blending creativity with functionality to enhance experiences and solve problems​​.

I enjoy designing works that combine functionality with creativity, particularly in packaging and brand identity.

One of my favorite designs is the Morton Salt Bottle packaging. This project addresses the common issue of measuring precise amounts of salt in cooking. The bottle’s design includes a mechanism for dispensing specific quantities of salt, ensuring accuracy and ease of use. It’s a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics, demonstrating how thoughtful design can enhance everyday tasks and improve user experience​​.

I designed lens packaging for my friend's startup company, completing a series of packaging designs at the lowest cost without sacrificing the fun aspect of the packaging. This helped establish brand recognition.

I feel the most creative in the early mornings when I'm in my studio.

When I design, I feel a mix of excitement and fulfillment. There's a sense of joy in the creative process and satisfaction in solving problems and bringing ideas to life. Each project brings a unique set of challenges and the opportunity to innovate, which keeps the process engaging and rewarding​​.

When my designs are realized, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. Seeing my ideas come to life and knowing they positively impact others is incredibly rewarding.

A design is successful when it effectively solves a problem, meets user needs, and creates a positive emotional response. It should be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and intuitive to use. Successful designs also stand out by being innovative and thoughtful, much like my Morton Salt Bottle project, which combines practicality with visual appeal​​.

The design field is rapidly evolving with advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Designers are increasingly using digital tools and platforms to create more interactive and immersive experiences.

A day in my life starts early in my studio, where the quiet morning fuels my creativity. I dive into brainstorming and sketching ideas, then switch between designing on Adobe Creative Suite and sketches. I collaborate with team members, stay updated with design trends, and end my day reviewing work and planning for tomorrow. Evenings often involve personal creative projects or learning new skills to keep things exciting and fresh​​​​.

My golden rule in design is to always prioritize the user experience. A design should be functional, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing. It's essential to create solutions that not only look good but also make life easier and more enjoyable for the user​​.

I hold a BA in Visual Communication Design from Hunan Normal University and a Creative Advertising experience from the University of Central Lancashire. Currently, I am pursuing an MS in Packaging, Identities, and Systems Design at Pratt Institute.

Design allows me to communicate complex ideas visually and create solutions that enhance user experiences. The challenge of merging aesthetics with functionality motivates me to continually evolve as a designer.

I initially wanted to become a writer, but as I explored different forms of creative expression, I found that design offered a unique way to tell stories and solve problems visually. This discovery led me to choose design as my career path.

I design packaging, branding, and visual identities. I wish to design more interactive and sustainable packaging solutions that not only serve their purpose but also contribute positively to the environment.

Young designers should stay curious, embrace continuous learning, and seek inspiration from diverse sources. Building a strong foundation in design principles and being adaptable to new trends will set them apart.

A great designer goes beyond aesthetics and functionality; they design with empathy, understanding the user’s needs and experiences. Great designers create solutions that are both beautiful and deeply impactful.

A good design is one that seamlessly blends form and function. It solves a problem, is user-friendly, and evokes a positive emotional response. I evaluate good design by its usability, aesthetics, and the value it adds to the user’s life.

Good design enhances user experience, increases product value, and can drive brand loyalty. Investing in good design leads to better customer satisfaction, efficient solutions, and long-term success.

If I had the time, I would design a series of educational tools and toys for children that are both fun and educational, helping them develop creativity and critical thinking skills.

My dream project is to design a sustainable and culturally immersive public space that fosters community engagement and environmental consciousness, blending traditional and modern elements.

My secret recipe for success in design is empathy. Understanding and prioritizing the user’s needs and experiences ensures that my designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional.

I draw inspiration from designers like Stefan Sagmeister for his bold and thought-provoking work, and Dieter Rams for his principles of good design that emphasize simplicity and functionality.

I admire the work of Naoto Fukasawa, especially his MUJI designs, for their simplicity and elegance. His ability to create products that blend seamlessly into daily life while maintaining high functionality is inspiring

One of my greatest designs is the Morton quantitative salt bottle packaging. Its ability to provide precise salt measurement while maintaining an appealing and functional design makes it a standout project.

Continuous learning and seeking feedback are crucial for improvement. I stay updated with design trends, attend workshops, and constantly seek constructive criticism to refine my skills.

If I hadn’t become a designer, I would have pursued a career as a writer, as storytelling and creative expression have always been my passions.

For me, design is the art of creating solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s about solving problems, enhancing user experiences, and making the world a better place through thoughtful and intentional creations.

My biggest supporters have been my family and mentors. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my growth and success as a designer.