Bi Leying

Specialized in Interface Design.

Bi Leying

About Bi Leying

Bi Leying is an interaction designer specializing in user experience, with a strong focus on gamified system design. She employs structured methodologies such as HMW (How Might We) and affinity mapping to ensure rigorous design reasoning and user-centric solutions. Transitioning from geology to design, her interdisciplinary background reflects a passion for innovation and problem-solving. Committed to advancing user experience research, she will pursue a master’s degree in design in 2025.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Interface Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Interface
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Interview with Bi Leying

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I began my academic journey in Earth Sciences, where I realized my need for a logical yet creative outlet. Post-graduation, I immersed myself in various design workshops and seminars, exploring industrial, interaction, and game design. A pivotal moment was my first group project, "Myersventure," which received positive feedback and affirmed my path in design. Since then, I've been delving into UX design within VR/AR contexts. My constant influx of ideas and creative drive naturally led me to this profession.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Buling is my personal design studio, currently in its nascent stages. I'm actively seeking collaborators, especially programmers with leadership qualities. Over the next year, I plan to expand our portfolio, potentially launching projects in gaming or XR domains.
What is "design" for you?
Design is the process of identifying needs and logically deriving solutions, culminating in expressions that blend aesthetics with technology.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I am passionate about projects that incorporate gamification to motivate positive behaviors and expressions. Designs that encourage active lifestyles and social interactions resonate deeply with me.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
"Myersventure" stands out as a favorite. Its innovative gamification mechanics fostered genuine online and offline social interactions. I'm eager to see it receive investment for broader implementation.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
As previously mentioned, "Myersventure" was my inaugural project, marking my entry into the design world.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Apple's Vision Pro is exceptional; its immersive experience is unparalleled. I aspire to contribute to Apple's endeavors, enhancing gaming insights and user experiences.
When do you feel the most creative?
Engaging with talented designers and conducting user interviews ignite my creativity. Conversations often unveil passionate insights that inspire my next design features.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I emphasize design rationale and logic, ensuring clear identification of needs and problem insights, leading to well-defined design solutions.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I aim for my designs to be genuinely useful, providing users with convenience and inspiration. Earning users' trust is paramount to me.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel a mix of excitement and gratitude, seeing ideas come to fruition and impact users positively.
What makes a design successful?
Effective communication and genuine exploration of real-world needs are the cornerstones of successful design.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I assess whether the design effectively addresses real needs and delivers tangible benefits to users.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designers should enhance user experiences and provoke thoughtful reflection, contributing positively to society and the environment.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Design's future is intertwined with technological advancements. As mediums evolve, so will design focuses. In interaction and experience design, mixed reality stands out as a significant frontier.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
I haven't participated in exhibitions yet but eagerly anticipate my upcoming involvement in an A' Design Award-led exhibition.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
User feedback is a primary source of inspiration. I stay updated with cutting-edge designs and trends, continually exploring new experiences and technologies to maintain a fresh perspective.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
My designs often incorporate social elements, reflecting my passion for social interactions and the belief that strong relationships foster personal growth.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I reside in China, a nation rich in cultural heritage. I'm enthusiastic about delving deeper into this heritage in future projects. China's streamlined development processes are advantageous, though market deployment can present challenges.
How do you work with companies?
I'm open to engaging with various companies, seeking collaborative opportunities that align with mutual goals.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Continuous improvement and keen observation are vital. I value designers who demonstrate growth and evolving quality in their work.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I employ the Double Diamond design model, utilizing affinity diagrams and prioritizing usability testing as essential steps.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
It's challenging to specify. A comprehensive visit to a design furniture exhibition would provide clearer insights.
Can you describe a day in your life?
I often work late into the night. Afternoons or evenings are reserved for playing Overwatch with friends. Mornings are dedicated to learning. Weekly, I engage in jiu-jitsu training or go shopping.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
As a young designer myself, I encourage peers to actively seek collaborative relationships, laying the groundwork for future creative endeavors.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
I'm outgoing and articulate, especially within China. However, my English proficiency isn't yet at its best, sometimes hindering communication.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Utilize the "How Might We" tool to maintain clarity in design objectives.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Discernment is key. Regularly studying exemplary designs sharpens this skill.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Figma is indispensable. I also utilize Photoshop and Illustrator.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Working late at night accelerates my productivity. Deadlines serve as effective motivators. Maintaining communication ensures timely feedback.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Depending on the project's scope, it can range from 1 to 6 months.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
I'm often asked why I transitioned from a different field to design.
What was your most important job experience?
My part-time role at Shenke transformed me from a novice to a UX designer.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I favor user experience design, relishing the process of uncovering insights and refining user flows.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
In 2025, I'll be pursuing studies at the University of Edinburgh, focusing on advancing XR technologies.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I'm currently involved in developing a soft science fiction 3D narrative game. Investment opportunities are welcome.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
No, thank you. I'm eager to share my progress and future developments.

Extended Interview with Bi Leying

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I studied Earth sciences in my undergraduate years. During my studies, I realized that I was more interested in creating experiences than analyzing the history of the Earth. I care about people’s emotional responses and their interactions with the environment. This led me to explore projects related to interaction design. This September, I will begin my master’s studies in Design and Digital Media at the University of Edinburgh.
How did you become a designer?
People’s feedback during interaction motivates me. I aim to continually improve and reinvent emotional experiences, and to strengthen connections between individuals.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I made a deliberate and determined choice to become a designer. As you may know, I used to work in geology. I went through 2-3 years of transitioning across disciplines, and have since achieved some accomplishments in design and built initial confidence in this field.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I want to enhance people’s sense of connection with the world. Thus, I focus on designing for social interaction and feedback. In recent years, I’ve become increasingly interested in virtual reality platforms, which offer opportunities to build new experiences and explore novel ways humans can connect.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Keep a broad industry perspective, communicate frequently with other designers, and maintain a mindset of continuous learning.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
A truly good design brings users positive emotional feedback or significantly improves their lifestyle.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design makes users feel cared for. In return, they’re more willing to invest their time and effort, which creates a positive feedback loop within the system.
What is your day to day look like?
I would love to design an experience system linking AR/VR with an open-world game. This could be for a game company or a motion-sensing technology firm.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Developing a VR experience for an open-world game — I’m really interested in this kind of project.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
I had a great teacher who taught me what makes design good or bad. Since then, I’ve learned to analyze and break down design work through case studies, developing my critical thinking.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Design competitions such as Core77 and IDA have introduced me to many inspiring designers and works.
What is your biggest design work?
I admire Apple’s innovative approach to interface design and their development of VR systems. Their work reflects a strong spirit of exploration and delivers truly excellent user experiences.
Who is your favourite designer?
My latest project, a jewelry auction interface, is my best work so far. It provides a smooth user flow and introduces new interactions. I made measured and thoughtful innovations in the social aspects of the experience, which I consider a personal breakthrough.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Right now, I’m focused on reading design books. I also believe that taking courses and pursuing academic studies are good ways to grow. Ultimately, real industry experience is essential to validate methods and drive innovation.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I never really considered anything else seriously. Maybe I would have become a game designer, a novelist, or someone who connects people, like a host or facilitator — I’m good at building connections.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is about identifying a goal and figuring out the best way to achieve it. It’s a process of continuous testing and optimization, always oriented around purpose.

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