1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
I'm Vivien Luo, an independent product designer recognized for my expertise in UI/UX design for consumer brands. Over the course of my professional journey, I've been fortunate to partner with agile start-ups, honing my skills in improving user experiences and driving conversion rates. By blending user-centered design principles with elegant aesthetics, my goal is to craft designs that not only engage and captivate users but also yield measurable business advantages.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
At first, I pursued a conventional educational route that emphasized stability and predictability. However, fueled by my rebellious spirit and a deep fascination with human behavior, I eventually chose a path that resonated with my passion for art and design. Art, to me, symbolized a captivating and profoundly abstract medium that allowed individuals to authentically express themselves—a magnetic allure that had entranced me since my early years.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
After completing my studies at Parsons School of Design, I entered the professional arena as a visual designer, leveraging my expertise in visual storytelling. As I gained more real-world experience, I began to recognize the immense potential of design as a catalyst for problem-solving and driving positive transformations.
Motivated by this conviction, I ventured into the realm of user experience design which allowed me to craft impactful design experiences at the convergence of art and problem-solving. Here, I could harness my creative talents to address user requirements and elevate their interactions with various products or services.
4What does “creativity” mean to you?
I perceive "creativity" as a powerful approach to enhancing the quality of people's daily lives. I care about the emotional well-being and experiences of individuals in their everyday routines. Creativity, for me, sparks like the swift motion of snapping your finger. It is a transformative force that ignites inspiration within me.
5To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?
A creative idea that refreshes me is usually problem-solving with a unique point of view and empowers more people. Witnessing ideas come to life fills me with a sense of admiration and excitement. It demonstrates the power of design to address real-life challenges and positively influence the lives of individuals. These creative solutions not only provide practical assistance but also empower people, enabling them to navigate their lives with more ease, resilience and support.
6Tell us about your creative and/or design process.
As a user experience designer, my design process commences with the identification of a user problem or a business objective. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem, it becomes vital for me to delve deeply into the target audience, their goals, needs, frustrations, and any existing business constraints. Through the use of various methods, I can effectively pinpoint the problem and establish a clear design goal.
Subsequently, I embark on an expansive exploration of diverse design solutions, creating prototypes for user testing and actively seeking feedback from stakeholders. Although the testing stage can be laborious, it holds immense significance as it saves time and resources in the long run. Once the final design is ready, I proceed with the design handoff process and prepare for the product launch.
7What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
The phase I find most enjoyable is the ideation of a design solution. When the problem is well-defined, it grants me the freedom to explore a plethora of diverse solutions. It feels like wandering through space, where extraordinary ideas can unexpectedly strike, and everything seamlessly aligns.
8Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
A recurring theme that consistently emerges in my projects is a strong emphasis on people. Whether it's fostering connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds through shared interests or designing experiences that evoke a sense of well-being, people remain at the core of my work. I firmly believe that individuals possess an innate inclination towards seeking more meaningful and spiritual experiences, even in their everyday activities. This belief serves as a deep-rooted motivation that consistently revitalizes and inspires me.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?
My country has had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. The roots of my inspiration run deep in my hometown of Chongqing, as well as the influences of my parents. In China, there is a proverb that beautifully expresses this connection: "One side of water and soil nourishes one side of people, and people, in turn, formulate a cultural veil of the city."
This proverb encapsulates the idea that the environment plays a crucial role in shaping individuals, and in turn, individuals contribute to the cultural essence of a city. It underscores the reciprocal relationship between people and their surroundings, highlighting how the interplay between them shapes the vibrant cultural fabric of a place.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Being acknowledged by the MUSE Creative Awards is an immense honor that carries profound significance for me. It stands as a testament to my creativity and the value I aim to deliver through my work. It feels like a well-earned trophy, validating the efforts I have poured into my craft and serving as a powerful inspiration to keep pushing the boundaries of my creative endeavors.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
At the heart of the Reshine Community lies the fundamental principle of leveraging peer-to-peer interactions and public scrutiny to cultivate transparency and authenticity within the realm of online resale shopping. The primary objective of this solution is to address customer concerns surrounding resale merchandise, unsatisfactory purchases, and refund processes by fostering a heightened level of transparency.
In terms of innovation, the Reshine Community also incorporates eco-friendly initiatives, aimed at empowering individuals passionate about environmental sustainability in their personal endeavors. This approach further aims to establish a strong brand reputation built on ethical and sustainable principles. I chose to be a part of this project because the fashion industry has faced criticism for its impact on pollution, unethical sourcing practices, and worker exploitation.
Through Reshine, we seek to present a different perspective on the fashion industry, demonstrating that fashion can be both sustainable and ethical.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The United States has witnessed remarkable growth in the resale market. However, certain online resale platforms encounter difficulties in delivering consistent services due to the industry's distinct nature. Customers often face challenges such as inadequate quality control, subjective product descriptions, and insufficient information.
Consequently, users frequently express dissatisfaction with their purchases and request refunds at high rates. Furthermore, a significant portion of resale shoppers prioritize environmental consciousness and actively seek opportunities to contribute to environmental protection. The primary challenge of this design solution is to streamline the online resale shopping experience and enhance the value associated with sustainability.
13What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
The most significant advantage of design is its ability to broaden my perspective on how I perceive life and its complexities. Design has the power to create a positive impact on others, influencing their experiences and interactions with the world. Moreover, what I create has the potential to leave a lasting legacy, extending beyond the present moment and resonating with future generations.
14Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
I believe that the opportunity to be a creator is progressively becoming more attainable for a broader spectrum of individuals. It is no longer exclusively reserved for artists; anyone with the aspiration and drive can embark on a path of creativity.
15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Persist in your creative pursuits and avoid the temptation of comparing yourself to others. Each individual has their own distinct journey and rhythm. Have faith that you are precisely where you need to be, according to your own timeline.