Interview with Jiayuan Wang | The Design Director at Vision Studio & J+Z Studio

I am Jiayuan Wang, a designer specializing in digital media and product design, based in Seattle. I hold a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Boston Architectural College and a Master's degree in Design from the University of Pennsylvania.

Currently, I am the design director at Vision Studio and J+Z Studio, where I have built a diverse portfolio through collaborations in healthcare, education, and technology sectors. My notable projects include work at the University of Washington and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as well as several innovative startups.

I have been honored with over ten prestigious international awards and my work has been widely exhibited, including at the 2024 Kent Summer Art Exhibit, Aquarium - 2024 exhibition, and Anacortes Arts Festival. Additionally, I designed the cover for Issue 27 of "Landscapes in Process" at the University of Pennsylvania.

In my previous roles, I specialized in interaction design for cloud-based restaurant management software, sustainable e-commerce platforms, and enterprise-level software. Prior to joining Vision Studio, I honed my leadership skills as a leading designer at a design-based startup.

Currently, I serve as a judge for various international awards. My approach blends user-centric and sustainable design principles, reflecting my commitment to design excellence and innovation.

My journey into digital design and art was driven by a deep passion for creating user-centric solutions that resonate with diverse audiences. Initially, my career began in architectural design, where I developed a keen sense of spatial awareness and technical proficiency. This experience laid a strong foundation for my transition to digital media and UX design.

The shift to digital design was fueled by my desire to blend aesthetics with functionality. I wanted to create experiences that are not only visually appealing but also deeply engaging and impactful. The ability to design interfaces and interactions that can touch people's lives in meaningful ways was a compelling motivation for me.

Moreover, I was fascinated by the evolving dynamics of the tech industry and the limitless possibilities it offered for innovation. Digital design allows me to tell stories through my work, engaging users and creating memorable experiences. This narrative-driven approach is at the heart of my design philosophy, making each project more than just an interaction—it becomes a story in motion.

I am the Co-founder and Design Director at Vision Studio and J+Z Studio, a leading design firm based in Seattle, WA. At Vision Studio, we specialize in digital media, UX/UI, and product design, focusing on creating user-centric solutions that seamlessly integrate aesthetics and functionality.

As the Design Director, I lead and oversee a diverse range of projects across various sectors including healthcare, education, and technology. One of our flagship projects is Relief AI, an innovative AI-integrated platform for landscape design. This project emphasizes sustainability, practicality, and the seamless integration of user aspirations with tangible garden designs. Additionally, I spearheaded the design for SafeHarbor, further cementing our reputation as leaders in digital design.

Our work at Vision Studio is characterized by a commitment to excellence and innovation. We collaborate with prominent institutions like the University of Washington and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as well as with various innovative startups. These collaborations allow us to tackle complex design challenges and create solutions that enhance user experiences and operational efficiencies.

In my role, I am responsible for leading the creative direction, developing UX strategies, and ensuring that our designs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I bring valuable experience from my previous roles, such as Information Architect at the University of Washington Continuum College and lead designer at Geward, a cloud-based restaurant management software company. These experiences have equipped me with the skills to drive our projects to success and deliver impactful design solutions.

My favorite kind of digital design is UX/UI design, particularly for platforms that integrate advanced technologies like AI and AR to create immersive, user-centric experiences. This type of design excites me because it combines creativity with functionality, allowing me to solve real-world problems while crafting engaging and intuitive interfaces.

I am passionate about UX/UI design because it directly impacts how users interact with technology. It's incredibly fulfilling to create designs that enhance usability, making technology more accessible and enjoyable for people. The challenge of understanding user needs and translating them into seamless, aesthetically pleasing interfaces is something I find both stimulating and rewarding.

To me, a "good" design seamlessly integrates aesthetics with functionality, providing an intuitive and engaging user experience. It starts with a user-centric approach, ensuring usability and responsiveness to user needs. While visually appealing and aligning with the brand’s identity, a good design also prioritizes functionality, efficiency, and sustainability.

Innovation through new technologies and attention to detail further enhance its impact. Ultimately, great design tells a story, creating memorable experiences and deeper connections with users. This holistic approach is what I strive for in all my projects at Vision Studio.

My design style is characterized by a harmonious blend of minimalism, functionality, and narrative-driven aesthetics. I prioritize a user-centric focus, ensuring intuitive and efficient experiences through clean, minimalist designs that eliminate unnecessary clutter.

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are key aspects, alongside the innovative use of technologies like AI and AR to create immersive experiences. My approach pays meticulous attention to detail, with every element thoughtfully crafted to enhance usability and visual appeal, ultimately telling a compelling story and creating memorable user connections.

My design process is a structured yet flexible approach that ensures the creation of user-centric, functional, and visually appealing solutions. I begin with research and discovery, understanding the project requirements, target audience, and business goals through user research and market analysis.

Ideation and concept development follow, where I brainstorm and develop initial concepts, creating wireframes and exploring different design directions. Prototyping helps visualize and test these concepts, allowing for early identification of potential issues.

With feedback from prototypes, I move to high-fidelity design, focusing on aesthetics and functionality through iterative testing and refinements. Collaboration with developers ensures accurate and effective implementation, while thorough testing and validation guarantee usability, accessibility, and performance.

User needs and client requests are my top priorities throughout this process, ensuring the final design meets all expectations. Post-launch, I monitor user feedback and performance metrics, making necessary adjustments to enhance the design further. This approach, combined with storytelling, sustainability, and innovative technology, results in designs that are not only functional and beautiful but also impactful and memorable.

I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, with my hometown of Inner Mongolia and my educational background in architectural design being particularly influential.

Growing up in inner Mongolia, I was surrounded by vast landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique architectural styles that deeply influenced my appreciation for aesthetics and spatial awareness. The natural beauty and traditional designs of my hometown have instilled in me a profound respect for harmony and balance in my work.

My formal education in architectural design, with a Bachelor of Architecture from Boston Architectural College and a Master's degree in Design from the University of Pennsylvania, has further shaped my design philosophy. The rigorous training in architectural principles, combined with exposure to diverse design methodologies, has provided me with a strong foundation in both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving.

This blend of cultural and educational influences allows me to create designs that are not only functional and innovative but also deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of visual and spatial inspiration.

I am particularly excited about the current trends in digital design that focus on AI integration and immersive technologies. AI design tools are revolutionizing the way we approach design by automating routine tasks, enhancing creativity, and personalizing user experiences. These tools enable designers to work more efficiently and push the boundaries of innovation, making it possible to create more dynamic and responsive designs that cater to individual user needs.

Additionally, the rise of immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is transforming user interactions. These technologies offer new ways to engage users, providing more interactive and immersive experiences. This trend aligns perfectly with my passion for creating user-centric designs that tell compelling stories and create memorable experiences. The combination of AI and immersive technologies is paving the way for a more intuitive and engaging digital future, and I am thrilled to be a part of this evolution.

Winning in the 2024 Vega Digital Awards is a tremendous honor and a significant milestone for me, my company, and my team. This recognition validates our hard work, creativity, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital design. It is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in creating user-centric, impactful, and aesthetically pleasing designs.

Certainly! The winning work I entered into the 2024 Vega Awards is titled "Unsettled Landownership," a documentary that delves into the complex interplay between natural disasters and human greed, set against the backdrop of Barbuda's struggle following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

This project begins with the catastrophic impact of the hurricane, transforming the serene island into a battleground for global power brokers who exploit the disaster under the guise of recovery efforts. Through revealing interviews with locals and environmentalists, the documentary uncovers a grand conspiracy involving covert land deals and manipulated environmental data, orchestrated by shadowy elites aiming to capitalize on the disaster for strategic land acquisition.

The narrative then shifts to highlight the resilience of the Barbudan community, focusing on The Children of Gaia International Land Trust. Established in 2031, this global entity champions the land rights of climate refugees and promotes environmental and economic sustainability worldwide. The documentary chronicles the trust's rise and eventual downfall due to internal conflicts, culminating in its dissolution in 2080. This serves as a cautionary tale of good intentions gone awry, leaving coastal communities as ghost cities.

I chose to enter this project into the Vega Digital Awards because it represents a critical exposé on the delicate balance between development and nature, highlighting the global struggle for environmental preservation against exploitative forces. The documentary calls for a reimagined approach to governance and environmental stewardship, positioning landscape architects and designers at the forefront of communicating complex political and ecological processes.

"Unsettled Landownership" serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for innovative configurations of technology, politics, and institutions in our climate-uncertain future. This project aligns with my commitment to creating impactful, narrative-driven designs that raise public consciousness and inspire change.

The biggest challenge with this project was meticulously researching all the evidence and seamlessly connecting it into a coherent and compelling narrative. Uncovering and verifying the intricate details of the covert land deals, manipulated environmental data, and the complex interplay of natural disasters and human greed required extensive investigation and a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the information was crucial, as the documentary aimed to expose a grand conspiracy and highlight the resilience of the Barbudan community. Additionally, weaving these elements into a story that was both engaging and informative, while maintaining a balance between the technical aspects and the human experiences, was a significant undertaking. This process demanded not only thorough research but also a thoughtful approach to storytelling to effectively communicate the project's critical messages.

Winning an award has significantly elevated my professional profile and reputation. This recognition has opened up new opportunities for collaborations with leading institutions and innovative startups, allowing us to take on more ambitious and impactful projects. It has enhanced our credibility within the industry, attracting new clients and expanding our network, while reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation.

The award has also been a source of inspiration and motivation for my team and me. It validates our hard work and encourages us to continue pushing the boundaries of digital design. Additionally, it has provided valuable exposure to industry trends and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Overall, this award has propelled my practice to new heights and inspired us to strive for even greater achievements in the future.

My top three favorite things about the digital industry are the continuous innovation, user-centric design, and global connectivity it offers. The rapid advancements in technology, such as AI and AR, open up limitless possibilities for creativity and problem-solving, allowing us to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in design. This constant evolution keeps the work exciting and enables the creation of more immersive and personalized user experiences.

I also love how the digital industry prioritizes user-centric design, focusing on solutions that genuinely enhance people's lives. Understanding user needs and translating them into intuitive and engaging interfaces is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the industry's global connectivity fosters collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines, bringing together different perspectives and expertise to create more innovative and inclusive solutions that can reach and benefit a global audience.

China's unique position in the digital industry is driven by its rapid technological advancements and large, diverse market. The country leads globally in areas like 5G, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and fintech, with swift adoption and development making it a powerhouse in the digital landscape. The vast population provides a significant user base, allowing extensive data collection and analysis, which drives personalized and innovative solutions.

Additionally, strong government support plays a crucial role. The Chinese government invests heavily in the digital economy through various policies, funding for research and development, infrastructure improvements, and favorable regulations. This supportive environment fosters growth and innovation, making China a dynamic player in the global digital industry.

Over the next 5-10 years, the digital industry will see increased integration of AI and machine learning, enhancing personalization and efficiency. Immersive technologies like AR and VR will become more prevalent, creating engaging user experiences. The Internet of Things (IoT) will expand, leading to smarter environments and improved decision-making.

Cybersecurity and privacy measures will become more robust to protect user data, while decentralized technologies like blockchain will transform industries by promoting transparency and security. Additionally, there will be a strong focus on sustainable and ethical tech, reducing environmental impact and ensuring inclusive benefits from technological advancements.

If you're a student entering the digital industry or an aspiring Vega Award submitter, focus on user-centric design and stay updated with the latest technologies like AI, AR/VR, and IoT. Embrace innovation and creativity, and build a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and problem-solving abilities.

Seek feedback, collaborate, and incorporate sustainable and ethical practices in your designs. Ensure your projects tell a compelling story and stay dedicated, patient, and persistent in refining your craft. These steps will help you build a successful career and create award-winning work.

To improve skills in the digital industry, I recommend taking online courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, focusing on UX/UI design, AI, AR/VR, and design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. Reading foundational books such as "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug and "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman is beneficial. Engaging with design communities like Dribbble, Behance, Designer Hangout, and UX Mastery can provide valuable feedback and networking opportunities.

Following blogs like Smashing Magazine and A List Apart, and listening to podcasts like Design Matters and The Futur, keeps you updated on industry trends. Attending conferences such as Adobe MAX and participating in local meetups and hackathons offers hands-on experience. Lastly, working on freelance projects, internships, and personal challenges can help build a strong portfolio and practical skills.

One thing I’ve never told anyone else is that my initial fascination with design started in my childhood when I would spend hours building intricate structures and landscapes with LEGO blocks. This early love for creating and designing spaces eventually inspired my pursuit of a career in architecture and, later, digital design.

The joy and satisfaction I found in those simple, imaginative constructions have continued to drive my passion for innovative and user-centric design throughout my professional journey.

My grandma has been a profound source of inspiration in my life. As a successful Chinese businesswoman, she exemplified resilience, determination, and ingenuity. Her journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving business taught me the value of hard work and perseverance.

She navigated numerous challenges with grace and wisdom, always prioritizing family and community. Her ability to balance professional success with compassion and integrity has deeply influenced my approach to both my career and personal life. Her legacy motivates me to strive for excellence, embrace challenges, and remain committed to making a positive impact through my work.

My key to success lies in a combination of continuous learning, a user-centric approach, and embracing innovation. Staying curious and up-to-date with industry trends and technologies allows me to push boundaries and create impactful designs.

Focusing on the needs and experiences of users ensures that my work is both functional and meaningful. Additionally, maintaining a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices helps me create designs that are not only innovative but also responsible.

Parting words of wisdom: Always prioritize empathy and understanding in your work. The most successful designs are those that truly resonate with users and address their needs effectively. Never stop learning and adapting, as the digital industry is constantly evolving. Finally, stay passionate and dedicated to your craft, as genuine enthusiasm and commitment are the driving forces behind great design.