1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
We are Jinda Zhong and Hui Jing, both UX designers based in the United States. With backgrounds in graphic design and human-computer interaction design, we specialize in crafting user-centered solutions that combine strong visual aesthetics with seamless functionality.
Our passion lies in designing experiences that connect people and technology in meaningful ways.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
We chose to pursue careers in design because we believe creativity is a powerful tool for solving real-world problems. Our fascination with how design can transform everyday experiences led us to explore this field deeply. The idea of making technology more accessible and improving people's lives through user-friendly designs drives us to keep creating.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
As UX designers, we work on various projects that span multiple industries. Our roles involve researching user needs, creating prototypes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring these designs to life. This diversity allows us to tackle different design challenges and innovate solutions tailored to specific user groups.
4What does “creativity” mean to you?
Creativity is the process of exploring new perspectives to find the most effective solutions. It’s about understanding user needs and translating those into intuitive, enjoyable designs. For us, creativity is the bridge that connects technology and people, simplifying complex systems and enhancing user experiences.
5To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?
A creative design is one that addresses a problem in a fresh, user-centered way. It combines functionality, accessibility, and visual appeal to provide an experience that resonates with users. A truly creative design not only meets users' needs but also inspires them.
6Tell us about your creative and/or design process.
Our design process begins with thorough research to understand the problem and the users' needs. From there, we brainstorm ideas, create wireframes, and develop prototypes to visualize potential solutions. Testing with real users and gathering feedback is crucial for refining the design. We iterate until we achieve a result that effectively meets the users' requirements while also being enjoyable to use.
7What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
Our favorite part is user testing. It's during this phase that we see how our designs impact real people. Their feedback is invaluable in refining our work, and witnessing the moment when users find joy in interacting with our designs is incredibly rewarding.
8Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
Our creative style emphasizes simplicity and clarity. We focus on creating clean interfaces and intuitive interactions that enhance user experiences. By stripping away unnecessary elements, we aim to deliver designs that are both visually appealing and functional.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?
Yes, our experiences in both China and the United States have shaped our design approach. This multicultural perspective allows us to blend Eastern and Western design philosophies, bringing a unique touch to our work. We incorporate diverse cultural elements, making our designs more inclusive and innovative.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Winning the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards is a significant honor for us. It validates our efforts and reinforces our commitment to creating impactful, user-centered designs. This recognition encourages us to keep exploring innovative solutions and motivates us to push the boundaries of creativity.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Our winning entries, TikKits and Upband, were created in response to challenges faced by people in the post-pandemic world. TikKits merges the excitement of culinary short videos with the convenience of meal kit deliveries, promoting healthy cooking at home.
Upband, on the other hand, addresses physical health issues by turning exercise into an interactive musical experience. We chose these projects because they reflect our dedication to solving real-world problems through creative design.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The biggest challenge was ensuring our designs were intuitive and accessible. For Upband, the integration of motion-tracking technology with a musical experience had to feel natural and engaging.
With TikKits, the main challenge was to create a smooth process for linking online content with real-world meal preparation. Overcoming these challenges required extensive user testing and iteration to refine the user experience.
13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Winning this award has greatly impacted our careers by enhancing our credibility in the design community. It has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth. This recognition serves as a reminder of the value of user-centered design and inspires us to keep pursuing innovative solutions.
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Our top three favorite aspects of the design industry are its dynamism, its focus on user-centric solutions, and the endless opportunities for innovation. The ever-evolving nature of the field keeps us constantly learning and experimenting, while user-centric design ensures that our work is both functional and enjoyable.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the creative industry?
China's rich cultural heritage and rapid technological advancements make it a unique player in the design industry. The fusion of traditional aesthetics with modern innovation creates a diverse design landscape, allowing designers to experiment with new ideas efficiently.
16Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
We believe the industry will increasingly incorporate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality. However, the human element will remain paramount. Content design will become crucial, as designers focus on creating meaningful and engaging experiences that resonate with users.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Stay curious and open-minded. Understand your users deeply and don't be afraid to experiment. Build a solid foundation in design fundamentals, stay updated on trends, and actively seek feedback. Collaboration and networking can also provide valuable insights and opportunities.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
We recommend online courses from platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. Additionally, enhance your soft skills, especially storytelling, to effectively communicate your design ideas. Join design communities, attend workshops, and seek mentorship to continually grow your skills.
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
We both draw a lot of inspiration from music. This shared passion influenced the creation of Upband, where we merged our love for music with design to create an engaging experience for users.
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?
The post-pandemic world has been our source of inspiration. Witnessing how people adapted to new ways of living and interacting highlighted the importance of resilience and creativity in design. This inspired us to create solutions that help people thrive in the new reality.
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Our key to success is staying user-focused and embracing continuous learning. Always listen to user feedback and be open to iterating on your designs. Stay passionate and curious, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
22Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
We are deeply grateful for this recognition from the MUSE Creative Awards. It’s an honor to be part of such a talented community of designers. We hope to continue pushing the boundaries of design and inspire others to create with passion and purpose.
