My name is Heidi Minghao He. I am an award-winning creative technologist with a unique blend of expertise in computer science and art. I hold a bachelor’s degree in both fields from Colby College and an MS in Information Systems, with a focus on Connective Media, from Cornell University.

I was honored to receive the Cornell Tech Backslash Art Fellowship and selected as an artist in Snap Spectacle's creator program. My innovative work in digital communication has garnered recognition from international awards.

Creativity has been a constant companion through the highs and lows of my life, providing solace and self-expression. In my early 20s, I would escape into painting, using semi-transparent layers to explore hidden emotions.

Over time, as I grew stronger, I shifted my focus to creating tools and experiences that empower others to express themselves. In my work “The Breathing Walls,” I use technology to reflect emotions in an architectural environment, watching audiences engage and reflect deeply. For me, creativity is a journey of self-discovery and healing, nurturing the parts of myself that were once overlooked.

I lead creative technology projects at the intersection of art and tech, where I focus on merging innovation with user-centric design. My work spans across various domains, including permanent installations, interactive exhibits, and digital experiences for leading tech companies.

For instance, I developed key installations such as TikTok's Transparency Center and Google's "Safer with Google" exhibit, which aim to make complex systems more approachable for the public. I also collaborate with artists on projects that explore new media and speculative narratives, like "Light Years Apart," an interactive sci-fi film.

In addition to my artistic endeavors, I contribute to product development, such as crafting personalized experiences using AI-driven recommendations, supported by my background in computer science, new media art, and information systems. My work is about bringing creativity and cutting-edge technology together to create meaningful, impactful experiences for diverse audiences.

For me, creativity is about the ability to see beyond the obvious and transform ideas into something tangible and impactful. It’s not just about artistic expression, but about solving problems in innovative ways and blending different fields of knowledge to create something new.

Whether it's developing immersive installations or working with AI to craft personalized experiences, creativity allows me to push boundaries, explore unconventional approaches, and continuously iterate on ideas. It’s about being brave, taking risks, and embracing the process of discovery and refinement to bring fresh perspectives to life. Creativity, for me, is at the heart of both my artistic and technological pursuits, driving everything I do.

To me, a creative idea or design is one that is original, solves a problem in a new way, and connects with people on an emotional or intellectual level. It's something that challenges the norm, blends different concepts, and brings fresh perspectives while being functional and meaningful. Creativity comes from making unexpected connections and turning those ideas into something impactful.

My creative process involves brainstorming bold ideas, iterating through experimentation, and blending technology with human-centered design to create innovative, meaningful experiences.

My favorite part of the creative process is the moment when ideas start coming together and taking shape, because it’s exciting to see abstract concepts evolve into something real and impactful.

My creative style blends technology with art, focusing on immersive, interactive experiences that are both visually engaging and conceptually thoughtful. It’s characterized by innovation, human-centered design, and a deep attention to detail, often merging the digital with the physical to create impactful, experiential narratives.

Yes, my cultural heritage influences my creative process, as seen in my work "The Breathing Walls." In this piece, I draw on traditional symbolism—such as nature’s elements and the interplay between visible and invisible forces—to reflect emotions within an architectural space.

By merging these cultural influences with modern technology, like EEG sensors, I create a meditative experience that blends personal reflection with collective interaction, embodying both tradition and innovation. This synthesis of past and present is a key part of my creative process, shaped by my cultural roots.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards is a tremendous honor for me and my team, as it not only validates our innovative approach to merging art and technology but also inspires us to continue pushing creative boundaries and making meaningful connections through our work.

Winning an award has significantly boosted my confidence and visibility in the creative technology space, validating my approach to merging art and innovation. It has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and networking, allowing me to connect with like-minded professionals and explore ambitious projects that push the boundaries of creativity.

This recognition has also reinforced my commitment to pursuing meaningful work that empowers others and continues to inspire me to evolve my practice.

My top three favorite things about the creative technology industry are:

Innovation and Experimentation: The constant evolution of technology inspires endless possibilities for creative expression, encouraging artists and technologists to experiment and push boundaries.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The industry fosters collaboration among diverse fields—art, design, engineering, and psychology—allowing for rich, multifaceted projects that blend different perspectives and expertise.

Impact and Engagement: Creative technology has the power to engage audiences in new ways, making complex concepts accessible and fostering emotional connections through immersive experiences and interactive storytelling.

My country is unique in the creative industry due to its rich cultural diversity and history, which inspire a vibrant blend of traditional and modern artistic expressions. This dynamic environment fosters innovation and collaboration, making it a hub for groundbreaking projects that reflect both heritage and contemporary creativity.

I would advise aspiring creatives to embrace experimentation, stay curious, and continuously learn from both successes and failures. Building a strong network and collaborating with others in different fields can also provide valuable insights and opportunities.

Most importantly, stay true to your unique voice and vision, as authenticity is key to making a meaningful impact in the industry.

I’m inspired by Reshma Saujani, who advocates for women in technology and emphasizes the importance of bravery over perfection.

Her message resonates deeply with me, as it encourages taking risks and embracing failures as part of the creative journey, reinforcing the idea that growth comes from trying and iterating rather than striving for unattainable perfection.

I want to thank Xi and Yue, my collaborators, for their support and inspiration throughout this journey. I’d also like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to share my experiences and insights, and I look forward to connecting with the community!