1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
My name is Alex (Qian) Wan and I am an award-winning product designer. My design has a global and business impact. The extraordinary works I have worked on have gone on to win many international design awards.
I have had the privilege of playing the leading design role in many companies with distinguished reputations, including Penn Medicine, GEICO, and VMware. I also played an indispensable role in the success and popularity of the GEICO Mobile App among customers, as well as the recognition it has garnered!
My contributions have also greatly impacted GEICO's overall success, market reputation, and exposure, largely attributed to the success of the GEICO Mobile App product.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
Ever since I was a child, my passion for art and design has burned brightly within me. This lifelong dedication to the world of design has not only driven my career but has also been a constant source of inspiration and fulfillment.
3What does “creativity” mean to you?
Creativity in design involves the ability to think outside of the box, take risks, and explore new possibilities. It can involve the use of various mediums and techniques to express ideas and convey messages in a visually compelling and engaging way.
4To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?
A creative idea or design is one that captures the imagination, stimulates thought, and evokes an emotional response from its audience. It is a solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while also being original and innovative in its approach.
5Tell us about your creative and/or design process.
The creative and design process for product designers involves research, ideation, prototyping, testing, refinement, implementation, and launch. The process aims to identify user needs, generate ideas, create prototypes, test with users, refine the design, implement it, and launch the final product. Collaboration with other team members is crucial to ensure the product meets the needs of the target audience and is successful in the market.
6What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
Ideation and testing!
7Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
I like to create something creative and collaborative.
8Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Ling is an educational chatbot that operates on mobile devices, specifically designed to assist Chinese international students in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. By offering real-time inquiry functions and access to learning resources, Ling aims to empower these students to recognize and prevent instances of discrimination and harassment they may encounter.
The driving force behind the concept was the rise of racism and violence towards Asians as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly concerning for Chinese international students between the ages of 18-25 who are entering a new cultural environment that may be vastly different from their own. These students may not immediately recognize instances of racial discrimination or harassment directed towards them, even if they are subtle in nature.
However, it is important to note that these experiences can still be just as detrimental to their overall health and well-being.
9What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The topic itself is very challenging. As a designer, we are bound to face similar challenges and it is important to embrace the challenge.
10What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Inclusivity, open-mindedness and creativity!
11Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
Technology-wise, it will be filled with AI-powered tools which will change the design process.
12If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Don’t be afraid of any challenge you are about to face because kicking things off is the hardest thing and you have already overcome it, the hard work is already over!
13What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
In the creative industry, being open-minded is the key to success. Don’t be afraid of the different opinion.