I'm a freelance designer who loves creating great interactive and product designs. I graduated from the amazing Rhode Island School of Design, and my goal is to make products that leave a good impression on users. I also love using new technologies to make design even better and more efficient.
I believe that design is a tricky but awesome job that involves constantly finding and fixing problems. I want to achieve my goals by using design to create real value.
My main job is to create interactive and spatial designs. I start by having client meetings to get their ideas, and then I create design prototypes based on their input. Once the designs are ready, I introduce them to the market. As I'm aiming to become a full-stack designer, I want to be involved in every stage of a project, from the very beginning to the end, and even during the process of testing and making changes. This way of working is both a challenge and a lot of fun.
I really love digital design, especially making mobile apps and creating cool art installations that blend art and technology. It's not just about making things look pretty, it's also about understanding a ton of things like user preferences and market trends. Plus, you have to be good at all the tech stuff like programming and artificial intelligence.
Great design solves problems, makes waves, and pushes boundaries.
My design ethos revolves around building cutting-edge features and continuously refining them through close collaboration with clients. I prioritize usability, but also understand the power of beautiful aesthetics to engage users.
Before I jump into any design, I like to do my homework. Lots of research, talking to users, and digging into what they need helps me find the real problems and nail down what I'm aiming for. Then, it's all about building, getting feedback, and building some more until it's just right.
I actively seek inspiration by hunting for hidden beauty in the everyday, and I sharpen my skills by studying the greats - it's like a double dose of creative fuel.
I tackled two diverse challenges: one by crafting a travel feature for the Apple Watch, and the other by creating a community garden app to bridge communication gaps and build a connected lifestyle.
Constant communication between clients and developers became the tightrope of these projects, requiring masterful compromise to walk between envisioned design and real-world implementation.
The constant learning this budding industry demands is what thrills me most.
The rapid pace of innovation in this field means products are constantly being revamped and improved.
Rising industry standards mean not just more complex interactive design, but also equally demanding visual expectations.
Actively seek out new technologies and ideas, and weave them into your work
Learning opportunities abound online, with free YouTube tutorials and immersive boot camps equipping you with essential skills.
Sirui Li is a freelance designer passionate about interactive and product design. Sirui strives to create products with positive impact and uses technology to enhance design effectiveness.
Read more about Sirui Li's interview for the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards!