1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
I am Tong Lo, a design innovator passionate about user experience design. I am deeply interested in inclusive design and cutting-edge technologies, and I aspire to create impactful products, services, and experiences that provide tangible value and empower as many people as possible.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
I’ve always been passionate about finding solutions to real-world problems through creativity. Designing allows me to humanize technology, tackle challenges, and ensure that innovations benefit everyone, especially those often overlooked by traditional systems.
It is an exciting field where we can solve real-world problems creatively, turning concepts into tangible solutions that make a meaningful impact. This realization led me to pursue a career that combines creativity with meaningful user engagement.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
I am a founder of RE:PEAT, a Green Tech startup that mobilizes farmers to accelerate peatland conservation efforts through a carbon credit scheme.
As the founder and UX/UI designer, my role ranges from leading feature designs from concept to delivery, to participating in product research and vision planning. Design thinking is at the heart of all this, helping us deliver innovative solutions consistently.
4What does “design” mean to you?
Design, for me, is about solving problems in ways that are intuitive, impactful, and inclusive. It’s centered around understanding human needs and creating experiences that enhance lives, whether through physical products or digital interfaces.
Beyond being a tool for improving experiences, design is a mindset—a way of viewing challenges with a growth-oriented outlook, identifying opportunities, and embracing uncertainty.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
My favorite type of design is socially responsible design, particularly in sustainability and accessibility. I enjoy projects that contribute to the environment, equality, and community well-being, as they allow me to use design for positive societal impact.
6To you, what makes a “good” design?
A good design serves its purpose effectively and adds value to users’ lives. It’s not about being universally appealing but about addressing specific needs in context and making a meaningful impact.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
My design style is user-centric and purpose-driven. I focus on clean interfaces, intuitive navigation, and ensuring that every design decision enhances usability and accessibility. It’s driven by curiosity and a cross-disciplinary approach that blends elements from various fields to create innovative and experimental outcomes.
8Tell us about your design process.
My design process starts with in-depth research and understanding user pain points. I then move into ideation, prototyping, and testing, iterating based on user feedback to ensure the final product meets the needs of its intended audience.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Yes, my design education and experiences in the UK have greatly influenced my approach. The UK’s emphasis on inclusive design and innovation has shaped my perspective on creating solutions that are both functional and accessible.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Winning the MUSE Design Awards is an incredible honor for RE:PEAT. It validates our work in sustainable design and helps raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation through innovative solutions.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
RE:PEAT was entered because it tackles a critical environmental issue—peatland conservation—through an accessible carbon credit platform for farmers. It’s an example of how design can drive positive environmental change, which aligns with the MUSE Design Awards' focus on impactful design.
12What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
The UK is renowned for its innovative design thinking and strong focus on inclusivity, creating an environment where creativity and functionality merge to address real-world problems.
With the constant evolution of technology and design, the potential for meaningful impact—particularly in sustainability and social equality—is vast. The opportunity to collaborate across disciplines enhances the UK’s unique approach to tackling global challenges through design.
13If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Stay curious and embrace multidisciplinary approaches. Design is about solving problems creatively, so don’t be afraid to explore new fields for inspiration and push the boundaries of traditional design thinking.
Embrace multidisciplinary learning and be open to new technologies. Always stay connected with real-world problems, as the best designs solve issues that matter to people.