1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
I'm Tony Liu, currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at Cultural Path. My academic journey began with a computer science major, but I soon realized programming wasn't my true calling. That's when I decided to study in New Zealand where I earned my Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies and 3D computer graphics.
I then dived into the world of animation, but the repetitive tasks began to lose their charm. That's when I made my way back to my country and decided to pursue a master's degree in interactive design. This choice set the stage for a rewarding 13-year career in the design industry.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
I don’t enjoy repetitive work. I find design work to be very challenging and it gives me a sense of accomplishment.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
Cultural Path specializes in providing design services tailored for museums. It’s expertise covers a wide array of skills, including 2D and 3D animation, VR and AR, exhibition design, web and app design, as well as interactive installations. My role within the company is to focus on integrating digital technology into exhibitions in a way that enhances the visitor experience.
4What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
Digitizing timeless masterpieces and creating digital experiences from them is something I have a deep appreciation for.
5To you, what makes a “good” design?
I believe that a good design has the power to improve people’s lives.
6Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
I make it a point to incorporate the newest digital technology into all my design projects. Staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends helps me deliver designs that are not only visually striking but also exceptionally practical and in sync with the ever-changing digital landscape.
7Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
The flourishing ICT industry in my country plays a central role in shaping its design landscape. The seamless integration of technology with design has empowered the nation to develop unique products and inventive solutions.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Winning Gold in the 2023 MUSE Design Awards stands as a significant honor, a testament to the unwavering dedication, creativity, and hard work of our entire team. It not only reflects industry recognition but also validates our innovative design approach and unwavering commitment to excellence.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
To help visitors better understand the exhibition, we developed the "NMNS XR Phygital Museum Guided System”, making visits to the museum as fun as watching a movie!
10What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The biggest challenge in this project was to figure out how to engage with the visitors, especially children.
11How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Winning MUSE Design Awards brings more visibility which can lead to more business opportunities and it also opens doors to collaborations and projects that align with our commitment to excellence and innovation, ultimately fostering further growth and success for our team.
12What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Creativity, how it is able to solve problems and the impact it has once a solution is produced.
13What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
What sets my country apart in the design sector is the fusion of cultural diversity, cutting-edge technology, and a relentless dedication to industrial innovation.
14Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the future is Phygital: Physical + Digital. Phygital is a hybrid form of communication based on integration of physical and digital objects to create a better user experience.
15If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
You should always spare some time to learn from other designer/artists’ works by observing their work and this would give you a better idea of what you want to work on.
16Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I love money!
17Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Cheer Chen Chi-chen is a singer-songwriter and she inspires me through her powerful music, and her unwavering authenticity!
18What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Truth, faith and deed. Truth is attained through faith which is then expressed by deeds.