I'm Xianghan(Sharon) Wang, a designer/animator currently based in Los Angeles, where I bring my passion for creative technology, multidisciplinary art, and visual design into every project I work on. With an MS degree in Integrated Digital Media from New York University, I've honed my skills to craft immersive digital experiences that bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds.
Currently, I work as a Motion Designer at Apple, using my expertise to create captivating digital narratives. Before Apple, I gained invaluable experience working at Ogilvy and MediaMonks. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to innovation, I work to push the boundaries of digital design and shape the future of visual storytelling.
My journey into creativity began with a fascination for design and innovation. Creativity is the beacon in life and can light up our world. I started in digital art, which is a multidisciplinary major, providing me with the opportunity to explore various creative fields, including graphic design, video production, 3D modeling, UI/UX design, and even emerging technologies like AR/VR.
These experiences allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the world from different perspectives and inspired me to pursue my passion for creativity. Whether it's in design or any other field, creativity remains my driving force, filling my heart with enthusiasm and vitality.
I currently work as a Motion Designer at Apple Instructional Product team, and I'm deeply passionate about our instructional products. Leading the production of Vision Pro tips animations is one of my most fulfilling responsibilities, as it allows me to play a crucial role in educating users and enhancing their experience with our products. By crafting these animations, I strive to make complex operations more accessible and empower users to maximize the capabilities of their devices.
China has a rich historical and cultural heritage that attracts people with its depth and diversity. Since my father is a traditional Chinese doctor, I have always been influenced by traditional Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese medicine encapsulates the wisdom of ancient Chinese people, reflecting their profound understanding of the relationship between humans and nature. It has the potential to interact with diverse artistic and cultural traditions.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine, such as in my award-winning project "The Rhythm of Taichi," which merges the ancient Taichi with modern VR technology. This not only represents the collision of Eastern and Western cultures but also revitalizes traditional art forms through a modern and innovative perspective, breathing new life into cultural heritage.
The winning project, "The Rhythm of Taichi," focuses on revitalizing interest in traditional Taichi practice. Due to its abstract concepts such as Qi, Yin, and Yang, it can be challenging to learn, leading to declining popularity in today's society.
However, its ability to address modern health issues and provide deep relaxation deserves greater recognition. Virtual Reality offers a perfect solution, allowing users to immerse themselves in the harmonious integration of movement and stillness in Taichi practice. The Rhythm of Taichi represents the ability to blend tradition with innovation.
The main challenge of the project is bridging the gap between traditional Taichi practice and modern virtual reality. This involves balancing technology with culture to create an immersive learning experience. Ensuring that the VR platform effectively represents Taichi while maintaining user engagement.
Additionally, designing interactive elements and an awarding system that enhance the learning experience without deviating from the principles of Taichi, which prioritize relaxation of both body and mind, brings both creative and technical challenges.
1. The acceptance of uniqueness: In the design industry, creativity is highly valued, and being different is often seen as an advantage. The industry embraces diversity and encourages individuals to express their unique perspectives and ideas.
2. Collaborative atmosphere: Our industry thrives on collaboration and discussion. The exchange of ideas and brainstorming sessions with colleagues often lead to innovative breakthroughs. The collaborative environment fosters creativity and allows for the exploration of new concepts.
3. The pace of innovation: The design industry evolves rapidly, with new developments emerging daily. From the integration of AI to the application of AR/VR technologies, there's a constant stream of new advancements that keep us excited about the future of design.
China's rich and diverse cultural heritage serves as an endless wellspring of inspiration in the creative industry. Drawing from literary works, folklore, opera, traditional Chinese medicine, etc, designers can infuse their creations with strong cultural attributes while also exploring the potential for integration with other design elements.
This rich and diverse cultural heritage gives China a unique position in the creative industry, providing designers with wide creative spaces and abundant sources of inspiration.
My advice would be to maintain a passion for learning and exploration, as well as a genuine love for life. This industry is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning to ensure relevance and competitiveness. However, maintaining a love for life can provide inspiration and creativity, allowing you to approach projects with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Additionally, don't be afraid to take risks and push boundaries in your work. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and never stop challenging yourself to reach new heights in your creative journey.
The Rhythm of Taichi | MUSE Creative Awards
Taichi, a traditional Chinese sport with a long history and a wealth of cultural meanings, has a glorious past and was formerly practiced by... (read more here.)
Xianghan Wang is a designer and animator from New York with a passion for creative technology. She is currently the Motion Designer at Apple where she is committed to pushing the boundaries of digital design and shaping the future of visual storytelling.
Read more about the interview with Mingyue Qu here.