1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
I'm a creative designer in New York proficient not only in physical spaces but also in digital products. During college, I immersed myself in both realms, acquiring a diverse skill set that seamlessly transitions between spatial and digital design. Whether it is, both fields follow a similar trajectory: identifying issues, generating concepts, and refining solutions based on user and client feedback.
In my free time, I collaborate with Sirui Li and Jessica Kewei Lin, actively engaging in design competitions to further hone my abilities. I pretty much enjoy tackling challenges and exploring new possibilities, and our efforts have led us the MUSE Design Awards and MUSE Creative Awards.
In my spare time, I enjoy photography, capturing precious moments and memories from our lives. With a solid seven-year background in design, my passion for the field continues to drive me forward as I expand my expertise in both domains.
2What does “design” mean to you?
Design is a realm brimming with creativity and imagination. I love the process of exploring diverse possibilities while also meeting the needs of the public. Yet, I acknowledge that the freedom of design is occasionally constrained by the requirements of clients.
3Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Yes, the cultural heritage of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is deeply rooted in our country's history and it significantly influenced our design process. I aimed to preserve and promote this rich cultural legacy through PulseHeal, ensuring that the principles and practices of TCM are accessible and relevant in the contemporary digital age.
4Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The genesis of PulseHeal was our collective fascination with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its untapped potential in modern health practices. We recognized the gap in accessible, comprehensive TCM services online and aimed to bridge this through an integrated platform that combines diagnosis, consultation, and procurement. The project was born from a desire to make TCM more accessible and relevant in today's digital world.
5What was the biggest challenge with this project?
One of the main challenges was navigating the extensive field of TCM to create a focused and user-friendly platform. I overcame this by conducting thorough research, including interviews and surveys, to identify the specific needs and preferences of our target users. This research guided my design process, enabling me to develop a platform that was both functional and true to the principles of TCM.
6Where do you see the evolution of the creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
Learning and adapting! Embrace change, be receptive to new ideas, and always design with empathy and purpose.
7If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
During the process, I learned that the key to success is a relentless pursuit of learning and adaptation. Embrace change, be receptive to new ideas, and always design with empathy and purpose.
8Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Jimmy Liao. He is my favorite illustrator and a picture book author. I deeply admire his positive attitude, gentle inner world, and his passion for life. Jimmy Liao portrays the human soul with a whimsical, fairy-tale-like style, keeping me in touch with my original aspirations.
9Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I would like to express my gratitude to the juries and MUSE Design Awards for recognizing my efforts!