I am a Shanghai-based object designer. After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I continued my education with a Master of Fine Arts in Furniture Design from the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating in 2020.

Upon returning to Shanghai, I focused on creative endeavors in art and design. My works have been exhibited across the United States, including in New York, Chicago, and Providence, as well as internationally in Venice and Como, Italy; Mumbai and New Delhi, India; and several locations in China, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Fuzhou. My work has garnered international recognition from international award programs.

Additionally, I have worked as a designer with industry giants like Starbucks, Stanley, and the LEGO Group.

I chose to become a designer and artist because I’ve always been inspired by how objects can create meaningful experiences in our everyday lives. I wanted to make pieces that not only look beautiful but also evoke emotions and spark a sense of playfulness.

For me, design is about transforming ideas into something tangible that connects with people on a deeper level.

I founded Studio Yuetopia, where I focus on creating innovative, playful, and interactive furniture and object designs. My work blends modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from nature and everyday life.

My role involved designing unique pieces, such as chairs, sofas, and home decor, with a strong focus on user interaction and emotional connection. Previously, I also worked as a designer for LEGO, creating brick models for stores across the Asia-Pacific region and contributing to global campaigns and LEGOLAND projects.

To me, design is about creating meaningful experiences through objects that go beyond just functionality. It’s a way to express ideas, evoke emotions, and spark curiosity or playfulness in those who interact with them.

Design is also about finding the balance between form and function, while pushing the boundaries of creativity. Ultimately, it’s about making connections—whether emotional, sensory, or practical—through the things we use every day.

My favorite kind of design is playful and fun design. I love creating pieces that invite interaction and spark joy in unexpected ways. For me, design should evoke curiosity and make people smile or think differently about everyday objects.

I’m drawn to designs that encourage engagement and bring out a sense of wonder, making the experience of using them enjoyable and memorable.

To me, a “good” design is one that resonates with people on an emotional level and can make them smile. It’s not just about functionality or aesthetics; it’s about creating a connection that evokes a positive reaction, whether it’s through humor, surprise, or a sense of playfulness.

A good design should invite interaction and leave a lasting impression, making the experience enjoyable and meaningful.

My design style is playful, imaginative, and inspired by nature and everyday life. I focus on creating interactive pieces that invite users to engage with them in a fun and curious way.

My designs often incorporate creature-like, anthropomorphic elements, blending technology with traditional craftsmanship to create a sense of whimsy and emotional connection. The main characteristics of my work are bold, organic forms, attention to detail, and a focus on user experience that sparks joy and curiosity.

My design process starts with inspiration from nature, everyday life, and moments of curiosity. I like to observe the world around me and let ideas flow from the little details I notice, whether it's the shape of a sea creature or a quirky interaction I witness. From there, I sketch out concepts, focusing on how the design will engage users and evoke a playful or emotional response.

Next, I experiment with materials and forms, often combining modern technology like 3D modeling with traditional craftsmanship. Prototyping is a key part of my process—I enjoy testing how the design works physically, ensuring that it not only looks good but also creates an enjoyable interaction for the user.

Throughout, I focus on balancing aesthetics, functionality, and the emotional impact the piece will have, always aiming to bring a sense of joy or surprise to those who experience it.

Yes, my country and its cultural heritage have a significant impact on my design process. Growing up in China, I’ve been surrounded by a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and symbolic meaning in everyday objects. This has influenced the way I approach design, especially my focus on storytelling and creating pieces that invite emotional connection.

Additionally, Chinese traditions, such as the autumn ritual of savoring hairy crabs, have directly inspired my work, like the Hairy Crab Sofa. My designs often reflect a blend of modernity with traditional cultural elements, and I enjoy drawing inspiration from nature, which is a strong theme in Chinese art and philosophy. This connection to my heritage gives my work a distinct voice that merges playful, contemporary design with deep-rooted cultural values.

Thank you! Winning the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is an incredible honor for me and my studio. It’s a meaningful recognition of our creative approach to blending playfulness with innovation, and it motivates us to keep pushing boundaries in design.

This award encourages us to continue creating work that sparks joy and emotional connection in people's everyday lives.

The winning work I entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is the Hairy Crab Sofa, a playful piece inspired by the Chinese tradition of enjoying hairy crabs in the autumn. I chose to enter this project because it captures the essence of what I love about design—creating something that’s both functional and fun, with a deep cultural reference.

The sofa combines comfort with a whimsical, nature-inspired form, inviting users to engage with it in a joyful way. It reflects my passion for blending cultural heritage with imaginative design, making it a perfect representation of my style.

The biggest challenge with the Hairy Crab Sofa was definitely the complexity and time-consuming nature of the craftsmanship. The intricate design required a lot of attention to detail, from shaping the organic, crab-inspired form to ensuring the sofa was both comfortable and visually striking.

Balancing the playful aesthetic with the technical requirements of construction took a lot of time and precision. Despite these challenges, the result was worth the effort, as the piece captures the whimsical essence I wanted while maintaining high craftsmanship.

Winning an award has helped elevate my practice by giving me greater visibility and recognition within the design community. It has opened up new opportunities, including collaborations and exhibitions, and has strengthened my credibility as a designer.

This recognition also boosts my confidence in pushing creative boundaries and taking on more ambitious projects, knowing that my work resonates with others. It’s a motivating force for me and my studio to continue evolving and exploring new ideas.

Creative freedom - The ability to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible keeps the work exciting and fulfilling.

Diverse perspectives – The industry brings together people from different backgrounds, allowing for a rich exchange of ideas and unique approaches to solving problems.

Impactful connections – I love how design can create meaningful experiences and emotional connections between people and the objects they use in their daily lives.

China’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation makes it stand out in the design industry. The deep cultural heritage, with its focus on craftsmanship, symbolism, and nature, often influences design in subtle and meaningful ways.

At the same time, China is at the forefront of technology and rapid urban development, fostering an environment where designers can merge traditional techniques with cutting-edge technologies. This fusion of old and new, paired with a rich cultural history, creates a distinctive design language that reflects both heritage and future-forward thinking.

Over the next 5-10 years, I see the design industry evolving to focus more on sustainability, user-centric experiences, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI and 3D printing. Designers will increasingly prioritize eco-friendly materials and processes, responding to global concerns about the environment.

There will also be a greater emphasis on creating designs that are interactive and adaptable, catering to individual needs and fostering emotional connections. Technology will continue to play a significant role, allowing for more customization and innovative solutions while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in design.

Be brave and take the leap to submit your designs to MUSE!

- Online Courses.

- Design Books.

- Design Communities.

- Hands-on Practice.

Something I’ve never told anyone else is that I often find inspiration in the most unexpected places—like while cooking or taking a walk. Sometimes, a design idea will come to me while I’m doing something completely unrelated, and I have to quickly jot it down before I forget.

It's a little secret that my creative process is often sparked by these everyday moments!

One of my biggest inspirations is Jordan Mozer. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to visit his studio, and it was a transformative experience. Seeing the way he blends architecture, industrial design, and art in such imaginative and unexpected ways had a profound impact on me.

His ability to create immersive environments and whimsical designs—whether it’s for restaurants, hotels, or custom furniture—made me realize the potential of furniture and object design as a form of storytelling. It was after this experience that I decided to pursue furniture design seriously, inspired by his seamless combination of functionality, narrative, and artistry.

My key to success is staying true to my creative vision while remaining open to new ideas and learning. Consistency, curiosity, and a passion for pushing boundaries in design have been essential. My advice: always follow your instincts, be adaptable, and never stop exploring new ways to innovate and connect with people through your work.