1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

I am a freelance designer who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. I have an intense passion for both interactive design and product design. My goal is to create products that have a positive impact on users. Simultaneously, I believe in leveraging technology to craft solutions that enhance design effectiveness.

2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a digital designer/artist?

First and foremost, I view design as a highly challenging profession, one that requires a constant process of identifying and solving problems. I aspire to achieve my objectives through these relentless challenges, utilizing the power of design to generate significant value.

3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

My design work primarily revolves around interactive and spatial design, necessitating the creation of design prototypes following client consultations, and their ultimate introduction to the market. I am steadfast in my pursuit of becoming a full-stack designer, which compels me to engage in all stages of a project, from inception to completion, and even through iterative phases. This ongoing involvement represents both the challenge and joy within my professional journey.

4 What’s your favorite kind of digital design and why?

My favorite realms within digital design are mobile application design and the creation of installation art products that incorporate artistic elements. Digital art transcends mere visual design; it necessitates a comprehensive understanding of various factors, including user preferences and market dynamics. Furthermore, proficiency in digital design implies a command of technology. Familiarity with certain technical aspects, such as programming and artificial intelligence, is also essential.

5 To you, what makes a “good” design?

I believe that a good design is characterized first and foremost by its ability to solve problems and wield substantial influence. Additionally, I am fond of designs that integrate new technologies, possessing the power to inspire and affect the work of other designers.

6 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

My design style is primarily focused on developing new features and undergoing iterative improvements based on client needs. Practicality is a hallmark of my design approach, and I believe that compelling visual aesthetics significantly enhance the user's experience with the product.

7 Tell us about your design process.

Before embarking on a design project, I dedicate a considerable amount of time to thorough investigative research. I maintain that in-depth and meticulous study is pivotal in uncovering core issues and defining clear objectives. Additionally, conducting surveys among potential users provides me with deeper insights into market demands. I do not subscribe to the notion that a successful product emerges in a single iteration; instead, I continually refine and enhance products based on user feedback, embracing an iterative process to perfect them.

8 Where do you draw inspiration from?

I meticulously observe the details in daily life to seek inspiration. Additionally, studying exemplary works is an effective method for cultivating creativity and enhancing one's craft.

9 What current trends in digital design (or really anything digital related) are you most excited about?

I believe that the era of artificial intelligence holds significant sway over contemporary digital design. When utilized correctly, it has the potential to elevate both the efficiency and quality of the design process.

10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 Vega Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

Thank you for this award. I view it not only as an encouragement but also as a revelation of areas where I need improvement. It underscores the ongoing need for hard work and dedication.

11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 Vega Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

I recently participated in two projects. The first was within the travel sector, focusing on the development and design of a new feature applicable in travel contexts, integrated with the latest electronic device, the Apple Watch. The second project revolved around designing an application for a community garden, addressing issues like the lack of connection between the garden's operational team and local residents, thereby fostering a new lifestyle within the community.

12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?

One of the most significant challenges in the projects was the need for continuous communication with clients and developers. There is often a tangible gap between design and implementation, and navigating this requires a certain art of compromise.

13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

This is a substantial encouragement, as well as a catalyst, reminding me that there is still much to strive for.

14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?

Firstly, what excites me is that this is a burgeoning industry, necessitating an unending journey of learning and acquisition of new knowledge. Secondly, the rapid pace of this field's growth means that products are updated and iterated swiftly. Thirdly, the industry standards are escalating; it's not just the demands on interactive design that are soaring, but the expectations for visual quality are also equally stringent.

15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the digital industry?

In my region, the internet industry is advancing particularly rapidly, leading to a similarly swift growth in the digital sector. Consequently, this environment enables extensive interaction and learning opportunities among designers, fostering a vibrant community of professional exchange and development.

16 Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?

I believe that artificial intelligence will replace many roles within various industries in the future. How we embrace or utilize AI will be a defining competitive edge for designers. Moreover, the scope of a designer's work will expand, moving beyond focusing solely on specialized design tasks and encompassing a broader spectrum of responsibilities.

17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring Vega Award submitter, what advice would you give them?

Do not shy away from embracing new technologies or ideas. Instead, learn from them and incorporate them into your practice.

18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?

I believe that nowadays, numerous free tutorials can be readily accessed on YouTube, complemented by various boot camps that offer intensive training to acquire the necessary skills.

19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.

I also engage in cross-industry design projects and dabble in watercolor painting, activities that I find enhance my aesthetic sensibility and contribute to my overall artistic growth.

20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?

My former project manager was a significant source of inspiration for me. She encouraged me to take on new projects and break industry constraints, pushing me to explore and adopt new technologies.

21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

I believe the key is perseverance, as it's a long journey that involves periods of disappointment and low productivity. It demands that designers consistently demonstrate resilience, cultivate the fortitude to face an endless series of challenges, and maintain their commitment to the process. In my view, persistence is the ultimate secret to success.

22 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?

I am grateful for this opportunity, which serves both as an encouragement and a catalyst for me to strive even harder.

WINNING ENTRY

2023
 
Tripo.o, Three3 - Vega Website Awards Winner
Tripo.o

Entrant Company

Three3

Category

Apps & Softwares - Travel

2023
 
Smart Garden, Sirui Li - Vega Website Awards Winner

Entrant Company

Sirui Li

Category

Apps & Softwares - Services & Utilities