Sizhe Huang

From a young age, painting was my gateway to self-expression. This early exposure to aesthetics evolved into a keen interest in fusing art with emerging technology. My innate observational and listening skills made me realize the potential of design as a transformative tool

At Lucid Motors, I

To me, 'creative' is the innate human drive to venture beyond the seen and the known. It

To me, a 'creative' idea or design is one that effortlessly marries originality with purpose. It starts with an unexpected, novel approach or perspective that challenges conventional paradigms. But true creativity isn

My creative process is a harmonious blend of exploration, ideation, realization, and refinement. Exploration: Every great design begins with understanding. Here, I delve into the problem at hand, seeking to improve specific experiences. By conducting rigorous user research, I gain insights into various use cases and pinpoint the underlying pain points. This stage lays the foundation for what's to come, ensuring my designs are deeply rooted in real-world needs. Ideation: With a clear understanding of user needs, I transition into a phase of brainstorming and synthesis. Drawing from the insights garnered in the exploration phase, I uncover potential design opportunities and prioritize key elements. This is where possibilities begin to take form. Realization: Armed with a bank of ideas, I move into the design phase. Typically, I flesh out 3-4 comprehensive ideations, transforming them into detailed designs complemented by tangible prototypes. It

My favorite part of the creative process is the ideation phase. There's a palpable magic in this stage where the constraints of the real world momentarily fade, giving way to a universe of possibilities. It

My creative style is deeply rooted in user-centric empathy. At its core, every design I craft seeks to resonate profoundly with the end user, striving for both emotional and functional resonance. I pride myself on my ability to deeply empathize, ensuring that my designs aren't just aesthetically pleasing but genuinely 'felt' by those who interact with them. Furthermore, I'm passionately forward-thinking. I consistently integrate emerging technologies into my creations, not just for the sake of novelty but with a genuine ambition to harness their potential for broader societal impact. To me, technology is more than just a tool

Absolutely, my cultural roots in China deeply influence my creative process. At the heart of Chinese design lies a profound appreciation for minimalism and functionality, echoing the Taoist philosophy where 'less is more'. This isn

Being honored with the 2023 MUSE Creative Award is both humbling and exhilarating. To me, this distinction is more than just an acknowledgment of a single project

I have two projects winning 2023 MUSE Creative Awards: one is MakeupAlley Website, the other one is Umi. About MakeupAlley Website: it is a digital platform designed to simplify the beauty buying process. Users create detailed profiles based on their skin needs, ensuring they receive personalized and relevant product recommendations. A standout feature is our Product Ingredient Analyzer, which deciphers complex ingredient lists. Further fostering community, our forums provide spaces for users to discuss trends and share insights. MakeupAlley stands apart due to its unwavering commitment to authenticity and education. We champion unbiased reviews, allowing users to trust the advice they receive. By merging personalized guidance with enriching content, I believed MakeupAlley represented a holistic approach to beauty, making it a perfect candidate for the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards. About Umi: in our digital age, technology facilitates communication yet often lacks warmth. Recognizing this emotional void, Umi aims to transform long-distance communication, reigniting personal bonds and intimacy. Umi blends the tangible product - Pebble & Nest, with a versatile app for mobiles & watches. The Pebble and Nest duo act as personal avatars, embodying the presence of each friend or loved one. The users can touch, feel, and even rub it, physically embodying the bond they share with others. The Umi mobile app and the Apple Watch app form the digital pulse of the Umi experience, creating an immersive platform for transmitting virtual hugs and voices, and nurturing emotional bonds on the go. I chose Umi to enter because I think it

Designing Umi posed intriguing challenges, emblematic of the nuanced dance between technology, human experience, and emotional expression. Diverse Scenario Adaptability: At the forefront was the challenge of versatility. The Umi design needed to be adaptive, suitable for a spectrum of environments and situations, from indoor settings to outdoor adventures, from moments of stillness while seated to active instances of walking. The design process constantly revolved around the user, ensuring that no matter the posture or scenario, the user felt connected, aiming to alleviate the pangs of isolation and longing precisely when these emotions surfaced. Emotional Authenticity: The second significant hurdle was capturing the essence of emotion. How do you materialize feelings without losing their core, especially in a world increasingly skewed towards the digital? Umi sought to transform abstract emotions into palpable interactions, ensuring these translations retained their authenticity and did not appear contrived. It was about creating a bridge between the visceral world of feelings and the tangible realm of human interaction. Tactile-Visual Balance: Lastly, the equilibrium between the tactile and visual became pivotal. Umi wasn't just about touch or sight alone; it was an amalgamation. Striking the right balance meant ensuring that while users felt the warmth of a tangible connection, they weren't detached from the digital realm. The challenge was crafting a harmonious blend where neither tactile nor digital elements overshadowed the other, providing a truly holistic experience.

Infinite Possibilities: The creative industry isn't bound by rigid formulas or constraints. Every project or challenge is a blank canvas that invites innovative solutions. This freedom to constantly redefine, reimagine, and innovate keeps the work exciting and the outcomes fresh. Impactful Stories: At its core, the creative industry is about storytelling. Whether it's through design, film, art, or any other medium, we have the power to evoke emotions, inspire actions, and foster deeper human connections. The ability to influence societal narratives and shape cultural dialogues is incredibly fulfilling. Collaborative Synergy: The industry thrives on collaboration. Working with diverse talents

Global Influence: As a global economic powerhouse, China

Cultural Fusion: With globalization and digital connectivity bringing the world closer, we'll see a fusion of artistic styles and narratives. While local cultures will always hold significance, the blending of diverse influences will lead to richer, more eclectic creative expressions. Holistic Experiences: Instead of isolated touch points, brands and creators will focus on curating holistic, multi-sensory experiences for their audiences. The lines between physical and digital realms will blur, leading to integrated experiences that engage audiences on multiple levels.

Never Stop Learning: The creative industry is dynamic, with styles, technologies, and user needs constantly evolving. Embrace lifelong learning, whether through formal education, online courses, or self-driven exploration. Embrace Feedback: Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth. Seek feedback regularly, and view it as an opportunity to refine your work and broaden your perspective. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices. Engage with creative communities, attend workshops, and read industry publications.

My key to success lies in a blend of unyielding curiosity, relentless dedication, and deep empathy. Curiosity drives me to continuously explore, learn, and challenge the status quo, ensuring that I never become complacent. Dedication provides the resilience to push through challenges and iteratively refine my work until it meets my standards of excellence. Above all, empathy reminds me that design is about people, and the true measure of success is the positive impact I can make on an individual's experience.