Interview
United States
Sirui Li is a freelance designer who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design.
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative 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 creative?
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 does “creativity” mean to you?
This word signifies 'freedom' to me, embodying the liberty to create anything I envision. It represents endless possibilities and stands as a symbol of quality.
5 To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or 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 Tell us about your creative and/or 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.
7 What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
My favorite aspect is the iteration process. I maintain that no successful project can be completed in one go; continual review and refinement are crucial steps in enhancing the work's overall quality.
8 Describe your creative 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.
9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?
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 professional exchange and development community.
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
This is a substantial encouragement, as well as a catalyst, reminding me that there is still much to strive for.
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
This design pertains to a travel app. While the topic itself isn't particularly unique, my meticulous research and investigation led to the development of a feature absent in similar products, enhancing efficiency and user experience during travel. This is something I take great pride in. Furthermore, this product integrates with other electronic devices, such as the Apple Watch, enriching its utility and user engagement.
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?
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.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our 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 creative industry?
The burgeoning internet and advanced technology sectors are driving forces behind the rapid development of this industry in the country. Additionally, a substantial reserve of skilled talent is another favorable factor propelling its growth.
16 Where do you see the evolution of creative 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 MUSE Creative Awards 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 creative 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.
Entrant Company
Sirui Li, Jessica Kewei Lin, Xiesiyuan Shu
Category
Mobile App - Health & Wellness
Entrant Company
Three3
Category
App - Travel