Interview
Wanyue (Luna) Wang
United States
Wanyue (Luna) Wang, a dedicated UX and interaction designer, began her career in 2015, amassing a wealth of experiences with top firms and startups. She's committed to exploring how advanced technologies can improve daily life.
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
I'm Wanyue (Luna) Wang, a passionate UX and interaction designer who embarked on this exciting journey in 2015. My career has been a rich tapestry of experiences, working with both renowned companies and innovative startups. This diverse professional path has taken me across international landscapes in Germany, the USA, and China, where I honed my design skills and learned to navigate and contribute to different cultural contexts. Specializing in AI/ML and healthcare within the UX domain, I have a solid academic foundation with a Master’s in Digital Media from New York University, which perfectly complemented my B.S. in Computer Science and B.A. in Industrial Design. This unique blend of education and global experience has empowered me to make a meaningful impact in my field, particularly in creating user-centric designs that resonate on a global scale.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
I find emerging technologies and user-centric problem-solving processes fascinating. I'm passionate about understanding how these cutting-edge technologies can positively impact people's daily lives. With my mixed educational background in technology and design, becoming a UX designer was a natural and exciting choice.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
My most recent experience was at Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a UX designer, where I worked on the design of SageMaker, the leading AI/ML platform in the industry. As one of the founding members of the AWS SageMaker UX team, I had the privilege of leading the design of several important projects, including Universal Notebooks, Machine Learning Pipelines, and the New UX of the platform. These contributions were instrumental in enhancing SageMaker's capabilities and user experience.
4 What does “creativity” mean to you?
Creativity is innovative problem-solving. It involves thinking beyond conventional solutions, connecting ideas, and finding new approaches to tackle challenges.
5 To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?
A “creative” idea or design excels in simplifying intricate processes and presents them functionally and engagingly. This creative approach combines a deep understanding of the users' needs and the technical aspects to create solutions that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
6 What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
My favorite part of the creative process is the ideation phase. During this stage, there are endless possibilities. And the canvas is blank, offering boundless opportunities to innovate, explore, and push the boundaries of my creativity.
7 Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
I think my creative style has three main characteristics: simplicity and clarity, innovative use of technology, experimental and evolving.
8 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 award validates my commitment to pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box. I am honored to receive the award! Such an accolade is a tremendous morale booster for me.
9 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?
At the heart of this project is the belief that scars are not just physical marks but pivotal chapters in a person's life story. It was inspired by my own experience with a scar from a childhood accident. 'How Do You Feel About Your Scar' is a deeply personal journey that allows participants to explore these narratives in a profoundly intimate way. It's a gateway to understanding and accepting one's scars, transforming them from physical and emotional burdens into sources of strength and beauty. This project offers a creative approach to healing, paving the way for new methods in mental health treatment and personal growth. I hope that people can find beauty in what was once considered flawed and strength in what was once a source of pain.
10 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The challenge of defining the user experience and interactions in my project stemmed from the deeply personal and unique nature of scars, which vary significantly from one individual to another. Recognizing this, I embarked on an exploratory journey to capture the essence of these individual experiences. My approach was multi-faceted: I began with a series of experiments that ranged from photographing scars to conducting workshops and creating physical installations. These initial phases were crucial in gaining a deeper understanding of the emotional and physical dimensions of scars. As the project evolved, it became clear that a more innovative approach was needed to truly represent the uniqueness of each person's experience. This led me to the groundbreaking idea of utilizing brainwave data. By tapping into this rich source of information, I was able to translate the complex emotional and cognitive responses associated with scars into meaningful and empathetic design elements.
11 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Winning the MUSE Creative Award is a powerful catalyst for my professional and personal development. I gained more visibility from the field, and I am more motivated for future design challenges!
12 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Innovation Continuous Learning Amazing people
13 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
Practicing what you learn through personal projects or freelance work can be one of the best ways to improve your skills. Seeking feedback from peers or mentors can provide new perspectives and insights into your work, helping you to grow and improve.
14 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Maintaining optimism is a crucial mindset for a designer because challenges will constantly pop up during day-to-day work.
