Zhaodi Wang

Design offers me a very unique perspective on the world, and I love it! It’s a versatile discipline applicable to all industries, allowing me to explore and understand various aspects of life. This curiosity and desire to know more about the world drive my passion for design. Through design, I can merge creativity with practicality, finding innovative solutions to real-world problems. Additionally, the collaborative nature of the design allows me to work with diverse groups of talents, like engineers, product managers and domain experts, gaining new insights and continuously learning. Design and creativity empower me to make a tangible impact on the world, improving experiences and fostering connections across different fields.

I am an Interaction Designer at Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences). My work spans various areas, including foundational design systems, preventive health management tools, and highly technical projects like clinical data platforms. Collaborating with world-class researchers and utilizing cutting-edge technology has been an amazing journey. Recently, I’ve embarked on exciting projects in medical devices, such as designing tools that help patients perform retinal screenings with ease and clarity. This role allows me to combine my passion for design with my commitment to improving people’s day-to-day lives!

Creativity is the spark that ignites when logic and imagination collide. It's not just about 'thinking outside the box'; it's about realizing there might not even be a box. For example, when faced with a complex technical problem, I don't just follow the standard troubleshooting steps. I step back and look for patterns, for connections others might miss. It's like using a different lens to see a problem in a whole new light.

A truly creative idea or design not only works but also solves a problem in a way that's elegant, efficient, or surprising. It might be something that simplifies a complex process, enhances the user experience, or simply brings a fresh perspective to a familiar challenge. The key is that it delivers real value and leaves a lasting impression.

My creative process begins with deep empathy – truly understanding the user's needs and pain points. From there, I brainstorm a wide array of ideas, even those that seem unconventional. The best concepts are then put to the test through hands-on user feedback and multiple rounds of iteration. I embrace experimentation, knowing that the most innovative solutions often emerge from getting my hands dirty and constantly pushing boundaries. This iterative, user-centered approach leads to designs that not only solve problems but also delight and resonate with users.

My favorite part of the creative process is witnessing users interact with my designs in real life. Seeing my creations come to life and make a positive impact is incredibly rewarding. Users consistently offer fresh perspectives and unexpected insights, sparking new ideas and pushing my creativity further. I truly believe that some of the most innovative solutions come directly from learning and collaborating with the people who use my designs.

My creative style is characterized by simplicity and velocity. I believe in action over overthinking – the best answers often emerge through doing. This means rapidly iterating on ideas, and getting designs in front of real users early and often. 15+ iterations aren't uncommon in my process to reach a truly refined solution. This approach allows me to quickly gather valuable feedback, identify pain points, and refine solutions.

Growing up in a coastal city with a relaxed pace of life has deeply influenced my creative process. While I value rapid iteration in the execution phase, the slower rhythm of my upbringing fosters a more contemplative approach to ideation. This allows me to explore concepts freely, without pressure, fostering a sense of ease and openness that often leads to unexpected and innovative solutions.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Creative Award is an incredible honor and a testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team. Over the past few years, we've been deeply inspired to explore the intricate ways humans interact with various mediums, always striving to enhance human experiences and promote a more equitable world through design. This recognition not only validates our efforts but also fuels our commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. We're excited to share our progress and continue our journey of innovation.

"Whiteout" is a transformative interaction design project that reimagines our community's relationship with snow. By shifting the perception of snow from a nuisance to a valuable resource, we foster a deeper connection between the community and its environment. Through innovative infrastructure and playful public spaces, "Whiteout" addresses practical concerns like energy generation and cost reduction, while creating educational opportunities for residents. The project's focus on community empowerment and sustainability is evident in our prioritization of vulnerable neighborhoods and the creation of green jobs. We chose to enter "Whiteout" into the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards to showcase how design can facilitate positive change and cultivate a more resilient and interconnected community.

The biggest challenge with "Whiteout" was balancing the project's ambitious vision with the practical realities of implementation. In particular, the technical complexity of developing the infrastructure for snow collection, storage, and energy conversion required extensive research and collaboration with experts across various fields. Ensuring the system's efficiency, reliability, and minimal environmental impact was paramount. By tackling these obstacles head-on, we successfully demonstrated the feasibility and value of our vision for a more sustainable and resilient community.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards for "Whiteout" has been a game-changer, propelling our work into the spotlight and opening doors to exciting new opportunities. This prestigious recognition not only validates our innovative approach to urban design and sustainability but also amplifies our message to a broader audience. The increased visibility has attracted the attention of potential clients, partners, and investors who share our passion for creating positive change through design. It's a testament to the power of design to address complex challenges and inspire a more sustainable future.

Turning Dreams into Reality: As a designer, I get to take ideas and turn them into real, tangible things that people can use and enjoy. It's like being an inventor, but instead of gadgets, I create experiences. Making a Difference: Design isn't just about making things look pretty. It's about solving problems and making people's lives better. Whether it's designing a more comfortable chair or a life-saving medical device, design can have a real impact on the world. Never a Dull Moment: The design world is constantly changing and evolving. There are always new trends, technologies, and challenges to explore. This keeps things exciting and ensures that there's always something new to learn and create. It's like being on a never-ending adventure!

The United States, especially New York City where I live, is like a creative superpower. It's a melting pot of cultures, where people from all over the world bring their unique ideas and talents. This diversity sparks incredible creativity and fuels a constant stream of innovation. New Yorkers also have a 'can-do' spirit that encourages people to take risks and try new things. And let's not forget the world-class schools, museums, and support systems that help creative ideas thrive. It's no wonder that the U.S., and New York City in particular, are such vibrant hubs for artists, designers, and innovators.

Artificial intelligence(AI) is like a turbocharger for creativity! In the next few years, AI will become an essential tool for artists and designers, helping us generate fresh ideas, automate repetitive tasks, and even create entire works of art. It's like having a creative partner who never gets tired or runs out of ideas. But I don’t see that AI could ever replace human creativity. Instead, I think it will empower us to push our boundaries and explore new realms of artistic expression. The possibilities are endless, and the future of creativity is brighter than ever before.

If you're a student or aspiring creative, ready to make a splash, embrace your inner weirdo! Don't be afraid to experiment, take risks, and let your true self shine through your work. After all, many groundbreaking ideas were born in school studios. Remember, authenticity and originality are your superpowers. And whether you're designing a website, writing an article, or creating something entirely new, tell a story that people will remember. Storytelling is a lifelong skill, especially for designers, so start practicing now! It's your unique voice and compelling stories that will make your work stand out and maybe even snag you a MUSE Creative Awards.

If you want to level up your creative game, Medium is your go-to spot. It's like a virtual coffee shop where industry pros and fellow creatives share their knowledge, tips, and inspiration. But don't stop there! Dive into online courses, follow cool design blogs, and get out there and meet people at industry events. Find a mentor who can guide you, and surround yourself with other creatives who inspire you. Remember, the creative world is always changing, so keep learning, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun!

I keep a secret dream note full of the wildest ideas that pop into my head in the middle of the night. Talking animals solving mysteries, entering weird but beautiful spaces – it's like a peek into the craziest corners of my imagination. Some of these ideas might seem silly when I wake up, but others spark a little bit of inspiration that I carry with me throughout the day. It's my own personal idea factory, a reminder of how powerful and limitless our dreams can be.

Es Devlin is a creative force that constantly inspires me. Her ability to craft immersive, dreamlike spaces that blend art, technology, and performance is simply magical. She has this incredible gift for turning ordinary places into extraordinary experiences that evoke emotions and tell powerful stories. Her work has taught me the limitless potential of design to connect people with their surroundings, and it motivates me to push boundaries and create designs that leave a lasting impact.

My key to success is simple: stay curious. Curiosity is the engine that drives creativity and fuels a relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth. It's what keeps me exploring new ideas, seeking out challenges, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Curiosity has led me to discover hidden talents, forge unexpected connections, and create work that I'm truly proud of! So, my parting words of wisdom are to never lose your sense of wonder. Embrace your curiosity, ask questions, seek out new experiences, and never stop learning. It's the key to unlocking your full potential and exploring this wonderful world.