Interview
Yijing Wang, Yijun Huang, Jinghan Cao
United States
Designers Yijing (Jennie) Wang, Yijun (Claire) Huang, and Jinghan (Jenna) Wang bring together backgrounds in product design, HCI, and healthcare-focused UX to explore emerging technologies — together, they created Palpa: AR-Integrated App for Breast Self-Examination.
1 Congratulations on your achievements in the MUSE Creative Awards! Could you start by introducing yourself or your agency? Can you also share a bit about your journey into your current industry?
Jennie: My name is Yijing (Jennie) Wang, and I am a product and UX designer based in New York. My background combines industrial design and digital product design, and I am particularly interested in using emerging technologies to improve healthcare accessibility and preventive care. Claire: My name is Yijun (Claire) Huang, and I am a UX designer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. My background is in Human-Computer Interaction, and I am particularly interested in bridging the gap between physical hardware and digital software through accessible, AI-driven experiences. Jenna: My name is Jinghan (Jenna) Wang, and I am a UX designer based in Atlanta with a background in user-centered design and Human-Computer Interaction. I am passionate about applying design and technology to healthcare, creating solutions that enhance patient experiences and support more effective, empathetic care.
2 What inspired you to submit your work for this competition, and what does winning mean to you personally and professionally?
We submitted this project because preventive healthcare is an area where thoughtful design can make a meaningful impact. Winning this award is especially meaningful to us, as it recognizes the potential of design and technology to improve health awareness.
3 Can you share the story behind your success? What inspired its creation, and what do you feel it represents in today’s industry?
The project explores how augmented reality can guide users through breast self-examinations in a more intuitive and supportive way. It reflects an effort to make preventive health practices more accessible, private, and easy to follow.
4 What do you believe set your project apart in such a competitive field? Were there specific elements or strategies that made it shine?
What helped the project stand out was the integration of AR with clear instructional design. By visualizing guidance directly on the body in real time, the experience reduces uncertainty and helps users perform self-examinations with greater confidence.
5 Every project has its challenges. Can you share a significant obstacle you faced during this process and how you overcame it?
One challenge was translating sensitive medical guidance into a digital experience that remained clear and respectful. We addressed this through careful user-centered design, prioritizing clarity, comfort, and privacy in the interface.
6 Winning an award of this caliber often brings recognition. What do you hope this achievement will mean for your career, your team, or your agency in the long run? Have you already noticed any changes or opportunities arising from this recognition?
We hope this recognition helps bring greater attention to the role of design in preventive healthcare. In the long term, we also hope it encourages further exploration of how emerging technologies can support everyday health practices.
7 What has the reaction been from clients, audiences, or stakeholders about your winning entry? Any feedback or memorable moments that stand out?
Many people responded positively to the idea that technology could make self-examinations easier and less intimidating. The most meaningful feedback has come from individuals who said the concept could help them feel more confident in monitoring their health.
8 For those aspiring to achieve similar success, what advice would you offer to help them not only thrive in their industries but also craft compelling, award-worthy entries? Are there specific practices, mindsets, or strategies you believe are key?
Focus on real human needs. When a project begins with empathy, strong research, and a clear purpose, the work becomes far more compelling and meaningful.
9 The creative industry is constantly evolving. How do you view these changes, and where do you hope to position yourself in the future?
The creative industry is evolving rapidly with technologies such as AR and AI. We are excited to continue exploring how these tools can be applied to solve meaningful problems in healthcare and other complex domains.
10 Entering awards can be daunting for many, especially those just starting out. What would you say to individuals who have limited experience, or are hesitant to showcase their work in competitions? How can they build confidence and see the value in participating?
Awards can feel intimidating, but they are also opportunities to share ideas that matter. Even early-stage concepts can contribute to important conversations and inspire others.
11 Creativity thrives on community. What message would you like to share with fellow creatives, marketers, and advertising professionals?
Design has the power to make complex or sensitive experiences more approachable. We hope creatives continue to use their skills to address meaningful challenges that impact people’s lives.
12 Winning is a team effort in many cases. Is there someone or a group of people you’d like to dedicate this achievement to, and why?
We would like to dedicate this recognition to the mentors and collaborators who supported the research and development of this project. Their guidance played an important role in shaping its vision.
13 If you could describe your award-winning entry in one sentence, what would it be and why?
An AR-guided experience designed to help individuals perform breast self-examinations with greater clarity, confidence, and accessibility.
14 Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or upcoming goals that you’d like to share with us and the audience?
We are continuing to explore how design and emerging technologies can improve preventive healthcare experiences. We are excited to keep developing ideas that make health information and tools more accessible to everyone.
