Ruiqi Sun

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ruiqi Sun ("RS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

RS : My journey in art and design began with a childhood fascination for creativity. While initially aspiring to be a data engineer due to my background in math and science, I felt drawn to design's blend of analytical insight and artistic expression. This led me to pursue studies in digital media, specializing in UX/UI design across diverse industries. My passion lies in creating intuitive, accessible, and visually captivating user experiences. Through my creative process, I merge analytical insight with artistic empathy, integrating psychological principles, statistical evidence, and logical analysis to substantiate design decisions.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

RS : My motivation to design stems from a passion for creativity and problem-solving. Initially, I was drawn to math and science, but I discovered that design allowed me to blend analytical insight with artistic expression. The ability to create intuitive, user-centric solutions that have a direct impact on people's lives drives me to continue evolving as a designer.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

RS : I specialize in UX/UI design, graphic design, branding, and digital marketing solutions. I particularly enjoy designing products for startups and creating impactful branding for small businesses. I wish to design more projects that have direct impacts and provide significant support, allowing me to communicate with clients from various industries and understand their unique needs.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

RS : I think that a good designer creates visually appealing and functional designs, while a great designer goes beyond aesthetics to deeply understand user needs and context. Great designers use empathy, research, and iterative processes to create solutions that are not only beautiful but also intuitive and impactful. They continually push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

RS : A really good design successfully communicates its intended message or function, meets user needs, and provides a seamless and enjoyable experience. I evaluate good design based on how well it addresses the problem it aims to solve, its usability, and the emotions it evokes in users. A design's success is also measured by its ability to engage and resonate with its target audience.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

RS : Good design enhances user experience, builds brand trust, and drives business success. Investing in good design leads to increased user satisfaction, loyalty, and engagement. It also differentiates a brand from its competitors and can significantly impact the overall perception and value of a product or service.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

RS : If I had time, I would design tools to help people manage stress, prevent anxiety, and alleviate depression. These tools would offer accessible, user-friendly solutions like guided meditation, stress-relief exercises, and journaling prompts, aimed at individuals seeking for mental support. With stress levels rising in modern society due to the fast-paced lifestyle and constant connectivity, such tools are increasingly essential.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

RS : My secret recipe for success in design is a blend of empathy, research, and creativity. Empathy helps me understand users' needsand emotions, research grounds my design decisions in data and insights, and creativity allows me to innovate and craft unique solutions. For instance, in the rebranding project for Qwale, I utilized color psychology and analyzed user feedback to create a logo that evokes trust and empowerment, ensuring the design resonated deeply with the target audience. This combinationof factors consistently guides me to create impactful and meaningful designs. This approach has also led me to win several prestigious design awards, including the Iron A’ Design Award, Hermes Creative Gold Award, Muse Creative Silver Award, and Indigo Design Silver Award, among others.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

RS : Hayao Miyazaki has been a profound inspiration in my life. His boundless imagination, coupled with his unwavering perseverance and dedication to exploration, deeply resonate with me. I'm captivated by the emotional depth of his work and his ability to draw inspiration from the mundane aspects of daily life. Miyazaki's philosophy of living with the wonder and curiosity of a child, coupled with his unyielding passion for storytelling, serves as a constant reminder for me to embrace the beauty of the world and to approach life with creativity and enthusiasm.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

RS : To become better designers, people should continuously seek feedback, stay updated with industry trends, and experiment with new tools and techniques. Building a diverse portfolio and collaborating with others can also provide valuable insights and experiences. Personally, I have always prioritized learning from both successes and failures, and I actively seek out opportunities for growth and improvement.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

RS : I would probably have pursued a career as a psychologist. I have a passion for understanding people’s inner thoughts and emotions, and I find great fulfillment in helping others navigate their challenges. My desire to connect with people on a deeper level and provide support aligns closely with the principles of psychology, where empathy and problem-solving are key.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

RS : Design, for me, is the process of creating solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It involves understanding user needs, empathizing with their experiences, and using creativity and research to develop products that enhance their lives. Design is a blend of art and science, where creativity meets practicality.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RS : Continuous learning and adapting to new tools and methodologies have been pivotal in my journey asa designer. Recently, for instance, I worked with researchers and scholars to develop a showcase website for their studies and research database. This project introduced me to tools like Omeka S and Tropy, which are tailored forresearch-related projects. These tools helped me create more intuitive databases and websites to organize and showcase complex research metadata. Identifying the most appropriate solutions for diverse design needsis a critical step in distinguishing agreat designer from the rest. This commitment to adaptability and lifelong learning has been fundamental to my development and success in the design field.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

RS : Some of the obstacles I faced included overcoming self-doubt, finding the right balance between creativity and practicality, and keeping up with the fast-paced changes in design trends and technologies. Learning to manage time effectively and prioritizing tasks were also challenges I had to navigate.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

RS : Designers should present their work in a clear and engaging manner, highlighting the problem they aimed to solve, their design process, and the final outcome. Using visual aids, such as mockups and prototypes, can help communicate ideas effectively. Providing context and explaining the rationale behind design decisions also adds value to the presentation.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RS : Design helps create a better society by addressing real-world problems, improving user experiences, and making products and services more accessible and inclusive. Thoughtful design can enhance quality of life, promote sustainability, and drive positive change by considering the needs and aspirations of diverse user groups.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

RS : I am currently working on an AI-powered shopping tool designed to provide personalized shopping guides. This innovative tool aims to assist users in searching, selecting, and purchasing the best products with minimal effort. It leverages advanced AI technology to understand individual preferences and streamline the immersive shopping experience, making it both efficient and enjoyable.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

RS : I would like to see a greater emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity in the design industry. As designers, we have a responsibility to create products and experiences that are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Additionally, I hope to see more sustainable design practices that consider the environmental impact of our work.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

RS : The design field is headed towards greater integration of technology, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, to create more immersive and personalized user experiences. There will also be a stronger focus on ethical design, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that designs are accessible and beneficial to all users. Additionally, the rise of remote work and global collaboration will continue to shape the way designers work and innovate.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

RS : The time it takes to finalize a design project varies depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Typically, it can range from a few weeks for smaller projects to several months for larger, more intricate designs. Each stage, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing, requires careful consideration and iteration to ensure the final product meets user needs and expectations.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

RS : When starting a new design project, I begin with thorough research to understand the problem, the target audience, and the competitive landscape. This includes user interviews, market analysis, and studying relevant design trends. From there, I move into brainstorming and ideation, developing concepts that align with the project's goals. Creating personas, journey maps, and initial sketches helps to refine ideas before moving into prototyping and testing.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RS : My life motto as a designer is "Design what you love, love what you design." This guides me to infuse passion into every project, ensuring that my work is not only functional but also emotionally resonant. It drives me to create designs that I am genuinely passionate about, delivering meaningful and impactful experiences for users.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

RS : Design often sets the trends by introducing new ideas and innovative solutions that capture people's imaginations. However, trends can also influence design, as they reflect evolving user preferences, technological advancements, and cultural shifts. A successful designer stays informed about trends but also strives to push boundaries and create forward-thinking designs that can inspire new trends.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

RS : Technology plays a significant role in my design process, from research and prototyping to final implementation. Advanced design software, tools, and platforms enable me to create detailed and interactive prototypes, conduct user testing, and iterate quickly. Additionally, staying updated with the latest technological advancements allows me to integrate cutting-edge features and functionalities into my designs.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

RS : I use a variety of design software and equipment, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, Figma, and InVision for prototyping and UI/UX design. For collaborative work and project management, I rely on tools like Trello and Miro. My equipment includes a high-performance computer, a graphics tablet, and a color-calibrated monitor to ensure precision and quality in my work.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

RS : Color, materials, and ambient play crucial roles in design by influencing the user's perception, emotions, and overall experience. Color can evoke specific feelings and associations, guiding users' actions and enhancing usability. Materials impact the tactile and visual quality of physical products, contributing to their functionality and aesthetic appeal. Ambient elements, such as lighting and sound, can create immersive environments that enhance the user experience and reinforce the design's message.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

RS : I wish people would ask more about the thought process and research behind my designs. Understanding the rationale for design decisions, the user insights gathered, and the challenges faced during the project can provide a deeper appreciation for the work and its impact.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

RS : When I see a new great design or product, I think about the problem it solves and the user experience it provides. I analyze the design's functionality, aesthetics, and innovation, considering how it achieves its goals and what makes it stand out. This reflection often inspires me to incorporate similar principles and techniques into my own work.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

RS : My ideal design partner is someone who shares a passion for creativity, user-centric design, and continuous learning. They should be open to collaboration, constructive feedback, and exploring new ideas. I strongly believe in co-design, as it brings diverse perspectives and expertise to the table, resulting in more innovative and effective solutions.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

RS : Irrespective of time and space, I would love to meet and discuss with Leonardo da Vinci. His ability to seamlessly blend art, science, and engineering to create innovative solutions is truly inspiring. Engaging in a conversation with him about his creative process, ideas, and vision for design would be incredibly enlightening.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

RS : I feel honored and grateful for the awards and recognition I have received. They validate the hard work and dedication I put into my designs. While fame comes with its own set of challenges, such as higher expectations and increased scrutiny, I focus on staying true to my design principles and continually improving my craft.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

RS : A great day as a designer is when I make significant progress on a project and see my ideas come to life. I motivate myself by setting clear goals, taking breaks to recharge, and staying inspired through various sources like design blogs, books, and nature. Collaborating with passionate colleagues and receiving positive feedback from clients also boosts my motivation.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

RS : As a child, I was always curious and loved creating things, whether it was drawing, building models, creating my own toys, or solving puzzles. While it wasn't obvious that I would become a designer, my creative tendencies and interest in problem-solving laid the foundation for my future career in design.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

RS : In a thousand years, I envision a future where technology and design are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life, enhancing human experiences and addressing global challenges. Sustainable and ethical design practices will be the norm, and advancements in AI and biotechnology will lead to unprecedented innovations in healthcare, education, communication, and transportation.