We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Xianghan Wang, Jing Yao, Rui Xi ("XWJYRX").
Xianghan Wang is an award-winning XR/Motion Designer at Apple, known for crafting immersive experiences that merge art, technology, and cultural heritage. Her innovative storytelling has earned over fifteen international awards, including the Red Dot and iF Design Awards. With a strong background in design, she also serves as a jury member for global competitions and hackathons, evaluating work based on creativity, cultural impact, and technical execution. Passionate about redefining digital interaction, she continues to advance the fields of immersive media, spatial computing, and interactive design. Jing Yao is a product designer focused on transforming healthcare experiences through intuitive, user-centered design. With a background in fintech, Web3, and creative agencies, she now designs at Klarity Health, leveraging AI to drive innovation, improve patient access, and solve real-world problems with scalable, impactful design solutions. Rui Xi is a product creator and serial entrepreneur with a tech background from Berkeley EECS, passionate about emotionally resonant AI. He bridges design and engineering to build impactful consumer products—one reached 5M+ MAUs through product-driven experience and thoughtful technology.
Xianghan Wang, Jing Yao, Rui Xi Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Xianghan Wang, Jing Yao, Rui Xi.
Xianghan Wang, Jing Yao, Rui Xi Design - Livia Application
Designer Interview of Xianghan Wang, Jing Yao, Rui Xi:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
XWJYRX : Xianghan: I started with a deep interest in both art and technology, which led me to study digital media. My journey has evolved from graphic and motion design into spatial and immersive storytelling. The desire to bridge human emotion with interactive technology made design a natural path. Jing: My path began with fintech, but I found purpose in using design to make healthcare more human. I’ve always been fascinated by how good design can reduce friction and deliver comfort. Rui: I come from an engineering background, but design became my language to humanize technology. I’ve always been drawn to emotionally resonant experiences, and designing them became my passion.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
XWJYRX : We collaborated as independent creators across design, product, and engineering disciplines. While we come from different organizations—Apple, Klarity Health, and consumer tech startups—our shared values around emotional design and impact-driven innovation brought us together for Livia. The project represents a synergy of our expertise and vision for emotionally intelligent technology.
DI: What is "design" for you?
XWJYRX : Design is the bridge between intention and experience. It's not just about aesthetics, but about empathy, clarity, and impact. Good design anticipates needs and communicates meaning—whether through interface, motion, or voice.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
XWJYRX : We’re passionate about designing emotionally engaging and culturally aware digital experiences—especially those that live at the intersection of AI, immersive media, and well-being. Projects like Livia, which combine storytelling, utility, and emotional intelligence, are particularly meaningful to us.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
XWJYRX : We are most drawn to designs that seamlessly integrate cultural depth with technological innovation. Our favorite works often reinterpret traditional practices, rituals, or emotions through a modern digital lens—whether using AI, XR, or interactive media. These designs allow us to preserve and evolve cultural heritage while creating emotionally resonant, forward-thinking experiences. The fusion of past and future, of meaning and mechanism, is what excites us most.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
XWJYRX : Xianghan: My first professional design was a motion graphics package for a major product launch at Ogilvy, where I learned how visual storytelling could shape brand perception. Jing: I designed onboarding flows for a fintech app, which taught me the importance of simplicity and user trust. Rui: I built an AI-powered productivity tool at my first startup—balancing usability and system logic was a foundational experience for me.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
XWJYRX : We are especially passionate about immersive and interactive platforms—XR, conversational AI, and spatial interfaces. These technologies allow us to move beyond the screen and craft experiences that feel alive, intuitive, and emotionally connected.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
XWJYRX : We feel most creative when we are engaging with others and immersing ourselves in different cultures. Whether it's through deep conversations, collaborative brainstorming, or exploring unfamiliar cultural perspectives, these moments spark new ways of thinking and open doors to unexpected ideas. Creativity for us is often a response to human connection and cultural resonance.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
XWJYRX : We focus on emotional clarity, interaction flow, and long-term resonance. A design should not only function but also feel—guiding users intuitively while leaving a lasting impression. We pay close attention to how design decisions impact both utility and emotional response.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
XWJYRX : It’s a blend of curiosity, focus, and anticipation. There’s a sense of responsibility—we want our designs to be meaningful. At the same time, there’s joy in exploration, in shaping something from abstract ideas into tangible experiences that others can feel and engage with.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
XWJYRX : There’s a deep sense of fulfillment when a design comes to life—especially when it resonates with people. Seeing others emotionally connect with an idea that once lived only in our minds is both humbling and inspiring. It’s also a moment of reflection, where we learn and grow from the user feedback.
DI: What makes a design successful?
XWJYRX : A successful design is one that feels natural, solves a real need, and leaves an emotional imprint. It’s not only about how something works, but how it makes people feel and think. If a design can shift perception or create a sense of connection, it has succeeded.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
XWJYRX : We look at intent, execution, and impact. Is the idea meaningful? Is it executed with clarity and care? And does it make a difference—functionally, emotionally, or culturally? These are the criteria we value most.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
XWJYRX : Designers have a responsibility to be intentional and ethical. Our work shapes behavior, so we must consider the social, emotional, and environmental consequences of what we create. Whether it's advocating for inclusivity, preserving culture, or minimizing digital and material waste, design should serve the future, not just the present.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
XWJYRX : Design is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary and human-centered. The future lies in experiences that merge technology with empathy—AI, XR, and generative tools will be important, but only if guided by purpose and cultural understanding. We believe design will move beyond aesthetics and interfaces into shaping how people live, feel, and connect.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
XWJYRX : Xianghan’s most recent exhibition was at NYCxDesign Week, where she showcased works exploring the fusion of traditional culture and emerging technology. As a team, we hope our next exhibition will be at the A' Design Museum, featuring Livia. It would be a meaningful opportunity to share our vision of emotionally resonant AI design with a global audience.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
XWJYRX : We draw inspiration from cultural rituals, emotional psychology, literature, and emerging technology. We stay open to unfamiliar ideas and let curiosity guide us.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
XWJYRX : Our style is immersive, emotional, and culturally reflective. We are drawn to meaningful symbolism, fluid motion, and tactile interaction—whether digital or physical. We explore this style because it allows us to reimagine ancient wisdom through modern tools, and create experiences that feel both timeless and future-oriented.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
XWJYRX : We are currently based in California, the U.S., but our cultural roots—spanning Chinese traditions, Eastern philosophies, and global perspectives—deeply influence our work. Living in a multicultural environment is a strength: it allows us to create work that bridges East and West. The challenge is balancing authenticity with innovation, but that tension often leads to our most creative outcomes.
DI: How do you work with companies?
XWJYRX : We collaborate closely with product teams, researchers, and engineers, bringing a design-thinking mindset that integrates storytelling, user empathy, and technical feasibility. Whether working in-house or independently, we build trust through clear communication and shared vision.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
XWJYRX : Designers should not only have strong portfolios, but who also care about users. A good designer is a good listener—someone who can translate complexity into clarity. Invite them into early-stage conversations and give space for experimentation.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
XWJYRX : We begin with empathy—understanding the user’s emotional landscape and cultural context. Then we sketch concepts, build interactive prototypes, and test often. We use a layered approach: designing visuals, sounds, and interactions in parallel to create a cohesive, immersive experience.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
XWJYRX : An L-shaped height-adjustable desk – it supports both focused work and creative flow, adapting to different postures throughout the day. An ergonomic chair – designed for long hours of sitting without compromising comfort or posture. A vertical ergonomic mouse – it reduces wrist strain and reflects thoughtful human-centered design. A soft ambient light clock – it gently simulates sunrise and sunset to support healthier sleep cycles. A VR headset—our portal to immersive imagination.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
XWJYRX : A typical day starts with a quiet morning—sometimes just stretching and chatting briefly with Livia, our AI companion, to reflect on how we’re feeling or what’s ahead. Then we dive into work, which can range from design sprints and prototyping to research or motion development. We often collaborate across time zones, so afternoons are filled with meetings or creative reviews. In the evening, we wind down with reading, walking, or journaling—often using Livia again to process the day or capture small thoughts we don’t want to lose. It’s a balance of structure and space for reflection, which keeps our creativity grounded.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
XWJYRX : Don’t rush to find your “style.” Instead, follow what emotionally moves you. Learn from disciplines outside design—philosophy, psychology, history. And remember: your voice as a designer matters most when it serves others with empathy and care.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
XWJYRX : The positive: you get to create meaning, shape culture, and impact people’s lives. The challenge: creative burnout and the pressure to constantly innovate. But with the right team and mission, design becomes a sustainable, lifelong pursuit.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
XWJYRX : Design with intention. Every element should have a purpose—emotionally, functionally, or symbolically.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
XWJYRX : Empathy, storytelling, systems thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Technical skills are important, but the ability to synthesize complex ideas into clear, resonant experiences is key.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
XWJYRX : We use Figma, After Effects, Blender, and Unreal Engine for design and prototyping.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
XWJYRX : We structure our time around creative energy rather than fixed hours. High-focus tasks are done in the morning or late evening, while collaborative work happens mid-day.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
XWJYRX : It depends on the complexity and scope. Some concepts can be rapidly prototyped within a week, while emotionally nuanced experiences—like conversational AI or immersive environments—can take months of iteration, testing, and refinement.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
XWJYRX : We’re often asked, “How do you make technology feel human?” It’s a question we love—because it gets to the heart of what we do: creating emotionally intelligent, culturally grounded, and intuitive digital experiences.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
XWJYRX : Xianghan: Leading the motion design for Apple Vision Pro’s user education taught me how clarity and emotion can coexist in spatial interfaces. Jing: Designing healthcare flows at Klarity Health showed me how deeply good design can affect access and dignity. Rui: Building emotionally resonant AI products from the ground up taught me how design, tech, and empathy must work together to create real impact.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
XWJYRX : As individuals, we've worked with companies including Burberry, Red Bull, Klarity Health, and early-stage startups. Across these collaborations, we’ve built tools, products, and experiences for millions of users—focusing on trust, clarity, and emotional connection.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
XWJYRX : We enjoy designing experiences that merge cultural insight, emotional intelligence, and cutting-edge technology. Projects that help people feel understood, reflect on their emotions, or reconnect with their cultural roots are especially meaningful to us.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
XWJYRX : We hope to expand Livia into a broader emotional well-being ecosystem—integrating it with AR, memory recall features, and long-term companionship. We also plan to exhibit more works globally and continue exploring how AI and immersive media can serve culture and humanity.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
XWJYRX : We work as a cross-disciplinary team. Each of us brings different strengths—visual design, UX, product strategy, technical development—and together we shape the experience holistically. Collaboration is at the core of our process.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
XWJYRX : Yes—we’re currently exploring an AR extension of Livia, where memories can be visualized and interacted with in physical space. It’s part of our broader vision for emotionally aware AI that supports reflection, healing, and presence.
DI: How can people contact you?
XWJYRX : You can reach us directly through Livia at admin@hi-livia.com.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
XWJYRX : We’d just like to add that meaningful design is never about tools alone—it’s about values, culture, and care. In a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation, we believe it’s more important than ever for designers to center emotion, ethics, and human connection in everything we create.