We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ginger Kong ("GK").

Ginger Kong is the creative mind behind the design studio, Miemode. As an advocate for STEM curriculum, she started a pilot program to bring virtual reality technology to the classrooms and libraries. Ginger received accolade for her work with youth and her community. She believes in designing for social impact and embraces unconventional solutions to everyday problems. With her latest design, Miemode The Angry Mailer Flyer, Ginger created an interactive virtual reality viewing experience by converting a simple flyer into a virtual reality viewer.

Ginger Kong Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ginger Kong.

Designer Interview of Ginger Kong:

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?

GK : I grew up in a creative setting. At a very young age, I was inspired to build things in unconventional ways. I remember taking sofa pillows to make a playhouse and folding cardboard boxes into furniture pieces. With this thinking, I begin to look at the world differently and question the impossibilities.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

GK : My company, Miemode, LLC, is design studio specialized in app design and product development.

DI: What is "design" for you?

GK : Design is taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary. It also solves a problem.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

GK : I am interested in designing solution to everyday problems; social inventions. I think the best design are the minimalist solutions that makes life easier. That can be redesigned toothbrush for a disabled person or an inflatable home for a transient.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

GK : Whenever I'm in my design mode, I am excited and focused at the same time. I'm fascinated with the design process; researching and coming up with a practical product. I don't know where that process takes me or what product I'll come up with.

DI: What makes a design successful?

GK : Seeing how the end users react to the design is important. Their feedback tells whether the design is successful.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

GK : I don't think there's such thing as good or bad design. Any design could be improved. It's a process of how far the designer delved into resolving the issue.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

GK : Design with empathy. When you understand your user, you'll be able to see your design come to life.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

GK : Good designer can orchestrate through organized chaos.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

GK : Depending on the project, I may express the design through 3D models, physical models, and sketches.

DI: How can people contact you?

GK : Feel free to contact us at www.miemode.com.