We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yan Yan ("YY").
Yan Yan is a highly accomplished interdisciplinary designer, focusing her work on critiquing and interpreting the social landscape through the creation of artifacts and narratives infused with critical thinking. For Yan, design is a tool for exploring the truth about the world and the internal universe. Her approach involves pushing experimental boundaries and imagining fictional scenarios that speak to contemporary social behavior. Yan's works encourage viewers to reflect on their personal experiences through a systematic and hypothetical lens. Yan earned her MFA in design from the California College of the Arts and currently works as a Product Designer at Captiv8. Her projects have garnered several accolades, including the Gold Award from the Indigo Design Competition, the Silver Award from the Novum Design Competition, and the A' Design Award. Her innovative works have been prominently featured in exhibitions worldwide, such as at the esteemed London Artill Gallery, Museum of Outstanding Design, 40 x 40 Exhibition and the Rome International Art Fair, etc. Yan's accomplishments have led to interviews with prestigious media outlets such as Beijing Joy FM Radio, ITSLIQUID, and the China Science and Technology News Network, etc. Meanwhile, she has had the privilege of adjudicating as a juror for esteemed events including the apexart Open Call, the 2024 New York City Scholastic Awards and Illinois Student Invention Convention.
Yan Yan Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yan Yan.
Yan Yan Design - Anonymousociety Social Critique Design
Yan Yan Design - Nemoo Physical Memory Capture System
Designer Interview of Yan Yan:
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?
YY : My way of thinking has been heavily influenced by the user-centered nature of industrial design. However, I have always been fascinated by the world of fine arts, and I strive to approach it with a design perspective. This has led me to explore the boundaries between design and art, and to question how they should be defined. My curiosity about this tension between the two disciplines has motivated me to create works that blur the distinction between users and designers, emphasizing self-expression over utility. In this exhibition, I use design tools to create pieces that could be interpreted as either design works or pure art works, and I hope to spark a conversation about the nature of these distinctions.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YY : I currently work as a product designer, but I also actively engage in interdisciplinary design. My professional journey has been both exciting and diverse. My design journey is marked by a dual identity - a dedicated product designer within a company, and an interdisciplinary designer with a passion for cross-pollination of ideas and approaches. This combination allows me to bring a fresh and innovative perspective to my work, continually pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YY : For me, 'design' is more than just a creative process; it's a powerful tool for exploring the truth about the world and our internal universe. Design is the means through which I navigate the complexities of our surroundings, seeking to uncover deeper insights and meaning. It's a journey of discovery, where I use my creativity and problem-solving skills to decode the world's intricacies. In essence, design is a bridge that connects the tangible and intangible aspects of life. It allows me to express ideas, emotions, and concepts in a tangible form, whether it's through product design, visual communication, or any other medium. Design is a way to communicate, provoke thought, and evoke emotions. Ultimately, 'design' is my vehicle for understanding, interpreting, and responding to the world around me. It's a lens through which I view the universe, aiming to make it more comprehensible, beautiful, and meaningful for myself and others.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YY : As an observer of society, I have developed a keen awareness of the impact that urbanization and societal changes have on individuals. This has led me to engage in extensive reflection and contemplation on how these forces can affect my inner being, causing emotional and psychological turmoil.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
YY : The first project I undertook for a company was with Alchemy.us, a prominent higher education solutions partner for Workday. At the time, Alchemy.us was in its early stages of launch and was eager to explore the full potential of its product from the ground up. In this exciting venture, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the business strategy team from CCA's DMBA program. Together, we embarked on the creation of a recruitment system tailored specifically for the early career community. Our collaborative effort involved designing and prototyping the user interfaces and user experience for the website. Our overarching objective was to revolutionize the recruitment process by crafting a platform that was not only easy to use but also highly efficient and enjoyable for users. It was a rewarding experience to contribute to the inception of a project that aimed to reshape and enhance the way individuals engage with the recruitment process.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YY : I find that my creativity flourishes in two distinct scenarios. First, creativity often surges when I engage in communication. When I'm actively sharing ideas and insights while also receiving input and perspectives from others, it sparks a collaborative and dynamic creative process. The exchange of thoughts and viewpoints can lead to innovative solutions and fresh concepts. Second, I experience moments of heightened creativity during contemplation. Taking the time to engage in deep, focused thinking allows me to explore ideas and details that might go unnoticed during busier periods. These moments of introspection provide space for my mind to wander, connect seemingly unrelated concepts, and explore the intricacies of a problem or design challenge. It's during these reflective moments that I often uncover unique and unexpected creative insights.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YY : When I design, I find myself immersed in the process, and my emotions tend to follow the flow. It's a dynamic experience where my feelings can range from excitement and enthusiasm when a design concept comes together seamlessly, to moments of contemplation and reflection when facing challenges or seeking creative inspiration. Overall, the emotional journey of design is like riding the waves of creativity, adapting and responding to the ever-evolving landscape of ideas and possibilities.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YY : When my designs are realized, I experience a mix of emotions, primarily a profound sense of excitement and gratitude. Witnessing an idea that originated in my mind come to life is an exhilarating moment. Moreover, I feel thankful for the collaboration and teamwork that made the realization possible, acknowledging that it's not solely my accomplishment but the result of a collective effort.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YY : What makes a design successful, in my view, can be distilled into two distinct yet equally valuable approaches. First, there's the kind of design that seamlessly integrates into people's lives or environments, to the point where it becomes almost invisible. This type of design effortlessly blends into the background, enhancing the user's experience without drawing attention to itself. On the other hand, there's the design that forges a deep connection with people, prompting them to reflect and relate to it on a personal level. This type of design sparks emotions, provokes thought, and invites engagement. It transcends mere functionality to create a meaningful and lasting impact. In essence, a successful design can be one that either disappears into the fabric of everyday life, making it more convenient and enjoyable, or one that stands out and resonates, leaving a lasting impression and fostering a sense of connection.