We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ruiqi Sun ("RS").
Ruiqi Sun is a digital designer based in New Jersey, specializing in UX/UI design, graphic design, branding, and digital marketing. With extensive experience spanning diverse industries such as FinTech, AI, and advertising, Ruiqi brings a unique blend of analytical insight and artistic empathy to every project. Ruiqi's dedication extends beyond corporate endeavors; she also contributes to educational and non-profit initiatives, leveraging design to make a positive impact. Her creative process blends research, collaboration, and meticulous execution, ensuring every project achieves excellence. Ruiqi's commitment to innovation and societal contribution makes her a valuable asset in the design landscape.
Ruiqi Sun Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ruiqi Sun.
Ruiqi Sun Design - New Visual Direction of Qwale Brand Identity
Designer Interview of Ruiqi Sun:
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?
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.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
RS : My design studio specializes in creating intuitive UI/UX designs, graphic design, branding, and digital marketing solutions. As an independent designer, I focus on crafting impactful digital experiences across various industries, including FinTech, AI, media, and advertising services. I've also collaborated extensively with educational and non-profit organizations, using design to drive positive change. In my role, I conceptualize and implement visually compelling, user-friendly digital solutions, along with crafting branding strategies and marketing assets to effectively communicate clients' messages.
DI: What is "design" for you?
RS : Design, to me, is the art of problem-solving through creative expression. It involves empathizing with people’s problems and needs, translating ideas into tangible solutions, and crafting experiences that resonate emotionally and functionally.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
RS : I particularly enjoy designing works that have direct impacts and provide significant support, such as product design for startups or branding for small businesses. I find great satisfaction in collaborating with clients from various industries, understanding their needs, and conducting research to better comprehend their sectors. This process allows me to create designs that not only meet their requirements but also contribute meaningfully to their success.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
RS : One of my favorite design projects is the rebranding of Qwale's logo and brand identity. This project stands out because of the extensive research and collaboration involved. From conducting marketing research to engaging in face-to-face interactions with users, every step was meticulously planned to ensure the final design resonated with the brand's mission of financial empowerment. Working closely with app developers and employing strategic thinking, we created a fresh and modern identity that captured the essence of Qwale's vision.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
RS : The first project I designed for a company was a series of posters promoting an online panel session for an educational organization. It was an exciting opportunity to collaborate with clients and apply design principles to meet industry standards while captivating the audience's attention. This experience laid the foundation for my future work in creating impactful visual communication materials.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
RS : Figma is my preferred platform for design work as it effectively streamlines the design process from ideation to development. Its cloud-based nature allows for real-time collaboration, enabling team members to work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. Additionally, Figma's intuitive interface makes it accessible to designers of all skill levels, while its robust set of features empowers creativity and efficiency in design workflows.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
RS : I feel the most creative when I'm crafting a personalized gift for someone special. The act of creating something unique and meaningful for a loved one ignites my imagination and allows me to infuse my creativity into the project. Whether it's designing a handmade card, crafting a custom piece of artwork, or creating a heartfelt DIY gift, the process of bringing joy to someone through my creativity fills me with inspiration and excitement.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
RS : During the design process, I prioritize iteration based on user needs and feedback. This involves creating multiple design options to offer clients a range of choices and gather their feedback efficiently. Additionally, I focus on ensuring that the design aligns closely with the client's objectives and effectively communicates their message to the target audience. By placing emphasis on user-centric design and client collaboration, I aim to create solutions that are both functional and impactful.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
RS : When designing, I experience a myriad of emotions. There's a sense of excitement and inspiration as I explore new ideas and concepts. Sometimes, frustration arises when facing challenges or roadblocks in the design process, but it fuels my determination to find creative solutions. This emotional journey of design is a dynamic blend that motivates me to design something meaningful and impactful.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
RS : Seeing my designs realized evokes a sense of pride and fulfillment. Knowing that my work has made a tangible impact on users' lives or contributed to a company's success is incredibly rewarding.
DI: What makes a design successful?
RS : A design is successful when it effectively solves a problem, resonates with its target audience, and achieves its intended goals. It should be user-centric, visually appealing, and functionally sound.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
RS : When evaluating a design, my primary consideration is its ability to effectively convey the intended information or message. Whether it's the concept behind an artwork or the features of a product, I assess how well the design communicates and engages its audience. Clarity, coherence, and the ability to evoke the desired response are key factors in judging the effectiveness of a design.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
RS : Designers have a responsibility to create solutions that positively impact society and the environment. This involves considering the ethical implications of design decisions, promoting inclusivity and accessibility, and minimizing environmental impact through sustainable practices.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
RS : The design field is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology and changing user expectations. The future of design will likely be characterized by increased integration of AI and machine learning, personalized user experiences, and a focus on sustainability and social impact.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
RS : My design inspiration often stems from everyday challenges and observations. I draw inspiration from the world around me, whether it's navigating through user experiences or encountering innovative solutions to common problems. Additionally, I find creative stimulation in exploring various design trends, studying the works of fellow designers, and immersing myself in diverse cultural experiences.
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?
RS : My design style is characterized by a balance of simplicity, functionality, and visual appeal. I'm drawn to clean, minimalist aesthetics that prioritize clarity and usability. My approach to design involves iterative prototyping, user feedback, and a focus on solving real-world problems.
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?
RS : I reside in New Jersey, adjacent to New York City, a hub of creativity and innovation. My roots in China deeply influence my design approach, emphasizing the delivery of emotions through artwork. While cultural heritage enriches my designs with depth and storytelling, it occasionally presents challenges in bridging cultural nuances and preferences in a global context. However, it also provides a unique perspective and aesthetic that resonates with diverse audiences, enriching my design practice.
DI: How do you work with companies?
RS : I engage with companies by convening meetings with stakeholders to understand user, design, and tech requirements. This informs my research methodology and design approach. Throughout the process, I provide design options for iteration, seeking feedback to refine and tailor solutions to meet the project's objectives effectively.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
RS : My design process typically involves several key stages, including research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. I start by understanding user needs and project requirements, then move on to brainstorming ideas, creating prototypes, gathering feedback, and refining designs based on user insights.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
RS : I love my Chinese calligraphy wall art, handcrafted mini bar with smart lighting system, NFC music album wall, a small Rube Goldberg machine made of wood strips and steel balls, and the frame I built to fix the pet feeder for my cat!
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
RS : From my perspective, some positives of being a designer include the variety of projects, the constant opportunity for creativity, and the satisfaction of seeing a design come to life. However, there are also negatives, such as moments of creative block, the fast-paced nature of the industry requiring continuous learning, and the pressure to stay updated with evolving trends and technologies.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
RS : My "golden rule" in design is to always prioritize the user. By understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points, designers can create solutions that truly resonate and make a positive impact.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
RS : The most important skills for a designer include empathy to understand user needs, effective communication to collaborate with team members and convey ideas through design, adaptability to respond to different contexts, and creativity to innovate and solve design challenges.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
RS : I use a variety of tools during design, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Figma, Sketch, and InVision. Additionally, I draw inspiration from art books, online resources, design conferences, and collaborative platforms.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
RS : To manage time effectively, I break down tasks and create a project timeline with set deadlines. I utilize tools like Trello to track progress and ensure tasks are completed on schedule. Additionally, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, allowing for efficient time allocation and project management.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
RS : The most frequently asked question I receive as a designer is, "Can you show me some of your cool designs?" Many people expect visually stunning designs, but I believe effective design goes beyond aesthetics. It's about problem-solving and evoking emotions, which I usually prioritize in my work.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
RS : My clients come from various sectors, including AI startups, e-commerce businesses, advertising agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. Each project presents unique challenges and opportunities for creativity and innovation.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
RS : I enjoy designing projects that have a direct impact on improving people's lives, whether it's creating user-friendly interfaces for financial apps or developing branding strategies that resonate with target audiences. The opportunity to blend creativity with problem-solving is what I find most fulfilling.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
RS : I often collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, marketers, and other stakeholders, to bring design ideas to life. However, I also have experience working independently for individual clients and my own passion project, or during the ideation and prototyping stages of a design project.