Designing for Impact: Tuo Zhang Talks Mobile Apps and Education for Kids

Thank you so much! It’s truly an honor to be recognized by the MUSE Creative Awards. I’m Tuo Zhang, an interaction designer based in the Bay Area. Since entering the field of product design, I’ve been passionate about using design thinking to craft effective, user-centered solutions.

I thrive in multidisciplinary teams and have extensive experience guiding products from concept to launch. My work is driven by a deep commitment to creating meaningful and intuitive user experiences.

Since becoming a father, I’ve naturally become more attuned to areas related to children—especially education. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to channel my skills and knowledge into transforming these ideas into something tangible. Being recognized by the MUSE Creative Awards for this work still feels like a dream come true.

Winning the award has not only boosted my confidence but also reignited my passion to continue refining this product—from concept to reality. I’m eager for the opportunity to introduce this idea to the public, as I believe it has the potential to truly benefit my target audience.

As I mentioned before, creating something that supports children’s education has always been a core goal for our team. Both of these projects are designed to help children by using gamification to naturally deliver tailored content to each user.

We firmly believe that great design must be user-centered. It’s not something that simply emerges after working in isolation for a period of time. Instead, the process must be rigorous, thoughtful, and grounded in research. And of course, creativity plays a critical role in bringing it all to life.

What set our projects apart was our deep commitment to authenticity and innovation. Rather than chasing trends, we focused on telling stories that genuinely resonated with our audience’s needs and pain points. Every detail—from the visuals to the messaging—was thoughtfully crafted to leave a lasting impression.

Exactly. Since these projects are designed for children, one of the biggest challenges is truly understanding their needs. To gain deep user insight, we explored multiple research methods—ranging from online resources to direct user interviews. We focused on learning what visual patterns, colors, and interactions are most engaging for children.

We also created prototypes and conducted user testing, carefully observing how children interacted with our designs. Based on this feedback, we continually refined and improved the product. It’s an iterative process, and every step brought us closer to creating an experience that truly resonates with our young users.

Winning this award is incredibly meaningful—not just for me, but for our entire team. It validates the passion, creativity, and dedication we pour into every project. Looking ahead, I hope this recognition inspires more people to explore innovative, child-friendly approaches to education.

More importantly, I hope it reinforces the confidence within our team. Recognition like this is a powerful reminder that our work has impact—and that we’re capable of making a difference on a global stage.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive! We shared the news of the award with our friends and the parents who supported us during user research. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how proud they are to have been part of the project’s success. Their encouragement means a lot to us, and it reinforces the value of involving real users throughout the design process.

My biggest piece of advice would be to stay true to your vision and put purpose at the center of your work. Awards are wonderful, but the real magic happens when you create something that genuinely connects with people. Focus on telling a story—whether through design, words, or experience—that feels authentic and meaningful.

The creative industry is evolving faster than ever—and I see that as an exciting opportunity, not a challenge. Emerging technologies, especially AI tools, are reshaping the landscape. While these tools allow anyone to quickly generate mockups, defining good design goes far beyond speed. It requires a user-centered approach, thoughtfully crafted solutions, and countless conversations with both the team and users.

That’s what truly sets meaningful design apart in today’s creative industry. I believe the future belongs to those who can stay agile—adapting to change while staying true to the authenticity and heart behind their work.

I understand that entering awards can feel intimidating, especially when you’re starting out. But growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Sharing your work is a powerful way to push yourself.

To anyone hesitant: your creativity matters. Competitions are about more than winning—they’re about learning, gaining visibility, and joining a creative community. Every submission helps refine your craft and tells your story.

Creativity thrives in community. Every idea and breakthrough is built on collaboration and the support of others. Share knowledge, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. Together, we can push boundaries and create work that moves both markets and people.

Let me introduce my amazing partner, Man Xu—a super talented designer who’s been a key force behind these projects. She made a huge contribution, especially with Monster & Monster, an interactive mobile app that helps kids practice spelling at home through fun and engaging games.

From early concept development all the way to the final design polish, she did incredible work. Honestly, we wouldn’t have won those awards without her.

Our award-winning entry is a bold, heartfelt story that blends creativity and strategy to leave a lasting impact—because we believe the best work doesn’t just capture attention, it connects on a deeper level.

What’s next? The journey’s just getting started! We’ve got some exciting projects coming up—exploring new areas like healthcare and coffee products, and pushing creative boundaries along the way. We can’t wait to share what we’re working on with everyone soon.