Siyu Mao is an architect deeply engaged in local architectural design in Los Angeles for nearly two years. Mao’s strong academic and practical foundations were crucial in securing a satisfying job immediately after graduating in June 2022. Mao took on the role of an architectural designer in the aviation studio of Corgan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Q1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My name is Shuyi Liu. I’m an experienced designer specialising in service experience design, with a profound interest in human behavior and social interaction. My educational background includes degrees in communication engineering and design, graduated from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications and the Illinois Institute of Technology, striving to seamlessly integrate human well-being with innovative design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My work is deeply rooted in empathy, aiming to address and solve the emotional and practical challenges faced by diverse social groups. I have been actively involved in projects like creating therapeutic board games for urban dwellers and developing journaling apps for pet owners coping with loss. My designs, recognised internationally, have been awarded multiple design awards. These accolades reflect my commitment to enhancing human well-being through design and my continuous endeavour to push the boundaries of what’s possible in service experience design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q2. What made you become\/why did you choose to become a designer\/artist?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I chose to become a designer because I’ve always been captivated by the power of visual and user-centered design to create meaningful and impactful experiences. From an early age, I found joy in solving problems through creativity and aesthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe that design has the potential to improve people’s lives, enhance usability, and communicate messages effectively. It’s this belief in the transformative power of design that motivated me to pursue a career in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q3. Tell us more about your agency\/company, job profile, and what you do.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I bring nearly five years of professional experience to my role at a global design and innovation consultancy. Our client portfolio is diverse, encompassing leading tech giants like Google, Meta, and Salesforce, as well as various non-governmental organisations committed to societal betterment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my current role, I wear dual hats, blending my skills across consulting projects and our in-house product team. This hybrid experience allows me to navigate the complexities of large-scale consulting projects, where I provide bespoke design solutions to our business clients, and to contribute to our internal product development focused on financial well-being experiences. This unique mix of external and internal roles enables me to maintain a broad perspective while deeply engaging with specific product development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the core of my work is a commitment to social and human well-being. Whether I’m consulting for a corporate client or developing products in-house, my philosophy is to design solutions that are not only innovative and efficient but also empathetically aligned with the end-users’ well-being. This principle guides my approach to every project, ensuring that our outputs are not just commercially successful, but also socially responsible and beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q4. What does \u201cdesign\u201d mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Design, to me, is the art and science of crafting purposeful and aesthetically pleasing solutions to real-world problems. It’s about finding the delicate balance between form and function, where every element serves a specific purpose while also contributing to a harmonious whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Design extends beyond aesthetics; it encompasses user experience, usability, and the seamless integration of technology into our lives. Ultimately, design is a powerful tool for communication, problem-solving, and making the complex simple and beautiful. It’s about creating solutions that resonate with people, enhance their lives, and leave a lasting positive impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q5. What\u2019s your favorite kind of design and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My favorite kind of design is where user experience (UX) intersects with social well-being, particularly in the realm of designing for happiness and emotional well-being. I am passionate about this because it allows me to apply my expertise in a way that directly impacts people’s lives positively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this domain, the design transcends mere functionality and aesthetics; it becomes a tool to enhance the quality of life, foster positive emotional experiences, and support mental health. By focusing on UX in the context of social well-being, I can create solutions that not only meet users’ practical needs but also resonate with them on a deeper emotional level. This fusion of UX with a focus on happiness and well-being is immensely fulfilling as it aligns with my philosophy of leveraging design as a force for good in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winning Entry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stardust Weaver: A Pet Loss Healing App. Stardust Weaver is an innovative software designed to assist individuals coping \u2026 (Read more at London Design Awards<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In our rapidly evolving society, we face a myriad of interconnected problems that impact our individual well-being, communities, and \u2026 (Read more at London Design Awards<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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