Interview with Jinda Zhong and Hui Jing, the Founders of Illum Cube Design Studio

We chose to pursue careers in design because we believe creativity is a powerful tool for solving real-world problems. Our fascination with how design can transform everyday experiences led us to explore this field deeply. The idea of making technology more accessible and improving people's lives through user-friendly designs drives us to keep creating.

As UX designers, we work on various projects that span multiple industries. Our roles involve researching user needs, creating prototypes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring these designs to life. This diversity allows us to tackle different design challenges and innovate solutions tailored to specific user groups.

Creativity is the process of exploring new perspectives to find the most effective solutions. It’s about understanding user needs and translating those into intuitive, enjoyable designs. For us, creativity is the bridge that connects technology and people, simplifying complex systems and enhancing user experiences.

A creative design is one that addresses a problem in a fresh, user-centered way. It combines functionality, accessibility, and visual appeal to provide an experience that resonates with users. A truly creative design not only meets users' needs but also inspires them.

Our design process begins with thorough research to understand the problem and the users' needs. From there, we brainstorm ideas, create wireframes, and develop prototypes to visualize potential solutions. Testing with real users and gathering feedback is crucial for refining the design. We iterate until we achieve a result that effectively meets the users' requirements while also being enjoyable to use.

Our favorite part is user testing. It's during this phase that we see how our designs impact real people. Their feedback is invaluable in refining our work, and witnessing the moment when users find joy in interacting with our designs is incredibly rewarding.

Our creative style emphasizes simplicity and clarity. We focus on creating clean interfaces and intuitive interactions that enhance user experiences. By stripping away unnecessary elements, we aim to deliver designs that are both visually appealing and functional.

Yes, our experiences in both China and the United States have shaped our design approach. This multicultural perspective allows us to blend Eastern and Western design philosophies, bringing a unique touch to our work. We incorporate diverse cultural elements, making our designs more inclusive and innovative.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards is a significant honor for us. It validates our efforts and reinforces our commitment to creating impactful, user-centered designs. This recognition encourages us to keep exploring innovative solutions and motivates us to push the boundaries of creativity.

Our winning entries, TikKits and Upband, were created in response to challenges faced by people in the post-pandemic world. TikKits merges the excitement of culinary short videos with the convenience of meal kit deliveries, promoting healthy cooking at home.

Upband, on the other hand, addresses physical health issues by turning exercise into an interactive musical experience. We chose these projects because they reflect our dedication to solving real-world problems through creative design.

The biggest challenge was ensuring our designs were intuitive and accessible. For Upband, the integration of motion-tracking technology with a musical experience had to feel natural and engaging.

With TikKits, the main challenge was to create a smooth process for linking online content with real-world meal preparation. Overcoming these challenges required extensive user testing and iteration to refine the user experience.

Winning this award has greatly impacted our careers by enhancing our credibility in the design community. It has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth. This recognition serves as a reminder of the value of user-centered design and inspires us to keep pursuing innovative solutions.

Our top three favorite aspects of the design industry are its dynamism, its focus on user-centric solutions, and the endless opportunities for innovation. The ever-evolving nature of the field keeps us constantly learning and experimenting, while user-centric design ensures that our work is both functional and enjoyable.

China's rich cultural heritage and rapid technological advancements make it a unique player in the design industry. The fusion of traditional aesthetics with modern innovation creates a diverse design landscape, allowing designers to experiment with new ideas efficiently.

We believe the industry will increasingly incorporate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality. However, the human element will remain paramount. Content design will become crucial, as designers focus on creating meaningful and engaging experiences that resonate with users.

Stay curious and open-minded. Understand your users deeply and don't be afraid to experiment. Build a solid foundation in design fundamentals, stay updated on trends, and actively seek feedback. Collaboration and networking can also provide valuable insights and opportunities.

We recommend online courses from platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. Additionally, enhance your soft skills, especially storytelling, to effectively communicate your design ideas. Join design communities, attend workshops, and seek mentorship to continually grow your skills.

We both draw a lot of inspiration from music. This shared passion influenced the creation of Upband, where we merged our love for music with design to create an engaging experience for users.

The post-pandemic world has been our source of inspiration. Witnessing how people adapted to new ways of living and interacting highlighted the importance of resilience and creativity in design. This inspired us to create solutions that help people thrive in the new reality.

Our key to success is staying user-focused and embracing continuous learning. Always listen to user feedback and be open to iterating on your designs. Stay passionate and curious, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

We are deeply grateful for this recognition from the MUSE Creative Awards. It’s an honor to be part of such a talented community of designers. We hope to continue pushing the boundaries of design and inspire others to create with passion and purpose.