Interview with Tong Lo from the United Kingdom

I’ve always been passionate about finding solutions to real-world problems through creativity. Designing allows me to humanize technology, tackle challenges, and ensure that innovations benefit everyone, especially those often overlooked by traditional systems.

It is an exciting field where we can solve real-world problems creatively, turning concepts into tangible solutions that make a meaningful impact. This realization led me to pursue a career that combines creativity with meaningful user engagement.

I am a founder of RE:PEAT, a Green Tech startup that mobilizes farmers to accelerate peatland conservation efforts through a carbon credit scheme.

As the founder and UX/UI designer, my role ranges from leading feature designs from concept to delivery, to participating in product research and vision planning. Design thinking is at the heart of all this, helping us deliver innovative solutions consistently.

Design, for me, is about solving problems in ways that are intuitive, impactful, and inclusive. It’s centered around understanding human needs and creating experiences that enhance lives, whether through physical products or digital interfaces.

Beyond being a tool for improving experiences, design is a mindset—a way of viewing challenges with a growth-oriented outlook, identifying opportunities, and embracing uncertainty.

My favorite type of design is socially responsible design, particularly in sustainability and accessibility. I enjoy projects that contribute to the environment, equality, and community well-being, as they allow me to use design for positive societal impact.

A good design serves its purpose effectively and adds value to users’ lives. It’s not about being universally appealing but about addressing specific needs in context and making a meaningful impact.

My design style is user-centric and purpose-driven. I focus on clean interfaces, intuitive navigation, and ensuring that every design decision enhances usability and accessibility. It’s driven by curiosity and a cross-disciplinary approach that blends elements from various fields to create innovative and experimental outcomes.

My design process starts with in-depth research and understanding user pain points. I then move into ideation, prototyping, and testing, iterating based on user feedback to ensure the final product meets the needs of its intended audience.

Yes, my design education and experiences in the UK have greatly influenced my approach. The UK’s emphasis on inclusive design and innovation has shaped my perspective on creating solutions that are both functional and accessible.

Winning the MUSE Design Awards is an incredible honor for RE:PEAT. It validates our work in sustainable design and helps raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation through innovative solutions.

RE:PEAT was entered because it tackles a critical environmental issue—peatland conservation—through an accessible carbon credit platform for farmers. It’s an example of how design can drive positive environmental change, which aligns with the MUSE Design Awards' focus on impactful design.

The UK is renowned for its innovative design thinking and strong focus on inclusivity, creating an environment where creativity and functionality merge to address real-world problems.

With the constant evolution of technology and design, the potential for meaningful impact—particularly in sustainability and social equality—is vast. The opportunity to collaborate across disciplines enhances the UK’s unique approach to tackling global challenges through design.

Stay curious and embrace multidisciplinary approaches. Design is about solving problems creatively, so don’t be afraid to explore new fields for inspiration and push the boundaries of traditional design thinking.

Embrace multidisciplinary learning and be open to new technologies. Always stay connected with real-world problems, as the best designs solve issues that matter to people.