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ILSA YUMENG LI (zh:李雨萌) is a distinguished and multi-award-winning designer, former human-computer interaction researcher, and innovator. Her works have won numerous international awards, including the iF Design Award and IDA Award Gold. As the co-founder and design director of PEAR & MULBERRY, she has successfully incubated multiple social impact projects. During her tenure at renowned companies like Weltmeister Motor and SAIC Motors, her research and optimization in luxury car interiors’ HMI have shaped the new generation of HCI interaction systems in vehicles. Her S.O.F.T. system has redefined interaction standards for intelligent products, providing a sensitive, organic, flexible, and tactile design consultancy for smart product companies.
Q1: How do you view the impact of cross-disciplinary backgrounds on design? How has your background in business, engineering, and technology deepened your understanding of design?
ILSA: A cross-disciplinary background allows me to view problems from different perspectives. Business analysis focuses on market positioning and user needs; engineering and technology help realize design concepts innovatively; elasticity in thinking pushes me to explore design possibilities. These factors together shape my design philosophy.
Q2: You’ve mentioned that design should “celebrate human-centered design and new interface experiences.” Could you explain the thinking behind this philosophy?
ILSA: Design is not only about functionality; it’s a bridge for communication between people, and between people and objects. My advocacy for human-centered design and new interface experiences stems from an understanding and respect for people and a harmonious integration of technology and aesthetics.
Q3: How does your S.O.F.T. system combine business, technology, and design elements to create user-friendly interactive products?
ILSA: The S.O.F.T. system is a comprehensive assessment standard that combines decentralized technology integration, elastic design thinking, and anti-fragile market analysis. It ensures that our products are technologically advanced, while closely connected to people’s needs and emotions.
Q4: How has your work experience with SAIC Motor and Weltmeister Motor enriched your design perspective?
ILSA: At these companies, I had the chance to delve into the complexities of automotive industrial design and marketing analysis. This cross-disciplinary experience has broadened my design perspective.
Q5: Could you share how the concepts of “elastic thinking design” and “anti-fragile market analysis” are reflected in your work?
ILSA: Elastic thinking promotes adaptability and innovative exploration within design, while anti-fragile market analysis emphasizes resilience and risk mitigation. Projects like We|aver+ embody these principles, showcasing a novel approach to previously encountered challenges.
Q6: You’ve been admitted to two graduate programs at Harvard’s design and engineering schools. Can you share your future plans?
ILSA: I’m excited about this opportunity at Harvard. I plan to delve further into academia and practice, continuing to explore new areas in cross-disciplinary design.
Q7: Many of your works have won international design awards. What do you think are the essential elements of good design?
ILSA: Good design must solve real problems, integrate forms and innovation, and most importantly resonate with people’s emotions and lifestyles.
Q8: How do you view the current trends in design, especially with the influence of AI and VR?
ILSA: These new technologies are changing our interaction with the world. Designers must explore how these technologies connect with daily life. Future design will be a service, experience, and connection.
Q9: How have your hobbies, like fiber art and art books, influenced your design style and philosophy? ILSA: Fiber art and art books teach me patience, observation, and deep thinking. These qualities translate into attention to detail and a pursuit of depth and authenticity in design.
Q10: How do you balance entrepreneurship with design?
ILSA: Entrepreneurship and design complement each other. Entrepreneurship gives me a deeper understanding of the market, while design communicates my ideas. Together, they allow me to realize my vision on a larger stage.
Q11: What advice would you give to young people hoping to enter the design field?
ILSA: Design is not just a profession; it’s a life attitude and value pursuit. Maintain the curiosity you felt upon your first discovery and learning experience, dare to try and fail, those would lead you to understand the world deeply and comprehensively to create unique and influential works.
Conclusion:
Yumeng Li tells a story of cross-disciplinary, diverse, innovative design. Her multi-specialty background provides fertile ground for innovative research and ensures friendly interaction, intelligent product realization, and anti-fragility in the market. Now she is accepted into two graduate programs at Harvard University, we wish her success as she continues to innovate and explore. Her story reminds us that design is not just expression and creation but a fusion of cross-boundary thinking and multicultural integration. In the future, we believe ILSA will continue to delight us with her talent and vision, showcasing more exciting design works.
