Li Yajin, the creative designer behind the innovative “Music Elf,” was awarded the CEIDA Top 100 International Outstanding Award at a prestigious ceremony held on March 30, 2025. Francesco Matinata, Design Director of the U.S.-based MCM International Design Group and a lead judge for the event, presented the award to Li Yajin, recognizing her notable talent, innovative design, and the promising potential of “Music Elf” to support children’s emotional well-being.
The CEIDA Top 100 International Outstanding Award is a highly respected honor, bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate remarkable innovation, creativity, and a commitment to exploring new possibilities in design. Li Yajin’s selection for this prestigious award highlights her meaningful contributions to the field and her potential to make a positive impact on the lives of children worldwide.

“Music Elf” is more than just a musical instrument; it’s a thoughtfully crafted art therapy tool that aims to integrate cutting-edge AI technology with the power of musical expression. This unique design has garnered considerable accolades, establishing its position as an innovative solution in the realm of children’s mental health. In addition to the CEIDA Top 100 International Outstanding Award, “Music Elf” has also received:
- Silver Winner, London Design Awards: Recognizing the project’s strong visualization of creative influence and design excellence. This international acknowledgment suggests the project’s global appeal and its possible positive impact on children’s lives in various regions.
These awards highlight the growing recognition of Li Yajin’s work and the promising potential of “Music Elf” to help children express themselves in new and meaningful ways. The project’s creative design, combined with its focus on emotional well-being, has drawn attention from design experts and educators, positioning it as a potential solution for addressing the increasing mental health challenges faced by children today.
Li Yajin’s expertise and leadership in the field of design are further supported by her:
- Senior Membership, Art Design Association of Hainan Province: A respected designation acknowledging her notable skill, experience, and contributions to the field of art and design within China. This membership reflects her commitment to advancing design and her dedication to using her skills to contribute positively to society.
- Membership, China-Europe International Design Association (CEIDA): Connecting her with a network of design professionals focused on fostering collaboration and promoting excellence between China and Europe. This affiliation offers access to resources and opportunities for collaboration, potentially enhancing her ability to create impactful designs.
“Music Elf” aims to provide a unique and accessible platform for children to explore their emotions through music. The instrument’s AI-powered features may offer insights into children’s emotional states, potentially helping them better understand themselves and connect with others. By combining music, technology, and emotional intelligence, “Music Elf” could play a role in reimagining how we approach children’s mental health, offering a proactive and engaging solution that may benefit a wide range of children.
Li Yajin envisions a future where “Music Elf” could be widely available in schools, therapy centers, and homes around the world, supporting children in expressing themselves, building emotional resilience, and thriving. Her dedication to innovation and her commitment to improving the lives of children position her as an emerging leader in the field of design. She hopes that “Music Elf” can contribute to positive change, helping children develop the emotional skills they need to succeed in life.
Francesco Matinata, Design Director of MCM International Design Group, praised Li Yajin’s work, stating, “‘Music Elf’ demonstrates how design can address important social challenges. Li Yajin’s creative approach to blending music, technology, and emotional intelligence could make a meaningful difference for children globally. We are delighted to recognize her achievements with the CEIDA Top 100 International Outstanding Award.”
With its growing recognition and its potential to positively influence children’s emotional well-being, “Music Elf” may contribute to evolving how we approach children’s mental health in the future. Li Yajin’s vision and expertise are helping shape this progress, making her a notable figure in the world of design. Her dedication to innovation and her focus on improving the lives of children serve as an inspiration to designers and educators. As “Music Elf” continues to gain traction, it could become a valuable tool for promoting children’s emotional well-being and empowering them to thrive.
Published by Anne C.