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Interview with Rui Sun |
Home > Designer Interviews > Rui Sun |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Rui Sun (RS) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Rui Sun by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
RS: I grew up in China and later moved to the U.S. for college, where I studied industrial design and built my foundation in the field. Right now, I work as a UX designer at Citi in Shanghai, where I get to apply my skills to design engaging user experiences. From a young age, I’ve been really passionate about art, technology, and social progress, especially advocating for people in underrepresented communities. These interests have been a big influence on my career and led me to pursue design. In my junior year, I started visiting elderly stroke patients to understand what they go through during rehab. Seeing the challenges they face really highlighted the importance of preserving dignity for older users and finding creative ways to improve their well-being. That experience pulled me into the world of service design, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
RS: As a senior UX designer at Citi Shanghai, I handle the design side of Citi PBWM’s ToB transaction system. My work covers the whole process of delivering digital products—from digging into user needs and fine-tuning wireframes to creating detailed UI designs and coordinating smoothly with everyone involved across the product line.
FS: What is "design" for you?
RS: For me, design is all about crafting solutions that really matter—making people’s lives better and easier in meaningful ways. It’s more than just looks; it’s about understanding what people need and finding creative, practical ways to meet those needs. Whether it’s through physical products, digital experiences, or even broader systems, design is about solving problems with purpose.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
RS: I like combining traditional materials with technology adds a unique aesthetic appeal and cultural significance to the design, resulting in a harmonious blend of the old and the new. This type of design exemplifies the power of innovation and creativity to transform and elevate our interactions with products, ultimately enriching our lives
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
RS: I’m especially drawn to design that mixes innovative tech with traditional materials, especially in things like wearable garments and rehab gear. This blend is fascinating to me because it connects the physical and digital worlds in a way that creates new, meaningful experiences. Integrating advanced tech into everyday items can really push the envelope on comfort, performance, and even health, opening up some exciting possibilities.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
RS: I'm more focused and productive during early morning and late night.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
RS: For me, “good” design is all about making the user genuinely happy and satisfied. It’s more than just checking the functional boxes—it’s about building a positive emotional connection. Good design anticipates what users want, gets their preferences, and addresses any pain points in a way that feels natural and thoughtful.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
RS: AI is set to become a go-to tool for sparking ideas and boosting knowledge for designers. While it brings a lot of potential, the human touch in craftsmanship will always stand out and matter. AI might help with parts of the creative process, but it can’t replicate the unique details and depth that only human craftsmanship can bring.
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
RS: My design style is a mix of modern vibes with a touch of vintage charm. Before jumping into the practical work, I make sure to spend time on thorough observation. Giving space for reflection helps me tap into my experience to really understand the users’ core needs and pain points. Once I’ve gathered these insights, I move on to quick prototypes—both digital and physical—to kick off initial feedback sessions with users or clients.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
RS: I currently live in Shanghai, China, a vibrant city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. Absolutely, the cultural heritage of my country plays a significant role in my designs. I draw inspiration from traditional Chinese aesthetics, craftsmanship, and philosophies, which influence my approach to design. Pros: Living in such a rich cultural environment allows me to infuse my work with unique elements that resonate with both local and global audiences. The emphasis on harmony and balance in Chinese culture often inspires me to create designs that prioritize user experience and functionality. Cons: On the flip side, navigating the fast-paced nature of urban life in Shanghai can sometimes overshadow traditional practices and values. There’s a constant push towards modernity, which can create tension when trying to preserve cultural nuances in design. Balancing these aspects can be challenging, but it also drives me to explore innovative ways to merge the old with the new.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
RS: A typical day in my role as a Senior UX Designer at a top Fortune 500 company starts with a morning stand-up, where I sync up with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to align on project goals and any blockers. Afterward, I dive into my primary design tasks for the day, whether it’s refining wireframes, iterating on user flows, or conducting usability reviews on prototypes. I’ll often host user testing sessions or meet with our data and research teams to gather insights that drive design decisions. In the afternoon, I might join cross-functional meetings with stakeholders to review project progress, get feedback, and ensure design consistency across various touchpoints. My day usually wraps up with consolidating notes and preparing any design updates for the next iteration, ensuring our user experience meets both functional goals and user satisfaction. Balancing creativity with technical collaboration keeps my work dynamic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
RS: My most valuable job experience was helping Citi Private Bank launch its Foreign Currency Exchange trading system and developing a Margin Check Operating Dashboard for bankers, while also rebuilding FX derivative products. As the sole designer on these projects, I collaborated with global teams from London, India, Singapore, and China. Despite the challenges and pressures, the accomplishment and recognition I gained made it incredibly rewarding. Additionally, my time at Citi deepened my financial knowledge, especially through hosting meetings with front-office end users, which helped me better understand their needs and priorities.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
RS: Looking forward, I’m excited to keep exploring digital experience design and the intersection with physical product development. My goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in design and leave a positive impact on user experiences.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
RS: For company projects I usually work in a global team across Asia and Europe. For personal projects I work on my own.
FS: How can people contact you?
RS: People can reach me at rsundesign@gmail.com
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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