Interview with Ruoyong Hong

Ruoyong Hong ("RH") interviewed on Monday, 13 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

RH : With over eight years of rich experience in the design industry, I am a seasoned professional with a track record of significant achievements. Throughout my career, I have had the honor of collaborating with prestigious organizations across various sectors, including Bosch, Collective Future, and Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab. These collaborations have allowed me to contribute significantly to groundbreaking projects, either as a key team member or as the lead designer. One of my standout achievements was my role in developing the first comprehensive L2+ ADAS Design Guideline for Bosch. This pioneering project not only received widespread accolades but also demonstrated substantial business outcomes, influencing multiple real-world applications, including vehicles from the brand Chery. This guideline has also been widely recognized by industry experts for its impact on L2+ ADAS design. My passion extends beyond professional assignments to personal projects, which have earned considerable acclaim. These projects have been recognized with prestigious awards, including a Gold Award at the Indigo Design Awards, multiple Silver Awards at both the Muse and Vega Creative Awards, and Bronze Awards from the International Design Awards and A’ Design Award. Furthermore, I have had the privilege of serving as a distinguished judge at the Interaction Design Award, hosted by the Interaction Design Association (IxDA). In this role, I was responsible for evaluating over 216 project submissions from more than 20 countries, a testament to the global scope of my involvement in the design community. These milestones not only mark my journey but also fuel my ongoing commitment to creating designs that resonate and expand the horizons of creativity and innovation.

How did you become a designer?

RH : Since high school, I've been drawn to the beauty and influence of architectural design on human behavior, which led me to study urban and architecture design at Peking University. However, as my studies progressed, I realized that the digital realm offered broader opportunities to impact society and would become a predominant medium of communication. This realization ignited a deep fascination with the intersection of digital innovation and technological advancement. My journey took an exciting turn when I discovered the field of interaction and product design—a discipline where my natural creativity aligned perfectly with my desire to create products that leverage evolving technologies to shape the world. Eager to refine my skills and expand my expertise, I embarked on various projects, each shaping me into a proficient interaction and product designer. Through these experiences, I have sharpened my design skills and deepened my understanding of design's role as a catalyst for positive societal change, particularly in enhancing respectful communication. Now, as a dedicated professional in intelligent interaction and product design, I utilize my skills to craft meaningful experiences that not only meet users' needs but also make a substantial difference in the world. This path has not only been a career choice but a fulfillment of my deepest aspirations to impact society positively through design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

RH : When designing, my priorities are centered around the logic of decision-making, respect for technology, and the inclusiveness of outcomes. These principles guide me in creating intelligent products that are both reasonable and respectful to all potential users. To achieve these goals, I conduct extensive research and testing with a diverse range of users to gather insights and utilize the expertise of those who develop the technology. This helps me fully understand the workings of the intelligent algorithms in the backend. My ultimate goal transcends creating visually captivating experiences; I aim to evoke a sense of respect, spark innovation, and contribute to a better future for everyone. This approach ensures that the products I design are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also ethically grounded and inclusive, reflecting the values that are most important to the communities they serve.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

RH : Nervous and Exciting. As a designer, I often feel a sense of nervousness, a sentiment I believe is shared by many in my field. This nervousness arises from the pressure of making precise decisions and observations that are expected to positively impact the world. Design is fundamentally about venturing into the unknown and navigating a path that could lead to either success or unexpected challenges. This uncertainty heightens my sense of responsibility and encourages a meticulous approach to learning and creating, ensuring that each design decision is made with care and respect. On the flip side, the process of turning abstract ideas into tangible, impactful designs is genuinely thrilling. There's an inherent challenge in this excitement, as every design project introduces a series of unknowns that need to be addressed and understood. By embracing these challenges, I delve into uncharted territories, fully embracing the unpredictability that comes with pioneering innovation. It is within these untapped areas that I often find unexpected opportunities to expand my creativity and push my capabilities to new limits, fueling my passion for design even further.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

RH : My background at the intersection of design, technology, and environmental understanding, fortified by my studies in urban and architecture design at Peking University, has shaped me into a holistic designer. This education allowed me to grasp the complexities of the physical world and how to design within it effectively. My professional journey has been enriched by experiences in intelligent mobility, machine learning, and augmented reality, broadening my expertise across multiple disciplines. This diverse knowledge base enables me to transition smoothly from strategic planning to detailed technological implementations, and to collaborate effectively with stakeholders from various fields. Ultimately, I see my role as a designer as a bridge connecting business, technology, and user needs.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

RH : My future plans are threefold. Firstly, I intend to continue my work on the L2+ ADAS design guidelines, as more automotive brands adopt this framework. The need for ongoing innovation and technical enhancement in intelligent mobility remains high, and I plan to lead these advancements at Bosch, a leader in automotive technology. Secondly, I am committed to expanding my impact both globally and within my community. Building on past successes, I aim to extend my influence to address broader challenges that cross international borders. This includes pioneering innovative projects, collaborating with international organizations, and participating in global initiatives to foster significant, positive change worldwide. Thirdly, I will continue to develop the "Wel-AI" project, enhancing its capabilities to integrate cutting-edge intelligent technology into everyday user experiences.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

RH : To those just starting their careers in design, I advise embracing a 'thinking through making' approach. Engage directly with materials and processes through model-building, sketching, and prototyping. This hands-on method often reveals insights that purely abstract thinking cannot, accelerating the learning process and fostering innovative solutions. By actively creating, young designers can more effectively understand and solve the complex problems that define our world, paving the way for a successful and impactful career in design.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

RH : As someone who has navigated the path of design with some success, I would encourage fellow designers be bold in your endeavors and proactive in your engagement with the world of design. The journey of a designer is one of continuous learning and evolution. It involves cultivating your unique style and voice over time. While the process can occasionally feel tedious, the skills and critical thinking abilities you develop are invaluable. Embrace the challenges and sometimes monotonous aspects of the design process as opportunities to refine your craft and sharpen your professional capabilities. Engaging actively with your work and the community around you not only enriches your own experience but also contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of the design field as a whole.

What is your day to day look like?

RH : As a morning person, I begin my day early with a routine that merges productivity with personal enrichment. I start by catching up on the latest technology news while enjoying my breakfast, ensuring I stay informed about recent advancements and trends. This habit helps me remain engaged and knowledgeable in my field. After a refreshing shower that helps sharpen my focus, I transition smoothly into work mode. My workday is filled with diverse activities ranging from project management to creative brainstorming sessions.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

RH : Keeping up with the latest design trends is crucial for staying relevant and innovative in the competitive field of design. I make it a priority to regularly read industry publications and updates, which helps me stay on top of new developments and ideas. Additionally, I participate in various courses and workshops to deepen my understanding and refine my skills continuously. Importantly, I also contribute to the community by offering courses and leading workshops for colleagues. Teaching is a powerful tool for solidifying my own knowledge and understanding trends more deeply. It also sparks valuable discussions, offering different perspectives and interpretations of the information. This not only enhances my perspective but also enriches the collective knowledge within my professional network. Regarding the importance of design trends, they are significant as they often reflect shifts in technology, culture, and user preferences. However, while it’s essential to be aware of these trends, it’s equally important to critically assess whether they align with the specific needs and contexts of my projects. Ultimately, the goal is to create designs that are both innovative and timeless, balancing current trends with classic principles of good design.

What is your biggest design work?

RH : My most significant design endeavor to date is leading the creation of a comprehensive L2+ Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) design guideline for Bosch, which marks one of the industry's pioneering efforts in intelligent vehicle technology. L2+ ADAS represents a major advancement in automotive technology, utilizing AI to enable vehicles to autonomously navigate from point to point under driver supervision. In this project, my primary responsibility has been to define the interaction and communication between the vehicle and the driver, ensuring that every journey is safe, efficient, and enjoyable. A key aspect of our design process was conducting complex high-fidelity eye-tracking simulation tests. These tests helped us develop a new mental model and interaction process tailored to enhance user experience and safety. The guidelines we developed are now being implemented in real-world applications, starting with vehicles from the Chery brand, with plans to expand to other brands. Already, thousands of drivers are experiencing the benefits of these innovations, and the impact is expected to increase significantly. After more than 20 months of dedicated work alongside my team, I take immense pride in this project. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that our efforts are improving safety and enhancing the driving experience for countless individuals. This project not only highlights my capabilities as a leader and innovator in design but also underscores my commitment to advancing automotive safety and technology.

Ruoyong Hong Profile