We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zhijun Song. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zhijun below.

Zhijun, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change the timing of when I started my creative career. The journey I took, beginning in college when I was an art school student, was crucial in shaping who I am today. Back then, I started exploring cross-disciplinary art, combining my interest in coding with creating installations as art pieces. It was an exciting period where I discovered how much I enjoyed building unique and engaging interfaces.

Reflecting on my path, I realized my interest in this field began much earlier, in middle school, when I first tried to build a website. Even then, I was drawn to the visual and interactive aspects of design, though I didn’t yet understand the full scope of my passion. I wasn’t the type to immerse myself deeply in research, but I was always attuned to the aesthetics and functionality of interfaces, spending significant time on developing interesting and unusual designs for my projects.

These experiences gradually connected, and my career path became clearer when I started working in the tech industry. It took me nearly ten years to figure out exactly what I wanted to do, but each step along the way was essential. Starting my creative career earlier might have meant missing out on important experiences and lessons that shaped my approach and understanding. Starting later might have delayed the satisfaction of discovering my passion.

Looking back, I appreciate the timing of my journey. It allowed me to grow, learn, and develop my skills in a way that felt natural and fulfilling. Each phase of my life contributed to my current perspective and abilities, and I wouldn’t trade that for a different timeline.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a design technologist with a focus on creating innovative, user-centric digital experiences. As a designer and coder, I am passionate on building graphics and interfaces. Over the years, this interest evolved into a career where I integrate cutting-edge technology and art to enhance retail experiences.

I specialize in developing prototypes and design systems for platforms like Amazon, setting industry standards for accessibility and user engagement. My work includes creating advanced e-commerce platforms, immersive retail environments, and AI-driven digital interfaces. By crushing the interface prototypes, I help businesses solve practical marketing efficiency problems and create personalized retail experiences.

What sets me apart is my cross-disciplinary approach, combining design, technology, and art to create seamless and engaging interactions. I lead teams to develop solutions in immersive showroom for fashion brands.

I’m particularly proud of my contributions to the “new retail” model, which blends physical and digital shopping to revitalize local businesses and attract more consumer engagement. In the past I have worked on physical art installation works landed in several cities in China.

Through advanced prototyping and user testing, I strive to reduce product launch risks and enhance customer satisfaction. My goal is to shape the future of digital interactions, making them more efficient, inclusive, and engaging for everyone.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My primary goal is to pioneer the integration of advanced technologies and human-centered design to create innovative, inclusive, and immersive retail experiences. I aim to bridge the gap between creative design and practical implementation, ensuring that digital interfaces are accessible, engaging, and efficient.

I am also driven by artistic practices and a commitment to embracing new ideas. By continually trying new things and staying open-minded in my creations, I believe in making interactions that are not only functional but also moments of art. These moments of spark and connection between users and technology bring a sense of joy and creativity, turning everyday interactions into extraordinary experiences.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As a design technologist with a strong background in art, I often collaborate with tech professionals who might initially see my ideas as unconventional or impractical. When explaining my concepts, such as innovative installations, people are sometimes surprised that I have an art college background yet work in the tech industry and code. I humorously describe myself as a “UI drawer” to make my work more relatable.

To differentiate between UX designer and my role specially, I use the analogy of making a cup to hold hot water. While UI focuses on the cup’s appearance, UX considers the material, ergonomics, and user experience. My role is to prototype and specify the best technical requirements before passing them to the coders(the builder to make cups). For instance, I determine the ideal material (glass, clay, or ceramic) and the appropriate size and thickness to ensure the cup is functional, comfortable, and efficient in manufacturing. This is how I often explain what my role is acting in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zhijunsong.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhijunsong/