We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sirui Li a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sirui, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

The creative industry has been greatly impacted by artificial intelligence in recent years. The emergence of AI tools has deprived many designers of opportunities to showcase their work and rendered many skills either obsolete or less significant. In the future, creative designers will also face numerous challenges from AI. However, on the flip side, this presents an opportunity for designers. To thrive in the future, designers must learn to harness AI tools to expand the possibilities of their work, thereby increasing efficiency. For instance, many designers have already begun using AI tools for tasks such as illustration or rendering, leading to significant improvements in both efficiency and quality.

Sirui, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

While attending RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), I began to solidify my career path. I have a strong interest in both interaction design and spatial design, and have created a range of related projects. I aim for my work to be grounded in scientific logic yet presented in a creatively artistic manner. I believe that compelling visual effects can communicate volumes of information that words alone cannot, making them a crucial element in engaging users. As such, I place particular emphasis on visual communication, evident in my work in data visualization and information design. I enjoy exploring various styles and types within my work, which contributes to its diversity and my ongoing creative pursuits.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Every industry follows a certain trajectory of development. When an industry reaches a relatively stable state, it’s often a signal for individuals within it to adapt and change. Just like how I initially pursued landscape architecture, but I found that interactive design offered greater challenges and better prospects for the future, prompting me to make a switch. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone isn’t easy; it presents significant challenges and requires considerable effort.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I transitioned from being a full-time landscape designer to engaging in interactive design on a part-time basis. Starting within my familiar industry, I applied new ways of thinking to design and product creation, which was a particularly enriching experience. Along the way, I also authored books and received numerous awards for my creations, which bolstered my confidence in my side pursuits.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.threelee.net
• Instagram: threelee13
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sirui-li-ab1028171
• Other: Redbook : 292885137

Image Credits
Sirui Li