We were lucky to catch up with YIting Liu recently and have shared our conversation below.
YIting , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My first remote immersive web experience “Sun and Us” emerged during the pandemic, a time when the world felt paused and disconnected. In this interactive web experience, users engage with field recordings from across the globe, creating a unique rhythm through their body movements from their webcams. This project became a lifeline for many, connecting them to the vibrant sounds of life they missed. It resonated deeply at the ITP Winter Show in 2020 and One Mile Gallery’s “Electric Feelings”, where users described feeling a profound connection to a world they couldn’t physically reach.
“Dear Nobody”, my VR love letter, is an intimate journey through my healing from childhood trauma. Users enter a virtual world where ‘Nobody’, my digital persona, guides them through various emotional stages. Each stage is filled with orbs that, when held close, share my raw, unfiltered experiences. The feedback was touching, with users expressing a deep emotional connection and a feeling of being less alone in their struggles. This immersive storytelling struck a chord with users, many of whom felt a powerful kinship with ‘Nobody’, finding comfort and understanding in our shared vulnerabilities. “Dear Nobody” gained notable traction during its online thesis presentation, accumulating over 300 impressions.
These projects symbolize my commitment to using technology for emotional connection and community building. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue creating works that resonate with people’s hearts and foster deeper communication within communities of immigrants, BIPOC, and underrepresented minorities.
YIting , 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?
From Hunan’s piano keys to America’s computer keyboards, my journey in extended reality (XR) development bridges not just continents but passions. At 18, my move to America for a variety of educational and cultural exploration marked a shift from music to marketing and film production, igniting a fascination with storytelling through moving images. An introduction to wearable technology at University of Wisconsin-Madison led me to explore more immersive technology at New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, a playground that melded my artistic and technological sides, leading to a mastery of tools like Unity and Unreal Engine. Now, leading Sia Partners’ immersive technology team with customized Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality training and simulations for global enterprises, I’ve combined all the skills I have mastered to be an XR innovator.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
In my art, I strive for a deep connection with my audience. “Dear Nobody,” a VR project, epitomizes this, inviting users into a world of vulnerability. Each orb within the experience encapsulates different emotional states, with hidden layers revealed only when brought close. This interaction, and seeing people’s heartfelt reactions—some even offering warm hugs—has been incredibly rewarding. These responses reaffirm my belief in the power of art to evoke deep emotions and build connections, fueling my passion to delve into new emotional terrains in my upcoming projects.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In undergrad, I grappled with doubts about my future in marketing and film production. The introduction to wearable technology was a revelation, aligning with my love for blending art with technology. As graduation loomed, I was at a crossroads: continue with my degree or follow my newfound passion. Support from family and mentors was encouraging, yet it left me to chart my course. I realized I had to pursue my heart’s desire to avoid future regrets. After thorough research and soul-searching, I bravely chose NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program. This move to New York marked a new chapter, where I flourished as an artist and technologist. In New York, I thrived, developing skills in rapid prototyping and software learning. The city’s vibrant, multifaceted culture and immersive tech community have been instrumental in shaping me into a versatile artist and technologist. Having worked with Fortune 500 companies such as ESPN, Citi Bank, and Comcast, and now leading a global immersive technology team that creates virtual reality training for international enterprises as the developer manager at Sia Partners and indulging in music and dance on the side, I embrace my path, filled with vibrancy and no regrets. Looking ahead, I anticipate exciting changes and embrace the dynamic nature of life and career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yitingliu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yliu.designs/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yitingliu97/
Image Credits
All images created by YIting Liu