Today we’d like to introduce you to Ke Sun.
Hi Ke, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My fascination with industrial and product design blossomed after watching the documentary “Objectified.” In this documentary, I was introduced to abundant design concepts and principles of professionals in the industry. Displaying thoughts through products attracted me a lot. After receiving my undergraduate degree in Industrial Design in China, I came to New York to pursue my master’s degree at Pratt Institute. Throughout my journey as a product designer, I’ve always tried to seek my own definition of design.
In the initial years of my undergraduate studies, my focus lay on the study of human behavior, customer insights, and crafting solutions that merged with design methods. As I continued my academic study, I started thinking about the scope of a designer’s role with a broader perspective. I engaged in interdisciplinary workshops and studios and got in touch with some minority groups to hear their stories during the projects. Inclusive thinking soon became a keynote of many of my works.
Designing for minority populations has exposed me to the needs of various user groups and made me realize there are so many things we take for granted. These experiences catalyzed a profound evolution in my understanding of people, community, and design. It is more than just problem-solving ventures; they evolved into a fusion of human emotions, psychology, and societal concerns within product design. Whether it’s sparking joy, simplifying daily routines, fostering stronger human connections, or raising the volume of voice, I am driven by the potential of design to make an impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path to defining myself as a product designer has been a journey marked by discovery and growth. It took me some time and exploration to find out my own perspective on this role and unearth my passions within this expansive field. The Journey involved various projects and experiences, each adding depth to my understanding of design.
Each project presents its unique challenges. While visual appeal remains fundamental, my primary focus revolves around ensuring I am doing the right product. I constantly assess whether my design approach aligns with the motivation driving the project at that moment. This process may involve turns of iterations and testing. It’s not just about aesthetics.
I am grateful for all the support I’ve received from a diverse network of mentors and collaborators during my projects. Their guidance, advice, and inspiring narratives have consistently fueled my determination, empowering me to approach each project with renewed vigor. Their influence has been paramount in fostering my growth along this self-discovery journey in design.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I define myself as a product designer.
Over the past few years, I have worked on a wide variety of design projects, including toys, consumers, healthcare products, pet products, interactive products, and UI/UX design. I also took the UX strategy course to enrich my design thinking and broader my skill sets.
Inclusive thinking is a keynote of many of my designs. I have designed menstrual hygiene products for blind women, toys and interior environments for children and teens with special needs, and usability audits for NPR’s App for color-blind users. My recent work is an interactive board game for youth with social challenges. It was born from my volunteer experience at an organization supporting individuals across diverse neurodiverse backgrounds. It sparked a deep exploration into the potential of design in fostering connections among people and offering vital support to families navigating similar journeys.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I was crazy about collecting toys from McDonald’s Happy Meal when I was in elementary school. And I liked building amusement parks out of blocks and acting as a tour guide to show my dolls around and have fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.k-sun.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.sun_design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kesun7/
