In an era of rapid technological advancement, design is no longer just about enhancing functionality—it is about redefining human experiences. As interactive design becomes an essential part of how we engage with the world, the fusion of art and technology is reshaping our daily lives. This year, UX designers Jinda Zhong and Hui Jing have been recognized with prestigious honors at the globally renowned International Design Awards (IDA) for their groundbreaking works—TikKits and Upband. TikKits was awarded the Bronze prize, while Upband received an Honorable Mention. These accolades not only highlight their expertise in user experience design but also solidify their reputation as pioneers in the field of digital interaction.
Both award-winning projects stem from a deep understanding of contemporary lifestyles, aiming to create intuitive, emotionally resonant user experiences within the fast-evolving digital landscape. TikKits revolutionizes the way people engage with culinary inspiration by seamlessly connecting short-video content with real-world meal preparation, while Upband explores the intersection of emotion, music, and healthy living, transforming exercise into a multisensory and interactive experience.
TikKits: Bridging the Gap Between Inspiration and Reality
In today’s fast-paced world, people are increasingly turning to short-video platforms for creative inspiration, particularly in the realm of food. TikTok and similar platforms are flooded with innovative recipe videos, sparking users’ culinary curiosity. However, the transition from watching a recipe video to actually preparing the meal is often hindered by logistical barriers—users must manually record ingredients, search for them online or in stores, and navigate a complex purchasing process.
TikKits seamlessly addresses this pain point by offering an innovative, interaction-driven solution. The platform intelligently analyzes recipe videos, automatically generates a corresponding shopping list, and integrates with food delivery services like UberEats and DoorDash. With just a few taps, users can order all the necessary ingredients, eliminating the hassle of grocery shopping and making cooking more intuitive, convenient, and even ceremonial.
Beyond functionality, TikKits represents a new way of thinking about food discovery. It transforms culinary inspiration into immediate action, allowing users to bridge the gap between digital engagement and real-world experience, making every short-video session a gateway to hands-on creation.
Upband: Elevating Movement with Emotional and Musical Dimensions
Inspired by the natural synergy between music and motion, Upband reimagines exercise as more than just a physical activity—it becomes an immersive artistic expression. Unlike conventional fitness apps that focus solely on tracking data, Upband introduces a novel approach where movement generates dynamic musical responses, creating an interactive and emotionally enriching fitness experience.
When users wear Upband, their body movements are captured in real-time and converted into unique musical compositions. This innovation transforms workouts into a fluid, expressive performance, motivating users to stay active while fostering a deeper connection between physical movement and creative expression. By integrating music into fitness, Upband not only promotes health but also enhances the joy of movement, turning every workout session into a personalized artistic experience.
The Fusion of Technology and Art: Creating Meaningful Design
For both TikKits and Upband, technology is not merely a tool but a medium for evoking emotional connections. Their user interfaces and experiences embrace a minimalist design philosophy, with warm, layered visual elements that guide users through an intuitive journey. The thoughtful application of color, animation, and information architecture ensures that digital interaction feels as engaging as an immersive art exhibition.
These projects demonstrate that technology can transcend mere utility—it can shape new ways of perceiving the world, enabling people to explore new possibilities through the seamless integration of digital and physical experiences.
High Recognition from the Jury: Defining the Future of Digital Experiences
According to the IDA jury, TikKits and Upband represent more than functional innovation; they exemplify a cultural and artistic shift in digital design. The panel noted, “These projects not only solve real-world challenges but also introduce a new paradigm of digital experiences, redefining the intersection of short-video content, e-commerce, and lifestyle engagement.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Jinda Zhong stated, “TikKits and Upband are more than design projects—they represent our vision for the future of interactive experiences. We hope to help people find balance between digital convenience and real-world sensory engagement, making exploration more intuitive and enjoyable.”
Hui Jing added, “We believe that exceptional design doesn’t just simplify tasks—it inspires people to discover new possibilities.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Boundaries of Interaction
Winning at IDA is not just a validation of Jinda Zhong and Hui Jing’s design philosophy but also an encouragement to further explore the relationship between digital interaction and real-world experiences. Moving forward, they plan to delve deeper into how technology can be infused with warmth and artistry, creating designs that not only serve practical needs but also elevate everyday life with poetic beauty.
About IDA: Founded in 2007, the International Design Awards (IDA) recognizes outstanding achievements in architecture, interior, product, graphic, and fashion design, celebrating creativity and innovation in the global design community.
