Interview
Yujia & Ting Su
United States
Yujia Ke and Ting Shu are product designers with a background in Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Michigan, specializing in crafting user-focused digital experiences. Driven by a shared passion for innovation, they excel in integrating AI and design principles to reimagine traditional approaches, solve real-world challenges, and create impactful solutions that inspire and improve lives.
1 Please provide us a brief bio of yourself.
Hi! We are Yujia Ke and Ting Shu; we're both product designers specializing in Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Michigan. With a shared passion for creating innovative digital experiences, we have worked on projects that integrate AI and user-centric design principles to solve real-world challenges effectively.
2 What inspired you to pursue innovation in your field?
Our inspiration stems from a desire to enhance everyday experiences through technology. Embarking on this project allowed us to explore how design can seamlessly merge safety, entertainment, and personalization to transform group travel into a memorable adventure.
3 Please tell us more about your organization.
We collaborated with General Motors to design an AI-powered HMI interface for the Cadillac Escalade 2025. This project reflects our commitment to leveraging academic expertise and industry collaboration to drive impactful innovation.
4 What does “Innovation” mean to you?
Innovation means rethinking traditional approaches and creating solutions that address unmet needs while inspiring users. It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities to elevate experiences and improve lives.
5 Can you briefly describe your innovation and its impact?
Our award-winning project is an AI-powered HMI interface for the Cadillac Escalade 2025, designed to enhance group travel. It provides AI navigation with real-time alerts, personalized points of interest, and safety-focused features. Passengers can interact with the system through a mobile app, enriching the travel experience and fostering collaboration among group members.
6 How did you come up with the idea that led to your award-winning innovation?
The idea emerged from recognizing the challenges of group travel, such as coordinating stops and ensuring everyone’s interests are met. By combining user insights with emerging AI capabilities, we created a solution that simplifies planning while enhancing the journey.
7 What challenges did you face during the innovation process, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing functionality and usability was a major challenge. Through iterative design and user testing, we refined the interface to ensure it met safety standards and was intuitive for both drivers and passengers. Collaboration with mentors and industry experts was pivotal in overcoming technical and design hurdles.
8 Congratulations! How does winning this award affect your future goals and aspirations?
Winning this award motivates us to further explore the intersection of AI and user experience design. It reaffirms our commitment to creating impactful innovations and inspires us to take on more ambitious projects in the future.
9 Who or what has been your biggest source of support throughout your innovation journey?
Our mentors, peers, and the collaborative environment at General Motors have been instrumental in our success. Their guidance and constructive feedback enabled us to navigate challenges and achieve our goals.
10 How do you think your innovation will shape the future of your industry?
Our project sets a new standard for in-car experiences by integrating AI to enhance safety, personalization, and collaboration. It demonstrates the potential of intelligent systems to redefine group travel and inspire further advancements in automotive UX design.
11 What advice would you give to aspiring innovators looking to make a difference?
Embrace curiosity and user feedback. Understand the needs of your target audience deeply, and don’t hesitate to iterate and refine your ideas based on constructive input.
12 How did you manage to stay motivated and focused during the innovation process?
Setting clear milestones and celebrating small victories kept us motivated. The prospect of creating a meaningful impact and seeing users engage with our designs inspired us to stay focused throughout the process.
13 What impact do you hope your innovation will have on people's lives or the world?
We hope our innovation will make group travel safer, more enjoyable, and highly personalized. By reducing cognitive load and enhancing collaboration, it has the potential to turn every journey into a memorable experience.
14 What are the key skills or qualities that you believe contribute to successful innovation?
Empathy, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset are crucial. Equally important is the ability to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
15 Where do you see the evolution of innovation in your industry going over the next 5-10 years?
We anticipate a deeper integration of AI and machine learning into automotive systems, along with advancements in personalization and sustainability. These trends will redefine how vehicles interact with passengers and their surroundings.
16 What message would you like to convey to others who may be inspired by your achievements?
Innovation is a collaborative journey that requires persistence and an open mind. Believe in your vision and surround yourself with a supportive team to bring your ideas to life.
