Arts Thread

Yijuan Li
ma global collaborative design practice

Camberwell College of Arts UAL

Graduates: 2023

Specialisms: Design for Social Good / Product Design

My location: London, United Kingdom

yijuan-li ArtsThread Profile
Camberwell College of Arts UAL

Yijuan Li

yijuan-li ArtsThread Profile

First Name: Yijuan

Last Name: Li

University / College: Camberwell College of Arts UAL

Course / Program: ma global collaborative design practice

Graduates: 2023

Specialisms: Design for Social Good / Product Design

My Location: London, United Kingdom

Website: Click To See Website

About

Yijuan(Juju) Li is a design engineer with strong passion in using sound as a bridge to achieve great storytelling, experience and social change. In her current project that to enhance people's digital wellness through sound experiences and multi-sensory stimulation, she showcases her technical abilities in audio, prototype, and participatory design. She enjoys collaborating with various stakeholders to tackle complex social issues.

Sounteract aims to address the issue of excessive mindless scrolling, which is becoming a serious problem in today's digital world. This behavior is especially centered around social media content on smartphones. Through our research, we have found that it can lead to stress, less social connection, and a decline in cognitive abilities. Sounteract can interrupt a mindless scrolling state by making interactive sounds in users’ surroundings. The product is composed of one “body” driving the movement and connecting with phones, and three “heads” which can be attached to various daily objects. It allows users to adapt to different scenarios and customize the sound to stimulate their awareness and senses. This project provokes the topic regarding people’s relationship with technology, and there is a need for digital technology to move from invasive and attention-consuming to a calmer and mindful experience. Sounteract prompts users to appreciate non-scrolling activities, shifting their attention to real-life experiences and nurturing their sensory experiences, which can overall enhance our wellness.