Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianxi Ren.
Hi Tianxi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Thank you for having me! I’m really into creating interactive experiences that make people feel something deep inside them. My journey into design comes from an odd place—arguments. I was always a quiet kid, just sitting there watching people argue all the time, wondering why it was so hard for them to feel each other.
Since I was 15 years old, I have experimented with various forms of design, from fashion and graphic design to architecture. For me, design is a medium through which I communicate with the world, as there are things that cannot be fully captured through words alone.
When COVID-19 hit, it really struck me how important it is to connect with others. I realized that what I had been searching for all along was the feeling of resonance. I started to explore game design and mixed reality because I believe that immersive experiences, or embodiment, are the bridge to self-discovery and empathy. I want to create experiences that not only reflect who I am but also educate, elevate, and empower people.
Now, I focus on using environment, narrative, and interaction design to evoke resonance and inspire people to view themselves and the world from different perspectives. That’s the heart of what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve experienced a lot of pivots in my life regarding what kind of designer I want to be. My undergraduate study was rooted in architecture. I worked on projects like the Civic Hotel (concept design), where I designed a space that encouraged exploration through narrative clues embedded in mirrored text. For the PATS Cafe (concept design), I created an environment where interactions between humans and animals provided a therapeutic escape. When I looked back on these projects, I realized that my true passion wasn’t in designing visuals and forms but creating the experience.
This led to a big transition from focusing on physical spaces to embracing the virtual world. This shift was challenging. At first, I struggled with the uncertainty of stepping into less familiar territories like game design and virtual reality. However, I was fortunate to work on projects that refined my vision for designing virtual experiences. In Neon City, for example, we integrated the charm of block toys with cutting-edge hand-tracking technology to create an engaging virtual city-building game. In another project, Inner Space, our team reimagined biological education by designing an immersive journey into the human cell, combining scientific accuracy with interactive storytelling. These experiences allowed me to integrate my architectural understanding of spatial experience design with the virtual world.
Over time, I’ve learned that embracing change isn’t just about accepting it but actively seeking it as a catalyst for growth, fusion, and innovation. This approach has not only helped me navigate the transition but has also empowered me to continuously explore what is possible in design.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a researcher and designer, I blend insightful research with innovative design to create meaningful experiences. My current project is an MFA thesis titled “Breathing Out,” which explores the potential of using therapeutic and reflective virtual reality experiences to assist young adults in dealing with stress and anxiety. I’m passionate about pushing the boundaries of educational and healing experiences, especially in mixed reality.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
There are three traits that I value: staying open-minded, being passionate, and always keeping an eye on the world around me. Being open to new ideas helps me keep learning and adapting, which is essential in the fast-paced world of design. My passion keeps me going, even when things get tough, and believing in myself makes all the difference. Lastly, paying close attention to everyday life helps me spot unique opportunities that I can translate into my work. These qualities really help me connect with what I do and bring out my best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tianxiren.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tianxi.ren/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianxiren/
Image Credits
Ingram Mao
Nicholas Pudjarminta
