CapU’s Interaction Design program helped Liqiong (Mira) Sun transition into digital product design
Mira, a graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in branding and UX/UI, chose Capilano University’s Interaction Design program to transition into digital product design. Memorable projects included redesigning a ticketing machine for accessibility and creating a virtual art gallery using CSS and JavaScript. Key skills she gained include user-centered design, coding (HTML/CSS/JavaScript), and prototyping with Figma. Mira believes in creating intuitive, inclusive, and visually engaging designs. Her goal is to work as a UX/UI designer, blending design and coding. She advises future students to build a strong design foundation and start their portfolios early.
Check out this student spotlight story!
Ticketing Machine Interface Redesign and Prototype
This project redesigns a ticketing machine interface to make it easier and more accessible for everyone. The current design has issues like small text, unclear options, and limited guidance, which can be confusing, especially for those with accessibility needs. My goal is to create a clearer, more user-friendly interface with larger text, better color contrast, and step-by-step instructions, ensuring a smooth and confident ticket-buying experience.
Course: IXD 202 - Design for New Technologies
Instructor: Jai Djwa
About the course
In IXD 202 Design for New Technologies, students will look beyond the most common screen-based devices (laptop and mobile) and apply user experience (UX) principles to future and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, voice-activated devices and augmented reality. Students will assess the impact of game theory and apply design thinking to new creative technologies. They will also complete visits to local studios, which will provide students with a solid understanding of the professional landscape of new technologies.
Introduction
From Vision to Interaction: A Designer’s Journey Bridging Cultures and Innovation
A Decade in Design, A New Chapter in Canada
For over ten years, I built my career as a graphic designer, UI designer, and brand consultant in China. Design has always been my language—one that speaks through visuals, interactions, and experiences. Before moving to Canada, I worked in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, wine branding, and design companies, which gave me a deep understanding of how design serves the market. I am passionate about creating meaningful digital experiences and combining design with technology to solve real user needs.
Though moving to Canada and studying English was a challenge, design is where I feel at home. It’s what I do best.
Great design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about solving real problems and making technology intuitive for everyone. Studying at CapU gave me the chance to refine my UX/UI skills, explore motion design, and push my creative boundaries in new ways.
In this program, my English skills were a major challenge, so most of the time, my work had to speak for me. I put all my effort into my projects, hoping that through hard work, I will one day be able to communicate fluently and confidently in both design and language.
Redesign and Research-CIRCLES-UBI
This project is based on the real-world app Circles UBI, focusing on designing and researching new features for practical business use. Our goal is to create solutions that truly meet user needs by understanding their behaviors and preferences. Through this project, we’ve gained valuable experience in user research, helping us design better features that enhance the overall user experience.
Course: IXD 106 - User Experience II
Instructor: Jai Djwa
About the course
IXD 106 User Experience II builds on concepts developed in IXD 102. The course will apply the user experience strategy lifecycle. Students will explore human-factor considerations in user experience as well as creating new information architectures through research and testing. Students will also learn how e-commerce principles are applied in user experience. Students will examine stakeholder and project management best practices that will help students prepare for professional practice.
Why did you choose the Interaction Design program at CapU?
I wanted to expand my skills beyond visual design and focus on user experience, interactivity, and front-end development. CapU’s Interaction Design program provided the perfect mix of design, coding, and UX research, which helped me transition into digital product design.
What was a highlight during your time at CapU? Can you describe a single experience you found to be memorable or impactful?
One of the most memorable projects was redesigning a ticketing machine interface to improve accessibility and user experience. It challenged me to think beyond aesthetics and focus on usability, inclusivity, and real-world application.
I also had great results with my virtual website and brand design projects, but the most impactful experience was creating my virtual art gallery. I fully immersed myself in design, coding, and animation, applying almost all the technical skills I had learned. I was especially proud of the animations I built using CSS and JavaScript, which gave me a strong sense of accomplishment. While graphic design has always been my strength, learning to code and integrate it into my work was a completely new and rewarding experience.
What are the top 3 takeaways, lessons or skills you learned while studying here?
My top three lessons are user experience, motion design, and visual design using Figma. My top three skills include user-centred design thinking, coding with HTML/CSS/JavaScript, and prototyping with Figma.
Welcome to Mira Studio Virtual Gallery! 🎨✨
This project merges a virtual art gallery with a commercial shop, showcasing global artworks while supporting art sales. Using VR and AR, it makes art more accessible by breaking geographical barriers.
In this course, I honed my coding skills, independently designing and coding this website to seamlessly blend design and functionality. The platform not only gives emerging artists more visibility but also connects them with buyers, creating a space where appreciation and commerce come together in the digital age.
Course: Motion Design
Instructor: George Papazian
About the course
IXD 203 Motion and Interaction Design introduces students to motion design for screen-based interaction elements and digital storytelling. Students will examine the user experience principles of motion design as well as the social impact of digital storytelling. Students gain technical knowledge in image-making software and coding for dynamic media.
What is your current design philosophy – what do you believe in?
I believe good design solves real problems and should be intuitive, inclusive, and visually engaging. I always aim to merge aesthetic appeal with functionality to create meaningful user experiences.
After years of designing for clients, I was used to following business needs and market demands. But in this project, I had the freedom to create a brand entirely from my own vision.
Surprisingly, even without restrictions, my design still carries a strong commercial feel—maybe a habit from years of industry experience. This project was a chance to explore branding with more creativity.
Course: IxD 201 Digital Brand Systems
Instructor: Thomas Duguid
About the course
IXD 201 Brand and Design Systems introduces students to the strategic and creative process of branding. Students will examine key components and principles of design systems for digital products. Students will also explore methods of co-creation, as they complete a work-integrated learning experience.
What are your future career goals?
I want to work as a UX/UI designer in a tech company or design agency, focusing on interactive experiences, motion design, and front-end development. My goal is to create products that are both innovative and user-friendly. If my English were strong enough, I would love to focus more on front-end development or UI/UX design, combining coding and design to build seamless digital experiences.
Skisilk is a skincare brand I created, built on my five years of experience in cosmetics brand strategy. I’ve worked on everything from product concept and design to market launch and promotion, ensuring a seamless customer experience. While I’m strong in design, messaging, and positioning, I recognize that manufacturing has its own challenges that may need expert support. Skisilk reflects my passion for blending strategy with creativity to build a brand that truly connects with its audience.
Any advice for future students?
For Interaction Design students, having a strong design foundation or aesthetic sense is crucial. It helps in creating designs that are both visually appealing and functional. Additionally, start preparing your portfolio early, as it plays a key role in securing job opportunities and advancing your career.