Yushi Shao

About

I am Yushi Shao, a product designer and interactive electronic creator from China, currently studying in the Design Products program at the Royal College of Art (RCA). As a designer, I focus on empathy design and inclusive design. I draw inspiration from observing everyday life and systematically exploring social issues, aiming to create products that help marginalized groups and promote gender equality.

During my year at RCA, my work has centered on various manifestations of gender differences. By learning interactive design and programming, and incorporating my joyful design language, I hope my designs reflect humanistic care and social responsibility, truly addressing real-world problems and giving a voice to those in need. Currently, I am mainly focused on designing gender-neutral toys for children, aiming to educate the next generation and reduce gender differences and stereotypes caused by a lack of gender education.

InfiniKids is an interactive storytelling machine designed with a focus on gender neutrality and reducing gender disparities, addressing the lack of gender education in preschool education in China. This interactive device allows preschoolers to design their own characters and create captivating narratives in various settings, facilitated by AI. By transcending traditional stereotypes—like brave boys and considerate girls—InfiniKids offers diverse narratives that foster a broader understanding of gender identities and roles. Through building and placing the characters they like on the main body, the machine automatically generates stories centered around these protagonists. All characters are given gender-neutral names to avoid any specific gender bias in the narratives. Ideal for use under the guidance of teachers and parents, this educational tool also serves as an engaging toy for independent play. InfiniKids aims to provide long-term positive impacts, promoting diversity and breaking societal gender stereotypes in children’s future development.

Ins: @april.00418