Perle Studio

Xenia (Siwen): Being recognized by the MUSE Design Awards is an incredible honor—it validates the core mission of our work at Perle Studio: to create design solutions that are both innovative and impactful. CURBLESS was our response to a real urban challenge that affects millions, and this recognition shows that thoughtful, data-driven design can make a difference at the infrastructure level. As designers, we often work behind the scenes, so receiving this spotlight not only affirms our vision but also motivates us to keep pushing boundaries in urban design and mobility. Maitao: This award means a lot to us—it’s a celebration of interdisciplinary thinking. CURBLESS was born at the intersection of urban planning, data science, and user experience design. Being honored at MUSE gives us the confidence to keep experimenting with bold ideas, and it reinforces the belief that design can shape smarter, more livable cities.

Xenia (Siwen): Winning the MUSE Design Awards has brought incredible momentum to both our careers and Perle Studio as a whole. It’s opened doors to new collaborations with city planners, tech companies, and mobility startups who are eager to reimagine the future of urban infrastructure. The recognition has also helped establish Perle Studio as a credible voice in the intersection of design, technology, and civic innovation. Personally, it has strengthened my confidence in using design as a tool for large-scale systemic change, and has sparked meaningful conversations around accessibility and equity in public spaces. Maitao: The award helped validate our belief in cross-disciplinary design. It’s attracted interest from organizations working on smart cities, transportation systems, and sustainable mobility. We’ve had opportunities to present our work to broader audiences, from local government officials to venture groups focused on urban tech. Most importantly, it’s shown that small studios like ours can lead big conversations and offer real, scalable solutions.

Experimentation is at the heart of our design philosophy—it allows us to push boundaries, test assumptions, and uncover hidden insights. With CURBLESS, we began by asking a simple yet powerful question: What if we could visualize the invisible rules shaping our streets? This led us to experiment with integrating real-time micro-mobility data and curbside regulations from different sources like Bird and Coord APIs. The process wasn’t linear—we had to try various ways to clean, map, and synthesize messy datasets. For instance, we tested a grid sampling technique to overcome the limitations of the Bird API, enabling us to gather accurate scooter trip data across a wide area. At the same time, we developed a new metric—the Unparkable Curb Ratio—to quantify inefficiencies in urban curbside usage. These experiments helped us identify patterns that were previously overlooked, and ultimately shaped a scalable framework for smarter curbside design. Without this spirit of curiosity and iteration, CURBLESS wouldn’t have reached its full potential.

For CURBLESS, one of the most unusual yet insightful sources of inspiration came from simply observing how scooter riders naturally navigate cities. We noticed riders instinctively hugging the curb, weaving around obstacles, and often taking unexpected detours to avoid traffic and fragmented curbside conditions. These behaviors weren’t part of any official regulation—they were improvised solutions to poorly designed urban infrastructure. That real-world improvisation inspired us to think beyond static curb design and embrace a data-driven, behavior-aware system. It shifted our approach from “designing rules” to “understanding patterns,” allowing CURBLESS to adapt to how people actually move through cities, not just how they’re supposed to.

Xenia(Siwen): I wish more people understood that design is an ongoing, iterative journey, not a one-off project. It's about constant learning and refinement. For example, with CURBLESS, we didn’t just create a final product; we continuously adjusted based on real-world data and user feedback, testing different solutions to optimize curbside usage. The process requires flexibility, responsiveness, and the willingness to make adjustments along the way. Maitao: Exactly. For me, the most important thing people should understand is that design is deeply rooted in empathy and problem-solving, especially when dealing with complex systems like urban mobility. It’s not about making something look nice or cool—it’s about addressing specific challenges, like how scooter riders navigate fragmented curbs. Every tweak and refinement is based on understanding the user's experience and improving it step by step.

Xenia (Siwen): I think it all comes down to communication and collaboration. When working with clients, I prioritize understanding their goals and vision, but I also make sure to articulate the rationale behind our ideas. For example, with CURBLESS, we could have easily created a solution that just fit the standard expectations of curbside management, but we pushed for more innovative approaches like using real-time scooter data and adaptive infrastructure. By framing these ideas as solutions to their pain points, it becomes a collaborative process rather than a compromise. Maitao: I agree with Xenia. It’s about educating and building trust with clients. In my experience, when clients understand the value of a solution beyond just the surface-level design—like how CURBLESS helps optimize curb space and improve safety—they’re more open to innovative ideas. Our job is to show them that staying true to our design principles ultimately leads to better outcomes for their users. It’s a balance of flexibility and being firm in our belief that creativity drives better, long-term solutions.

Xenia (Siwen): One of the biggest challenges with CURBLESS was understanding and integrating the vast amounts of data we were dealing with. We had to work with real-time scooter data from APIs like Bird and COORD, which presented issues such as incomplete or inconsistent data. But we didn’t let that stop us. We used grid sampling techniques to fill in the gaps and create a more accurate picture of scooter trips. The challenge of managing this data became an opportunity to really showcase how data science can drive better urban mobility solutions, which is a key feature of the project. Maitao: For me, the challenge was in navigating the complexities of urban infrastructure—we were trying to create a solution that could work across different cities with unique curbside challenges. Santa Monica and Downtown L.A., for example, have vastly different curb management systems. The key was finding a way to make our solution adaptable, which meant a lot of research and testing, especially with adaptive urban planning. We had to make sure our design could address issues in both cities without compromising on safety or efficiency. The ability to visualize curb data and scooter trip patterns helped us overcome that challenge, allowing us to propose more intelligent curbside re-distribution strategies.

Xenia (Siwen): When I hit a creative block, I often take a step back and spend time immersing myself in nature. Since I have a background in environmental design, being outside allows me to reconnect with my roots and reframe challenges from a different perspective. I find that going for long walks with Alfie, my dog, or just sitting in a park and observing the world around me can spark new ideas. It’s all about letting my mind wander and allowing space for creativity to flow without pressure. Maitao: For me, it's more about experimenting with new technologies or working on personal projects that don't have strict deadlines. I enjoy exploring interactive technologies, like playing around with coding or diving into new AI tools. Sometimes, it's the hands-on approach that helps me get unstuck, whether that means building small prototypes or sketching out abstract concepts. I also find inspiration in working with other creatives—having conversations with colleagues or even people from outside the tech world can really help me think in new directions.

Xenia: One of the core values I bring to my designs is empathy. My background in landscape design and UX has taught me the importance of understanding people’s needs, whether that’s in a physical space or digital experience. I also infuse sustainability into my work—creating designs that have a positive impact on the environment and communities. Experiences from my work with companies like Amazon and Lululemon have shown me how important it is to make designs that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant with users. Ultimately, I aim to create designs that connect with people on a human level, making their lives easier, more enjoyable, and meaningful. Maitao: My personal values are rooted in innovation and inclusivity. I strive to create designs that break boundaries and push the envelope of what's possible, especially when it comes to technology. I’m always looking for ways to integrate cutting-edge tools like AI and machine learning to make experiences more dynamic and user-centric. Having worked at Meta, I learned the power of collaboration, so I focus on creating designs that bring people together through shared experiences and create accessible solutions for diverse audiences. It’s all about blending creativity with functionality to make technology work for everyone.

Xenia (Siwen): One of the most important pieces of advice I would give is to stay curious and never stop learning. The design world is constantly evolving, and the more you immerse yourself in new technologies and trends, the better equipped you’ll be to innovate. Also, don’t be afraid to fail—every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Lastly, always design with empathy. Understand your users deeply, and create solutions that truly improve their lives. Design is about solving real problems, so always keep the human experience at the center of your process. Maitao: I would say, embrace experimentation and collaboration. The best ideas often come from working with people from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Don’t limit yourself to just your own perspective—seek feedback, test ideas, and refine them. Be bold in exploring new possibilities, especially in the realm of technology. And above all, stay true to your values. If you’re designing with purpose, the impact you make will be meaningful. Trust that your unique approach and vision will resonate with others.

Xenia (Siwen): I’d love to collaborate with Sougwen Chung. Her work in blending art and technology, especially her exploration of AI-driven creativity, resonates deeply with me. I’m really fascinated by the way she uses generative processes and AI to create immersive, emotional experiences. Her unique approach to combining traditional art techniques with cutting-edge technology aligns perfectly with the direction I want to explore in design, especially as I continue to integrate AI into creative projects. Maitao: For me, Peter Zumthor would be the dream collaboration. His architectural style, which seamlessly integrates technology with a deep sense of materiality and sensory experience, is incredibly inspiring. I admire how he creates spaces that evoke an emotional response, using minimalist yet rich textures. I’d love to explore how his philosophy could translate into our work in urban design and infrastructure, particularly with adaptive urban planning and smart mobility—where the experience of space and environment is key. His approach is truly timeless and tactile, something I’d love to bring into the more tech-driven world of urban design.

Xenia (Siwen): One question I wish people would ask is, “How do you ensure that technology in your designs actually enhances the human experience?” The answer is that I always start with the user—understanding their needs, emotions, and behaviors—and design around them. Technology should never feel like an obstacle or distraction, but a tool that amplifies connection and experience. Whether it’s AI, AR, or new forms of interaction, I make sure it serves a human-centered purpose that creates meaningful impact. Maitao: A question I often wish people would ask is, “How do you strike the balance between innovation and practicality in your designs?” The answer is, it’s all about context. Innovation should push boundaries, but it has to be grounded in real-world constraints and user needs. At the heart of it, technology must be scalable, sustainable, and reliable. In our work, whether it’s urban design or micro-mobility, we focus on creating adaptable solutions that work not just in theory but in practice, improving daily experiences in real-world settings.