Creative Minds: Yan He on unpacking the art of digital emotion

Place of origin: Chongqing, China

Places lived and worked: Chongqing and Beijing, China, Cantebury, UK and Tokyo, Japan 

Pronouns: No preference

CV:

• Creative technologist, UltraSuperNew, Tokyo, Japan, 2023–present
• HCI researcher, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan, 2021–2023

1. How did you end up being a creative?

From a young age, I’ve been drawn to doing things differently. In elementary school, I once added a fast-spinning clock video to a school event countdown—a small touch that boosted the excitement and urgency of the event. When my teacher noticed and praised my creativity, it made a lasting impression, helping me realise the power of creative thinking. As I got older, my curiousity about how things work led me to explore engineering, yet I also had a strong desire for creative expression. Studying engineering with a focus on digital media technology and digital media art allowed me to blend both passions. I didn’t just want to build things; I wanted to create with purpose and aesthetic impact. Becoming a creative technologist felt like a natural path—it’s the ideal fusion of my interests. Technology has become my medium for crafting experiences that resonate with people. I love being able to code or prototype an idea and watch it come to life in a way that connects with others.

2. What's your favourite piece of work in your portfolio?

There’s no limit to favourites, so I’ve chosen three! One of my top pieces is 〒150-0001, a mixed-media installation we exhibited in our former gallery. When UltraSuperNew moved from Harajuku to Shibuya, I felt a blend of excitement and nostalgia. Collaborating with my colleague Haruna Akashi, we gathered visuals and sounds from the 150-0001 postal code area—everything from loud trucks blasting J-pop to the rustling of leaves in nearby parks, and even the creak of our office’s glass door.

Another favourite is a humorous campaign we created for Duolingo Japan. It’s almost absurd how it came together. We developed an AR game where users "kiss" a muscular, sexy version of the Duolingo mascot to deepen their connection with the app. I love this project because it shows how far we can push creativity when it aligns with the brand’s personality and strategy. 

Finally, there’s the Human Softness installation, an AI-powered couple we designed for Skyn's Valentine's Day campaign. This interactive piece explores intimacy and connection between two AI bots. I’m still struck by how organic their dialogue feels; there’s an oddly touching honesty in how they “express” emotion. 

3. What's the one piece of work you most wish you'd done?

I wish I could have been part of the creation of 時のしずく (Drops of Time), a piece by Siro for Seiko, the watch brand. The first time I saw it, I was mesmerised. This installation doesn’t just show you time—it makes you feel it. Tiny droplets disappear, each representing a passing second, and as they accumulate, they form patterns that are both random and beautifully orchestrated. This piece resonates with me because it encapsulates what I strive for in my own work: Merging technology and art to evoke an emotional experience.

The way Siro combined analogue elements with digital technology to visualise something as abstract as time is simply brilliant. It transcends advertising—it’s art that communicates on multiple levels. I often reflect on how they achieved that balance and how I can bring similar depth to my own projects. It’s not just about technical execution but about reaching the audience’s heart, making them pause and reflect. It certainly touched mine deeply, even just through the video. 

4. Do you have any secret or odd talents?

My secret? I actually like the smell of dog food. It reminds me of being a kid, playing with my dog (and occasionally, with my dog’s food…). As for unusual talents, I have an uncanny ability to remember and recognise faces—it’s as if my brain takes a snapshot. Though, admittedly, face surgery can sometimes throw a wrench in this talent!

5. What would you do on your perfect day?

Get up early, take a seat on my old chair on my balcony and water my walnut tree, work out, give 100% to the day, and sleep like a stone. As peaceful as the movie Perfect Day.

6. What's the last song/artist you listened to?

〒150-0001 by Haruna Akashi. She’s an amazing sound artist and my colleague. It’s a soundscape from our old office: Dreamy, modern, nostalgic, and a very unexpected mix.

7. Analog or digital?

For me, it's both. I love the tactile warmth of analog—there's something special about flipping through paper books and feeling the gentle warmth from iridescent lamps. At the same time, I embrace the convenience and precision of digital technology. Why choose when you can enjoy the best of both worlds?

8. iPhone or Android?

Can I answer both macOS and Windows? Just like I appreciate the unique strengths of different operating systems, I find value in both iPhone and Android devices. iPhone and macOS are well-designed within the Apple ecosystem—it's like enjoying a well-crafted meal in a beautifully lit, perfectly navigated restaurant. On the other hand, Android and Windows offer more freedom to customise, like camping in the wild where you figure out your own setup and get a unique experience. 

9. What's your guilty pleasure?

Staying up late and playing video games is my guilty pleasure. Lately, I’ve been into souls-like games—right now, I'm playing Black Myth: Wukong. The other night, I was stuck on a tiger boss fight for over two hours, and before I knew it, it was already 1:00 am. I knew I wouldn’t sleep well with that tiger boss still undefeated, so I kept playing until I finally beat it and could go to bed satisfied. But I ended up dreaming about all those tiger-fighting scenes.

10. Early riser or night owl?

Technically, for my body to function at its best, I should be an early riser. But my guilty pleasure (good games!) keeps me acting like a night owl from time to time. So, I live swinging like a pendulum between those two states.

11. What food can you not live without?

Spicy Chongqing hotpot, because I grew up with it. The longer I live outside my hometown, the less strong my ability to endure spicy food becomes, and the more tears come to my eyes when I eat it…