Jiabao Li is a multifaceted individual making noteworthy contributions across several domains including design, technology, and academia. Known primarily for her innovative work in creating bridges between art and technology, Li has gained acclaim as a designer, technologist, and educator focused on issues of climate change, sustainability, and humane technology. She is a co-founder and the Chief Design Officer of Endless Health, a pioneering company in preventive healthcare. As a faculty member at The University of Texas at Austin, her works influence perceptions of reality mediated by technology, and she has been a prominent voice through platforms like TED.
As an Assistant Professor at UT Austin, Jiabao Li directs the Ecocentric Future Lab, where she explores intersections between art, technology, and biology. Her work at the University focuses on interspecies co-creation and eco-centric design, aiming to foster an inclusive and sustainable future. Her academic pursuits are well complemented by lectures and exhibitions at international venues such as the MoMA and Venice Architecture Biennale.
In her role as co-founder and Chief Design Officer at Endless Health, Jiabao Li has been instrumental in advancing at-home clinical trial services. The company offers innovative solutions that enable individuals to undergo blood testing and participate in clinical trials from home, enhancing accessibility and reducing costs associated with traditional healthcare models. Through her leadership, Endless Health has successfully raised significant venture funding to expand its services.
Jiabao Li's 'Squid Map' is an exemplary project that blends art with the study of ecosystems. During her residency at the Kewalo Marine Lab in Hawaii, Li utilized the behavior of squids to create interactive art that highlights ecological issues and cross-cultural migration, symbolizing her personal journey as an immigrant. The project underscores her commitment to merging scientific phenomena with artistic expression, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental interactions.
Jiabao Li's TransVision project is a critical reflection on how digital media alter human perception. Using a combination of three extreme perceptual machines, this project explores hypersensitivity, focus, and commoditization of vision. Each machine questions how social media and digital interfaces distort reality by amplifying biases or commodifying visual experiences.
Li's influence extends to public speaking through platforms like TED, where she discusses the interplay between technology and perception. Her TED Talks, which delve into themes of interspecies co-creation and eco-centric design, are pivotal in shifting public discourse toward a more integrated view of technology and the natural world.
With an active presence on platforms like Google Scholar, Jiabao Li contributes to the academic community through publications in top journals and conferences. Her research, often spanning topics like augmented reality and human-computer interaction, is integral to understanding how technology can be harnessed for beneficial societal impacts.
Before her tenure at UT Austin, Li worked at Apple Inc., where she was involved in prototyping and developing new technologies for products like the Apple Vision Pro. Her contributions emphasized the importance of design thinking in creating user-friendly and innovative tech solutions, marking a significant influence on product design and strategy.
Jiabao Li's professional network is robustly curated on platforms like LinkedIn, where her interdisciplinary expertise is showcased. Her profile reflects a blend of her roles as an educator and industry leader, connecting her with professionals across diverse sectors globally.
In collaboration with engineers, Li's work on 'Carbon Farm' exemplifies how design can drive innovations in sustainability. The interactive project captures CO2 from human breath and transforms it into bioplastics through algae cultivation, demonstrating a novel approach to engaging the public with climate change mitigation.
Li's work and insights have been featured in publications such as Fast Company, Business Insider, and Artforum, among others. Her curated essays and design projects are often highlighted for their innovative approaches to contemporary challenges, particularly in promoting environmental awareness and technological integration.
Jiabao Li’s contributions to art, technology, and education demonstrate the potential of cross-disciplinary innovation in addressing global challenges. Her work encourages a sophisticated dialogue on the role of technology in human experience and environmental stewardship. Through her academic and professional endeavors, Li continues to push boundaries, fostering a culture of creativity and sustainability.