Q&A Chat With Interaction Design Student: Zhilin Guo
Zhilin Guo, a final-semester Interaction Design student at Sheridan, offers inspiring insights into her interactive art installation, titled “Making Connections: From Home to Sheridan.” This installation was created by Zhilin to connect with other students about personal experiences from their hometowns. As an international student Zhilin has experienced firsthand the impact of homesickness and wanted to create a safe space for fellow students, both domestic and international, to share their stories! Are you living in a “home away from home,” excited for the summer to be reunited with loved ones or are interested in unique art installations? Read our Q&A chat with Zhilin and dive into her journey as a student and artist:
Q: How was your creative process in approaching this project?
A: “My creative process for this project was focused on making the installation interactive, not just a static piece. I wanted to gather feedback from students and make the physical installation part of the final experience. Given the low budget and my discussions with Sheridan Librarian Patricia Buckley, we decided to use sticky notes as the main material. They were easy to install, available in multiple colours, and simple to dismantle after the exhibition. I also included a QR code linking to the original 'Stories of Home' website on the poster. To evoke a sense of home and warmth, I used yarn twisted with twine to represent school stationery.
The design was inspired by Cupid's arrow, but I kept it subtle—not too Valentine's-themed. I started with a blue outlined heart pattern and used yellow as the complementary colour, with a large letter ‘S’ in the centre. The strings were arranged in a small, curved wave to represent answers written on the sticky notes, and I used clippers to hang them.”
Q: What inspired you to create this installation?
A: “The inspiration for this installation came from the idea of connecting with others and reflecting on personal experiences. I wanted to represent how students, whether they are from outside Canada, or live in the GTA, but not necessarily near Trafalgar campus, have already formed connections with Sheridan. At the same time, they still carry their personal stories from before arriving. The goal was to show how Sheridan and the community care about each student, making them feel welcomed and valued.”
Q: What legacy are you looking to leave at Sheridan and how does this installation contribute to your legacy?
A: “I hope to leave a legacy of inclusivity, connection, and community at Sheridan. This installation contributes to that legacy by offering a space where students can share their personal stories and experiences. This fosters a sense of belonging. It encourages people to reflect on what ‘home’ means to them, highlighting how our connections shape our understanding of home. Although this installation will be dismantled, I want my work to inspire others to value the diverse perspectives within our community and to remember the importance of making others feel seen and heard.”
“For me, ‘home’ is the place where I feel a sense of belonging and community, not just a geographic location. The connections I’ve made and the people around me create that feeling of security. I believe I’m both the root and the branches, and the social network I’ve built is part of my 'home.’”
- Zhilin Guo
Q: How has hearing other student’s stories and memories of home enhanced your overall experience during the installation process?
A: “I remember people writing down the food they miss and their language on the sticky notes with a cute coconut tree illustration. I was really happy to see others share their culture and stories in this way. Through the stories I heard, I learned how people overcome homesickness, cherish family, and build new social connections at Sheridan. Some students from other provinces even shared how excited they were to get train tickets to visit their families before Christmas. It made me realize that the installation gave people a moment to pause, reflect on their memories, and feel a sense of happiness, even amidst the stress of school life.”
Q: What is a lesson or insight you have experienced from creating this project?
A: “I learned a valuable lesson about time management, which is essential for keeping projects on track. This experience also helped me build stronger communication skills, especially through email. It became clear how important it is to balance creativity with the practical aspects of project execution. Additionally, the project reinforced the significance of community and how shared experiences help people connect. Everyone wants to be heard and seen. There should be an opportunity for them to share.”
Q: What have you learned from leading the International Outreach Club and did this motivate you to create the installation?
A: “Leading the International Outreach Club taught me that a community needs to be heard and seen and that everyone deserves a chance to speak for themselves, whether they choose to remain anonymous or not. This understanding motivated me to create the installation, especially when I doubted my ability to complete it. I was excited to see the results and couldn’t wait for people to share their answers to the four questions I asked:
What is a food or dish that you enjoyed from your home country?
What is a holiday or celebration that you enjoyed from your home country?
What makes you feel at home in Canada?
What makes you feel at home at Sheridan?”
Q: Why did you decide to join Sheridan College and study in Canada?
A: “I believe Interaction Design is a growing trend, and I became interested in it when the college recruiter came to my high school education fair. Sheridan College was the only school I applied to for this major, although I applied for other majors at English-speaking universities as well.
When I was unsure about accepting the offer, a senior reached out to me and encouraged me to seize the opportunity. What drew me to Canada, in particular, was its inclusive and diverse environment. I wanted the chance to learn in a globalized, multicultural, secure society, which I felt would offer valuable experiences both academically and personally.”
Q: How did moving to Canada, affected your perspective on the concepts of belonging and home?
A: “Moving to Canada has significantly broadened my understanding of what ‘home’ means. I’ve been away from home since I was 14. As I’m now a senior student, I spend most of my time surrounded by school-related things. I would say that where I’m living right now is my home, the place where I can return to every day and feel happiness. For me, ‘home’ is the place where I feel a sense of belonging and community, not just a geographic location. The connections I’ve made and the people around me create that feeling of security. I believe I’m both the root and the branches, and the social network I’ve built is part of my ‘home.’ Moving to Canada has also shifted my perspective on diversity and cultural exchange, showing me how much these aspects can shape a deeper sense of belonging.”
Q: Had you previously created something like this before?
A: “Honestly, I was initially unsure about my physical art-making skills when I applied for the job. The last time I worked on something physical was four years ago in high school, where I was part of a team. At first, I thought this would be a group project, so I felt a bit unsure about my contribution. When I realized it was an individual project, I doubted my ability because handcraft skills weren’t something I was confident in. I asked Sheridan’s Librarian, Patricia, why I was chosen for the role, and she told me it was because I showed passion. With that encouragement, and with some help, I was able to complete the work in the limited time and bring all idea to life.”
Q: What inspired you to choose the Interaction Design program?
A: “I became interested in UI/UX design in high school when we used an app for students and teachers to check grades. I learned that the app was created by seniors, which introduced me to the field. At that time, UI/UX design seemed like a blue ocean career, especially compared to today, when the field has grown significantly.”
Q: What are your goals for after graduation? Does this installation align with them?
A: "I hope that both international and domestic students interact with the installation in a way that makes them feel seen and heard. After contributing, I want them to feel a sense of belonging, knowing that their story is valued within the Sheridan community. Whether they’re sharing memories of home or reflecting on their experiences, I want them to leave feeling connected to others and reminded that they are part of something larger, where different backgrounds and perspectives are embraced.”
Q: Were there any challenges towards creating this project?
A: “From the answers gathered at the SSU Club Fair, I learned that ‘home’ is defined in many different ways by different people. The responses about what makes people feel at home at Sheridan particularly struck me. Many mentioned friends, which made me realize how community and relationships are essential in shaping a person’s sense of home. It was eye-opening to see that home is not just a physical space but a feeling created by connections. Before coming to Sheridan, people didn’t know each other, but through shared hobbies and interests, they formed friendships and found their sense of belonging.”
Q: What’s something you hope participants learn from this installation? What have you learned?
A: “I hope that participants learn from this installation the importance of reflecting on their memories and how the concept of home is shaped by shared experiences. For me, the exhibition refined my perspective. I realized I had forgotten some memories from where I grew up and the people I used to know—my childhood friends and relatives. However, the traditions, foods, and habits that were passed down to me are still deeply ingrained. After the exhibition was completed, it was almost my birthday and I called my dad. We ended up talking about the “journey from home to Sheridan.” During that conversation, I reflected on my life and started crying, realizing how far I had come. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t really know any cities too well, but I know the friends I made along the way. Every time we sit together and laugh, I see pieces of myself through them. I’m no longer afraid of where I come from, and I’ve realized there are many people who share the same experiences. The place or surroundings where I feel secure - that’s where my home is.”
Q: Is there a particular food or dish that reminds you of home? What does it mean to you?
A: “A dish that really reminds me of home is my mom's broccoli with oyster sauce. I wasn't always a fan of vegetables, especially fresh ones, but this dish helped me learn to appreciate them. When I was younger, I had a fear of water, so my parents enrolled me in swimming lessons with other kids my age. During that time, the teacher encouraged me to eat more broccoli for balanced nutrition. My mom started cooking broccoli with oyster sauce, and it became a dish I began to love. It’s not too salty, but it perfectly covers the natural smell of broccoli, making it enjoyable. Over time, I ate more vegetables, and it helped me develop a healthier, balanced diet. The dish is simple to make, but I can never quite replicate the taste my mom makes. Now, whenever I return home after a long time, my mom always cooks it for me, and it feels like a sign of coming back home.”
Q: How do you combat feeling homesick?
A: “I combat feeling homesick by staying connected with my family and friends back home through WeChat. Despite the time difference, I make it a point to chat with them daily and update them on my life in Canada. Sometimes, we also have video calls for urgent or quick conversations. At Sheridan College, I've made new friends and built a new social circle, which has helped me feel more at home. I also stay busy with academic projects and participating in events, which allows me to feel more connected to the community.”
Q: What’s a tradition that you have brought over to Canada from China?
A: “I continue to celebrate Chinese New Year with my friends here in Canada, instead of with my family. We each bring 1-2 dishes we’re good at cooking to share. One of our traditions is to hide a date inside one of the dumplings, instead of the coin used back home. The person who eats the dumpling with the date inside is said to have good luck for the next Chinese zodiac year. We also watch the Chun Wan (CCTV New Year's Gala) together and still hang up (Spring Festival couplets) outside the door, keeping the traditions alive even though we're far from home.”
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