HanYi Huang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer HanYi Huang ("HH") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

HH : I didn't follow the traditional path. From Milan's Domus Academy to London's Central Saint Martins, I explored design across the globe. Studying Japanese in Kyoto while freelancing added a unique cultural layer to my design perspective.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

HH : I see design as a problem-solving superpower for everyday things. Every object is a chance to create harmony, and that's what gets me going.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

HH : It’s my choice.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

HH : Furniture, especially chairs, is my design focus. But I've broadened my experience with electronics and even automotive projects. Ideally, I'd merge function and aesthetics across design disciplines.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

HH : Legend status is a long way off for me! The design landscape is certainly evolving with AI. For young designers, it's about embracing new tools and approaches while staying true to core design principles. Innovation thrives at the intersection of creativity and technology.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

HH : A good designer can solve problems effectively, addressing aesthetics, functionality, and even production challenges. However, a great designer goes beyond immediate solutions to envision the product's long-term impact. They think in decades, designing products that not only meet current needs but also shape the future. That's the essence of a great designer.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

HH : Great design transcends mere aesthetics; it's about context, adaptability, and longevity. A truly good design considers the user's environment, culture, and lifestyle. A sleek sofa chair might work in Nordic winters, but it might not be ideal for Southeast Asia's tropical climate. Designs that are flexible, globally relevant, and enduring are what I consider truly exceptional.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

HH : Good design is an investment in sustainability, not just aesthetics. Well-made, adaptable designs last longer, reducing waste. They should be intuitive and user-friendly, maximizing their purpose and justifying the resources used. Who knows, maybe good design, by making things function smoothly, can even contribute to a calmer world!

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

HH : Given unlimited time, I'd focus on designing solutions for global challenges. Whether it's reimagining educational tools for accessibility or crafting sustainable infrastructure for underserved communities, design has the power to bridge divides and create positive change. The most rewarding projects tackle problems that impact everyone.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

HH : Locally-crafted, globally relevant, that's my design dream. A furniture series users can personalize for local production. Imagine empowering communities with accessible designs that respect local materials and traditions – a celebration of global creativity with a local touch.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

HH : There's no magic formula, but considering the bigger picture is key. Great design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding everyone involved – users, manufacturers, and the environment. It's like conducting an orchestra, where every instrument plays a crucial role in the final harmony.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

HH : Choosing just a few is tough! The design world brims with brilliance. Sottsass' boldness ignites my creativity, Fukasawa's user-centricity keeps me grounded, and the Bouroullecs' artistry in balancing aesthetics and function is pure inspiration.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

HH : Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec's Rope Chair recently captured my attention. Its simple yet brilliant use of rope for the back is a great reminder that design can be both elegant and functional.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

HH : One project I'm particularly fond of is the Slim folding chair for Shiang Ye. This design prioritized affordability and production efficiency, making it accessible for any family and setting. It's humbling to see it chosen for the Tokyo 2020 athlete's village.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

HH : Great designers are always learning. Immersing themselves in diverse cultures and actively seeking new knowledge fuels their creativity. Additionally, a healthy dose of humility allows them to learn from others and constantly refine their work.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

HH : Outside of design, I could see myself as a design patron, perhaps working alongside designers to bring great ideas to life. The design world would still hold a strong pull.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

HH : I see design as a bridge, fostering connections between disparate elements - stakeholders, perspectives, and functions. It's about finding harmony and reducing divides.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

HH : Design success is rarely a one-person show. I'm fortunate to collaborate with a fantastic team of designers, salespeople, and technical experts. Their constant support and diverse perspectives are invaluable.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HH : Communication is the bridge between brilliant ideas and successful execution.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

HH : Early on, my design focus was purely theoretical. I knew the design principles, but lacked the practical understanding of sales, marketing, manufacturing, and logistics. This limited my designs to one dimension, unable to translate from concept to reality. It wasn't until I learned to think holistically, communicate effectively, and bridge these different aspects that my design journey truly took off.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

HH : Tailoring the story is key. Great design presentations cater the narrative to the audience. But for any audience, a logical progression, a clear design story, is my go-to approach.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

HH : I'm currently exploring a range of design challenges, from furniture pieces to automotive systems. It's exciting to push boundaries and see what the future holds.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

HH : My ultimate design aspiration is to transcend the boundaries of time and technology, wielding the power of design thinking to continuously deliver positive solutions for the world.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

HH : Clients seek designers who go beyond aesthetics. They value those who delve into the heart of a product, understanding its purpose, the context of its creation, and the real-world challenges it aims to address. Only then can design truly make a meaningful impact.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HH : In essence, design is not merely about aesthetics; it's about creating meaningful solutions that address real-world challenges and contribute to a better quality of life for all. By embracing human-centered design principles and considering the broader social, environmental, and cultural implications of their work, designers have the power to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving society.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

HH : I'm currently engaged in a diverse range of projects, from furniture design to automotive systems. It's thrilling to explore these areas and inject a fresh design perspective.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

HH : The Slim folding chair for Shiang Ye brings me immense satisfaction. It seamlessly integrated with their production process, resulting in a remarkably affordable design for everyone, everywhere. Seeing it chosen for the Tokyo 2020 athlete's village was a true privilege.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

HH : There's a fascinating contrast between design approaches in the West and East. In the coming years, I'd love to see the Taiwanese industrial design industry embrace a more experimental spirit, encouraging designers to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

HH : Sustainability will undoubtedly be a driving force in design's future.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

HH : Project timelines can vary considerably. It depends on the complexity of the design and the level of collaboration required.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

HH : Deep dives into client conversations are always my starting point. Understanding their needs and vision is crucial.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HH : Design with empathy, but think creatively to craft solutions that elevate.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

HH : It's a fascinating interplay! Great design can anticipate and shape trends, while emerging trends can inspire innovative design solutions.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

HH : Technology is a powerful tool in my design arsenal.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

HH : My toolbox includes industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite for graphics and illustration, and Rhino for 3D modeling. But sometimes, the best ideas come from low-tech tools - a pen and a notebook are always within reach for sketching and brainstorming.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

HH : Color, material, and ambient are the secret language of design. They subtly influence our perception and emotions, shaping the overall user experience.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

HH : I truly appreciate questions that delve into the design's ability to strike a balance between aesthetics, affordability, and functionality. It's particularly interesting to discuss how these elements work together to create a seamless and impactful user experience.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

HH : When I encounter a truly inspiring design, my mind goes into overdrive! I dissect the design logic, analyzing its problem-solving approach. If it differs from my own, it becomes a fantastic learning opportunity, prompting me to delve deeper into the designer's thought process.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

HH : Collaboration is key! My current design partner is actually my husband, and it's been an incredibly rewarding experience. But for any successful co-design venture, open and effective communication is paramount.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

HH : The most unexpected design influences for me have come from manufacturing experts on the production floor. Their deep understanding of the production process fosters a collaborative environment where designs can be optimized for both functionality and manufacturability.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

HH : "WITHOUT THOUGHT" by Naoto Fukasawa is a book I read as a student that's had a lasting impact on me. It set a design standard I still admire today.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

HH : My design skills have been developed through exposure to a vast amount of design information. This includes various books and online resources that cover a wide range of design principles and practices.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

HH : This is a great question! Given the chance to transcend time and space, I'd be most interested in a conversation with Naoto Fukasawa. His design philosophy of "Without Thought" emphasizes simplicity and user-centricity, which aligns perfectly with my own approach to problem-solving. It would be an incredible opportunity to gain deeper insights into his thought process and design principles.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

HH : While "famous" might be a strong term, recognition is certainly rewarding. It allows my work to reach a broader audience, which aligns perfectly with my goal of making design more accessible. Connecting with people on a wider scale is truly inspiring.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

HH : As a designer, I appreciate everything! Each element, from colors that evoke emotions to the precision of manufacturing tools, inspires me. Spring's renewal reflects design's fresh ideas, and mountains offer a serene space for inspiration. Ultimately, innovative brands that make a positive impact resonate most.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

HH : This one collaboration between a Greek client and a Japanese factory will forever be etched in my memory! During the product packaging session, there was this hilarious misunderstanding. The Japanese team kept suggesting beautiful cherry blossom graphics for the plastic bags, convinced the Greeks were channeling their inner romantic. Turns out, in Greek, "plastic bag" sounds remarkably similar to "sakura"! Turns out, Greek plastic bags weren't quite the love story the factory envisioned!It was a great lesson in the importance of clear communication across cultures, and of course, a reminder to double-check translations!

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

HH : The moment a design clicks into place, everything just feels right! It's the culmination of all the brainstorming, sketching, and collaboration. Those moments fuel my design passion and make every challenge worthwhile.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

HH : Design wasn't a childhood calling, more of a late bloomer. But when I found it, it clicked. Haven't looked back since.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

HH : The future, a thousand years from now, is a vast unknown. However, design offers a powerful tool to shape the possibilities. While I may not be around to witness it, I believe future generations will continue to leverage design thinking to build a better world.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

HH : At my core, I believe design has the power to connect people and create positive change. My experiences living between Eastern and Western cultures have fueled my ability to understand a wider range of perspectives, which is key to crafting designs that are inclusive and impactful for a global audience.