Leung Jia Jun

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Leung Jia Jun ("LJJ") 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?

LJJ : I would say I have about 8 years experience. In my past projects, I have worked with Samsung, Guerlain.etc. Now I am trying to go into the China market and find a new opportunity.Previously I was studying Interior design and decided to make a switch to industrial design after designing furniture.

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

LJJ : It started with a poor academic records in school that I started doodling in class and found out that I enjoy creating something. It was an internal drive that after a drawing, i started to think how can i make it a model.So i went on deeper trying hard to understand spaces and architecture. in this process found out that I enjoy doing product design.

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

LJJ : It started with a poor academic records in school that I started doodling in class and found out that I enjoy creating something. It was an internal drive that after a drawing, i started to think how can i make it a model.So i went on deeper trying hard to understand spaces and architecture. in this process found out that I enjoy doing product design.

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

LJJ : objects, i want to design larger objects, or even spaces

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

LJJ : Try hard every day and believe in yourself. Always be curious and open to ideas.

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

LJJ : a great designer needs many years of experience and is very patient. a good design is very passionate but needs to learn to be patient

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

LJJ : Good design seems like it is not designed.

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

LJJ : Good design is timeless and hidden.

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

LJJ : spaces, interior

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

LJJ : archietcture.

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

LJJ : Sketching - Hand making - Software - critical thinkingthese 3 skills have to be matched with critical thinking, because the idea behind is more important.

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

LJJ : Good design is timeless and hidden.

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

LJJ : Jasper morrison

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

LJJ : Every morning come up with ideation and concepts, afternoon execute and test them out. Evening might be a good timing relax and expose to new things.

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

LJJ : I think designers need to have personal style, following others might take aways my thinking process and thoughts. It is a good idea to look and get inspirations.

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

LJJ : Good design is timeless and hidden.

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

LJJ : sometimes I am very stubborn with my design, and kept pushing. After a few days or weeks, when i looked back and the work i created, I might have the persepctive that it was over done.Sometimes, in design I have to learn to let go.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

LJJ : My Design Journey had been filled with ups and downs, it was filled with more disappointment. And I feel that able t accept that and try again the next day. That is something I feel that it has shaped me.

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

LJJ : Fulfilling but always filled with frustrations. Exciting moments only come when you see that your idea works and you are moving forward to make it into a reality. Frustration is when you could not get things right and there are many external factors.

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

LJJ : with pride

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

LJJ : My current plan is to find new opportunities in the China market. my Future plans are to be flexible and come up with good designs that is timeless and can be adapted in any market, fit the end users, and learn how to be a great designer.

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

LJJ : My current plan is to find new opportunities in the China market. my Future plans are to be flexible and come up with good designs that is timeless and can be adapted in any market, fit the end users, and learn how to be a great designer.

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

LJJ : learn to be humble

DL: How does design help create a better society?

LJJ : improving lives, change users

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

LJJ : designing glasses, improving lives

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

LJJ : designing glasses

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

LJJ : seamless interface.

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

LJJ : technology, AR MR VR

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

LJJ : design set trends

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

LJJ : sketch make.

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

LJJ : important

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

LJJ : how is this possible?

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

LJJ : that is a great idea.

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

LJJ : yes, learn together

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

LJJ : businessmen,

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

LJJ : design thinking

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

LJJ : creators, investors

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

LJJ : need to learn to let go

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

LJJ : no favourite color

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

LJJ : ambitious

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

LJJ : ambitious

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

LJJ : not at all

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

LJJ : trends will always change, but designers need to adapt and be the first few ones to experiment

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

LJJ : good design is timeless.