Jin Woong Lee

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jin Woong Lee ("JWL") 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?

JWL : I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design and currently serve as the Furniture Designer and Design Team Manager at NOOGI Inc.

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

JWL : Making things has been my earliest hobby. Besides enjoying the process itself, I also had a desire to collect and curate a variety of items. Over time, I developed a strong preference for crafting original work, as opposed to following manuals or replicating existing creations. I also found little satisfaction in making items without practical use. While the process wasn't as clear to me then as it is now, I realize that my life experiences naturally led me to become a designer.

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

JWL : My parents recommended that I pursue a career in design. There are many things for which I feel grateful to my parents, and this is one of the biggest.

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

JWL : I am a product designer and, more specifically, an industrial designer. Currently, I am working in the field of furniture design. However, as the basic structure of a space is built, I wish to delve deeper into designing smaller pieces.

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

JWL : A certain design draws people’s attention, then makes them think, and ultimately influences them in different ways. The line between a good designer and a great designer lies in this progression from attention to thought to influence.

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

JWL : The impact of a design should be assessed in terms of both personal significance and broader influence. However, for me, it ultimately comes down to how it has influenced myself.

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

JWL : I enjoy the work I do.

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

JWL : I've always been interested in movable objects and structures that can be assembled and reassembled with parts that can be replaced and modified. This interest has led me to focus on projects requiring some structural achievement. One of my recent projects at NOOGI is the 'Signature Lounge Chair,' which is soon to be released. I believe I did a fine job on its leg frame, which incorporates an assembly structure while maintaining its advanced shape. The design involved employing multiple techniques, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss it in detail in the future.

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

JWL : I believe that taking a lot of time and working on multiple projects with sincere focus is the only way to improve. Ultimately, it comes down to whether someone can enjoy the process.

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

JWL : I might have become a craftsman or an engineer. However, I believe I would have eventually gravitated towards product design.

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

JWL : Design is about realizing a better concept. If something cannot be realized, it remains merely an idea. If it is realized but lacks value, it is essentially a waste. Value is subjective and can vary, so what is considered "better" should be acknowledged, provided it does not harm individuals. This is how I currently define design, and product design is my life’s work.

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

JWL : My close family and friends.

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

JWL : Designers should present their work in a way that is clear and understandable, according to their own preferences.

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

JWL : I am currently working at NOOGI, and I invite you to visit if you’re interested in our work. Personally, I am in the process of building a brand under the name PRO-SP. While establishing this brand will take time, I am currently focused on a specific project also featuring a movable and customizable structure. In addition to refining the design, I am learning to sell products which is another important aspect for the project.

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

JWL : To create my universe.

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

JWL : Companies expect me to achieve specific goals. As for what individuals expect from me, I’m not entirely sure. I try to be myself while balancing that with not being too self-involved.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JWL : Design can both contribute to and detract from creating a better society. Every action, including design, aims to bring about improvement, and designers work towards this through their designs. While not every design directly leads to societal betterment, designers strive to make a positive impact. Creators never want their creations to be meaningless.

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

JWL : There are two projects that I am especially excited about: the "Signature Lounge Chair" at NOOGI and the "SSP Side Table" for a personal project.

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

JWL : The time it takes to finalize a design project varies significantly, depending on whether it is a company project or a personal project. It can range from 3 months to 1-2 years.

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

JWL : When starting a new design project, I typically begin with: Type A. Assessing whether it can be structured well or not. Type B. Developing a concept based on certain movement or appearance. Type C. Determining what item is needed to define a specific space.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JWL : My motto as a designer is to be myself, to focus less on others, and to be a lower version of myself rather than trying to be a higher version of someone else.

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

JWL : I believe technology plays a crucial role in every design, accounting for half of it, because without technology, ideas cannot be realized.

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

JWL : I mostly use Rhino 3D and 3D printers. For mockup tools, I use whatever I can find and what is available. For visualization, I use KeyShot and Adobe programs

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

JWL : I don’t prefer projects that focus solely on color and materials, but they play a crucial role in highlighting details in every project. Without them, a proper product cannot be made.

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

JWL : I wish people would ask about my design in detail, drawing from their own experiences.

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

JWL : When I see a new great design or product, I feel a thrill and a sense of competitiveness, along with a strong urge to work.

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

JWL : I believe in co-design, either through a strict superior-subordinate relationship or by collaborating with individuals from completely different majors or fields.

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

JWL : I believe I am being recognized as I should be.

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

JWL : 01. Color: Green 02. Place: Home 03. Food: Cream pasta 04. Season: When it is not too hot, cold, or humid. 05. Thing: Having a meal, catching up, and laughing with my close people.

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

JWL : I once made a metal part that cost about $900. I was in university, and it was way over my budget, but I felt it was inevitable to make the piece. I ended up spending my entire monthly income on that one part and felt very proud of it. However, a year or two later, I realized it was a foolish idea to make the part out of metal, as there were plenty of other ways to achieve the same or even better result.

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

JWL : A great day for me as a designer is when everything goes as scheduled, when people understand and appreciate my work as I intended or surprise me in unexpected ways, and when an idea is properly realized and visible in front of me. I stay motivated by seeking happiness in my work; when I am making something, I feel happy.

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

JWL : Nothing for now. Maybe some names, perhaps. I will keep working tirelessly to achieve my vision and establish my brand. Please come visit then. Thank you.