Daniel Lau

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Daniel Lau ("DL") 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?

DL : I studied Electrical Engineering at University of Illinois followed by a master’s degree in the University of Southern California. After I graduated, I spent many years in the semiconductor industry and later moved closer to the consumer product space by taking on a job in electronics manufacturing. I was never formally educated in design, but as an engineer, I always had an eye for beautiful product designs that seamlessly integrated great functionality

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

DL : When you are a designer, you are in full control and are only limited by your imagination. I find great satisfaction in not only designing concepts, but also bringing them to life. I find the constant evolution of the design during the realization process a fascinating challenge. Learning and understanding the limitations of your product building blocks such as material properties and electronic components allows you to re-evaluate your design decisions but also discover new solutions and methods to achieve your desired concept.

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

DL : I was given a unique opportunity to create a product of my own and thus also became a designer in the process.

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

DL : I design home products for smart parenting. I have always had a love for cars and a wish of mine would be to one day try automotive design.

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

DL : If you are worried about being different, then you are on the right path. That “different” is what will set you apart from the rest.

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

DL : A great designer is always learning, and searching for the next thing that will take their latest design to the next level. What’s great about the time that we are in is the rapid growth of all the tools we have to work with. We are truly fortunate to be designers in this era of technological growth.

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

DL : In a great design, every single design decision has been scrutinized and thoroughly thought through. Nothing is left unexplored, no stone unturned.

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

DL : It’s only natural to want to put your best food forward. If you are going to design a product, you want it to be better than the rest whether it is for your own reputation, or for your company or brand image. There are too many designs being brought into the world every day. If you are not investing in something you believe to be good design, you should not be designing at all.

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

DL : My kids treehouse

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

DL : Never settle and always be seeking to better your design

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

DL : I’m a big car guy so a few of my favorites include the Lamborghini Diablo, Mclaren F1, Ferrari Enzo and as of late the Mclaren P1. When looking at exotic cars, you could say they are all beautifully designed by the world’s top designers. The reason why I like them so much are because these few designs have that “magic” that make stand far above the rest to become timeless masterpieces.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

DL : I believe design is just the catalyst to a better society. Good design brings people together and when people get together and are collectively passionate about something, great things can happen.

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

DL : I believe in the near future, we will see design by artificial intelligence. Already, there are instances of AI doing amazing things such as NVIDIA’s recent smart paint brush. Based on a few simple brush strokes, the AI can render a realistic landscape in real time.

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

DL : Always start with the end user. What problem are you looking to solve, how will you help people with your design.

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

DL : What came first, the chicken or the egg? In this case, I would say both.

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

DL : Actually, I prefer that people comment about the product and its features. A successful product design not only should look beautiful, but it needs to serve a purpose and do it well.

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

DL : In one word “innovative”. If the product is not the first of its kind, which very few are, there must be a lot of thought put into the design to make it truly stand out as a great design.

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

DL : An ideal design partner has to be someone who can bring something to the table that you cannot. For example, a lighting expert in partnership with an interior designer can work wonders. My ideal design partner would be someone who could help take the appearance of the design to the next level while I can take the lead on designing the product to be functional. I suppose this is the result of spending years in engineering.