Shih-Wei Cheng

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Shih-Wei Cheng ("SC") 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?

SC : I graduated from Pratt Institute with a master in communications/digital designs. I started becoming interested in art/design back in high school from a digital art class and my interest grew since then.

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

SC : I am always drawn to beautiful things and colors and that’s what first got me into graphic design. Being able to do meaningful and data-driven designs are what got me into UX design.

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

SC : I chose to become a designer.

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

SC : I design applications and web designs. I wish there are more testing involved in my designs.

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

SC : Train your eyes by finding inspirations online and always ask people who are better than you how you can improve on something.

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

SC : Good designer can make things pretty but a great designer can not only make things pretty but also think from a user’s perspective

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

SC : The only way to evaluate a good design is to do testing and get actual numbers.

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

SC : Apple is an example of how good design can bring to the company.

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

SC : The secret ingredient is to find good inspirations by researching and talking to people. Always ask how you can design better.

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

SC : I will either become a sales man or open up a micro-brewery.

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

SC : Design is communication, organization, and experience.

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

SC : My family and friends.

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

SC : A lot of self-doubts, especially when I went to a well-known art school and surrounded by many great designers, but I learned that mastering a skill takes time.

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

SC : Pictures always speak louder than words.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SC : Creating things that can help poor people or just any problems in the society.

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

SC : I am currently working on a lot of push notifications for a tech company and always excited about how my designs help the company grow revenue.

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

SC : To see more companies grow their focus on design, not just engineering.

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

SC : It is very hard to tell because the world is changing so fast everyday.

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

SC : I always start with sketching, researching, and wire-framing.

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

SC : I think design sometimes sets the trends but technology also sets the trend for design pretty often.

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

SC : I use Sketch, Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite.

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

SC : Both visually appealing but also great user experience.

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

SC : My favorite colors are white, black, and green. My favorite places are Seattle, although Brooklyn comes close.

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

SC : When the works that I've done got noticed or helped the company.

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

SC : No, not at all. I was the worst drawer in my family but digital design has changed my life entirely.