Juthamas Vadhanapanich

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Juthamas Vadhanapanich ("JV") 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?

JV : I’ve been passionate about art since I was a child, which naturally led me to pursue a career in design. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, where I honed my artistic and creative skills. Later, I earned a master’s degree in Design for Business, which allowed me to bridge the gap between creativity and strategic thinking. This combination of education has equipped me with a strong foundation in both artistic expression and applying design to solve business challenges effectively.

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

JV : Design is the one thing I love doing and feel truly passionate about. I’ve never imagined myself in any other profession—it has always been my calling. My biggest inspiration is my mother, who was a talented Window Display Artist trained in Switzerland. Her creativity and dedication to her craft deeply influenced my journey into the world of design, motivating me to pursue a career that combines passion with purpose.

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

JV : I chose to become a designer entirely on my own. Even though some people said it wasn’t a lucrative career, I decided to pursue it because it’s what I love and am passionate about. I started by designing websites and eventually moved on to mobile applications, which have become a highly valued skill today with competitive salaries. However, my motivation has never been about the money—I’ve always stood firm in my decision to follow this path because it’s what fulfills me, regardless of its financial rewards.

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

JV : I currently design digital products such as mobile applications, websites, and software, focusing on creating user-centric and functional experiences. Moving forward, I wish to explore and design more in the realm of sustainability design. This includes developing solutions that promote environmental responsibility, such as platforms that encourage recycling, upcycling, and sustainable consumption. I want to design products and services that not only solve user problems but also contribute to a healthier planet, aligning creativity with a positive environmental impact.

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

JV : To become a design legend, young designers should focus on three key elements: Perseverance: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep learning, experimenting, and refining your skills, even when challenges arise. Passion for the Craft: Let your love for design drive you. When you’re passionate about what you do, it shows in your work and inspires others. User-Centric Approach: Always prioritize understanding and solving real problems for users. A design that truly serves its users will always stand out and leave a lasting impact.

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

JV : A good designer is someone who practices their craft with sincerity, professionalism, and dedication to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing designs. A great designer, however, goes beyond their work to make a meaningful contribution to society and the world. They use their skills to solve larger problems, create positive change, and design with a purpose that extends beyond individual projects. Great designers leave a legacy by aligning their creativity with values that benefit people, communities, and the environment.

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

JV : A good design becomes a really great design when it effectively solves a specific problem for its intended users. The key is understanding that design is contextual—what works for one group of users may not work for another. A truly good design focuses on its target audience, addressing their needs, preferences, and challenges. How I Evaluate Good Design: User-Centric: Does it solve the problem it was designed for? Does it meet the needs of the specific user group? Functionality: Is it easy to use, intuitive, and accessible? Aesthetic Appeal: Does it visually communicate its purpose and resonate with the audience? Consistency: Is it cohesive and aligned with the overall branding or product vision? Impact: Does it make a positive difference, whether by improving usability, saving time, or creating an emotional connection? A good design is always purpose-driven and tailored to its users, ensuring it delivers value and achieves its goals effectively.

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

JV : The value of good design lies in its ability to drive success—whether that’s through increased revenue, enhanced user satisfaction, or building brand trust. Good design doesn’t just look great; it solves problems, improves usability, and creates meaningful connections with users. On the other hand, bad design can have severe consequences, such as user frustration, lost opportunities, and even damage to a brand’s reputation. The cost of bad design is often much higher than the investment required for good design. Why Invest in Good Design: Profitability: Good design leads to better usability, which translates into higher conversions and customer loyalty. Efficiency: A well-designed product reduces errors and improves productivity, saving time and resources. Brand Value: Good design strengthens brand identity, leaving a lasting impression on users. User Trust: Intuitive and user-friendly design fosters trust and builds long-term relationships. Ultimately, the value of good design is its ability to generate measurable outcomes, proving that it’s not just an expense but a strategic investment that pays off in the long run.

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

JV : If I had the time, I would love to design a Buddha statue for a temple. Beyond that, I dream of creating a temple that redefines its role in society—where the donations collected from people making merit are directed toward supporting hospitals and providing critical healthcare services. This design would blend spirituality with social impact, creating a space that not only nurtures faith but also gives back to the community in a meaningful way. It would be a design that symbolizes compassion, generosity, and the interconnectedness of all beings.

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

JV : One of my dream projects is to create a mobile app game that teaches Thais about waste separation and raises awareness about waste management. The goal would be to make learning about environmental responsibility fun, engaging, and interactive, encouraging users to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives. This app would combine education with gamification, using challenges, rewards, and practical tips to inspire positive change. It’s a project I’m passionate about because it merges design, technology, and sustainability to address a critical issue in our society.

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

JV : My secret recipe for success in design lies in truly listening to clients—understanding their needs, identifying key insights, and most importantly, translating those into impactful designs. The secret ingredient is the ability to create designs that not only solve the problem but also resonate emotionally with the majority of users. A successful design combines beauty and functionality, leaving a lasting impression while effectively addressing the objectives. This balance between understanding, creativity, and execution is what drives great design.

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

JV : Don Norman is indeed a significant source of inspiration, especially for his pioneering work in user-centered design and his book, The Design of Everyday Things, which is a cornerstone for understanding usability and human behavior in design.

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

JV : Airbnb’s UX/UI is an excellent example of user-centered design. The app is easy to navigate, visually stunning, and emphasizes storytelling through visuals and design. I love how they make the booking process feel personal and human.

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

JV : My greatest design is the CatDogCenter mobile app. It’s a project I’m incredibly proud of because it’s more than just an app—it’s a platform that connects stray cats and dogs with loving homes or helps owners find their lost pets, all completely free of charge.

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

JV : To become a better designer, it’s essential to embrace trial and error. Learning from mistakes is one of the most effective ways to grow and improve your skills. Here’s how people can enhance themselves as designers, based on my own experience: Practice Constantly: Experiment with different styles, tools, and techniques. The more you design, the more you learn what works and what doesn’t. Seek Feedback: Share your work with peers, mentors, or clients and actively listen to their critiques. Constructive feedback is invaluable for refining your skills. Stay Curious: Keep learning about new tools, trends, and design principles. I’ve always been curious and open to exploring new ideas, which has helped me adapt and grow. Analyze Great Designs: Study designs you admire and deconstruct what makes them effective. Apply those principles to your own work. Embrace Failure: Mistakes are opportunities to learn. I’ve improved significantly by testing ideas, iterating on them, and figuring out what doesn’t work. Collaborate: Work with other designers and professionals from different fields. Collaboration exposes you to new perspectives and ideas. Focus on Users: Always prioritize understanding user needs. A user-centric mindset has been the foundation of my growth as a designer.

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

JV : Professor

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

JV : For me, design is about improvement—making something better than it was before. Ultimately, design is about commercialization; it has to be something that can sell. That’s why the design process must start with a deep understanding of the problem we’re solving and who we’re solving it for. If the design truly addresses the problem and meets the needs of the target audience, it will naturally be successful.

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

JV : My parents and my partner

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JV : What helped me become a great designer is the people who have been part of my journey. Every client, every boss, and every colleague has contributed to my growth, offering experiences that have helped me refine my skills and perspectives. Each interaction, challenge, and piece of feedback has been a learning opportunity. These experiences taught me how to understand diverse needs, adapt to different situations, and continuously improve. The relationships I’ve built and the lessons I’ve learned from them have been instrumental in shaping who I am as a designer today.

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

JV : Client Expectations: Managing and aligning with clients who didn’t fully understand the design process was challenging. It taught me the importance of communication and educating stakeholders.

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

JV : Designers should present their work to highlight their process, purpose, and impact while keeping the audience engaged.

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

JV : My next design project is the upcoming LGBTQIA+ Community Web App, which is set to launch soon. This platform is designed to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for the LGBTQIA+ community, offering resources, networking opportunities, and personalized content.

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

JV : My ultimate goal as a designer is to create better solutions that contribute to sustainability. I aim to design with purpose—developing products, services, and systems that not only solve user problems but also promote environmental responsibility, social equity, and long-term impact. By integrating sustainable practices into my work, I hope to inspire change and prove that good design can lead to a better, more sustainable world. Whether it’s through reducing waste, promoting inclusivity, or fostering meaningful connections, I want my designs to leave a positive legacy for both people and the planet.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JV : Design can create tools and systems to tackle pressing issues like education, healthcare, and poverty. For example, apps for mental health support or platforms for online learning break barriers and empower communities.

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

JV : Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug