Zehui Ni

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Zehui Ni ("ZN") 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?

ZN : I have a diverse background in sculpture, UX design, research, and the arts, with formal education in design and fine arts. This multidisciplinary foundation shapes my holistic approach to design. I've studied at ArtCenter, California Institute of Technology and INSEAD School of business.

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

ZN : I am driven by the desire to merge aesthetics with functionality. Designing allows me to create impactful, beautiful objects that enhance wellbeing and elevate everyday experiences.

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

ZN : I chose to become a designer, driven by a passion for creating elegant, functional solutions.

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

ZN : I design sophisticated products that promote wellness, ranging from digital products to home and health items. I aspire to design more innovative wellness solutions that integrate smart technology with timeless elegance.

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

ZN : Stay curious, embrace risks, and continuously seek inspiration. Build a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of design, and prioritize responsibility and integrity for users.

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

ZN : A great designer not only excels in aesthetics and functionality but also deeply understands user needs and market, creating emotionally resonant and impactful designs.

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

ZN : A good design seamlessly blends beauty and functionality, effectively meeting users' needs while providing a delightful and engaging experience.

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

ZN : Good design enhances quality of life, improves usability, and evokes positive emotions. Investing in good design is investing in wellbeing and efficiency.

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

ZN : Accessible, sustainable wellness solutions for underserved communities.

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

ZN : A comprehensive smart home system integrating wellness-oriented features.

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

ZN : The fusion of empathy, creativity, technical precision and business viability, with a deep understanding of user needs.

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

ZN : Charles Eames and Dieter Rams for simplicity and functionality, and Isamu Noguchi and Kelly Wrestler for sculptural elegance.

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

ZN : Noguchi’s Akari light sculptures and Rams’ Braun products for their balance of art, function, and simplicity.

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

ZN : The Etern Decanter, for its elegant form and its ability to capture the essence of time and celebration.

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

ZN : Continuously learn, seek diverse experiences, embrace feedback, and stay curious.

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

ZN : I would have gone to be a canine dental specialist, focusing on providing wellness and healthcare for animal teeth.

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

ZN : Design is the art of creating solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective, enriching everyday life.

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

ZN : Mentors, colleagues, and family have been my biggest supporters, providing invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout my journey.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

ZN : A combination of formal education, diverse experiences, continuous learning, and a passion for creating impactful, beautiful solutions helped me become a great designer.

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

ZN : Balancing creativity with practical constraints

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

ZN : Designers should present their work clearly and compellingly, highlighting both the aesthetic and functional aspects, and demonstrating how the design meets user needs.

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

ZN : A new line of smart home wellness products, blending technology with elegant design.

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

ZN : My ultimate goal is to create designs that profoundly enhance wellbeing, seamlessly integrating beauty and functionality into everyday life.

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

ZN : Innovative, elegant solutions that meet needs and elevate daily experiences.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

ZN : Good design improves quality of life, promotes sustainability, and fosters connection and wellbeing.

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

ZN : Developing a line of wellness-focused smart home products.

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

ZN : The Etern Decanter, for its blend of artistic elegance and functional innovation.

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

ZN : Greater emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and designs that promote wellbeing and accessibility.

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

ZN : The design field is moving towards greater integration of technology, sustainability, and user-centric approaches, focusing on creating smarter, healthier living environments.

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

ZN : The timeline varies; for example, designing the Etern Decanter took approximately six months from concept to completion.

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

ZN : I start with extensive research and ideation, understanding the user needs and exploring various concepts before moving to sketching and prototyping.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

ZN : Designing humble tools to empower wellness.

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

ZN : Design has the power to set trends by pushing boundaries and introducing innovative solutions that resonate with people.

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

ZN : Technology plays a crucial role, enabling precision, enhancing functionality, and opening new possibilities for innovative, user-centered designs.

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

ZN : I use Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino for 3D modeling, and various prototyping tools, along with traditional sketching materials.

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

ZN : Color, materials, and ambiance are vital in creating the desired emotional response and functional efficiency, enhancing the overall user experience.

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

ZN : The wellness benefits associated with design functions.

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

ZN : I think about the underlying principles and innovative elements that make the design successful and how it could inspire future projects.

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

ZN : An ideal design partner shares a similar vision and values but brings unique perspectives and skills. Co-design is valuable for creating more comprehensive and innovative solutions.

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

ZN : Mentors, colleagues, and clients who provided valuable feedback and different perspectives have significantly influenced my design approach.

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

ZN : Books on design principles, architecture, and the intersection of art and functionality have profoundly impacted my design philosophy.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

ZN : Continuous learning, seeking diverse experiences, embracing feedback, and staying curious have been key to developing my skills.

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

ZN : I would love to meet and discuss with Leonardo da Vinci, whose multidisciplinary genius and innovative thinking continue to inspire. I would mostly appreciate to meet my grandfather again, who continues to inspire me to this day.

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

ZN : The recognition is gratifying and validates my work. While fame can be challenging, it also provides a platform to inspire and influence positive change.

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

ZN : Favorite color: Ginkgo Green Favorite place: Shanghai Favorite food: Lobster Favorite season: Fall Favorite thing: Lecco Sofa Favorite brand: Design Within Reach

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

ZN : Resilience, adaptability and grit serves well in the field of design. I once fell into a wet concrete hole in the road, losing my shoes and covered in concrete. but the person next to me thanked me for preventing her from fell into the wet concrete.

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

ZN : A great day involves creative breakthroughs in design and successful collaboration with my team. I stay motivated by the potential to create designs that positively impact people's lives.

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

ZN : Yes, I admired my grandfather and his miraculous crafts and beautiful sketches that blow my mind. He inspired me to become a designer.

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

ZN : In a thousand years, I envision a world where design and technology seamlessly integrate to create smart, sustainable living environments that enhance overall wellbeing.

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

ZN : Design is a powerful tool for enhancing wellbeing. I am dedicated to creating elegant, functional solutions that improve daily life and promote overall wellness. Thank you for your interest in my work.