King Him Ho

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer King Him Ho ("KHH") 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?

KHH : I am a Product Design student currently studying at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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

KHH : I love to create things that help people.

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

KHH : I choose to become a designer.

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

KHH : I wish to design household products like furniture and lamps.

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

KHH : Try out more.

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

KHH : A great designer is timeless.

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

KHH : A good design solves the problem in a fantastic way.

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

KHH : I would design a furniture like arm chairs.

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

KHH : Be humble and active to learn.

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

KHH : Benjamin Hubert.

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

KHH : Beosound Balance of Bang & Olufsen. The clean and aesthetic form is attractive.

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

KHH : Probably a biologist.

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

KHH : Design solves the problem in a fantastic way.

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

KHH : My parents.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KHH : My tutors.

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

KHH : Probably furniture design.

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

KHH : Make everything in moderation.

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

KHH : A start-up project.

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

KHH : Making a coat rack with bamboo sticks, because I was given a chance to practice my craftsmanship.

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

KHH : Usually 10-13 weeks.

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

KHH : I usually brainstorm everything to see the potential problems.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

KHH : The only thing that does not change is change itself.

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

KHH : Why not both?

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

KHH : It is the key to actualize a concept.

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

KHH : Solidworks, Rhino, and Keyshot.

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

KHH : It is the detail which physically and psychologically influences the users.

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

KHH : Appreciate and admire it. Always be humble.

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

KHH : Of course it is hard to be famous.

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

KHH : Black and navy blue.

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

KHH : Sketching random things sometimes motivates myself to design and brainstorm.

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

KHH : Not really.