RUPERT OOI SAY YUNG

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer RUPERT OOI SAY YUNG ("ROSY") 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: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

ROSY : The urge to create and explore new 'surprises' in user experience motivates me to design and pursue a career as a designer.

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

ROSY : I chose to become a designer because designing allows me to 'play'. There's no other job quite like it. I feel compelled to be a designer because other professions seem mundane in comparison.

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

ROSY : The design works, regardless of the interior space, that I find most rewarding are those where there is mutual respect between the designer and the client. This mutual respect fosters a collaborative and creative environment, leading to the most successful and satisfying outcomes. It also allows for constructive feedback, making it easier to address any issues or challenges that arise during the design process.

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

ROSY : Absolutely, young designers need to recognize whether they possess a genuine passion for design, especially when facing obstacles and hardships, particularly at the start of their careers. This resilience and dedication are crucial for eventually becoming design legends. The younger version of myself often reflects on whether the act of designing brings me joy and satisfaction. I consider if my interest in design remains strong over time, even after encountering challenges or setbacks. Always evaluate whether you have a constant desire to learn more about design, whether it’s new techniques, trends, or tools. And if you are continually inspired to create and innovate, finding unique solutions to design problems. Aim to create work that is not only innovative but also timeless and influential.

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

ROSY : A good designer brings fresh, creative ideas to the table, although they may often be influenced by current trends. They are reliable and consistent in delivering quality work on time. A great designer deeply understands and empathizes with users, creating designs that resonate on an emotional level and fundamentally improve the user experience. They go beyond the brief, understanding the client’s business, brand, and goals to deliver strategic solutions that drive success. Great designers often influence and inspire others, contributing to the design community through speaking engagements, writing, and teaching.

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

ROSY : A successful design achieves the dual goals of solving the client's brief and making a lasting positive impact on the community. By balancing functionality and aesthetics, respecting cultural and environmental contexts, and fostering emotional connections, designers can create spaces that are both practical and inspirational. This holistic approach ensures that the design not only meets the immediate needs of the client but also enhances the broader community, leaving a lasting legacy.

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

ROSY : The value of good design lies in its ability to meticulously cater to individual needs, thereby enhancing both business performance and lifestyle efficiency. When design is tailored to the unique requirements and preferences of individuals, it can yield numerous benefits. Investing in good design whenever possible is essential, as it enhances user experience, boosts brand identity, fosters innovation, and contributes to overall well-being and sustainability. By prioritizing thoughtful and user-centric design, businesses and individuals can achieve greater efficiency, satisfaction, and long-term success.

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

ROSY : To me, the secret recipe of success in design hinges on how effectively a design addresses the client's brief. Always try to include creativity and innovation in design to exceed client expectations. And my secret ingredient lies in cultivating strong interpersonal relationships and maintaining effective communication with the client. Get to know the client beyond the project scope, understanding their values and vision can lead to more tailored and effective design solutions. This will also help us to establish a foundation of trust and rapport with clients through honesty, reliability, and empathy.

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

ROSY : I'm often inspired by the work of Oki Sato, the founder of Nendo, renowned for his originality and innovative approach to design. I admire the way he tackles problems from unique angles to discover innovative solutions, going beyond surface aesthetics to create designs with deeper meanings and connections. In much of his work, he incorporates playful and unexpected elements to delight and surprise users, using humor and creativity to engage them and make their interaction with the design memorable. He always embraces the limitations of a project as a source of creative inspiration.

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

ROSY : To make oneself a better designer, we need to possess unique insights into our work, effectively interpret client needs, and fundamentally address the clients' pain points rather than simply following trends.

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

ROSY : My ultimate goal as a designer is to inspire as many individuals as possible to embrace design, particularly emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in the design process. This can be achieved by providing mentorship to budding designers, guiding them through their creative journeys, and helping them develop critical thinking skills. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to a more thoughtful, innovative, and impactful design community.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

ROSY : From my point of view, we as designers have a significant responsibility to society and the environment. By instilling an appreciation for aesthetics in the younger generation, designers can foster a culture that values and seeks out good design. Simultaneously, making design achievable for society ensures that everyone can benefit from well-designed spaces and products, leading to an improved quality of life and a more sustainable future. Balancing these responsibilities requires a commitment to education, inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement.

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

ROSY : With AI tools becoming more sophisticated, designers now have access to powerful resources that can automate certain tasks, generate ideas, and even assist in the creative process. This shift is prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be a designer and what role human creativity plays in design. Authenticity in design becomes crucial in this context. As AI becomes more prevalent in the design process, there's a growing need for designers to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and creative insights to the table. Authenticity is about infusing design with human emotion, intuition, and understanding, elements that AI, for all its capabilities, still struggles to replicate fully. Designers who prioritize authenticity focus on creating experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level, tapping into cultural, social, and personal contexts. They might draw inspiration from their own stories, heritage, or values, injecting a sense of genuineness and sincerity into their work. Moreover, authenticity fosters trust and connection between brands and consumers. In an age where consumers are increasingly seeking genuine experiences and meaningful connections, authentic design can help brands stand out and build lasting relationships with their audience. In essence, while AI is revolutionizing the design process, the future of design lies in the harmonious integration of technology and human creativity, where authenticity becomes the hallmark of truly impactful and resonant design.

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

ROSY : AI is certainly a game changer and reshaping the design industry.

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

ROSY : For every new project, we first gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry, market, and context related to the design project. We investigate the current state of the industry, including trends, challenges, and opportunities. We identify key market players, target audience demographics, and user behavior. We also evaluate the skills and expertise of our team members, identifying any gaps that need to be filled, whether through training, hiring, or collaboration with external experts. We assess the time frame and budget allocated for the project, ensuring they are realistic and sufficient to meet the project goals. Finally, we prepare for a comprehensive and effective client brief session.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

ROSY : "Creativity is nothing but a mind set free" Creativity can be seen as the result of a mind liberated from conventional constraints and open to new possibilities. When the mind is set free, it can explore uncharted territories, connect seemingly unrelated ideas, and generate innovative solutions

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

ROSY : I wish my designs evoke curiosity in the audience and invite questions about the underlying stories and ideas behind the design itself, as well as the context of the environment or situation that influenced my design decisions.

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

ROSY : Cultivate a habit of continuous learning and curiosity. Explore different fields, cultures, and perspectives. View creative activities as part of "play". Experiment without fear of failure to discover new ideas and approaches. A free mind is a powerful catalyst for innovation and original thinking, and also a key to becoming a successful master designer. Adopt a growth mindset where failures are seen as learning opportunities.

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

ROSY : Design awards and recognition can indeed serve as motivation for hard work and effort, while accolades can encourage designers by recognizing their talent and hard work, providing a morale boost. But they do not necessarily guarantee fame or long-term success. It is hard to become famous; it goes way beyond winning awards. It is about creating impact in the design world and society with consistent, meaningful work, developing a unique design identity, and leaving a legacy.