Chiwon Lee

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Chiwon Lee ("CL") 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?

CL : I graduated from MIT in Cambridge, MA with a Master of Science in Engineering & Management as an Integrated Design & Management fellow. During my time at MIT, I served as the Research Assistant for MIT Media Lab’s Futures Committee. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Interaction Design from Yonsei University. Before graduation, I joined LG International as a UX Designer to work on emerging technology projects in the Digital Transformation Strategy Team and the New Business Team.

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

CL : I have always been mesmerized by design and the impact that good design has since I was young. I decided to become a designer when I was studying Computer Science at Columbia University. I wanted to work in the field of technology because of the innovation factor and the scalable impact technology has, but I learned that software engineering was not my calling. Albeit gaining good grades, I couldn’t envision myself coding for the rest of my life. As I still believed in tech, I attended many tech-related conferences, and fell in love with User Experience (UX) design and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) the moment I learned about it. UX design and HCI seemed like the perfect marriage between logic and empathy. After learning about UX design and HCI, I transferred to Yonsei University to study UX design as Columbia University didn’t offer a major in UX and HCI, and I couldn’t be happier about my choice.

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

CL : I chose to become a designer as I love the logic, creativity, innovation, and empathy that design holds.

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

CL : I mainly design for AI software products as I enjoy solving complex and technical problems through design. I have been recently working on Generative AI features and I wish to do more of Generative AI software design as I believe there are many design challenges to address to ensure that Generative AI software benefits the end users.

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

CL : I believe a great designer designs for the society and mentors young or upcoming designers. I believe great design comes with collaboration, and it is always helpful to collaborate with young or upcoming designers.

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

CL : I believe a good design transcends functionality and aesthetics to create a seamless and meaningful user experience. It prioritizes the needs, behaviors, and emotions of users, delivering intuitive and innovative solutions that simplify their lives. Exceptional design also fosters an emotional connection, evokes positive emotions, and considers sustainability and ethical impacts, ensuring relevance and delight over time.

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

CL : The value of good design lies in its ability to enhance user experience, drive innovation, and differentiate products in a competitive market. Good design not only solves problems effectively but also creates emotional connections, fostering loyalty and trust. Investing in good design leads to better usability, increased customer satisfaction, and ultimately, greater business success by ensuring products and services are both functional and delightful to use.

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

CL : My secret recipe for success in design is a blend of empathy, continuous learning, and collaboration. The secret ingredient is empathy—truly understanding and connecting with users' needs, emotions, and behaviors. This deep understanding guides every design decision, ensuring that the final product is both functional and meaningful. Combined with a commitment to learning and working closely with a diverse team, empathy enables the creation of innovative and impactful designs.

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

CL : To become a better designer, people should cultivate empathy, embrace continuous learning, and actively seek diverse experiences. I focused on understanding users deeply by engaging with them and listening to their needs. I also stayed curious, keeping up with industry trends and constantly experimenting with new ideas and techniques. Collaborating with a wide range of professionals helped me gain different perspectives, fostering a holistic approach to design. By prioritizing these practices, anyone can enhance their design skills and create more impactful work.

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

CL : Designers should present their work clearly and compellingly, highlighting the problem-solving process and the impact of their solutions. They should use a narrative that explains the context, challenges, and insights gained from user research. Visual aids, such as prototypes, sketches, and interactive demonstrations, can effectively showcase the design's functionality and aesthetics. Additionally, emphasizing user feedback and iterations helps to demonstrate the design's development and refinement. Ultimately, the presentation should convey not only the design's features but also its value and relevance to the users and stakeholders.

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

CL : My ultimate goal as a designer is to create meaningful and impactful experiences that improve people's lives. I strive to design solutions that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive and emotionally resonant. By deeply understanding users' needs and behaviors, I aim to innovate and push the boundaries of what design can achieve, contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and user-centered world.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

CL : Design helps create a better society by addressing real-world problems, fostering inclusivity, and promoting sustainability. Thoughtful design can improve accessibility, making products and services usable for people of all abilities. It can also drive social change by creating solutions that enhance quality of life, from healthcare innovations to educational tools. Furthermore, sustainable design practices reduce environmental impact, contributing to a healthier planet. By prioritizing human-centered and responsible design, we can build a more equitable, connected, and sustainable society.

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

CL : In the coming years, I'd like to see the design industry embrace greater diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that voices from all backgrounds are represented and considered in the design process. Additionally, I hope for a stronger emphasis on sustainability, with designers prioritizing eco-friendly materials and practices to mitigate environmental impact. Finally, I would like to see more interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from various fields to create more innovative and holistic solutions that address complex global challenges.

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

CL : The design field is heading towards greater integration with advanced technologies like AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality, creating more immersive and personalized user experiences. There will be a stronger focus on sustainability, with designers adopting eco-friendly practices and materials to address environmental concerns. Additionally, design will become more inclusive and human-centered, emphasizing diversity and accessibility to ensure that products and services cater to a broader range of users.

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

CL : When I have a new design project, I start with understanding the problem and the users. This involves conducting thorough research to gather insights about user needs, behaviors, and pain points. I then define clear objectives and constraints for the project. Engaging with stakeholders to understand their perspectives and requirements is also crucial. With this foundation, I move on to brainstorming and ideation, exploring various concepts and approaches before refining the best solutions through prototyping and testing. This user-centered approach ensures that the design is both effective and impactful.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

CL : My life motto as a designer is "Design with empathy, innovate with purpose." This means always prioritizing the needs and emotions of users while pushing the boundaries of creativity to create meaningful and impactful solutions. By keeping empathy at the core of my process and focusing on purposeful innovation, I strive to make a positive difference in people's lives through design.

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

CL : Design both sets the trends and is influenced by them. Designers often lead by introducing innovative concepts and solutions that push boundaries and inspire new directions in various fields. At the same time, they are influenced by emerging trends, societal changes, and technological advancements, which shape their work and drive the evolution of design. This dynamic interplay ensures that design remains relevant and continually evolves to meet the changing needs and desires of society.

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

CL : Technology plays a crucial role in my design process, serving as both a tool and an inspiration. It enables me to create more sophisticated and interactive prototypes, conduct user research with greater precision, and iterate designs more efficiently. Advanced technologies like AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality open new possibilities for innovation, allowing for more immersive and personalized user experiences. Ultimately, technology enhances my ability to solve problems creatively and effectively, making the design process more dynamic and impactful.

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

CL : In my work, I primarily use Figma for its powerful collaborative features and intuitive interface. Additionally, I use Adobe Creative Suite, such as Illustrator for more detailed graphic design tasks. In terms of equipment, I use a high-performance Macbook with a large LG monitor for detailed work, along with a graphics tablet for precision drawing and sketching. These tools and equipment help me create, iterate, and refine designs efficiently and effectively.

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

CL : I wish people would ask about the stories behind my design decisions and the impact I hope to achieve. Understanding the thought process, user research, and challenges involved in a project reveals the depth and purpose behind the design. Additionally, I appreciate when people inquire about how the design addresses specific user needs and contributes to solving real-world problems. These questions foster meaningful discussions about the value and significance of thoughtful, user-centered design.

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

CL : I believe in the beauty of co-design. It is easy to discover innovative ideas when you have fellow designers to brainstorm with, and it is a beautiful feeling when you align on a design direction that you and your designer partners believe that would truly make the world a better place.

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

CL : Receiving awards like the A' Design Award in the Information Technologies and Software Design category is incredibly gratifying and humbling. These recognitions validate the hard work, creativity, and dedication my team and I put into the project. While the recognition is an honor, my primary focus remains on creating meaningful and impactful designs. Being famous isn't the goal; it's about continuously improving and making a positive difference through design. Balancing recognition with the ongoing pursuit of innovation and user-centered solutions is key to staying grounded and motivated.

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

CL : My favorite color is black as of now as black has a profound philosophy to it. When you go out into space, the space looks black. When you close your eyes, what you see is black. Nietzsche said “when you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you.” Abyss is black as well. I believe the majority of text, the primary mode of communication for people nowadays, is also black. Although black is oftentimes not a glorified color, I find that black reflects the philosophy that should be glorified, which is that there is still much to explore in today’s world even though many innovations look like they are figured out in today’s society. As a designer, when I feel stuck, I look at the night sky that is black and remind myself that there is still much to explore, and that there are still areas to be innovated.

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

CL : What makes my day great as a designer is seeing my work positively impact users' lives and solving real problems. Witnessing users interact with my designs and hearing their feedback is incredibly rewarding. I motivate myself by staying curious and continuously learning new skills and techniques. Collaborating with talented colleagues and drawing inspiration from diverse sources also keeps me energized. Ultimately, the drive to create meaningful and innovative solutions fuels my passion and keeps me motivated every day.

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

CL : Imagining a thousand years into the future is both fascinating and challenging. I envision a world where technology and design are deeply integrated into every aspect of life, creating seamless and intuitive interactions. Advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable practices will likely lead to remarkable improvements in health, environment, and quality of life. Society might become more interconnected and inclusive, with design playing a pivotal role in addressing global challenges and fostering innovation. While it's hard to predict specifics, the focus on empathy, sustainability, and innovation will continue to drive progress, shaping a future that is more advanced and humane.

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

CL : I want my fans to know that my design philosophy is rooted in empathy and a deep commitment to improving people's lives. Every project I undertake is driven by a desire to understand and solve real user problems, making technology more accessible, intuitive, and impactful. Beyond design, I'm passionate about continuous learning and exploring new ideas, which keeps my work fresh and innovative. I believe in the power of collaboration and diversity, drawing inspiration from different perspectives and experiences. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing this journey of creating meaningful and transformative designs together.