LiYing Huang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer LiYing Huang ("LH") 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?

LH : I recently graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree two months ago. My education at MICA give me a foundation in both industrial and graphic design, allowing me to explore various aspects of the design field.

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

LH : The ability to solve problems and create beautiful, functional products that enhance people's lives. I became a designer because I have always been passionate about art and creativity, and I love the challenge of turning ideas into tangible solutions. Seeing my designs come to life and make a positive impact on users is incredibly rewarding and drives me to keep innovating.

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

LH : I chose to become a designer. It was a path I felt drawn to from a young age because of my passion for art and creativity. I have always been fascinated by the process of creating and solving problems through design.

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

LH : My work includes a variety of projects, such as the CampCraze camping cookware set and the award-winning ARCstool furniture piece. I also enjoy creating multifunctional and user-friendly products. In the future, I wish to design more sports and outdoor equipment. Given my personal passion for these activities, I find great joy in creating products that enhance the outdoor experience and improve athletic performance.

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

LH : I don't consider myself a legend, but I stay Curious and always be eager to learn and explore new ideas, techniques, and materials.

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

LH : good designer knows what they are doing, has a clear plan, and follows it step by step to achieve their goals. They are reliable, efficient, and produce quality work consistently. A great designer, on the other hand, understands what can be done but is not restrained by traditional steps or rules. They are not afraid to break conventions and push boundaries, bringing a sense of innovation and creativity to everything they do. Great designers see beyond the obvious solutions and are willing to take risks to create something truly unique and impactful. Their ability to think outside the box and challenge norms is what sets them apart.

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

LH : User Satisfaction: Users like it and find it easy and enjoyable to use. Durability: It lasts a long time and holds up well with regular use. Sustainability: It's environmentally friendly, made from sustainable materials, and designed to be reused or upcycled.

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

LH : Good design offers significant value through enhanced user experiences and innovation. By prioritizing good design, companies and individuals can create products and services that not only meet but exceed user expectations. A well-designed product or service is intuitive, functional, and enjoyable to use, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, good design fosters innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

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

LH : If I had the time, I would design a kitchen tools to enhance my dad's cooking experience. This kitchen tool would be designed with ergonomic handles, adjustable heights for different tasks, and intuitive storage solutions for easy access to cooking essentials. The design would prioritize user-friendly features and durable materials to withstand daily use in the kitchen. By creating this product, I aim to make cooking more enjoyable and efficient for my dad, combining functionality with thoughtful design elements tailored to his needs.

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

LH : If I had the opportunity, I would design an outdoor retail store that focuses on customer co-design with an immersive experience. This store would be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a customizable shopping journey where customers can personalize their gear and equipment to fit their specific needs and preferences.

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

LH : Stay curious!

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

LH : Robert Egger, Kenya Hara, Lu Zhirong, Michael Young, Karim Rashid, Marc Newson

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

LH : Robert Egger's Story Bikes stand out to me because of their bold and dynamic design. They combine sleek aesthetics with practical functionality, creating bicycles that not only look impressive but also perform exceptionally well. Egger's attention to detail and innovative approach to bike design make his creations both eye-catching and efficient. Lu Zhirong's cabinet designs infused with Chinese cultural elements also resonate with me. His designs often blend traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, resulting in furniture pieces that are not only functional but also rich in cultural symbolism.

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

LH : My greatest design achievement so far is my thesis project, which involved conducting 20 interviews. What makes this project stand out to me is its comprehensive approach to user research and empathy-driven design. By conducting extensive interviews, I was able to deeply understand the needs, challenges, and desires of my target audience. This informed every aspect of the design process, ensuring that the final product not only met but exceeded user expectations.

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

LH : Stay Curious: Continuously seek new knowledge and inspiration. Explore different design styles, technologies, and trends to stay ahead. Ask Questions: Challenge assumptions and inquire deeply about user needs and preferences. Asking the right questions leads to insights that drive innovative solutions. Empathize with Users: Put yourself in the shoes of the users. Understand their perspectives, challenges, and goals to create designs that truly resonate and solve problems effectively.

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

LH : Become a dancer.

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

LH : Design, for me, is the creative process of transforming ideas and concepts into tangible solutions that address specific needs or problems. It involves thoughtfully considering both form and function to create products, systems, or experiences that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and user-friendly.

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

LH : My educator and my parents.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

LH : Still becoming a great designer.

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

LH : Still becoming a design master.

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

LH : Portfolios.

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

LH : Retail space customer immersive shopping experience store.

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

LH : To make the users happy.

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

LH : No need to expect, we are different individuals.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

LH : Design improves society by creating more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable.

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

LH : I'm currently focused on designing an innovative retail space that transforms the shopping experience into a personalized journey. This project aims to create a dynamic environment where customers can interact with products, customize their purchases, and engage with immersive digital and physical elements. I'm excited about exploring how design can enhance customer engagement, blend online and offline shopping seamlessly, and create memorable experiences that go beyond traditional retail environments.

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

LH : Among my design projects, ARCstool stands out as one that gave me immense satisfaction. The satisfaction stemmed from the challenging process involved in its creation, particularly the meticulous sanding required to achieve the desired finish. Despite the difficulties, overcoming these challenges was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to refine my craftsmanship and attention to detail. Additionally, seeing the final product come to life and knowing that it met both aesthetic and functional goals brought a deep sense of fulfillment.

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

LH : I'm excited about designers increasingly adopting AI to enhance their creative processes. AI can assist in generating design variations, analyzing user data for personalized experiences, and even predicting trends. This integration could lead to more efficient workflows and innovative design solutions.

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

LH : AI assisting designs.

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

LH : months or years.

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

LH : On my sketch book or a piece of paper.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LH : Love and observe nature, drawing inspiration and learning from its beauty.

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

LH : Trends set the designs, especially in fast fashion, but current trends often draw inspiration from designs of past decades.