Ruoyong Hong

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ruoyong Hong ("RH") 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?

RH : I began my academic journey in urban and architectural design at Peking University, and later pursued further education in the United States. I earned a Master's degree in Media Design Practice from the ArtCenter College of Design, which set the stage for a fulfilling career with leading global entities, including Stanford's Innovation Lab, Collective Future, and Bosch. At Bosch, in the realm of mobility, I significantly contributed to the creation of the L2+ Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) design guidelines—a pioneering effort in the industry. My leadership in this project was pivotal to Bosch's strategy in the pre-installed ADAS market, which achieved a valuation of several billion dollars in China by 2022. My designs have markedly improved safety and user satisfaction in vehicles equipped with this system, benefiting thousands of Chery customers and counting. My role was critical in driving the evolution and enhancement of Bosch's product offerings in this sector. I was also instrumental in the development and launch of the Smart Life platform. This initiative not only achieved widespread user adoption but also played a crucial role in the success of the lidar scanning products. My efforts here significantly enhanced Bosch's market standing and broadened its influence, largely due to the success of the Smart Life products. These experiences have not only showcased my capability to make substantial contributions but have also deepened my understanding of the industry's intricate and evolving nature. I am eager to leverage my expertise to drive innovation and contribute to significant projects that will influence the future of design and technology.

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

RH : From a young age, I've been profoundly interested in design and technology. This interest spurred me to study urban and architectural design at university, focusing on the interaction between humans and their environments. However, as technology evolved, my fascination shifted towards the digital landscape and its endless possibilities. This shift fueled my desire to use my creative talents to develop solutions that benefit society. Driven by a commitment to use design and technology for social good, I have dedicated myself to creating impactful and meaningful experiences that enhance people’s lives. This dedication has guided my professional path, motivating me to find innovative ways to apply design principles in ways that positively affect society.

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

RH : My design ambitions are deeply rooted in creating intelligent products and enhancing communication. I am committed to the principle that design and technology should be respectful and accessible to all, irrespective of their abilities or backgrounds. By concentrating on intelligent solutions, my goal is to empower individuals, ensuring that everyone can meaningfully interact with products and services. Moreover, I view intelligent product design as a crucial medium for societal communication. Design holds the tremendous potential to shape perceptions, dismantle barriers, and drive positive societal changes. Through my efforts, I aim to tackle technology challenges and devise solutions that leave a significant and enduring impact on the development of the intelligent product for the human being.

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

RH : Several factors are pivotal in determining the excellence of a design. Among these, empathy is paramount for me. Understanding the purpose and the audience for whom the design is intended is essential. A design that exhibits deep empathy for its users, along with a robust understanding of the technology it leverages, reflects the designer's passion and dedication. Furthermore, attention to detail is critical in assessing the quality of a design. The careful consideration of every element, from the broad composition to the minutest details, significantly enhances a design's excellence. It's the thoughtful execution and sharp attention to detail that contribute to the cohesiveness and refinement of the final design solution.

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

RH : The value of good design lies in its ability to redefine the boundaries of emerging technologies, particularly in the realm of intelligent products. When the functionalities and potential of a new technology are not widely understood, well-crafted design can showcase the best possibilities and spark the imagination regarding how the technology can benefit humanity. This, in turn, encourages adoption and emulation, setting a standard that propels industries and societies toward beneficial advancements. Investing in good design is crucial as it not only promotes innovation but also directs the development of technology in ways that positively impact society.

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

RH : My most accomplished design to date is Wel AI, a personal AI email assistant that utilizes advanced large language model (LLM) technology. This design has garnered international recognition, earning a Gold Award at the Indigo Design Awards, Silver Awards at both the Muse and Vega Awards, and a Bronze A’Design Award. These accolades not only underscore the excellence of the design but also validate the innovative approach and thoughtfulness behind Wel AI. What sets Wel AI apart is its dynamic capability to adapt and evolve with its users, illustrating the expansive potential of future AI products. The journey of Wel AI, from an early concept developed before the enabling technology was fully mature, to a sophisticated product with comprehensive technological integration, has been profoundly fulfilling. It is exhilarating to witness how Wel AI has progressed and how it continues to influence the AI product landscape.

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

RH : My next design initiative involves continuing to evolve the award-winning "Wel-AI" project. My focus remains on enhancing this platform to empower users by integrating cutting-edge intelligent technology seamlessly into their daily lives. My design philosophy centers on fostering respectful and effective communication—not only between individuals but also between individuals and society as a whole. Moving forward, you can expect my projects to further this mission, aiming to create more intuitive and impactful interactions through design. This dedication to meaningful innovation is what drives my work, aspiring to set new standards in how technology facilitates human connections.

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

RH : Reflecting on my career, the design projects that have given me the most satisfaction are those that have had a significant, measurable impact. Particularly, the projects I led at Bosch, such as the intelligent vehicle system, the internet-connected vehicle, and the L2+ ADAS system guidelines, stand out due to their broad influence and recognition. These projects not only resonated within the organization but also made a lasting impression on the wider industry. A great source of satisfaction came from their public recognition, including acknowledgments by leaders at national exhibitions and positive receptions from industry peers who valued the innovation and practicality of my designs. The extensive media coverage and social media engagement these projects received amplified their impact, enabling them to reach and influence a larger audience. Additionally, the accolades and awards these projects garnered validated the effort invested and affirmed their excellence. Moreover, these initiatives played a crucial role in driving business growth, directly contributing to the organization’s objectives and success. The tangible results and the positive effect on the company’s bottom line provided immense satisfaction. Seeing firsthand the growth and success fueled by these projects confirmed the value and effectiveness of my designs. Ultimately, the projects that have brought me the most satisfaction are those that have not only achieved public acclaim and industry recognition but also contributed significantly to the growth and success of the organization. It’s the knowledge that my work has made a meaningful difference both internally and externally that is truly rewarding and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of design.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RH : Think through making

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

RH : In my design practice, technology plays a critical role, especially as I focus on designing intelligent products. The underlying technology, particularly AI, provides a clear framework for understanding user enablement. My role is to translate these technical capabilities into accessible and effective communication methods for humans. Moreover, AI serves as a powerful tool and assistant in my design work, enhancing my creativity and efficiency. The use of AI-enabled digital tools has significantly improved my productivity, and I believe these advancements are beneficial for anyone in the design field.

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

RH : For designing and prototyping, I primarily use digital tools like Figma and ProtoPie. Miro is my go-to platform for brainstorming and documenting design ideas. Additionally, AI tools like GPT and Midjourney are integral to my toolkit, enhancing my efficiency and helping me to iterate designs more effectively.

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

RH : I hope people ask about the insights that drive my design decisions and how I envision the future through my designs. Understanding the thought process behind my work and discussing potential future trends are conversations I find incredibly enriching and informative.

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

RH : I thoroughly enjoy collaborating in the design process and believe that co-design is invaluable. There is no single "ideal design partner" for me; each partnership brings a unique perspective that enriches the project. I value flexibility and openness in collaborations, striving to learn from others and contribute my own insights, creating a synergistic environment.

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

RH : Receiving numerous awards is certainly exhilarating, but it also marks the beginning of new challenges and responsibilities. These accolades are not just recognitions of past achievements but also reminders of the obligation to continue contributing meaningfully to design, particularly in areas of inclusion and accessibility. While the awards are affirmations of my work’s impact, they also spur me on to pursue further improvement and innovation. My passion for creating inclusive and accessible designs is what drives me forward, not the fame that comes with the awards.