WHYIXD

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer WHYIXD ("WHYIXD") 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?

WHYIXD : WHYIXD, a rare cross-disciplinary art installation design team in Taiwan, was founded by Yen Po Yeh, Zih Jing Wei and Chieh Lin Chuang in 2011. The team has grown from the initial three members to a cross-disciplinary team of 13 people with diverse backgrounds in art, architecture, visual design, information engineering, electromechanical, and others.

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

WHYIXD : With the core concept of "Future-Nature Synergy," WHYIXD delves into the relationship between the environment and humans through meticulous observations of their surroundings. By experimenting with different materials and technologies, they transcend the limitations of flat visuals, creating new bodily experiences through their installations. Their art depicts inner poetry, conveying subtle emotions that words and images cannot capture in this digital era. Through their works, WHYIXD poses questions that awaken connections to the world around us, inspiring deeper reflection and resonance.

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

WHYIXD : For me, the quality of a piece lies in its ability to spark constructive discussions. Even if it doesn't solve problems directly, if it can inspire people to engage in dialogue and raise questions that resonate, I believe that's the most important thing.

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

WHYIXD : Our dream project is to create our own solo exhibition, where we can build and showcase a unique worldview through our art. We want to invite everyone to come and experience this immersive exhibition, stepping into a world that reflects our vision and creativity.

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

WHYIXD : I believe it is the strength of the team that has enabled these works to be realized so perfectly. I am also very grateful to all the people who have recognized and supported our designs along the way. Their belief in us has provided us with ample creative space and substantial support.

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

WHYIXD : We are currently developing multiple design projects simultaneously, some of which have been in progress for several years. These works will continue to focus on presenting natural information through physical installations. You can expect to see innovative and thought-provoking designs that blend technology and nature, creating immersive experiences that resonate deeply with our audience.

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

WHYIXD : Our ultimate goal as designers is to promote harmony between humans and the environment through innovative and meaningful design, creating lasting value and impact for society. We aim to enhance people's awareness and respect for the natural environment through our design works. Our "electronic landscaping" aesthetic seeks to showcase the beauty and fragility of nature through artistic installations, awakening viewers' environmental consciousness and motivating them to take action. We are committed to designing works that inspire social change and progress, hoping our designs will provoke deep reflection on social issues and promote cultural exchange and cohesion within communities. We believe that design can be a powerful tool for driving social change. We strive to continually explore and apply the latest technologies, integrating them with artistic creation to produce unprecedented design works. We are dedicated to experimenting with new materials and technologies in our designs, collaborating with tech material manufacturers to accumulate more inventions and patents, thus driving innovation in the design industry. Our goal is to enable more people to access and appreciate high-quality art. By designing small art installations, we aim to bring our "electronic landscaping" aesthetic into public and home spaces, making art not just exclusive to museums and galleries, but a part of everyday life, enhancing people's quality of life and aesthetic appreciation.

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

WHYIXD : As intermediaries, designers wield profound influence over society and the environment. We must assume responsibility for design choices with our professional knowledge, ensuring that our work accurately conveys the correct message to users.

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

WHYIXD : We believe that technology is merely a language of our times. As times change, we can use technology to convey emotions with increasing precision.