Huiyu Wang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Huiyu Wang ("HW") 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?

HW : I studied architecture at Penn State University, which provided a strong foundation in design principles, aesthetics, and functionality, later transitioning into digital design and user experience.

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

HW : I am motivated by the challenge of solving problems creatively and the opportunity to enhance user experiences through intuitive and visually appealing designs.

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

HW : I chose to become a designer, driven by my passion for merging aesthetics with functionality and my interest in technology and user interaction.

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

HW : I design mobile applications and digital experiences, and I wish to design more projects that integrate emerging technologies like augmented reality and AI.

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

HW : Young designers should stay curious, continuously learn, build a strong portfolio, seek feedback, and prioritize user experience in their designs.

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

HW : A great designer not only creates visually appealing and functional designs but also deeply understands user needs and consistently innovates to enhance user experiences.

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

HW : A really good design balances functionality, usability, and aesthetics, creating a seamless and enjoyable user experience that effectively solves a problem.

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

HW : Good design enhances user satisfaction, improves functionality, and can drive business success by making products more appealing and user-friendly.

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

HW : I would design a comprehensive digital platform for enhancing productivity and well-being, aimed at individuals seeking to balance their personal and professional lives.

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

HW : My dream project is to create a holistic digital ecosystem that integrates various aspects of daily life, from health and fitness to work and leisure, in a seamless experience.

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

HW : My secret recipe for success is a user-centric approach combined with continuous learning and a passion for innovation.

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

HW : I am inspired by Dieter Rams for his "less but better" philosophy and Jonathan Ive for his innovative work at Apple.

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

HW : I admire Dieter Rams' designs for their simplicity and functionality and Jonathan Ive's work for its elegance and user-centered innovation.

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

HW : My greatest design is Handy, a mobile app that combines functionality with creativity, empowering indie artists and providing users with unique customization options.

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

HW : People can improve by continuously learning, seeking feedback, practicing their craft, and staying curious. I focused on expanding my skills and gaining diverse experiences.

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

HW : If I hadn’t become a designer, I might have pursued a career in architecture or technology, fields that also combine creativity and problem-solving.

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

HW : Design is the process of creating solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing user experiences and solving problems effectively.

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

HW : My biggest supporters have been my family, mentors, and my dedicated team at FAT, who have always encouraged and inspired me.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HW : Continuous learning, seeking feedback, collaborating with talented individuals, and maintaining a user-centric approach helped me become a great designer.

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

HW : I faced challenges such as balancing creativity with functionality, keeping up with technological advancements, and overcoming self-doubt and criticism.

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

HW : Designers should present their work clearly and confidently, highlighting the problem-solving aspects, user benefits, and the design process behind their creations.

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

HW : My next project involves enhancing Handy with new features and exploring a social app designed for teenagers, integrating AR and AI technologies.

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

HW : My ultimate goal is to create designs that significantly enhance user experiences, making technology more intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable.

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

HW : People expect innovative, user-centric designs that push boundaries and set new standards for functionality and aesthetics.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HW : Design improves society by solving problems, enhancing usability, and creating more efficient and enjoyable experiences in everyday life.

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

HW : I am particularly excited about developing new features for Handy and creating a social app for teenagers that leverages emerging technologies.

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

HW : Handy has given me the most satisfaction because it empowers indie artists, provides users with unique customization options, and successfully blends functionality with creativity.

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

HW : I would like to see a greater emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that designs are environmentally friendly and accessible to all users.

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

HW : The design field is headed towards greater integration of emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR, making user experiences more immersive and personalized.

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

HW : The time to finalize a design project varies, typically ranging from a few weeks for simpler projects to several months for more complex ones.

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

HW : I start with thorough research and understanding the project's goals, target audience, and user needs, followed by brainstorming and sketching initial concepts.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HW : My life motto as a designer is "Design with empathy, innovate with purpose."

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

HW : Design often sets the trends by pushing boundaries and introducing new concepts, but trends also influence design by reflecting changing user preferences and technologies.

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

HW : Technology plays a crucial role in enabling innovation, enhancing functionality, and providing new tools and methods to create more effective and engaging designs.

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

HW : I use design software like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, and AutoCAD, along with a high-performance computer, graphics tablet, and various testing devices.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

HW : Color, materials, and ambient play a critical role in creating the desired mood, enhancing usability, and ensuring the design is visually appealing and cohesive.

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

HW : I wish people would ask about the thought process and user research behind my designs, as these aspects are crucial to creating effective solutions.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

HW : When I see a new great design, I think about the problem it solves, the innovation it represents, and how it enhances the user experience.

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

HW : My ideal design partner is someone who shares a passion for innovation and user-centric design. Yes, I believe in co-design as it brings diverse perspectives and enhances creativity.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

HW : Mentors, colleagues, and users who provide valuable feedback have had the most influence on my design, helping me grow and improve.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

HW : Books like "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman and "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug have significantly influenced my approach to design.

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

HW : I developed my skills through continuous learning, hands-on experience, seeking feedback, and staying curious about new trends and technologies.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

HW : I would love to meet and discuss with Dieter Rams, whose design philosophy and work have greatly inspired me.

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

HW : Awards and recognition are gratifying and validating, but staying grounded and continuously striving to improve is essential.

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

HW : My favorite color is blue, my favorite place is New York City, I love sushi, my favorite season is spring, my favorite thing is my sketchbook, and my favorite brand is Apple.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

HW : I never knew the dollar sign $ is being used in many countries representing different currency with entirely different value, until some angry users sent me emails about the wrong amount of money.

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

HW : A productive brainstorming session or positive feedback from users makes my day great. I stay motivated by focusing

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

HW : When I was a child, it wasn't obvious that I would become a designer, but I was always deeply interested in drawing, building things, and exploring how objects worked. My curiosity and creativity were evident early on, setting the foundation for my future career in design.

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

HW : Looking a thousand years into the future, I envision a world where technology and design are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life, creating environments that are highly adaptive, sustainable, and responsive to human needs. Advances in AI, biotechnology, and space exploration could revolutionize how we live, work, and interact with our surroundings, making daily life more efficient and enriching. I also hope that design will continue to emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and the well-being of all individuals, fostering a harmonious and balanced relationship between humanity and the planet.

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

HW : I want my fans to know that my work is driven by a deep passion for creating designs that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and impactful. I believe in the power of design to solve real-world problems and enhance everyday experiences. My approach is rooted in empathy, continuous learning, and innovation, always aiming to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. I'm grateful for the support and inspiration from the design community and look forward to continuing this journey of creativity and discovery with all of you.