Yuichiro Katsumoto

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Yuichiro Katsumoto ("YK") 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?

YK : I studied film production as an undergraduate and pursued graduate studies in design thinking and physical computing. After obtaining my PhD, I worked for several years at a research institute specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Currently, I am employed as a university faculty member.

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

YK : I design because I love creating and I have a desire to see new things. I am not sure if the title of "designer" accurately represents my job. However, I engage in iterative processes with intent and purpose to create new forms and formats.

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

YK : I aim to make physical objects behave informationally. Currently, I am designing computer displays using linear objects.

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

YK : I still consider myself to be inexperienced. There is much to learn from others, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. Often, I feel a sense of despair when I witness the accomplishments of young prodigies.

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

YK : A good designer explores the unknown. A great designer shares the fruits of their exploration.

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

YK : As far as my field is concerned, good design should embody innovation in both technology and expression. Moreover, good design reflects the designer's intent and philosophy while addressing the demands of the time and society.

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

YK : Good design shapes the future. Without those who pioneer the future, the world would regress into a dark age. It is essential to invest time and opportunities for exploration.

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

YK : If I could dedicate time to design outside of work, I would like to design a home for my family. I believe that the experimentation involved in this process would also benefit my professional work.

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

YK : I aspire to create a large-scale piece that can be permanently installed in a public space. I am currently preparing for this project.

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

YK : There is nothing but hardship.

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

YK : There are too many predecessors whom I admire so much that no matter how many names I write down, I will leave them out. If I dared to name one, it would be Shigeo Fukuda and Bruno Munari. They have remained free in their approach to design itself.

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

YK : The award-winning work, Hinemosu 30, was made in the great footsteps of predecessors such as Daniel Rozin, Julius Popp and Art+Com. I have never forgotten my respect for them.

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

YK : I always try to make the best work I can and I think I've achieved that. But a lot of people are more pleased with the toys I was making earlier in my career.

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

YK : When I was a student, I used to transcribe books in the library. At that time, I had neither the money to buy books nor the ability to earn money, but I had plenty of time. The knowledge I gained from transcribing books still helps me in my work today.

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

YK : I probably would have been a failed comedian or a member of parliament who could only criticise.

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

YK : Design is about creating new forms and formats through trial and error with intention and purpose.

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

YK : First of all, my family. Without their understanding, I cannot continue my work. Secondly, my friends, my supervisor and senior colleagues from my student days, and my boss and colleagues from my time at the research institute. They helped me when I was struggling. Then the Art Community at SIGGRAPH, who always encourage me to take on my challenges.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

YK : I am not a great designer.

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

YK : As long as I am trying new materials and techniques that are new to me, there are only obstacles in my design process.

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

YK : Any way. I often present my work at international conferences such as SIGGRAPH.

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

YK : I aspire to create a large-scale piece that can be permanently installed in a public space. I am currently preparing for this project.

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

YK : I wish I could keep working until I die.

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

YK : I don't think I am esteemed. I consider that my students think of me as an uncle who complains a lot.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

YK : All design always contributes to creating a good society, as long as we do not shout loudly about the importance of design.

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

YK : Even I get excited when I find new ways of using materials and mechanisms through prototyping.

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

YK : Every project is satisfying because it makes me grow.

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

YK : The design industry should be more involved in education. The only way to increase good design is to increase the number of people who understand design.

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

YK : Now I usually take one to two years to finish a project.

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

YK : Prototyping of core ideas.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

YK : Don't worry, Be Happy.

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

YK : Design is a mirror and window into the zeitgeist.

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

YK : Technology is an integral part of design, both in the past and in the future. For me, the technology of making pencils is equivalent to the technology of making CAD.

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

YK : Anything I need.

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

YK : Furuta Oribe. He was a warlord of the Sengoku period and a great artist. He combined the interest of distortion and error with novelty and beauty.

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

YK : No, I was not. But I loved reading biographies of Edison when I was little.

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

YK : Humans are simply trying out the present in the face of an endless future.

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

YK : I wish everyone to be happy.