Johnny Jiasheng Chen

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Johnny Jiasheng Chen ("JJC") 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?

JJC : A Taiwan-born, Los Angeles-based industrial / product designer. I trained as an industrial and graphic designer, earning a BFA in Product Design from Ming Chuan University (2017), gaining Master’s-level research experience in Industrial Design from Taiwan Tech (2018), and completing a Master of Design degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2022).

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

JJC : My goal is to dedicate my creations to society, nature, the environment, and human interactions, providing an innovative and alternative perspective on our current stage. The designs/ arts can remind us that there are always different alternatives, solutions, and perspectives when navigating the constantly changing world. For me, designers are “Dreammakers” who reflect on the past, comprehend the present, and envision the future, those who balance dreams and reality. Be able to create things that are beautiful, innovative, and benefit humanity. It is like a superpower that motivates me.

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

JJC : I believe that only when you genuinely enjoy something can you excel at it. Being a designer is one of the best choices I made, and I am really good at it.

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

JJC : Speculative design and conceptual design are my favorites. The works that no one had previously imagined or created. Currently, in lighting design, I focus on creating designs that incorporate technology.

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

JJC : Understand and learn what kind of design skills you excel at, focus on them, expand your expertise, be active, and put them into practice.

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

JJC : The willingness to do extra work outside of your career, do you care about the design community? Are you willing to put yourself out there, showcasing new designs or new ideas?

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

JJC : Creativity, Usability, Aesthetic Quality, Innovation, Execution, etc.

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

JJC : A good design is a good system. It benefits everything, from appearance and user experience to materials, sustainability, and business model, among others. Good design is what everyone wants.

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

JJC : Innovative design or speculative design, for companies or concept design competitions.

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

JJC : A design that reflects a social issue, which can turn into a whole interactive exhibition.

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

JJC : Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan

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

JJC : Charles and Ray Eames’ Eames Molded Plywood Chairs, it was an excellent example of how new technology meets aesthetics. It is how design should work.

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

JJC : “Plan B” it is a design system across digital and physical products that can track different environmental elements to help people understand their surroundings. It is a project that addresses environmental issues in an innovative and alternative approach.

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

JJC : Research, reach out, and be active.

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

JJC : I will be a biologist.

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

JJC : It is a tool and method that improves things in all aspects. Design is in everything for me.

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

JJC : My family inspired me when I was young and supported me in exploring my career internationally.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JJC : Seeking the essence of design

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

JJC : Figuring out the goals to move forward, balancing between the practical and artistic aspects of oneself, and understanding how the design industry operates.

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

JJC : With thorough research, a well-crafted presentation, stunning images, detailed prototypes, and good language skills.

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

JJC : Forenext Design Studio will remain focused on objects with unique insights, providing a refreshing alternative to existing items or brand-new products.

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

JJC : Develop a design philosophy and create meaningful designs that benefit humanity and promote sustainability.

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

JJC : From my point of view, keep generating new designs and make more noise.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JJC : Design is an element that can be applied to every aspect of life, from the materials used for daily objects to the services we receive from digital devices, and even the architectural structures. It is everywhere; it just depends on how people integrate it.

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

JJC : Conducting innovation research while figuring out an idea can be effective.

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

JJC : Project “Wooden Glass” was a project with a large amount of research and experimentation, and the outcome was great. It won awards, and people recognized the piece.

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

JJC : Looking forward to the AI industry bringing back a new wave of physical product design boom.

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

JJC : It is awaiting the development of the AI industry and looks forward to a new era.

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

JJC : The duration of the project depends on its depth and required development stage, ranging from one to six months.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JJC : Every designed object is a convex ideological mirror, amplifying the minds and practices of its creators.

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

JJC : It works both ways. However, this is an era of individuality, and trends and designs may not be easy to predict.

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

JJC : Technology is a fundamental element in all my designs.

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

JJC : Industrial design software, such as Rhino, SolidWorks, and Creo, as well as 2D design tools, are essential, along with sketching and digital ideation.

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

JJC : With my experience as a graphic designer, commercial product designer, and lighting designer, these elements, along with many others, are fundamental. They are necessary considerations for every design.

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

JJC : I want them to ask why it is so unique and discuss its meaning and purpose.

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

JJC : Why the form factors? Why the materials? What’s the technology? What’s the purpose?

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

JJC : I have a great team of people, each with a different background. I am 100% a teamworker. I believe that working with a team can take you to a higher level.

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

JJC : My professor is at my grad school and university.

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

JJC : “Design for A Better World” by Don Norman. It provides various points on how we should rethink the existing system.

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

JJC : I have taught myself various skills in multiple design fields and engaged in numerous design-related projects, both at work and outside of work. Design is not only about acquiring a wide range of skills, but also about applying them in the real world.

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

JJC : I would like to discuss humanity and human nature with great philosophers from history.

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

JJC : Yes, it is hard. However, the reason I received achievements is solely based on the process, goals, and effort I put into creating a design that I think is suitable for humans. It is not the other way around; I suppose getting famous does not guarantee you can make good designs. The more you want something, the harder it becomes.

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

JJC : Silver, lakes in the mountains, Asian food, Fall, sculpture, and Apple.

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

JJC : There were always times when we spent a lot of time elevating unnecessary objects, making them polished, high-tech, and luxurious. But in the end, we realized it was totally not going to work, such as a high-tech toilet that can collect poop samples and analyze them.

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

JJC : When I encounter a project that I enjoy and focus on intensely, I often lose track of time. I set up goals and push myself to finish them.

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

JJC : Yes, it was. From my father, my growing environment, and my interest in art and design. I made up my mind clearly to be an industrial designer in high school.

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

JJC : Hope is what I think about the future. I believe our society will continue to grow and become increasingly advanced. Like those sci-fi movies but better, because humans are good at solving problems, and we will eventually create an equal and sustainable world.

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

JJC : Keep moving forward, try to do something innovative every day, and stay hybrid.