We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Calvin Sio Kai Tong ("CSKT").

‘Design makes no wasted’ is the merit of Hylé Design Macau, we always believe every existence is born with specific value, even it is disuse. By adhering this philosophy we prioritize environmental protection in products development, we reuse the materials from wastes generated in manufacturing factories and give them new life through design, resulting to cut down the cost of new materials order and eventually economize the cost of manufacturing and create value for both manufacturers and customers.

Calvin Sio Kai Tong Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Calvin Sio Kai Tong.

Designer Interview of Calvin Sio Kai Tong:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

CSKT : I like to draw since I was young, especially Chinese paintings. When I grew up I still hope to focus on the creative field, therefore I decide to choose product design as my major in university. During my study I was introduced to a concept of universal design and that deeply touched my heart, that sparked my aim to follow the path by consistently creating friendly design.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

CSKT : I started Hylé Design in 2014, I’m always inspired by my hometown, Macau, which is a city with rich culture background. There are different unique aesthetics and details that lied in the place that I hope to share with the world, along with the intention to excite and benefit the society, eventually more people will know the place and its creativity.

DI: What is "design" for you?

CSKT : A process to improve and create a better life. Sometimes it appears as a challenge to be overcome, a forum to raise discussion or a game to inspire interesting ideas, its a companion that you’d hope to stay with it always.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

CSKT : I’m a product designer, my works are focus on products but different aspects of design are important to me, like graphic, space and architect.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

CSKT : I consider a design is good as long as it has a great concept behind, yet my favorite ones are always universal and sustainable works, they showcase and respect nature at the same time.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

CSKT : Its a cart designed for farmers in the village, in order to ease their workload and solve their problems.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

CSKT : I like materials that carry characteristics of long lasting and warmth, I’ve been choosing wood and copper for my products, people can touch and feel the temperature and texture on the surface.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

CSKT : Midnight, especially when I was listening to Music.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

CSKT : I care about the original ideas, whether they are interesting, innovative and environmental friendly, especially what kinds of benefits can be brought to the target users.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

CSKT : Angry, sleepness, frustrated……haha, after all these are the excitement and satisfaction.

DI: What makes a design successful?

CSKT : It can fulfill the objectives.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

CSKT : I consider few points: 1) whether this design can achieve its goal to the target customers ; 2) the potential to develop further ; 3) How long do I want to keep it.

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

CSKT : Discover problems, have them revealed and fixed as much as we can, eventually creating better experience.

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

CSKT : Good design is like nutrient for creative professions as well as the society, the field is greatly potential and will be ongoing to expand, I believe undoubtedly we will grow with technology and virtual world, but still people can’t live without real experiences. Diversity and innovation will always make design field surprising and attractive.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

CSKT : Movies, great meals, plants.

DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

CSKT : I live in Macau, a city mixed with valuable heritages and old streets. Despite the iconic name of casino city, many parts of the place still remain traditional and attractive. I hope to share the experience I felt here, cultural, quite and simple.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

CSKT : If you can’t find what you’re looking for, make it you self.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

CSKT : Observe and think.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

CSKT : Curiosity, Patience, Passion.

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

CSKT : Why do you want to be a designer; as the world changes the answer is never the same.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

CSKT : Designer, Artist, Shutterbug, Electronic Fans

DI: How can people contact you?

CSKT : Facebook and Instagram: @hyledesignmacau