We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Hongyu Wu ("HW").
Hongyu Wu is an industrial designer who provides high-end delightfulness. He focus on user experiece and building the emotional connection between products and audiences, delivering elegant and modest solutions with craftsmanship. He has multiple internship experiences in the top design consultants including Frog Design. Hongyu is now studying in Royal College of Art and is one of the winner of the RCA Grandchallege 2023/24.
Hongyu Wu Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Hongyu Wu.
Hongyu Wu Design - Bipro Smart Fitness Device
Designer Interview of Hongyu Wu:
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?
HW : I am currently a student in the RCA Design Products program. Before entering university, I didn't have much interest or knowledge in design. However, after accidentally entering the industrial design major, I became deeply attracted by the combination of technology and aesthetics. I also discovered my potential in design, which has driven me to advance in this field.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HW : To me, design is more like a "language," and designers are the "translators." It is a discipline about how designers translate technology and concepts into tangible entities that are easy to read and use.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HW : I enjoy behavior-driven design, which tests a designer's insight. It also reflects how we analyze individuals, society, and even the entire world.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HW : My favorite design is Sony's QUALIA 004 SXRD projector. It is a perfect combination of technology and design aesthetics. Its appearance and performance further illustrate that design should be a discipline aimed at a better future.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HW : I believe I am most creative when I travel. Observation is also an art, and practicing and studying design have given me sharper insights. Therefore, the sights and sounds during my travels always spark new ideas in me. There's an old Chinese saying, "Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles," which highlights the importance of going out to experience and observe the world.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HW : The handling of details is an important indicator of a designer's ability. People often think minimalist products are easy to design, but it is often the subtle proportions, finishing, even a round corner that determine whether a design can maintain lasting appeal.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HW : The design process is a combination of pain and joy. A good design is not achieved overnight; it is born through continuous rejection and retrying. An excellent design carries a massive amount of thought and practice from the designer.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HW : That sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HW : Keen eyes for observation, piles of research stacked like walls on the desk, calloused hands, and a heart that is always passionate.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HW : I believe that the foundation of good design is strong functionality, but what truly makes a design successful is whether it can touch people's hearts, be it through its appearance or user experience.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HW : The responsibility of designers is expanding. We shouldn't just focus on how to make individual lives better, but rather on how to make communities and the world better.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HW : Utilizing cutting-edge technology effectively in design remains a major trend in the field. However, as people's living standards improve, everyone seeks satisfaction beyond material needs. This demands that designers further enhance experience and emotional design, integrating the joy of use into every aspect of the user experience.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HW : Last exhibition was at Royal College of Art. My next exhibition will at the London Design Festival (LDF) next.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
HW : I have always believed there is a passionate child within me. The interaction and fun in design have always been my focus. I enjoy designing from behaviors. Playing with words is my unique design method—I like to randomly combine verbs and nouns. Some combinations may seem strange, but often, unique concepts are hidden within those seemingly odd phrases.
DI: How can people contact you?
HW : Through social media and email