We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative HanYi Huang ("HH").
Hanyi has a background in Industrial Design (her postgraduate project in Italy won her a Red Dot Design award). Since returning to Taiwan, she has worked in the furniture industry as Creative Director of Shiang Ye - a traditional furniture manufacturer which has focused on B2B business in Taiwan for more than 40 years. She leads their design team of five designers and is in charge of product development and strategy. HanYi has lead the design team winning several international design awards.
HanYi Huang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by HanYi Huang.
Designer Interview of HanYi Huang:
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?
HH : My journey into design was anything but traditional. I studied at Milan's Domus Academy and short My design path unfolded organically. Studying at Milan's Domus Academy and briefly at Central Saint Martins exposed me to a rich tapestry of design philosophies. A pivotal moment was studying Japanese in Kyoto while freelancing – it undeniably enriched my cultural lens. Design, at its core, is about crafting solutions and harmony into everyday objects. This passion has been my guiding force ever since I discovered it.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HH : My design studio is a collaborative space where creativity and practicality converge. I specialize in furniture design, particularly chairs, but our portfolio also includes electronics and automotive projects. Our mission is to merge function and aesthetics across various design disciplines, always prioritizing sustainability and user-centricity.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HH : Design is a bridge that connects different elements, be it people, cultures, or technologies. It’s about finding harmony and reducing divides, creating solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HH : Furniture, especially chairs, holds a special place in my heart. However, I also enjoy branching out into electronics and automotive design, as they challenge me to integrate function and aesthetics in unique ways.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HH : One of my favorite designs is the Slim folding chair for Shiang Ye. This project was particularly satisfying because it prioritized affordability and production efficiency, making it accessible for any family and setting. Seeing it used in the Tokyo 2020 athlete's village was a proud moment.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HH : The first project I designed was a metal-structured stool. It taught me a lot about balancing client needs, manufacturing constraints, and aesthetic goals.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
HH : I have a deep appreciation for sustainable materials. In terms of technology, I find 3D printing valuable for its efficient creation of complex, custom designs.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HH : I feel the most creative during the late night hours when the world is quiet, and my mind is free from distractions. This tranquil time allows me to fully immerse myself in brainstorming and sketching ideas, fostering a deep focus and flow that brings out my best creative work.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HH : I focus on the user experience, ensuring the design is not only functional but also intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. Sustainability and cultural relevance are also key considerations.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HH : I focus on the user experience, ensuring the design is not only functional but also intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. Sustainability and cultural relevance are also key considerations.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HH : Seeing a design come to life evokes a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s rewarding to know that something I created will be used and appreciated by others.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HH : A successful design is one that solves a problem effectively, is aesthetically pleasing, and stands the test of time. It should be user-friendly, sustainable, and adaptable to different environments.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HH : I first consider the functionality and user experience. A design must be practical and intuitive. Aesthetics and sustainability are also crucial factors.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HH : Designers have a responsibility to create solutions that are sustainable and socially responsible. This means considering the environmental impact of materials and processes and designing products that enhance the quality of life for users.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HH : The design field is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, integrating technology, sustainability, and user-centric approaches. The future of design lies in creating adaptable, sustainable solutions that can address global challenges.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HH : My inspiration comes from diverse cultures, nature, and everyday life. I feed my creativity by traveling, reading, and engaging with different art forms. Conversations with other designers and users also provide valuable insights.
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?
HH : My design style is a blend of minimalism and functionality, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. This style allows me to create designs that are both elegant and practical. My approach involves thorough research, user feedback, and iterative prototyping.
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?
HH : My design perspective is deeply influenced by my experience living between Asia and Europe, particularly through my studios in Taiwan and Greece. Taiwan, a global manufacturing hub, fosters a culture of incredible flexibility and rapid prototyping – something I value immensely when exploring new materials and design solutions. Greece, a cradle of civilization, inspires me with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural aesthetics, and emphasis on sustainability – all elements I strive to integrate into my designs.
DI: How do you work with companies?
HH : I work closely with companies, starting with deep conversations to understand their needs and vision. This collaboration continues through the design process, ensuring the final product aligns with their goals and values.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HH : Companies should look for designers who not only have a strong portfolio but also align with their values and vision. Clear communication and mutual respect are key to a successful collaboration.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HH : My design process begins with extensive research and client conversations. This is followed by brainstorming, sketching, and prototyping. Feedback is crucial at every stage, ensuring the design meets all requirements before finalization.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HH : Picking just five favorites is tough! I gravitate towards design that embodies functionality and clean lines. A well-designed lamp that provides good light without being visually overwhelming would be a winner. Similarly, furniture that seamlessly blends form and function is always a favorite. Beyond aesthetics, design that tells a story or reflects a culture always intrigues me. A vintage wrapping paper from a good friend or a handcrafted piece from my travels could definitely make the cut.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
HH : Every day's an adventure! Coffee fuels the mornings, followed by brainstorming with colleagues, client jams on new projects, and then the best part – turning those ideas into sketches, prototypes, or collaborating with tech wizards to make them real. Evenings might be for design events or lectures to keep the inspiration flowing. It's all about juggling creativity, teamwork, and staying on top of design trends!
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HH : Stay curious and never stop learning. Embrace feedback and use it to grow. Always prioritize sustainability and user experience in your designs. Build a strong network and learn from others in the field.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HH : As a designer, deep satisfaction comes from wearing many hats and contributing to the world through impactful solutions. The design field offers a constant learning curve, fostering continuous exploration. However, the pressure to constantly innovate, while invigorating, requires bridging the divide between creative vision and real-world constraints. Ultimately, it's these challenges that make design such a stimulating and rewarding profession.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HH : Design with empathy.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HH : Critical thinking, creativity, communication, and technical skills are all crucial. Additionally, an understanding of sustainability and user experience is essential.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HH : My toolbox includes Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino for 3D modeling, and various prototyping tools. I also rely on sketchbooks for initial ideas and books like "WITHOUT THOUGHT" by Naoto Fukasawa for inspiration.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HH : I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance. Breaking projects into smaller tasks and setting clear milestones helps me stay organized and efficient.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HH : The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the project. It can range from a few weeks for simpler designs to several months for more intricate projects.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HH : The most frequent question I get is probably, "When can we expect the final design?" (smiles) It's a natural reflection of our fast-paced environment and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of delivering high-quality designs efficiently and on time.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
HH : Working on the Slim folding chair for Shiang Ye was pivotal. It taught me the importance of affordability and production efficiency while maintaining high design standards.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HH : I've had the privilege of working with diverse clients, ranging from large corporations to innovative startups. This variety has allowed me to adapt my design approach to different scales and sectors, significantly enriching my experience and expertise.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HH : I don't have a specific favorite type of design work, but I particularly enjoy projects where I can both contribute my expertise and simultaneously learn something new. These projects challenge me to grow as a designer and keep my work dynamic and innovative.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HH : I plan to continue exploring sustainable design solutions and hope to launch a line of locally-crafted, globally relevant furniture.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HH : I work with a talented team of designers and experts. Collaboration is key to achieving the best results, and each team member brings unique strengths to the table.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
HH : I’m currently working on a modular seating system. It’s a project that combines flexibility, sustainability, and modern aesthetics.
DI: How can people contact you?
HH : People can contact me through my website, which has all my contact details and portfolio. I’m also active on LinkedIn and Instagram, where I share updates and insights into my work.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
HH : I’d like to emphasize the importance of cross-cultural experiences in design. My time studying and working in different countries has profoundly shaped my approach to design, fostering a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and ideas.