We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Kansaranat Pear Nerngchamnong ("KPN").

Inspired by the relationship between humans and design, I am an advocate for Design Thinking. My passion and practice revolve around uncovering the stories behind complex problems and utilizing insights to drive growth and innovation. With my background in both the creative field and operations, I combine skills from both aspects to deliver purposeful solutions. ​Born and raised in Bangkok, I have lived in Bangkok, Thailand; Savannah, Georgia; Melbourne, Australia; and I am now based in New York where I continue to develop my curiosity and immerse myself in a multicultural environment. When I'm not looking for new gummy bears to try, I practice yoga, explore new ideas and inventions, and experiment with dinner recipes.

Kansaranat Pear Nerngchamnong Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Kansaranat Pear Nerngchamnong.

Designer Interview of Kansaranat Pear Nerngchamnong:

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?

KPN : I went to undergrad at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for Film and Television and graduate school at Parsons School of Design for Strategic Design and Management. My passion for storytelling and problem-solving has always been my main driver in everything that I do, and that led me to combine my former training to focus my practice on Design Thinking.

DI: What is "design" for you?

KPN : Design is a way to improve human interactions, and it comes in various forms: whether it's in the form of how human relationships interact with space, how products help improve our daily lives, how design helps communicate, or how design help better services and communities.

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

KPN : I enjoyed the design research and strategy the most. More specifically on the process of design, I enjoyed the research to uncover insights and forming concepts the most. This initial process before landing on the direction/solutions (service design, product design) is what got me excited the most.

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

KPN : A pencil and a paper are my go-to for all the work I do. Before using any software or platform, I always start with sketching, doodling, and writing notes. To me, sketching on paper is what helps me organize my thoughts and make sense of how I want to further the design process.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

KPN : I always find a quiet time at home to lay down, reflect on what I’m currently working on and clear my head. That’s usually when I start forming new ideas/inspiration and feel the most creative.

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

KPN : I focus more during the research phase because this aspect helps me discover what users need and design a product/service that will truly benefit them.

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

KPN : I mainly feel at ease.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

KPN : Excitement, but also nervous because I don’t know how people will respond to it.

DI: What makes a design successful?

KPN : A design that responds to the needs of users. Design can’t just be visually appealing; it has to function well and serve the purpose.

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

KPN : The purpose of the design itself. Does this design serve its purpose? Can it help improve the user's experience?

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

KPN : I think as a designer, we are part of the system (community, organization, the world) and that means we have to think about responsible innovation and consider our contribution because Design plays a big role in shaping the culture.

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

KPN : I think design has become very involved in technology and innovation. I think the future of design will continue to grow and remain heavily involved in technology advancement. Some of the examples can be seen in UX design and service design, and I think as the world continues to change and be influenced by technology, the design field will help bridge the gap between computers and humans.

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

KPN : My inspiration for my works usually comes from three types of sources. Personal interest (or frustration and the need to fix something), my environment (friends, family, a neighbourhood where I live), and the work in the world by others (other designers, products, businesses). I think it’s important to be aware of what’s around you and always stay curious. I think inspiration and creativity stop when you stop learning.

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?

KPN : I’m currently living in New York. I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand before moving to Australia, Savannah (Georgia), and currently based in New York. I am grateful for the opportunity to be immersed in different cultures and it has helped me remain open-minded and continue to improve my growth, personally and professionally.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

KPN : Skills are important. But I think most importantly it’s the designer’s perceptions. The best work often comes from great collaborations. Is this designer easy to communicate with, open to embrace their comfort zone, and willing to work with the company rather than only fulfill the design brief?

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

KPN : I practice the Design Thinking process and use that method when I have the opportunity to integrate that into my work. The Design Thinking process starts from Empathy (putting yourself in customer’s/client’s shoes), Defining the problem/context, Ideate (generate possible ideas and direction), Prototype, and Test your idea.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

KPN : •Coffee table: it functions as a coffee table with the right size/height/surface but it’s also the main furniture piece that makes my apartment feels cozy.•Skylight: This window located in my living room, which provides great sunlight even on a cloudy day. •Blender: Small, easy to clean and doesn’t take up much space. The container to put the ingredients in also serves as a to-go cup.•Bedroom door with curtains: Glass window to let the lights from both bedroom and living room, but can be easily blocked and keep the room dark from the curtain. •Amazon Alexa: Small, convenient, and it ‘meows’ when I say ‘mi amor’.

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

KPN : I always make sure that there are at least 15-20 minutes to sit down, have breakfast, and think about what needs to be done today before I go to work. At the end of the day, I make sure to sit down, reflect, unwind, and connect with loved ones (especially with my sister that is living on the opposite side of the world).

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

KPN : To be a sponge to absorb knowledge and open to new learning.

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

KPN : Empathy. Be empathetic and put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re designing for.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

KPN : Curiosity, flexibility, and empathy. Be empathetic and put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re designing for.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

KPN : Apart from pencil and sketchbook, I use Adobe Creative Suite, Post-Its, sometimes InVision. Most importantly, a good playlist on Spotify.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

KPN : I generally make a list of what elements/layers the work needs to be completed and prioritize. Then I allocate specific time (hours/days) that I will work on each specific element. And make sure I try to factor a time for a good night sleep to continue to have a clear mind on for the next day.

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

KPN : I enjoy both aspects.

DI: How can people contact you?

KPN : Pear.k.n@gmail.com