We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Nhi Ton ("NT").
Nhi Ton is currently Fellowship Product Design student at the University of the Arts. Having the Business Management background, she came to the USA to pursue her dream about art and design starting from Graphic Design. Her eyes are full of curiosity about learning knowledge. Nhi Ton is very passionate about making things, objects that have different looks but practical. Natures and cultures are the biggest influences on her design philosophy. Therefore, her work is a blend of exploring traditional craft and minimalism with a concentrated focus on user interactions.
Nhi Ton Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Nhi Ton.
Nhi Ton Design - Mobius Pendant Lamp
Designer Interview of Nhi Ton:
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?
NT : Back in Vietnam, I studied business management and got a job in the hospitality field as my parents wanted me to. Yet I did not feel fulfilling, the creative side of me was yearning for more. I came to the US to pursue Art and Design study. I was in Delaware County Community College for two years learning all the Art and Design fundamental classes and then went to The University of the Arts for Master in Product Design. Art and Design help me observe every single object around me more closely and appreciate the beauty in places I did not see before. This new perspective really motivates me to learn how to make this world more enjoyable for others. I love what I am doing and I feel blessed that I found what I love to do. Design has always been my dream.
DI: What is "design" for you?
NT : To me "Design" is to bring something to the users. It could be a functional purpose or it could be an emotional purpose. Design and Product Design in particular to me is a “Cross-pollination” between all disciplines. Wherever you find your curiosity, dive in, and stay longer with your curiosity, the result will be blooming.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
NT : I like material or methodology design where I could explore a certain material or cultural method of making things to learn and evolve it from my understanding to apply to make new products.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
NT : I like natural or self-growing materials. It is fascinating to allow nature to the design process. As a person who appreciates cultures, I also enjoy studying cultural material and craft and how to apply it to a design level.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
NT : When I wander around.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
NT : function, aesthetic, usability
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
NT : Curious, excited, frustrated, excited, surprise, happy. That's why I love design process :)
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
NT : The ultimate goal as a designer is to have more people who enjoy using my products as possible. When my design is realized, I am happy because I know that my design values somehow were seen and what I wanted to deliver through my design was accepted.
DI: What makes a design successful?
NT : If a design can make people's daily life better through its functions or can positively emotionally affect users or simply users enjoy using the products.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
NT : "what does that design speak to me?"
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
NT : Designers have the ability to create products based on their value systems. We, designers, get to decide how to make things or systems to encourage people and change their behaviors, simply choosing the materials, consider product after-life, what to make and what not.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
NT : I think it is a very interesting time to see two parallel directions where the design field is evolving: Sci-Fi High-tech, and back to nature. Also, as we are going through a Covid-19 pandemic, we, designers, get to reflect and think where the design will switch the direction after this to be more responsive to what we are designing.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
NT : My last exhibition was at the AIA center in Philadelphia for my thesis graduation.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
NT : Nature, culture, people. I walk around to see things that I am interested in, and I question, and then find answers through design.
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?
NT : Minimal. I stick to the basics and develop by finding a surprise moment.
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?
NT : I am living in Seoul, South Korea. It is a blessing that I grew up in Asia where I can absorb the historical culture as well as surrounded by various philosophies. Combining that with the knowledge and experiences that I gained during my study in the US, it created so much character in my personality and inform the depth in my designs.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
NT : "Don't be overcomplicated."
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
NT : Observation and asking the right questions to find solutions.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
NT : Balance is key. I make sure to take 15 mins to eat and go out for a walk every day. Sometimes in a project, my thoughts just pouring out when I tried to sleep, I wrote them all down, otherwise, I would stay up all night.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
NT : It depends on the timeline.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
NT : "Why should this product exist?"
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
NT : Research and experimentation
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
NT : I just moved to South Korea so I am hopeful to get a job in the Design field where I can apply what I learned and grow more in design.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
NT : I do both. I had several team projects and I learned a lot from my teammates as well as team management skill. Although I enjoy develop design myself, I usually discuss with my peers for feedback or opinions. Design does not happen in a vacuum.
DI: How can people contact you?
NT : Email: nhiton163@gmail.com