We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative HAI WON JUNG ("HWJ").
HAI WON JUNG is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
HAI WON JUNG Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by HAI WON JUNG.
Designer Interview of HAI WON JUNG:
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?
HWJ : I do not have a formal background in design. My primary role has been as a product planner in a company. However, I was inspired to create a special piece, a prayer bracelet, for my mother who suffered from a cerebral infarction. This personal project, driven by love and hope for her recovery, marked my foray into design. My passion and determination to see this project through to fruition made me realize the potential impact of thoughtful design.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HWJ : I work for a company as a product planner. My role involves establishing clear concepts and directions for products and services, and then bringing these ideas to life. While I do not run a design studio, my work often intersects with design principles, especially in conceptualizing products that resonate with users.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HWJ : For me, design is about creating meaningful and functional pieces that connect emotionally with people. It is the process of turning an abstract idea into a tangible reality that can have a profound impact on someone's life, much like the prayer bracelet I designed for my mother.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HWJ : I am particularly drawn to designing products that carry a deep personal significance or serve a meaningful purpose. Items that can offer comfort, hope, or practical benefits to their users are especially fulfilling to design.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HWJ : My favorite design is the "Korean Peninsula's Prayer Bracelet," which I created for my mother. This bracelet is not just a piece of jewelry; it embodies my prayers for her health and recovery. The design integrates the form of the Korean Peninsula and the essence of prayer beads, symbolizing a blend of cultural heritage and personal faith.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HWJ : As a product planner, my first design-related project involved conceptualizing a new product line that aligned with market trends and consumer needs. This project honed my skills in turning abstract ideas into viable products.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
HWJ : I enjoy working with materials that have both aesthetic appeal and functional properties. For the prayer bracelet, materials that conveyed both durability and a sense of serenity were crucial.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HWJ : I feel the most creative when I am working on projects that are deeply personal and meaningful. The urgency and emotional connection drive my creativity, pushing me to explore innovative solutions and designs.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HWJ : I focus on the emotional impact and functionality of the design. It is important that the end product not only looks good but also serves its intended purpose effectively and connects with the user on a personal level.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HWJ : Designing fills me with a sense of purpose and passion. It is a mix of excitement, hope, and determination, especially when I know the design could significantly impact someone's life, as was the case with the prayer bracelet for my mother.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HWJ : When my designs are realized, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. It is incredibly rewarding to see an idea take shape and to know that it can bring comfort or joy to others.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HWJ : A design is successful when it meets the needs of its users, evokes the intended emotions, and functions as intended. Success also comes from the satisfaction of knowing the design has a positive impact on its intended audience.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HWJ : I consider the functionality and emotional resonance of the design first. A good design should serve its purpose effectively while also connecting with the user on an emotional level.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HWJ : Designers have a responsibility to create products that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and environmentally friendly. They should consider the broader impact of their designs on society and strive to contribute positively to the community and environment.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HWJ : The design field is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and social impact. The future of design lies in creating innovative solutions that address global challenges while enhancing the quality of life.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HWJ : I have not held an exhibition yet, as my work has primarily been focused on specific projects like the prayer bracelet. I am open to the idea of holding an exhibition in the future to showcase my work and connect with a broader audience.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HWJ : My inspiration comes from personal experiences and the desire to create meaningful products. I feed my creativity by staying connected with my cultural heritage, observing the world around me, and staying open to new ideas and perspectives.
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?
HWJ : My design style is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and emotional resonance. This style emerged from my need to create something meaningful and accessible. My approach to design involves deeply understanding the purpose of the product and the needs of its users.
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?
HWJ : I live in Korea, and my cultural heritage significantly influences my designs. The rich history and traditions of Korea inspire me to create designs that are both modern and reflective of my roots. The main advantage is the wealth of inspiration available, while a potential drawback is the need to balance tradition with contemporary trends.
DI: How do you work with companies?
HWJ : I collaborate closely with companies to understand their needs and goals. My role as a product planner involves bridging the gap between conceptual ideas and market-ready products, ensuring that the designs align with the company's vision and strategy.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HWJ : Companies should look for designers who are not only skilled but also passionate and empathetic. It is important to choose designers who understand the company's values and goals and can translate them into effective designs.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HWJ : My design process begins with identifying a clear purpose and concept. I then explore various ideas and materials, prototyping and refining the design until it meets the intended goals. Collaboration and feedback are crucial at every stage to ensure the design is both functional and emotionally impactful.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HWJ : Some of my favorite design items at home include my mother's prayer bracelet, minimalist furniture pieces, functional kitchen tools, a comfortable ergonomic chair, and well-designed lighting fixtures that enhance the ambiance
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
HWJ : A typical day involves a blend of work and personal time. I start my day with planning and organizing my tasks. My work as a product planner involves meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborating with different teams. In the evening, I often spend time on personal projects or relaxing with family.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HWJ : For young designers, I would advise them to stay passionate and curious. Always seek to understand the deeper purpose behind your designs and strive to create products that have a positive impact. Don't be afraid to take risks and learn from your experiences.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HWJ : The positives of being a designer include the ability to bring creative ideas to life and make a tangible impact on people's lives. The challenges include the pressure to constantly innovate and the need to balance creativity with practicality and market demands.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HWJ : My golden rule in design is to create with empathy. Understanding the needs and emotions of the end user is essential for designing products that are both functional and meaningful.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HWJ : Key skills for a designer include creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively. Technical skills in design software and prototyping are also important.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HWJ : My toolbox includes design software for prototyping, various materials for physical models, and books on design and creativity. Inspiration often comes from nature, cultural heritage, and personal experiences.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HWJ : Time management is crucial, and I prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Setting clear goals and breaking down the design process into manageable steps helps ensure that I stay on track and meet project timelines
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HWJ : The time it takes to design an object varies depending on the complexity and purpose. For the prayer bracelet, it took several months from conceptualization to final product, including research, prototyping, and revisions.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HWJ : People often ask me about the inspiration behind my designs and how I translate personal experiences into tangible products
DI: What was your most important job experience?
HWJ : My most important job experience was creating the prayer bracelet for my mother. This project taught me the power of design to convey emotions and provide comfort, reinforcing my passion for creating meaningful products
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HWJ : As a product planner, my clients include various companies seeking to develop innovative products that meet market demands. While I have not worked as a freelance designer, my primary "client" for the prayer bracelet was my mother.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HWJ : I enjoy design work that is deeply personal and meaningful. Projects that have a positive impact on individuals or communities are the most fulfilling for me
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HWJ : My future plans include continuing my work as a product planner while exploring more personal design projects. I aim to create more products that blend cultural heritage with modern functionality.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HWJ : In my role as a product planner, I often work as part of a team. However, for personal projects like the prayer bracelet, I develop the designs myself, seeking feedback from family and friends along the way.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
HWJ : Currently, I am exploring the concept of creating a line of jewelry that combines traditional Korean elements with modern design. This project is in the early stages, but I am excited about its potential.
DI: How can people contact you?
HWJ : People can contact me through my email or professional social media profiles. I am always open to connecting with others who share a passion for meaningful design.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
HWJ : I would like to emphasize the importance of passion and persistence in design. No matter the challenges, staying true to your vision and continuously striving to improve will lead to fulfilling and impactful work.