We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Button Blessings ("BB").
Amulet button designs seamlessly integrate traditional culture with contemporary aesthetics, fostering a deeper connection between younger generations and temple traditions. These designs serve as both a symbol of faith and a stylish accessory, carrying blessings while enhancing everyday life. By combining cultural heritage with modern functionality, they allow traditional beliefs to be effortlessly woven into contemporary lifestyles, making spirituality more accessible and relevant in today's world.
Button Blessings Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Button Blessings.
Button Blessings Design - Button Blessings Brand Design
Designer Interview of Button Blessings:
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?
BB : I have always been passionate about visual storytelling and how design can communicate ideas beyond words. My background is in visual communication design, where I developed skills in both digital and print media. During my studies and internship experience, I discovered how design can solve real-world problems and create emotional connections. What drew me to become a designer was the desire to bridge tradition and modern life through meaningful visuals. While I didn’t always know I would become a designer, I’ve always been drawn to creativity, and design naturally became the path where I could express that passion and make an impact.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
BB : Button Blessing is a student project team that explores the connection between traditional temple culture and modern design. We redesign deities that represent topics young people care about—such as love, letting go, wealth, and protection—and turn them into button-style amulets. Buttons symbolize both connection and protection, making them a meaningful medium for expressing faith in a contemporary way. Through visual storytelling and thoughtful packaging, we hope to bring traditional beliefs closer to the daily lives of younger generations.
DI: What is "design" for you?
BB : For me, design is a way to solve problems and tell stories. It's not just about making things look good — it's about creating meaningful experiences that connect with people. Design can carry culture, spark emotions, and even build trust. I believe good design should be thoughtful, accessible, and able to communicate something deeper beyond the surface.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
BB : I enjoy designing works that combine storytelling with cultural elements. Projects that involve visual identity, packaging, or interactive experiences are especially exciting to me—especially when I can connect traditional themes with modern aesthetics. I love creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also meaningful and emotionally engaging.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
BB : My favorite design is Button Blessings, a project that transforms traditional faith into a portable and interactive object. I designed button sets inspired by five deities—love, letting go, wealth, fortune, and protection. Each is paired with minimalist graphics and meaningful blessings. The buttons come with story booklets using dragon-scale binding, mimicking temple rooftops. What makes it meaningful to me is how it bridges tradition and modern life, creating a tactile, spiritual experience for young people.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
BB : The first thing I designed for a company was a smartwatch interface during my internship at Garmin’s UI team. I was responsible for creating UI layouts and icon designs under supervision. That experience taught me how to balance design aesthetics with real-world usability and development constraints, which shaped the way I approach interface design today.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
BB : I’m especially drawn to tactile materials like wood and fabric because they bring warmth and texture to a design. I also enjoy working with interactive print formats—such as dragon-scale binding—where storytelling and user experience merge physically and emotionally.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
BB : I feel the most creative when I’m walking alone in a new place, especially in old neighborhoods filled with history. The textures, signs, and everyday rituals often spark unexpected ideas.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
BB : I focus on clarity, emotional connection, and cultural relevance. I believe a good design should be easy to understand, resonate with people, and carry meaning beyond aesthetics.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
BB : I feel a mix of calm focus and quiet excitement. There's a sense of flow when everything starts to come together—especially when a design feels emotionally and culturally meaningful.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
BB : It feels surreal and deeply fulfilling. Seeing an idea move from a sketch to something people can actually use or connect with—it’s like watching a part of yourself come to life.
DI: What makes a design successful?
BB : A successful design solves the right problem while connecting emotionally with its audience. It balances function, aesthetics, and meaning—leaving a lasting impression and making people’s lives a little better.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
BB : I first look at clarity and intention—does the design communicate its message effectively, and is it appropriate for its context? Then I consider usability, visual impact, and how well it aligns with its purpose.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
BB : A designer has the responsibility to create solutions that are not only functional and appealing, but also ethical and sustainable. We shape how people interact with the world—so our work should respect cultural contexts, minimize harm, and inspire positive change.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
BB : The design field is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, sustainability, and user-centered thinking. Designers now integrate digital tools, AI, and data to create more personalized and efficient solutions. The future of design will focus on solving complex social and environmental challenges, promoting inclusivity, and blending physical and digital experiences seamlessly. Design will become more collaborative and interdisciplinary, shaping not just products, but systems and behaviors for a better world.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
BB : I am currently still a student. So far, I have participated in the New Generation Design Exhibition for students. I look forward to holding my own exhibition in the future to showcase my work and ideas more fully.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
BB : My design inspiration comes from everyday life, cultural stories, and personal experiences. I find creativity by observing the world around me, exploring different art forms, and staying curious. Nature, traditions, and human emotions are constant sources that fuel my ideas.
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?
BB : My design style is minimalist and clear, focusing on simplicity and meaningful details. I choose this style because it helps me communicate ideas effectively. I focus on clean lines and balanced composition. My approach is user-centered, starting with understanding needs and combining creativity with function to create purposeful designs.
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?
BB : I currently live in Taiwan. The rich cultural heritage here deeply influences my designs, inspiring me to blend tradition with modern elements. A benefit is having a unique cultural background that adds depth to my work. However, sometimes balancing traditional values with contemporary trends can be challenging.
DI: How do you work with companies?
BB : I collaborate closely with companies by understanding their goals and users’ needs. I communicate regularly with teams to ensure design solutions are practical and aligned with the brand. I’m open to feedback and adapt my designs to achieve the best results.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
BB : I suggest companies clearly communicate their goals and expectations to designers. It’s important to build open, respectful communication and trust. Companies should look for designers who listen well, understand their needs, have a strong portfolio, and show creativity and problem-solving skills.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
BB : My design process starts with understanding the problem and the user’s needs. I research and gather inspiration, then brainstorm ideas. Next, I create sketches or digital drafts to explore concepts. I refine the designs based on feedback, focusing on both functionality and aesthetics. Finally, I prepare the final design for presentation or production.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
BB : Five of my favorite design items at home are: my Mondrian mug, which adds a splash of color to my mornings; a Mucha decorative pillow that brings some art nouveau vibes to my couch; a cozy fabric sofa that’s perfect for relaxing after a long day; a simple wooden desk where I do all my design work and studies; and a set of minimalist wall prints that inspire me every day.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
BB : A typical day for me usually starts with waking up a bit late and grabbing some coffee. Then I check emails and messages before jumping into design projects or school work. I like to listen to music while working to stay focused. I usually take breaks by scrolling social media or chatting with friends. In the evening, I might watch some shows or look for design inspiration online. Before bed, I review what I did and plan a bit for the next day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
BB : Don’t be afraid to try new ideas or make mistakes—that’s how you grow. Focus on understanding people’s needs, not just making things look nice. Building good communication skills is just as important as creativity because design is about solving real problems with others. Most importantly, stay true to your own style and values, and let your passion guide your work.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
BB : Being a designer has many positives. You get to be creative every day and bring ideas to life, which is very fulfilling. You can solve problems in unique ways and make an impact on how people experience things. On the downside, it can be stressful when facing tight deadlines, unclear feedback, or balancing clients’ expectations with your vision. Sometimes, it requires a lot of patience and flexibility. Overall, the joy of creating and learning makes it worth it.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
BB : My golden rule in design is: Keep it simple and meaningful. Every element should have a purpose and connect with the user. Avoid unnecessary decoration and focus on clarity and impact.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
BB : The most important skills for a designer are creativity, problem-solving, and communication. Creativity helps generate fresh ideas, problem-solving ensures those ideas work in real life, and communication is key to understanding client needs and collaborating with teams. Additionally, technical skills in design software and attention to detail are essential.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
BB : In my design toolbox, I use software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma for creating and prototyping. I also use a sketchbook for quick ideas and notes. For hardware, my laptop and a drawing tablet are essential. Books on design theory and culture inspire me, along with online platforms like Behance and Pinterest. Music and nature also help spark creativity.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
BB : Designing can take a lot of time, so I try to stay organized by making a clear schedule and setting small goals. I use tools like calendars and to-do lists to keep track. Taking breaks and avoiding distractions helps me stay focused. Sometimes I work better under pressure, so I leave some tasks close to the deadline to keep the energy up.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
BB : The time it takes to design an object really depends on its complexity. Sometimes a simple design can take just a few days, but more detailed or innovative projects might take weeks or even months. I try to balance speed with quality, making sure the design is thoughtful but also finished on time.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
BB : The most frequently asked question I get is usually, “Where do you get your ideas from?” People are curious about my inspiration and how I come up with creative concepts.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
BB : Since I’m still a student, my most important job experience was my internship with a UI design team at Garmin. It helped me learn how to work in a professional environment, improve my design skills, and understand how to collaborate with engineers and other designers.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
BB : As a student, I haven’t had official clients yet, but I’ve worked on projects during internships and school assignments that involved real companies, such as Garmin during my UI design internship.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
BB : I enjoy UI and product design the most because they combine creativity with solving real user problems. It’s rewarding to create designs that are both beautiful and functional, improving how people interact with technology and everyday objects.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
BB : I plan to continue growing my skills in design, especially focusing on projects that blend tradition with modern life, like Button Blessings. Next, I want to collaborate more with cultural organizations and explore sustainable design practices to create meaningful, impactful work.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
BB : I usually develop my designs myself, as I enjoy having full creative control over the process.However, I also value teamwork and often collaborate with others, especially when the project requires diverse skills or perspectives.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
BB : Yes, I’m currently working on a project that combines traditional cultural elements with modern design, aiming to make heritage more relatable to younger generations. It’s still in progress, but I’m excited about how it’s shaping up.
DI: How can people contact you?
BB : You can contact me via email at [0509buttonblessings@gmail.com] I’m happy to connect and discuss design projects or collaborations!
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
BB : One thing I’d like to add is how important it is for designers to stay curious and keep learning. Design is always evolving, so being open to new ideas and continuously improving skills is key to growth and success.