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Interview with Sizhe Huang |
Home > Designer Interviews > Sizhe Huang |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Sizhe Huang (SH) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Sizhe Huang by clicking here.
FS: 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?
SH: I've always been deeply fascinated by art and design, a passion that began in my childhood with painting. This early interest led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, where I was intrigued by the blend of design and technology. After graduating, the growing prominence of interaction research and design—spurred by technological advancements and the rise of major tech companies—captivated my attention. To delve deeper, I joined the ArtCenter College of Design for a master's in Media Design Practices. There, I explored design methodologies in emerging technologies and developed critical perspective for my practice. Post-graduation, I began my career in UX/UI design, focusing primarily on apps and websites design. Yet, I felt a compelling urge to broaden my creative horizons beyond screen-based designs. This drive coincided with an opportunity to shift into the electric vehicle industry as a Product Designer, where I now design holistic experiences that integrate both software and hardware interactions. This role not only satisfies my creative aspirations but also positions me at the forefront of innovation in mobility.
FS: What is "design" for you?
SH: 'Design' is a profound symphony of art, science, and empathy. It's not merely about creating visually pleasing artifacts, but about crafting solutions that resonate deeply with human needs and emotions. Design is a dialogue between the creator and the user, wherein every line, color, and texture communicates a message, tells a story, or solves a problem. It's a relentless pursuit of balance between aesthetics and functionality, where innovation meets intuition. Ultimately, design is a commitment to enhancing lives, whether it's simplifying complex tasks, evoking emotions, or just adding a touch of beauty to the everyday. In its essence, design is a testament to human ingenuity and the desire to leave the world a touch more harmonious than we found it.
FS: What makes a design successful?
SH: A 'successful' design is one that effortlessly blends into the user’s life, offering intuitive and accessible interactions while providing distinctive and delightful experiences. It should be user-centric, ensuring simplicity and ease of use, yet innovative enough to offer a unique, memorable engagement. Moreover, sustainability and inclusivity are pivotal, guaranteeing that the design is ethical and environmentally conscious, respecting all users and our planet alike.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SH: Sustainability and Circular Design: With increasing global awareness of environmental issues, designers will prioritize sustainable materials, processes, and end-of-life considerations. Circular design – which focuses on creating products with a closed-loop lifecycle – will gain more prominence. Inclusive and Universal Design: The industry will see a more significant shift towards designing for all, regardless of age, gender, ability, or background. This approach will ensure products, spaces, and digital experiences are accessible to the broadest range of people. Digital and Physical Integration: The line between the physical and digital realms will blur further. With the rise of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), designers will craft integrated experiences that bridge both domains. Artificial Intelligence in Design: AI will play a more significant role, from automating repetitive tasks to aiding in design decisions and providing predictive insights. Tools like generative design, where AI suggests optimal designs based on specific parameters, will become more mainstream.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SH: Naoto Fukasawa has been a significant influence on my design approach, particularly due to his philosophy of 'Design without Thought'. Fukasawa's ethos revolves around the idea that the best designs are those that seamlessly integrate into our lives, becoming almost invisible because of their intuitive nature. This principle resonates with me deeply. It has encouraged me to always strive for simplicity and to design solutions that effortlessly resonate with users, ensuring that they don’t have to think – they can just feel and use. His work serves as a constant reminder that design should not be intrusive but rather an innate extension of human behavior and environment.
FS: 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?
SH: My design style is deeply rooted in user empathy. I prioritize understanding and connecting with the user's perspective, ensuring that my designs resonate emotionally and functionally with them. Furthermore, I actively integrate emerging technologies into my work. For me, technology isn't merely a tool—it's a medium to drive positive societal change and enhance the quality of life for users. In essence, my designs bridge human emotion with the transformative power of technology.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SH: My design process, inspired by the double-diamond method, intertwines systematic strategy and creative exploration to craft solutions that are not only innovative but also deeply resonant with user needs. Discovery: Beginning with identifying the problem or experience that requires enhancement, I immerse myself in user research, meticulously analyzing use cases and defining pain points to gain an empathetic understanding of user needs and contexts. Ideation: Leveraging insights from the discovery phase, I identify and weigh design opportunities, ensuring that generated ideas are thoughtfully aligned with identified pain points and user expectations. Design: This phase involves bringing ideas to life. I develop multiple ideations into detailed designs and interactive prototypes, ensuring they’re robust enough to be critically assessed in the subsequent phase. Testing: Engaging with users, I rigorously test the proposed design solutions, gathering invaluable feedback that is then funneled back into refinements and enhancements. Crucially, my design process is not linear but cyclical - constantly iterating and refining based on ongoing learnings and feedback, thereby ensuring solutions that are continually evolving and user-centric.
FS: How can people contact you?
SH: sizhe.h12@gmail.com
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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