Is design a horse, a rabbit or a bird, why?
For me, design is most akin to a bird. A horse is strong but constrained; a rabbit is agile but near-sighted. A bird, with wings of imagination and humanistic care, breaks free from gravity. It soars to gain a broader perspective, not just solving problems but also touching our longing for beauty and freedom. It symbolises freedom of thought and expression, rejecting the cage of singular function. Like a bird's unpredictable flight, great design delivers unexpected resonance, aiming to elevate the user’s spirit.
What is one myth about design you would like to challenge?
I challenge the myth that design must always solve a clear, utilitarian problem. This view is too narrow. Design's power also lies in its ability to ask questions, awaken perception, and create emotional resonance. It should not simply offer an 'answer' but guide us to discover overlooked beauty and meaning. Designs that enrich our inner lives are vital, responding to the human desire for joy, connection, and spiritual freedom beyond pure function.
How do you decide which ideas to nurture and which to let go?
My filter for ideas is a dialogue with fundamental human needs. I nurture concepts based on three criteria: Emotional Resonance — does it genuinely move the heart? Humanistic Value — does it respect diversity and empower people? Degree of Freedom — does it liberate potential or impose new constraints? I let go of ideas that are technically clever but emotionally sterile, lack human care, or create new burdens. The goal is sincere, human-centred design.
