Interview with Yuka Fukuoka

Yuka Fukuoka ("YF") interviewed on Saturday, 19 December.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

YF : I was born in Tokyo, Japan. I studied information design at Tama Art University when I was undergraduate student. After graduation, I joined Yahoo! JAPAN as a Designer. I was in charge of branding and graphic design, and I also worked in UI / UX design to redesign Yahoo! JAPAN’s Internet donation service. After that, I moved to New York, and received my MFA from the Design for Social Innovation program at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). While in school, I worked as a graphic design intern at UNDP. After I graduated the school, I worked at Marketing Agency in New York. After that, I started working at the current company, Happify Health since I realized I am passionate about Design × Mental Health through the experience of creating VRbal and STACHA which are awarded design works.

How did you become a designer?

YF : I wanted to become a designer for two reasons: first, I loved to draw when I was a child. The second is that I have stuttering and I was not very good at speaking. Therefore, I decided to become a designer like an artist who can convey messages to people through the power of visuals.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YF : When I work on a design, I first make a sketch in my notebook. Then I use digital tools to quickly create a mock-up. I mainly use Adobe applications, for instance Photoshop, Illustrator, inDesign and AfterEffects. I use visuals and videos mostly to tell the story and concept.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YF : When I design, I feel a sense of fulfillment and joy.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

YF : In the future, technology will solve the issues we once had as humankind by enhancing the abilities of our race. In other words, insights from interviews with designers and the imagination that arises from our own sketching minds will pinpoint the true essence of our problems, and offer solid solutions to tackle them with. This is will be exceedingly important in the times to come. Therefore, my future plan is to become a Designer who can make use of technology to solve issues in society.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

YF : Don't limit your field of interest, havean interestin everything. Don't limit yourself to one field. Read many philosophy books, going to museums to see many arts.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

YF : I usually get my inspiration mainly from the Internet. Since the pandemic happened due to Covid, I've been spending a lot of time at home. These days, I mainly research award-winning works. When it comes to my designs, I try to keep up with the latest trends and technology.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

YF : Good design is strategic. Strategic design increases the company's brand and product value, so CEOs should invest in design in particular.

What is your biggest design work?

YF : My biggest design works are STACHA and VRbal. The STACHA is a device which enables wearers to experience the symptoms of stuttering. When a person with this disorder stutters, a distinguishing feature is an overactive usage of the muscles in the throat. Vrbal is a smart VR experience that uses machine learning to help the user prepare for a specific anxiety inducing event of their choice. By creating step-by-step daily tasks, Vrbal gradually exposes the user to the situation.

Who is your favourite designer?

YF : I admire Yusaku Kamekura, who designed the logo and poster series for the 1964 Summer Olympics. He is amazing Japanese Graphic Designer.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

YF : Designers have the power to create excellent visuals that are strong enough to change the preconceived ideas held by people. This is why we always have the responsibility to visualize based on correct information, rather than based on incorrect information.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

YF : As a designer, winning an award is very important. First of all, it gives you confidence in your work. It also makes you famous. By being published in the media and becoming famous, you will be able to get more opportunities. By meeting good clients, you will be more likely to succeed professionally. It is also important to expand your network at award ceremonies.

Yuka Fukuoka Profile