Interview with Tom Chan

Tom Chan ("TC") interviewed on Saturday, 2 May.

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

TC : I've been a self-taught graphics designer for 15 years now. I've done work for my metal manufacturing company, for some online freelance job clients, a few friends and a lot of work for myself / own company! I'm pleased that some of the work is patented and accoladed. My formal education is Economics in London and Business for my masters, also London. My work background also includes insight specialist for data science company and product development in my family metal firm.

How did you become a designer?

TC : I would like to say I've always loved creating eye-candy, and that's somehow true, but more specifically, teenager me used to browse razorart.com (now defunct), then deviantart and drool over the works by the masters there. I thought if one day I can make something of those calibre I would be a very happy guy!

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

TC : I think there are many factors: it has to perform the function perfectly, look desirable, produced consistently well, and marketed smartly so people know its value. Any one missing and the design may not last or take off. Modernistic, simplistic, bold, tidy are some words I might use to describe my pieces.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

TC : When the work is realised: Aside from relief, sometimes it is indifference. Because you've been working with the design and developing it for so long you become a bit numb even when a physical form is realised. In fact, sometimes it is anticipation, because you want the design to be successful and work well. However, there are times of intense elation when a perfect solution pops into mind, too.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

TC : I grew up in a very grounded and practical household. My family was very Asian: not much talking, quite methodical, and very much a results-driven culture. Fast paced, too. Then I moved to the UK, I spent 10 years studying and working there. I think the British culture rubbed off on me as well. My background informed me to adopt the same practical, understated, respectful, unassuming, individualistic approach to design and visual communications.

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

TC : I would design the dream office for our firm Hazuto Ltd once the time comes.

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

TC : I think it is important to have a mentor or at least a tenured professional to guide you. Progression will be much faster and less lonely!

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

TC : We live in a commercial world and I think sometimes, a wonderful design doesn't always win. People are affected by all types of biases, constraints, emotions. So don't take it personally. I think luck also play a part too.

What is your day to day look like?

TC : I have a day job at a metal manufacturing company as designer and business manager, so my day looks pretty typical as an officer worker! But I spend my evenings cooking, working on my designs, playing games and reading.

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

TC : I think Reddot, iF, A' design awards are all good resources to see what's new every year. To an extent trends are important because they are a reflection of the times we live in. Understanding trends may help make our own designs more relevant to the times.

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

TC : Wow there are many answers for me. I agree with many that design is a solution to a problem. Something has to work well to be good design. In particular, the person using it should use it with ease and the product should make his life easier. A better design should provoke attractive emotions through visual appeal. Sometimes a design is good design because the user "just like it". A great design will continuously excite the user nearly every time he uses it, and make him look forward to using it, too. I think if a majority of people say something is a good design, it probably is. Ask me again in 10 years time and maybe my answers become completely different!

How do you decide if your design is ready?

TC : It is normally a collaborative and organic process. If my stakeholders agree to move forward I am also happy to oblige. However, if I feel a design is not realistic, or too "fluffy" or looks ugly, I will continue to work on it until I am happy.

What is your biggest design work?

TC : Working on our company's flagship power socket box is important because its success was a milestone after 2 long years of design work and manufacturing sourcing.

Who is your favourite designer?

TC : Too many legends I followed that inspired me. Ilya Kuvshinov is the one that blows my mind every piece he does.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

TC : My lifestyle and culture can be summarised with these key words: real (with a side of cynicism), devil may care attitude, honest, integrity, keen, respectful, genuine, man of few words, understated, subtle, caring.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

TC : In my wife's words: True to form as a meticulous designer, Tom has a (notoriously) high standard. We have positively driven many of our suppliers crazy with the hazuto chopping board. So rest assured everything you see when you hold a hazuto board has been carefully deliberated and assembled. Some keys words colleagues have used to describe me: introvert, deliberative, detail oriented, reliable, meek.

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

TC : I think designers are empowered to do good for the society and environment. At the core they are solution providers. If the materials are harmful to our world, designers are one piece of the puzzle to give an alternative that nudges people to choose a better option. However, i think everyone is involved, from the consumers, policy-makers, regulators to academics, media and enterprise.

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

TC : I was grateful for all the additional tips on product photography and presentation guidelines given by the A' award. In the process I also spent a lot of time combing design award winners - this further informed my copywriting. Of course, we will be using the award for our product's marketing heavily.

Tom Chan Profile