Interview with Chi-Hao Chiang

Chi-Hao Chiang ("CC") interviewed on Friday, 3 June.

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

CC : This is actually my first year in the industry after graduation. As working in a sports tech startup, I'm grateful to work with some big industry leaders such as NBA.

How did you become a designer?

CC : I majored in mechanical engineering, and then I found out what I have a passion for in mechanical engineering is actually overlapped with industrial design. Therefore, I made a turn to this design industry, and I really enjoy it.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

CC : I found myself really focus on the feasibility, details, and how users would interact with the product. I really enjoy making physical prototypes while designing, but also feel satisfied when a computer-aided design model or rendering is finished.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

CC : I usually feel excited when starting a new project, pretty much like exploring an unknown area. Overall, the moment that a prototype is proved to work is my favorite part when designing. I think designing help fulfill my curiosity and provide feeling of achievement once a project is finished.

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

CC : I would say the experience of being trained in mechanical engineering supports me to understand the foundation of manufacturing. This helps a lot in communicating both the concept and production sides, and faster and smoother the whole process, also lowering the cost.

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

CC : I'm at the beginning of my design career path, so still thinking about the possibility. Overall, I would like to be remembered as a thoughtful designer who makes collaborators feel comfortable to work with and the process be as smooth as possible. In the future, I want to finish a successful consumer electronics project well-finished in details and a piece of furniture.

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

CC : I am also one of the young designers, not having lots of experience yet. However, what I have learned from my professors and colleagues is to stay curious and keep improving myself. Even just a tiny bit of progress a day can make tremendous change in the long term.

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

CC : I'm too young to provide valuable opinions, but I like one quote from Pratt founder Charles Pratt, "Be true to your work and your work will be true to you."

What is your day to day look like?

CC : I like waking up a bit early in the morning and going to gym before work. I believe exercising can energize my brain and generate more creative thoughts. Having a short walk between work can motivate me back to focus on projects.

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

CC : I would browse news and articles from various design social media. Understanding the trend can be helpful for inputting new concepts into my head and become an inspiration.

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

CC : I would focus on how well the details are finished and the feasibility of a project. Finding a balance between concept and manufacturing limits is something I would like to evaluate.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

CC : I believe there is always a way to improve designs. As time passing, some concepts and inspiration can ferment from the initial design.

What is your biggest design work?

CC : So far, I don't have a super huge design work yet, but I'm developing an NDA project right now and I think it's pretty groundbreaking.

Who is your favourite designer?

CC : It's Thomas Heatherwick. He is the one that inspired me to change my field to design, and let me know that what I learned in mechanical engineering can be helpful while pursuing design.

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

CC : I'm a Taiwanese now based in Brooklyn, New York. I think the difference between East and West does bring me a unique perspective to understand designs. With the design mind, I would be able to appreciate tiny but thoughtful details in life, and encourage myself to bring the same feeling in my projects.

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

CC : I'm now working with a sports tech startup. I think it is very important that people are encouraged to express their thoughts and cultivate an environment of friendly communication.

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

CC : So far as a recent graduate working within a year, I think I haven't done any contributions to society, but that's definitely one of my goals as I grow and gain more experience.

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

CC : I think the A' Design Award provides a huge opportunity to expose awarded designers and designs. That's very helpful for new designers to catch attention and have potential collaborations, also conveying their thoughts more thoroughly.

Chi-Hao Chiang Profile