Interview with Huiyu Wang

Huiyu Wang ("HW") interviewed on Wednesday, 19 June.

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

HW : Certainly! My journey as a creator began with studying architecture at Penn State University, where I gained a strong foundation in design principles and aesthetics. This education instilled in me a deep appreciation for the balance between form and function. Transitioning from architecture to digital design, I became fascinated with how technology can enhance user experiences. As a product designer and CEO of FAT, I've had the opportunity to lead various projects, including the development of Handy, a phone theme marketplace. This platform allows indie artists to showcase and sell their creations, blending creativity with technology in a way that enriches users' digital lives. Throughout my career, I've focused on creating intuitive, user-centered designs that are both functional and visually appealing. My work is driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible in digital design, always with the goal of improving how people interact with technology.

How did you become a designer?

HW : My path to becoming a designer started with my studies in architecture at Penn State University. Architecture taught me the importance of aesthetics, functionality, and the balance between the two. However, my interest in technology and user interaction led me to explore digital design further. After working in various tech roles, I realized my true passion lay in creating intuitive and visually engaging user experiences. This passion drove me to shift my focus entirely to product design for mobile apps. Founding FAT allowed me to bring my vision to life, combining my architectural background with my love for technology to develop innovative solutions like Handy. This journey has been fueled by a continuous desire to learn, adapt, and push the boundaries of design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

HW : When designing, my priorities are usability, aesthetics, and user experience. I focus on creating intuitive and functional designs that meet users' needs while also being visually appealing. My technique involves thorough research, brainstorming, and iterative prototyping to refine ideas based on feedback. My style emphasizes simplicity and clarity, ensuring that every design element serves a purpose and contributes to a cohesive whole. I aim to create clean, modern interfaces that are easy to navigate and engaging for users. By balancing these priorities, I strive to deliver designs that are both practical and delightful, enhancing the overall user experience.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

HW : When designing, I experience a mix of excitement, fulfillment, and curiosity. The process of bringing an idea to life is exhilarating, especially when exploring new concepts and innovative solutions. There is a deep sense of fulfillment in creating designs that enhance user experiences and solve real problems. Curiosity drives me to experiment and push the boundaries of what is possible, always seeking to improve and refine my work. Overall, designing evokes a blend of enthusiasm, satisfaction, and a constant drive for discovery and improvement.

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

HW : Several aspects of my background have shaped me as a designer. My education in architecture at Penn State University provided a strong foundation in design principles, emphasizing the balance between form and function. This training taught me the importance of aesthetics, structure, and how to create spaces that are both beautiful and practical. Transitioning to digital design, my interest in technology and user interaction played a significant role. Working in various tech roles allowed me to understand the nuances of user experience and the importance of intuitive interfaces. This blend of architectural principles and technological expertise has profoundly influenced my approach to design, driving me to create solutions that are not only visually appealing but also user-centric and highly functional.

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

HW : My growth path has been characterized by continuous learning and adaptation. Starting with a foundation in architecture, I transitioned into digital design, merging my knowledge of aesthetics and functionality with the latest technological advancements. This journey led to the founding of FAT, where I've focused on creating innovative mobile applications like Handy. My future plans involve further expanding FAT's reach and impact. I aim to develop new features for Handy and explore other projects that leverage emerging technologies like augmented reality and artificial intelligence. I'm committed to fostering a creative and inclusive work environment, supporting the growth and development of my team. My dream design project would be to create a comprehensive digital platform that seamlessly integrates various aspects of users' daily lives, enhancing productivity, creativity, and well-being. This project would combine cutting-edge technology with user-centric design to provide a holistic and enriching digital experience.

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

HW : For designers at the beginning of their career, here are some key pieces of advice: 1. **Stay Curious and Keep Learning**: Continuously seek new knowledge and stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques in design. Curiosity will fuel your creativity and help you stay ahead in the industry. 2. **Build a Strong Portfolio**: Focus on creating a diverse portfolio that showcases your skills, creativity, and ability to solve problems. Highlight projects that reflect your unique style and strengths. 3. **Embrace Feedback**: Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth. Learn to accept and use feedback to improve your work. It’s an essential part of becoming a better designer. 4. **Network and Collaborate**: Build relationships with other designers, professionals, and mentors. Collaboration can lead to new opportunities, insights, and inspiration. 5. **Stay Resilient and Persistent**: The path to success can be challenging and filled with setbacks. Stay resilient, keep pushing forward, and don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks. Persistence is key to achieving your goals. 6. **Prioritize User Experience**: Always keep the end-user in mind. Design with empathy and aim to create solutions that are not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendly. By following these guidelines, young designers can build a strong foundation for their careers and navigate the creative industry with confidence and passion.

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

HW : Thank you! For fellow designers, artists, and architects, I suggest the following: 1. **Embrace Lifelong Learning**: Continuously update your skills and knowledge. The creative field is always evolving, and staying current with trends and technologies is crucial. 2. **Collaborate and Network**: Engage with other professionals in your field. Collaboration and networking can open up new opportunities, provide different perspectives, and foster innovation. 3. **Prioritize User Experience**: Always design with the end-user in mind. Strive to create solutions that are intuitive, functional, and enjoyable to use. Empathy is key to understanding and meeting user needs. 4. **Balance Creativity and Practicality**: While creativity is essential, ensure your designs are also practical and feasible. Finding the right balance between innovation and functionality is vital for successful projects. 5. **Be Resilient and Adaptable**: The creative journey often involves challenges and setbacks. Stay resilient, adapt to changes, and learn from failures. Persistence and flexibility are crucial for long-term success. 6. **Stay True to Your Vision**: While it's important to consider feedback and trends, maintaining your unique vision and style will set you apart. Authenticity and originality are highly valued in the creative industry. By following these suggestions, you can build a rewarding and impactful career in design, art, or architecture.

What is your day to day look like?

HW : My day-to-day routine is a blend of structured work, creative exploration, and personal balance. Here's a glimpse into a typical day: I start my day early with some exercise and a healthy breakfast to get energized. Then, I review my schedule and prioritize tasks for the day. Mornings are usually dedicated to focused work, such as brainstorming new ideas, sketching designs, or working on ongoing projects. I find that I’m most creative and productive during this time. Mid-morning, I often have meetings with my team to discuss project progress, share feedback, and collaborate on solutions. These sessions are crucial for maintaining alignment and fostering innovation. Lunchtime is a welcome break, providing a chance to recharge. I sometimes catch up on industry news or browse inspiration sources during this time. Afternoons are spent refining designs, prototyping, and incorporating feedback from clients or team members. I also allocate time for administrative tasks and checking emails to ensure everything is on track. In the evening, I try to wind down by engaging in activities that help me relax and disconnect from work, such as reading, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying a hobby. Before bed, I often reflect on the day’s achievements and plan for the next day to stay organized and focused. This balance of creative work, collaboration, and personal time helps me stay productive and inspired in my design career.

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

HW : To keep up with the latest design trends, I regularly explore design websites, follow industry blogs, and participate in online communities. I also attend design conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay informed about emerging trends and technologies. Engaging with fellow designers and participating in collaborative projects also helps me stay current and inspired. Design trends do matter, but they should be balanced with timeless design principles. While staying updated with trends can ensure that your work feels fresh and relevant, it's important not to follow trends blindly. Trends should enhance, not overshadow, the core values of functionality, usability, and aesthetics in your design. Integrating trends thoughtfully can help create innovative and contemporary designs that resonate with users, while maintaining a solid foundation of design fundamentals ensures longevity and effectiveness.

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

HW : A product or project is well-designed if it successfully balances functionality, usability, and aesthetics. Functionality means the design effectively serves its intended purpose, with every element contributing to the overall function and solving the problem it was created to address. Usability ensures the design is intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to navigate and interact with the product without confusion or frustration, making it feel effortless and natural. Aesthetics involves the design being visually appealing, attracting and engaging users through thoughtful use of color, typography, and layout, which enhances the user experience and emotional connection with the product. Additionally, a good design creates a positive and meaningful interaction for the user, providing an enjoyable and satisfying experience that leaves users feeling fulfilled and at ease. Innovation is another hallmark of good design, introducing new ideas or improving existing solutions in a way that adds value and pushes boundaries. Lastly, sustainability is considered, ensuring that the design uses resources efficiently and minimizes waste, making the product environmentally friendly. By meeting these criteria, a product or project can be considered well-designed. Good design enhances the user’s life, solves problems effectively, and provides a pleasing and engaging experience.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

HW : Deciding if a design is ready involves several key steps. First, I ensure that the design meets all the project requirements and objectives. It must effectively solve the problem it was intended to address and provide the necessary functionality. Next, I conduct thorough usability testing to confirm that the design is intuitive and easy to use. Feedback from users during this phase is crucial, and any issues identified are addressed and refined. I also evaluate the design's aesthetics, ensuring it is visually appealing and cohesive. The design should align with the desired look and feel, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and team members. Additionally, I check for consistency and attention to detail, making sure that all elements are polished and harmoniously integrated. This includes reviewing the design across different devices and platforms to ensure it performs well in various contexts. Once the design meets these criteria and has undergone rigorous testing and iteration, I consider it ready. A final review with the team and stakeholders helps confirm that the design achieves its goals and is ready for implementation.

What is your biggest design work?

HW : My biggest design work is Handy, a mobile app that serves as a phone theme marketplace. Handy has been a significant project both in terms of its scope and impact. It connects over 1.5 million users with more than 300 indie artists, allowing users to personalize their devices with unique themes while providing a platform for artists to showcase and sell their creations. The development of Handy involved extensive research, user testing, and iterative design to ensure the app was both functional and visually appealing. It required a comprehensive approach to user experience, ensuring the interface was intuitive and accessible to a broad audience. The project also emphasized community building, fostering a space where creativity and technology intersect. Handy stands out as my largest design endeavor due to its complexity, the collaborative effort involved, and the positive reception from users and artists alike. It exemplifies my commitment to creating innovative solutions that enhance digital experiences and support creative communities.

Who is your favourite designer?

HW : My favorite designer is Dieter Rams. Known for his "less but better" approach, Rams' work epitomizes simplicity, functionality, and timelessness. His designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly practical, embodying principles that prioritize the user experience. Rams' influence is evident in many modern design philosophies, and his commitment to sustainability and clarity in design has always inspired me. His work for Braun, in particular, demonstrates how thoughtful design can significantly impact everyday life, making complex products accessible and intuitive.

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

HW : Living in New York City, my lifestyle is a blend of dynamic urban energy and creative exploration. The city's diverse culture and constant influx of ideas provide a rich source of inspiration for my work. I enjoy immersing myself in different cultural experiences, whether it's visiting art galleries, attending design conferences, or exploring the city's varied neighborhoods. I balance my professional life with personal interests that fuel my creativity. Regular exercise, such as jogging in Central Park or practicing yoga, helps me stay physically and mentally fit. I also make time for hobbies like reading, painting, and experimenting with new technologies, which keep my mind engaged and open to new ideas. Family and social connections are important to me, and I cherish moments spent with loved ones and friends. These interactions often provide fresh perspectives and ideas that influence my design work. Overall, my lifestyle is centered around continuous learning, creative exploration, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, all of which contribute to my growth as a designer.

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

HW : At FAT, our work culture is centered around collaboration, innovation, and a user-centric approach. We believe in fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas, experiment, and push the boundaries of creativity. Open communication and mutual respect are key pillars of our culture, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Our business philosophy prioritizes creating meaningful and impactful designs that enhance user experiences. We focus on understanding the needs and behaviors of our users, ensuring that our products are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Sustainability and ethical considerations are also integral to our approach, as we strive to create designs that are not only innovative but also responsible and sustainable. We emphasize continuous learning and growth, encouraging our team to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. This commitment to learning helps us remain competitive and forward-thinking in our designs. Overall, our work culture and business philosophy are about blending creativity with practicality, always keeping the user at the heart of our designs and fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

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

HW : As a designer, artist, and architect, I am committed to making philanthropic contributions that positively impact society. One of my primary focuses is supporting and empowering indie artists through platforms like Handy, our phone theme marketplace. By providing artists with a space to showcase and sell their creations, we help them gain visibility and financial support, fostering a vibrant and inclusive creative community. Additionally, I am involved in various initiatives that promote design education and mentorship. I regularly participate in workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs aimed at helping aspiring designers and artists develop their skills and pursue their passions. Sharing knowledge and experience with the next generation of creatives is a way to give back to the community and nurture future talent. I also prioritize sustainable and ethical design practices in my work, ensuring that our projects consider environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet. This includes using eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste, and creating designs that are both innovative and responsible. Through these efforts, I aim to contribute to society by supporting creativity, education, and sustainability, using my skills and resources to make a positive and lasting difference.

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

HW : Attending the A’ Design Award was a profoundly positive experience for several reasons. First, it provided a fantastic platform to showcase my work and gain recognition within the global design community. Winning the award brought significant visibility to my projects, attracting interest from potential collaborators, clients, and industry peers. The event also offered invaluable networking opportunities. I met and connected with talented designers, artists, and architects from around the world, exchanging ideas and learning about different approaches and perspectives in design. These interactions were inspiring and opened up possibilities for future collaborations. Moreover, the feedback and insights received from the esteemed jury were highly beneficial. It helped me refine my work and provided a deeper understanding of the industry standards and expectations. Overall, the A’ Design Award experience was enriching and motivating, reinforcing my commitment to excellence in design and encouraging me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Huiyu Wang Profile