Interview with Button Blessings

Button Blessings ("BB") interviewed on Monday, 26 May.

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

BB : I spent a year as a design intern on the UI team at Garmin, where I worked on interface design and optimization across different products. That experience gave me valuable insights into user-centered design and cross-functional collaboration. Beyond industry work, my design research focuses on cultural themes—especially exploring how traditional beliefs can be translated into contemporary visual language. I’m passionate about creating designs that carry emotional resonance and cultural depth, aiming to connect with people in meaningful ways.

How did you become a designer?

BB : My journey into design started with a deep curiosity about people and culture. I’ve always loved drawing and storytelling since I was young, and over time, I realized that design is more than just how things look—it’s a way to shape experiences and create impact. That realization led me to pursue a design-related degree, where I worked on projects that explored human-centered approaches and cultural themes. Through internships and collaborations, I gained a clearer sense of how design can be both practical and emotional—it solves problems, yes, but it also tells stories and carries meaning. No single person pushed me into design; it was more of an internal drive to create something meaningful and help people feel more connected—to each other and to their environment. That drive is still what fuels my design work today.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

BB : When I design, I care most about having a clear concept, making sure it connects with people, and telling a strong visual story. A lot of my work revolves around the idea of “connection”—whether it’s between people, culture, or emotions. I usually start by doing some research and sketching by hand to explore ideas, then move into digital tools to refine them. Depending on the project, I might build mock-ups or work fully digitally—I like switching between both.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

BB : Honestly, designing brings out a mix of emotions—I usually start with curiosity and a bit of nervous excitement, especially when I’m exploring a new topic or problem. The most exciting part for me is the middle of the process, when ideas start to take shape and unexpected connections happen. I also enjoy the hands-on part—testing, making, and refining—that’s when I feel really in flow. Finishing a project definitely brings a sense of fulfillment, but for me, the joy really comes from the process itself—solving problems creatively and telling a story through design. Designing makes me feel useful, expressive, and connected to people—it’s a way for me to contribute something meaningful.

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

BB : I believe that in addition to design skills, good designers should have strong observation, communication, and time management abilities. My experience working in cross-functional teams taught me how to understand different perspectives and integrate feedback effectively—an essential part of design collaboration. Good time management also helps me stay productive while maintaining quality under tight deadlines. The biggest influence on my design work has been the mentors and teams I've worked with. They taught me to approach design with empathy and strategic thinking—focusing not just on aesthetics, but also on purpose and usability. My design journey began with a curiosity about cultural topics during my student years, and it evolved through internships and collaborations into a people-centered design mindset. It confirmed my belief that design is a powerful tool for connection and change.

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

BB : My growth path has always centered around one question: how can design create meaningful connections with people? Whether it’s through functional interfaces or culturally inspired visuals, that has been my focus. In the future, I hope to keep exploring how traditional culture can be reimagined through design in ways that speak to younger generations. My dream project would involve storytelling and interaction—translating local beliefs and customs into contemporary design that’s not only beautiful but also conversational. I’d also love to explore curatorial or research-based design formats, where the goal isn’t just to make a product, but to tell a deeper story. I hope to be remembered as a designer who used creativity to build bridges between people and culture—not just someone who made “pretty things.”

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

BB : As a designer still learning and growing, I believe the most important thing is to stay humble and keep a continuous learning mindset. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable on the design journey, but they are part of the growth process. I often feel uncertain or confused too, and at those times, listening to advice from mentors and peers really helps. I think young designers should try a lot, ask questions, and reflect on their experiences to gradually find their own style and direction. Patience is key—design takes time and experience to develop. For me, the best advice is to stay curious and open-minded, so I can keep growing and improving.

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

BB : I believe there’s no shortcut to success in design—it’s all about continuous learning and staying sensitive to details. I often make mistakes myself or get too focused on my own ideas, sometimes forgetting to listen carefully to users and teammates. My advice is to stay open-minded and learn from people in different fields, since inspiration often comes from unexpected places. Processes and tools are important, but even more so is the mindset—being able to accept failure and use it as a chance to improve. To me, design is a long journey, not something you master overnight. Staying humble, patient, and steadily gaining experience is what helps you go further.

What is your day to day look like?

BB : I usually start my mornings by spending a few minutes browsing design news or inspirational articles to stay updated and inspired. Then I organize my to-do list and prioritize tasks for the day. What I enjoy most during a typical workday is solving design problems or seeing my ideas gradually take shape. Even on ordinary days, getting feedback from colleagues or finishing a small task gives me a sense of accomplishment and happiness. These little moments of progress and interaction keep me motivated and eager to keep going every day.

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

BB : I do keep an eye on the latest design trends, but I don’t follow them blindly. To me, trends are like a language and a source of inspiration—they help me understand what people are talking about and what styles are popular, but I focus more on creating work with my own unique style and story. I prefer my designs to reflect personal identity and long-term vision rather than just chasing short-lived fads. When I want to catch up on trends, I usually read design websites, visit exhibitions, and observe aesthetic details in everyday life to gather inspiration and then blend it with my own ideas. I believe good design strikes a balance between being timely and being unique, rather than just following trends.

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

BB : I believe a well-designed product or project is one that balances functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. Good design isn’t just about looking nice; it’s about solving problems and making the user’s experience easy and enjoyable. For me, that “aha!” moment usually comes from simplicity and thoughtfulness—like clever details or a smooth, natural user flow. Common mistakes include overcomplicating the design or ignoring user needs, which can make a product less practical or harder to use. When I judge whether a design is good, I mainly look at if it clearly communicates its purpose, is embraced by users over time, and achieves a balance between visual appeal and functionality.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

BB : Honestly, it’s hard to say exactly when a design is “done” because there’s always something to tweak. But I usually decide it’s ready when it hits the goals I set and users react positively. I also set some limits on time and resources so I don’t keep fiddling forever. When changes start making less and less difference, that’s when I stop and move on to something new.

What is your biggest design work?

BB : The design work I’m most proud of is this current project, “Button Blessing.” I’ve put a lot of time and effort into it, aiming to connect traditional temple culture with younger people through buttons, a simple and fun everyday object. During the process, I faced challenges like balancing respect for culture with modern aesthetics, and finding a clear way to tell complex faith stories. This project is special to me because it’s more than design—it’s a cultural bridge and shows me the real power of design. I have other new projects underway, but “Button Blessing” stands out as a very important and meaningful milestone for me.

Who is your favourite designer?

BB : It’s hard for me to pick just one favorite designer because everyone has their unique style and contribution. However, some designers stand out to me, like Steve Jobs from Apple—his focus on simplicity and user experience has deeply influenced me. If I could talk to a deceased designer, I’d choose Walter Gropius, one of the founders of the Bauhaus movement, because his impact on modern design and architecture is profound. I think the most iconic designers are those who not only created beautiful work but also changed how we understand design. Le Corbusier, for example, made groundbreaking contributions to architecture that reshaped modern design thinking. Besides these historical figures, I also admire contemporary designers and artists who keep pushing the boundaries and inspire me to keep learning and growing.

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

BB : My lifestyle and cultural background have a big influence on my design. I really like Taipei—its diverse and lively culture often inspires me. Music is also a key part of my creative process; it helps me focus and brings different moods to my work. I believe culture deeply shapes design because design reflects people, environment, and lifestyles. Right now, I’m focused on a project that combines traditional culture with modern aesthetics, hoping to help more people reconnect with and appreciate traditions through design. I think good design is essential for societal progress because it improves quality of life and fosters understanding and communication between cultures. For me personally, design has taught me to live more organized—like using smart storage solutions to make better use of space—which brings small but meaningful improvements to daily life.

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

BB : My work culture focuses a lot on communication and collaboration. While I can work independently, I prefer to brainstorm and create with partners. In a team, I hope everyone respects each other, is honest, and openly shares ideas. When choosing business partners or colleagues, I value their attitude and willingness to learn most. Skills matter, but passion and growth mindset stand out more to me. Transparency and trust are key parts of my work culture, helping the team work more efficiently and stay motivated.One of the main challenges in design is balancing client needs with creative freedom, along with time and resource limits. My responsibilities go beyond design, including client communication, project management, and continuous learning.I believe a good designer or artist should have curiosity, patience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to accept feedback and keep improving.

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

BB : As a designer, I believe giving back to society is very important. While I’m still in the learning and growing phase, I try to participate in community or culture-related design projects to help more people appreciate cultural values through design. I’m also open to doing pro bono or volunteer design work when I have the resources, to support those in need or nonprofit organizations. I think it’s very meaningful for artists and designers to be involved in humanitarian projects because design is not just about appearance—it can create real change and impact. I follow design events and conferences and try to support young designers as much as I can. In the future, I hope to offer more internships or collaboration opportunities to newcomers.

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

BB : Participating in the A’ Design Award has given me many positive experiences as a designer. It provided an opportunity to connect with talented designers worldwide, sparking new creative ideas and gaining exposure and recognition for my work. The three main benefits of entering design awards and competitions are increased visibility for your work, a way to test and improve your design skills, and expanding your professional network. Design competitions serve as a platform for self-challenge and learning, greatly contributing to career growth. Being named “Designer of the Day” made me feel honored and excited; it’s a recognition that motivates me to keep pushing myself to create better work.

Button Blessings Profile