Ruimin He

Interview with Ruimin He

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I took my bachelor degree in Product Design from Raffles Design Institute, and then graduated with Master degree in Industrial Design from Swinburne University of Technology. To be a designer is one of my dreams in childhood, like architect, because I like to look every fancy object and buildings when I was young. I chose industrial design as my major because it would contains multiple skill and thinking views.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

Nowadays I work in a radar technology R&D company. WiRUSH commercializes the see-through-wall capability in many scenarios, such as office, smart buildings, shopping malls, hospitals, robotics and more. It is the core principle behind all WiRUSH applications - safe, efficient and affordable to improve health, security and quality of life. Those are also my goal into design.

What is "design" for you?

Design is not only for appearance, pretty or ugly, but also present its characteristic. It will go through from the looking, material, finished to the interaction with user. Moreover, it is an innovative method to help people to solve problem in the life.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I don't limit myself with particular design discipline, but so far I prefer UX Design, such as web design and app design, which I try to bring the design thinking of physical product into software development. It allows me to add more creative ideas to try because it contains lots of interaction between human and design.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Recently, I like to use various colors together with minimalism design. People always think minimalism is less color and light tone. I'm trying to add more attractive colors within it to evoke people's feeling, but still present the design in a clear and sharp way.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

Smart pillbox and its app. It leads my thinking towards to how to use technology well into arts.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Pencil and paper, it is always first tool for design and take to the finalization.

When do you feel the most creative?

in a middle phrase of project. It shows a clear initial prototype in this phrase, and I can add more creative thinking to improve the finalization.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

User experience is an important aspect to me. It can make the design useful and easier to user, and help me to share the meaning behind design to users in good way. And logic. It ensures the quality and stability, also is a sure way to suit most users.

What makes a design successful?

Besides the basic principle, easy to use and in general, I also believe good design can evoke people's feeling or memory so that it can tell users the story behind itself.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Is the design understandable? Can it evoke people's feeling?

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

environmentally friendly. It is one of point if a design is long-last, and the designer would take the responsibility to make sure it give the social and environment positive impact.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

Design can be better with the development of technology. Design is a positive way to interpret new technologies, also technology supports design improved and achieved. Both side is challenge for designers.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My last exhibition with my individual design was 2010 year in Seoul, which I got my first award. Also, the design project with my work team has won A'Design Award, Reddot, and iF in 2016-2017, so that they presented our design as winner there.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

I always say the inspiration is everywhere and comes with logic. So that I try to observe the subtle movement, inertia, habits and change around our environment to inspire my design. This way has wider my insight and my vision.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

Most of my design is minimalism, but not limited myself to reinterpret other arts. Also, I like my design making sense to relate to human and environment by color.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live in China mostly. Yes, I am proud of my country's culture. Chinese culture has many historical stories, and its each pattern can give meaning into design. With the significant development in China, the manufacture and material benefit product design with mass production. Here also is a wide platform for designers to make their innovation with combination of art and technology.

How do you work with companies?

Usually we talk with the developer about new tech and application, which inspires even surprise us. When the project starts, we have done the user interviews and market analysis to find out their needs. These take a huge step in design process and goal. I have to discuss with design team in each phrase for details and limitation from technology and applied.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

There are various designer type. Some focus on the good looking, some are perfectionist, and some are just cat's paw. The important things for working is how to use well their talent and appropriate position. It is also my consideration when selecting a good designer.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

When I get a design briefing, I would like to consider "who would be the users" firstly. It brings distinct insights about multiple user groups, and give new thinking with potential users. Afterward, ranking user demands, seeking the reference from my design warehouse, and put my creation in subtle detail as well. Making an initial prototype for user test is the next, and then update version and update and update... But I have my bottomline of making product good looking, understandable and useful. These also are my winning tips in design finalization and design proposal.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Dishwasher, Dolce Gusto, A set of coffee cups, Sofa and Cleaner Robot. These things make a cozy home to me and refresh my mind.

Can you describe a day in your life?

I‘m Taurus and I like self-discipline, so my routine may sounds boring to you. Work in office mostly, and go back home after work-off. But I like to refresh my mind with coffee and snacks every afternoon. If I feel exhausted, go shopping and have a great meal.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Work hard for your dreams, think with your logic, enjoy in the process.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

Positives is that have different insight and arrow down the main question to answer. Nagatives... is too strict.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Logic would ensure the design done in fast and clear manner. But don't stop questioning and upgrade it.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Communication. No matter communicate with yourself or others, either language or pen. It is related to how designer present his design, also how the design interacts with users.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

For UI design, I usually use Photoshop, Sketch and Lanhu. For product design, there is a series of professional software, like Solidworks and Keyshot.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

I do like to set up the timeline for each design project. It helps me to manage the time and team with clear schedule. Thanks to my team, we can use the time efficiently.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

To myself : Who do you design for? what the difference / benefit does your design bring? To other design: What is the sparkling spot?

What was your most important job experience?

I learnt a lot from the colleagues in my first job who has high ability. Also the first job, it brings me a lot awards with that excellent group.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

App design. It allows me to discover more interactions between human and design, and also to take in charge more freely.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

Win more awards for public approbation. And I want to apply for a job overseas. Recently, I want to try jewellery design.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I work with both. I take charge of my team as design leader, and also develop my individual design myself.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

New design project is on the way that design an app for smart home.

Designer of the Day Interview with Ruimin He

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

My career started in 2015 since I graduated in Industrial Design with Master Degree. At the beginning I just designed physical product. With increasing development of IoT technology, it brought me a challenge to design digital applications applied to physical product, like app and web design.

How did you become a designer?

When I was kid, I like to draw on blank paper. No matter it was a word or random drawing, I might take it as a good way to express my thought. Later, I found the technical drawing of architecture / product is pretty with logic and art. So that I want to be a designer to create something innovative and meaningful.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

During the design process, firstly consider "Who do you design for", secondly observe the whole using routine, third is prototype is really important to verify the design. I usually use professional software for rendering and initial mock-up.

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

I think I'm kind of good at communication. It benefits me to be related to normal people, and discover users' true demands via design. Also good communication skill helps me to discuss with clients clearly. Moreover, I can present my design and its story behind well to public.

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

In my student age, innovation was most important thing to me. Later, When I studied in Master degree and work for while, I found critical and practical thinking became more important. I want to win more award in the future for public approbation. And I want to apply for a job overseas. Recently, I want to try jewellery design.

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

Work hard for your dreams, think with logic, enjoy in the process.

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

Logic is also meaningful for designers. It ensures the quality and stability, also is a sure way to suit most users.

What is your day to day look like?

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

Some design foundation will announce latest trends every year or season. Subscribe them will on track with the design trends. I like to design based on the latest design trends because it makes sense and reasonable. But I also change a bit with my own thinking and prediction, hence it could be more convincing with my personal style.

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

Is the design understandable? Can it evoke people's feeling? I will define a design with these two questions. Besides the basic principle, easy to use and in general, I also believe good design can evoke people's feeling or memory so that it can tell users the story behind itself.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

Is the design understandable? Is it useful? Is it long-last? Can it evoke people's feeling? I use the same questions to define my design is ready or not. Also keep questioning after a break, go back to look at the design and ask again. Sometimes you can find something new for next version or update.

What is your biggest design work?

Every single project is biggest to me. Sometimes a design project takes 1 year or more to finalize, even ongoing project that improve all the time with marketing demands.

Who is your favourite designer?

Recently, I like design by Tom Dixon. I think there are really good consumer product with well using of bronze and match the marketing. I also like Zaha Hadid. She was one of successful women and designers. Her distinctive design style, streamline, always inspired me.

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

I live in China and I am proud of my country's culture. Chinese culture has many historical stories, and its each pattern can give meaning into design. With the significant development in China, the manufacture and material benefit product design with mass production. Here also is a wide platform for designers to make their innovation with combination of art and technology.

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

I take charge of my team as design leader, and also develop my individual design myself. I do like to set up the timeline for each design project. It helps me to manage the time and team with clear schedule. Thanks to my team, we can use the time efficiently.

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

It is pleasure if can do philanthropic contributions to society as a designer. Some of my joined design associations would had events for holidays, such as Children's Day, International Women's Day and so on, to invite people or kids know there. It is a positive way to relate art and society.

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

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to let more people know me and my design!

Extended Interview with Ruimin He

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

I took my bachelor degree in Product Design from Raffles Design Institute, and then graduated with Master degree in Industrial Design from Swinburne University of Technology. At the beginning I just designed physical product. With increasing development of IoT technology, it brought me a challenge to design digital applications applied to physical product, like app and web design.

How did you become a designer?

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

For now, I focus on product design, which is not only design for physical things and also design the application in sync.

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

I am not design legend, still working towards to it. Do not stop critical thinking about good design. Work hard for dreams, think with logic, enjoy in the process.

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

In my humble opinion, great designers is good at questioning, and have distinctive insight into the environment. Also, they must be empathetic and share the feeling via design, so that their design are meaningful and they can present their design well.

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

"Ten principles for good design" can answer this question. Is the design understandable? Can it evoke people's feeling? I will evaluate a design with these two questions, and I also believe good design can evoke people's feeling or memory so that it can tell users the story behind itself.

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

The value of good design is helping people solve the problems in life. For example, cleaner robot saves your time for house cleaning, and meditation app would brings a refresh mind and peaceful mood to you. So our life become friendly, cozier and better with these positive experiences

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

How do you decide if your design is ready?

Zaha Hadid. She was one of successful women and architect. Her distinctive design style, streamline, brings different inspiration in my industrial design .

What is your biggest design work?

Recently, I like bronze product design by Tom Dixon, what are good consumer design with well using of material and match the marketing. I also like the architecture by Zaha Hadid with her distinctive streamline style.

Who is your favourite designer?

I do not have significant greatest design yet. Maybe when I win a Gold A’Design Award I can answer it. However, I always say a great design must be timeless, brings long-last benefit to environment, and evoke people’s feeling easily.

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

Do not stop questioning, observe more about the environment, and think with deeper insight

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

A lawyer? A developer? Neither sounds suit me better than being designer.

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

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

There are more than one person helped me. But I would like to say my parents are my biggest supporters.