Haiwen YANG

Because I grew up in China, y I was not able to pursue art and design education, instead, I was taught to focus on subjects. However, even from a young age, I was strongly inclined towards artistic expression. I remember astonishing people with my drawings, and their encouragement fueled my dream of becoming a designer. When it was time for higher education, I focused on science subjects per societal norms. I pursued a degree in Product Engineering with Marketing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Although this path provided valuable knowledge and skills, I felt a calling towards design that couldn't be ignored. After graduation, I explored various fields, including finance and engineering, but I soon realized that my true passion was actually design. It became evident that designing was my innate talent and purpose. Determined to pursue my dreams, I made the bold decision to apply for graduate school, because education is the fastest way of getting into the design industry. The journey to secure a place in the top design school in the world was challenging. I worked during the day while preparing my portfolio at night. It was a period of immense dedication and sacrifice. However, luck was on my side, and I received acceptance into the Master of Industrial Design Program at Pratt Institute 3 years ago. This moment marked a turning point in my life. I am excited to continue my journey and contribute to the world of design in a meaningful way.

I established my design studio “HAIWEN DESIGN” concurrently with my acceptance into Pratt, recognizing that true learning extends beyond the classroom and necessitates practical experience within the industry. This led me to take on client projects while pursuing my master's degree, allowing me to bridge the gap between theoretical design concepts and real-world business practices. This dual commitment bolstered my confidence in transitioning from an engineer to a designer, as it provided me with a comprehensive understanding of design principles alongside practical industry knowledge. Located in the vibrant city of Hong Kong, my design studio offers a diverse range of design services. We began with smaller projects such as logo design, name cards, and banners, gradually expanding our capabilities to encompass full branding identities and website design for our clients. As we continue to evolve, we are now exploring avenues such as product concept design and consultancy services, always striving to meet our clients' unique needs. My studio is driven by a passion for providing professional design services that go beyond aesthetics. We believe in creating meaningful and impactful designs that resonate with our clients' target audiences. We value collaboration and open communication, working closely with our clients to understand their goals, vision, and brand identity. This collaborative approach allows us to deliver tailor-made design solutions that effectively convey their message and strengthen their brand presence. While we are still in the process of solidifying our studio's core identity, our dedication to continuous learning and improvement remains constant. We stay updated with the latest design trends and techniques, investing time and effort into honing our skills and expanding our knowledge base. This commitment ensures that we deliver innovative and forward-thinking designs that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations. At my design studio, we are driven by the desire to provide exceptional design services that make a lasting impact. We take pride in our ability to adapt to different design challenges, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Our ultimate goal is to be a trusted partner for our clients, empowering them to achieve their objectives through the power of design.

For me, "design" is my interest, not a job, but my pursuit in life. This is a very happy thing. In my understanding, “design" has the capacity to bring people closer together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences. It can create environments that encourage collaboration, inspire creativity, and promote social interaction. Conversely, design can also provide individuals with a sense of personal space and privacy, allowing them to retreat and find solace within their own environment. Moreover, design serves as a platform for me to express my ideas. In my speculative design project, the INFUZE tea sets, I used design as a vehicle to raise awareness and provoke critical thinking about the consequences of rapid technological progress. I aimed to evoke a sense of responsibility towards our environment and climate.

I have discovered a strong passion for designing projects that have a positive impact on society, particularly in the realm of civic and public spaces. My interest in this area became evident during my thesis work last year, where I realized my deep desire to contribute to creating inclusive and user-friendly environments for everyone. I find great fulfillment in designing street furniture, public facilities, and public service identities that enhance the overall experience and well-being of individuals within their communities. I believe that by focusing on these projects, we have the opportunity to create public spaces that are more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to people from all walks of life. This is particularly important for marginalized groups, such as the elderly or individuals with special needs, who may face challenges in navigating and utilizing public spaces.

Throughout my journey as a designer, my perspective has evolved. Previously, I used to judge designs based on their visual appeal. Now I believe that what truly makes a design exceptional is the story it tells. Reflecting on my appreciation for design, I recall being drawn to the artwork of Guanzhong Wu. Initially, I was captivated by his skill in presenting his vision on canvas, as well as his incorporation of Chinese elements. Then I realized that my affinity for his work stemmed from a personal connection. As a Chinese individual who grew up in an area close to his, his art resonated with my own stories and experiences. It was the narrative embedded within his work that spoke to me on a profound level. This realization has shaped my perspective on what makes a good design. I now believe that a truly remarkable design goes beyond aesthetics and technical prowess. It goes beyond attracting attention or pleasing the eye. A good design tells its own story—a narrative that captures the essence of its creator, resonates with its audience, and evokes emotions and connections. From this perspective, a design becomes more than a mere visual composition; it becomes a vessel for storytelling. Whether it's through the choice of colors, the arrangement of elements, or the overall concept, a design has the power to communicate, engage, and inspire. It has the ability to evoke personal experiences, cultural contexts, or shared emotions. A design that can effectively convey its own story has the potential to leave a lasting impact on its viewers.

The first design work I undertook was a logo for a prestigious company located in Dubai. This opportunity arose during my time working at Quintessentially Group in Hong Kong. I am immensely grateful to my boss, Charley Baoumina, who believed in my potential and entrusted me with this project, even though I had no prior design experience. It was a chance for me to step into the world of design and explore my creativity. There, we provided marketing and advertising design services to global luxury brands, where I understood the significance of design as a symbol of the affluent class. The logo I designed needed to capture the essence of the company's brand identity while exuding an air of sophistication and exclusivity. I approached the logo design process with great enthusiasm and attention to detail. I conducted extensive research into the company's values, target audience, and market positioning. I explored various design concepts, focusing on creating a visual symbol that would resonate with the luxury brand's clientele and reflect the company's unique character.

I feel most creative when immersed in nature. The beauty and wonder of the natural environment inspire me in ways that websites and social media cannot replicate. Whether sitting in a park, hiking a mountain, or relaxing on a beach, I feel a profound connection to the world and to myself. The other way I find inspiration is when I’m working on a project with target users. Nothing beats going out and observing them in person. By immersing myself in their environment and experiencing their realities firsthand, I gain valuable insights that shape my design approach.

My main focus during the design process is definitely design research. I put a lot of emphasis on two key aspects: user research and design language research. User research is crucial, especially in the early stages of design. I dig deep to understand the users' needs, preferences, and behaviors. This research guides me throughout the design process, ensuring that my designs align with what users truly want. Once the design concept is solidified, I shift my attention to design language research. I firmly believe that a successful design goes beyond mere functionality. It should also evoke the right emotions and establish a connection with users. By conducting thorough design language research, I ensure that the visual elements, colors, shapes, and overall aesthetics of the design resonate with users' feelings. This creates a comfortable and engaging experience that keeps users interested in maintaining contact with the design.

It is very complex. There were a lot of ups and downs through the process. There are moments of stress and discomfort when facing challenging tasks, but these are opportunities for growth and overcoming obstacles. Connecting with users and partners brings me a sense of pride and happiness, as they share their lives and stories with me. At times, I feel exhilarated by the emergence of inspiration, but this is often followed by a sense of dissatisfaction. It can be frustrating when the design is so close to the one, yet there are still areas to refine and further develop. Design is a balancing act, striving to find the most suitable solution while inevitably sacrificing certain aspects. It is a continuous pursuit of creating designs that truly resonate and meet the needs of users. The design journey demands dedication and focus, and it becomes a deep sense of responsibility to craft designs that truly make a difference.

I experience a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment that emanates from within. It's not a fleeting joy, but rather a deep-rooted sense of achievement that lingers for years to come. This happiness is personal to me, and I don't seek to show it off or boast about it. It's a private, heartfelt emotion that signifies the culmination of my hard work and dedication. While I appreciate the realization of my past designs, my focus always remains on the future. I eagerly look ahead, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to push the boundaries of my creativity. What is my next work? I want to challenge myself more.

Multi-party cooperation and exploration. It is not only the designer’s job.

Firstly, I consider whether it solves the problem successfully and achieves the purpose. If the basic decent requirements are met. Then I will look at the aesthetic and details.

There are many fantastic innovations in biomaterials and technologies to protect our planet. The designers play a role in applying them to our daily life. Capitalism leads to our lifestyle, and the designer should transfer capital to something beyond value.

With the development of software, manufacturing customization (3d printing), and the meta-verse, the design field is an activity anyone can do. The center of the process is not design but design thinking. Using design thinking to solve problems, the designer works as a facilitator, involving users in the process, and organizing multi-parties to work together effectively.

My last exhibition is in the Pratt x NYC DESIGN graduate show, exhibiting from 11th to 17th May 2023.

I get inspiration originally from three things. The most direct way is when I am talking with users, to learn what they like, hate, and want. My second source of inspiration is the natural world, the most challenging one to study. I'm obsessed with the organic colors and forms that nature makes, very sustainable, very efficient, very beautiful, and diverse. Almost all keywords in today’s design trend are included. I rarely refer to the design of related works in the early stage, so my ideas are not limited. But later I will do more research in this area. From time to time, I will find that my designs spark points that have also appeared in other people's works, which is proof that my design is good and positive. Then I'll add it to my inspiration board.

The natural design style I admire most is organic, but the style that is most in line with traditional industrial processing is geometric. So I like the concept of organic forms, similar to Zaha Hadid. But I also like the introductory form of geometry, like Louis Kahn. I will try to balance the style between these two, there are many reasons for that, like the cost and manufacturing feasibility. And I think designers have the power to promote the development of technology and manufacturing, although I feel that I am currently easily succumbing to the feasibility of manufacturing so naturally I give up some fantastic design ideas.

I was born and raised in China, the traditional Chinese culture impacts me a lot, my philosophy, ways of looking at things, and design. I love the patterns, I was thinking about making a book of a collection of traditional patterns, revealing the history of Chinese graphic and communication design, which is different from Western design heritage. I think Chinese students should learn about these, understanding our own culture more before learning Western-based design theories. I feel happy that there are more and more designers doing design work in Chinese style nowadays, some of them did a really good job. I think it is valuable to organize our own design theory, and I believe someone is doing it. The design results tell our own stories and also have a stronger impact on people.

Somehow I feel like I become a company’s design and strategy department. Hahahah. As the founder and team leader, I work closely with top managers of client companies, we discuss the company’s identity from many aspects, including marketing, strength, how the band is started, and others.

My suggestion is to be positive and open-minded when working with a designer. Begin by clearly defining the requirements, ensuring that the project goal is clear and thoroughly discussed. This will provide a solid foundation for the designer to understand your vision and deliver accordingly. Additionally, take the time to evaluate their design process. Understand how they approach research, ideation, iteration, and final delivery to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. Lastly, have open discussions about budgets and timelines. Clearly define financial constraints and project timelines in the early phase to ensure that both parties are on the same page. This transparency will contribute to a successful collaboration and help achieve the desired outcomes for design projects.

My design process is research-based. I believe in the power of thorough research at every stage, especially during iterations when necessary. I don't rely solely on imagination; instead, I make decisions based on prototypes and verification and insights gathered through tests. By grounding my designs in reality, I ensure that they are not only visually appealing but also effective in achieving the intended goals. Research serves as the foundation for informed design choices, allowing me to create design criteria that are strategically sound.

The brooch and earrings I made for myself. Sturdy and large solid wood work table Aeron Chair by Herman Miller An old wooden piano toy An elephant stool made of stone

I'm not a morning person, so if possible, I wake up around 10 o'clock. Sometimes I join my neighbors for a coffee before heading to the studio. The studio is not far from my home, which allows me to take a leisurely walk there. Once I arrive at the studio, my day is filled with various design activities. However, it's not always about sketching or modeling. I have different tasks to accomplish each day because I oversee the entire design project from start to finish. In the late afternoon, I try to make time for some physical activities like Kendo, yoga, or tennis. However, I often get so immersed in my design work that it can be a bit of a challenge. Yes, compared to everything else, I find great joy in spending time at the studio. I'm usually the last person to leave the studio. I've tried to separate design from my personal life, but it's challenging because my thoughts are constantly occupied with design-related matters. It may sound monotonous, but my life is actually full of vibrancy and excitement.

As a young designer, I want to get in touch with experienced designers and learn how designers cooperate with each other.

The advantage of being a designer is that you can realize the value of life and do what you love. It allows you to immerse yourself in creative pursuits, express your ideas, and find fulfillment in your work. Designers have the opportunity to connect with others, experience different perspectives, witness diverse cultures, and constantly learn new things. It's a profession that opens to endless possibilities and personal growth. However, one of the downsides can be the need to work late hours to meet time constraints and deadlines. Design projects often come with tight schedules, which can lead to late nights and potential stress. Balancing time effectively and managing deadlines is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance as a designer.

During my design process, I often refer to books that encompass different design methodologies. One of my favorite books is "Delft Design Tool,” which offers a wealth of design methods and principles that can effectively guide various types of design projects. As well as the Design Tool Kit website. It's a great platform for discovering new and innovative approaches to design. To stay informed about the latest design thinking, I read academic papers, with a recent focus on co-design. Exploring these papers allows me to gain insights into cutting-edge research findings and methodologies that can further enhance my design practice.

The time required to design an object can vary depending on factors such as the client's needs and the scale of the project. Typically, if everything goes smoothly, it can take around six months to a year to develop the final design concept. However, if production is involved, it's difficult to provide a definite timeline as it can add additional complexities and variables to the process.

As a designer, one of the most frequently asked questions I ask myself is how I can effectively gather information and validate my design decisions. I constantly reflect on the methods I use and evaluate their effectiveness. Additionally, I try to understand user preferences and needs by asking questions like, "What do you like?", "What do you dislike?", and "What are your expectations?". By actively engaging with users, I gain valuable insights that inform my design process and help me create more tailored and satisfying experiences.

The most important job experience for me was the three years I spent working as a product design engineer in a semiconductor company. During that time, I gained valuable skills that made my design process more robust and allowed for effective communication with the production and engineering teams. I became proficient in process after design concepts, smoothing to production, such as package design, logo printing, and overall product development. This experience also honed my problem-solving abilities, as I learned to navigate multiple constraints and pay close attention to intricate details. Overall, it was a pivotal experience that enhanced my expertise and shaped me as a designer.

Design work that is beneficial to society and has the potential to help everyone. Designers who have the opportunity to create solutions that address societal needs, improve public facilities accessibility, promote sustainability, promote belonging to a community or enhance people's well-being find a deep sense of fulfillment. Knowing that designs have a positive impact on individuals and minorities. For instance, a recent project that resonated with me is the GREEN‌@COMMUNITY launched by the Hong Kong government. Working on designing the Recycling Stations and developing the visual identity, and service design for this government garbage collection service would be a project I am genuinely passionate about. It aligns with my desire to contribute to a more sustainable future and create designs that promote environmental consciousness and community engagement.

My next goal is to concentrate on public and civic design, particularly in the realm of street furnishings and public facility equipment. I aim to create designs that are not only environmentally friendly and sustainable but also inclusive for everyone in the community. I aspire to collaborate with architect teams, completing public projects together. By doing so, I hope to contribute to the improvement of public spaces and create designs that enhance the overall well-being of the community.

To promote New York into a successful aging city, I'm working on a project called WAIT WISE. It is an adaptive waiting system that can be installed at bus stops and subway stations in New York. The ADA grab bars improve accessibility for senior citizens, the seats are higher than existing benches, and an age-friendly announcement system is installed. Waiting together in the specially designed waiting zone, the senior citizens feel more safe and comfortable when waiting for the transits.

Instagram: @waitwise Website: www.haiwendesign.com Email: haiwendesign@hotmail.com