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Han Liu

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Interviews with Han Liu

Read the interviews with Han Liu: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Design Interview

Trex Poster · 19 questions

Compared with other engines nowadays, it improves combustion efficiency and reduces the internal loss of energy by radical engine configuration and design.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

Compared with other engines nowadays, it improves combustion efficiency and reduces the internal loss of energy by radical engine configuration and design. Like the lotus growing in the pond, TREx is the revolution of traditional engine design.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

The combination methods which is related to my PhD research.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

I plan to carry on new projects with the new combination design methods.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

One year.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

I was trying to make my research practical.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

TREx is registered in international patent PCT. The development of the TREx has been funded by Innovate UK projects 104021 and 72086, Department for Transport T-TRIG project 2020.

What made you design this particular type of work?

The new engineering design and the environment-friendly idea.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

Professor Kyle Jiang

Who is the target customer for his design?

Transportation product companies.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

The scientific methods.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

Like T-REX, TREx shows its power.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

Software such as Ansys.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

The combination of art and science.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

Professor Kyle Jiang who is an expert in engineering field.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Mathematics Visual communication design

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

It ideally echoes the role of mathematics as an interface between science and art, and demonstrates that B-Spline and CFD can form an excellent combination of science and arts and provide a powerful tool for creating and analyzing arts.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

The challenges of this design are (a)the way of combination between science and art; (b)research about various properties of B-Splines.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

I want to share my research achievement with all the designers from different fields.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

I found a new way to present the combination of art and science.

Design Legend Interview

49 questions

I finished my bachelor's degree in the industrial design area, but I put a lot of time into the visual design and engineering field too.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I finished my bachelor's degree in the industrial design area, but I put a lot of time into the visual design and engineering field too. Then I finished my master's degree in computer engineering, to improve the mind of design.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

Although I am focusing on my PhD research in the engineering area, becoming a combination designer is still my unchangeable dream.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

I choose to become a designer.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

Industrial product and visual design are my areas. I am always focusing on combination designs.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

Keep learning and do not give up ever.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

Well, a good designer could provide a satisfying design for their clients. But a great designer could make their clients following the designer’s method.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

The combination of aesthetics and functions could be a practical approach to evaluate a design.

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Good designs change your lifestyle and bring a positive effect on the mood to us.

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

I prefer the new-tech engineering product such as turbo engine of transportation, which is related to my current PhD research.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

Space transportation product.

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

Based on my PhD research, the new design method is the unique approach of combination.

Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

Antoni Gaudí

What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

My favourite designs are Chinese antiques designed and made by artists thousands of years ago.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

The new generation turbo engine product, TREx. In this project, the fluid dynamics and mathematic were utilized in the profile design and so on.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

I always trying to rich the integration of knowledge, keep the perseverance to success, perseverance, and determinate to face and overcome difficulties.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

I think maybe I am learning how to become a designer.

How do you define design, what is design for you?

Design is an irreplaceable approach to improve the quality of lifestyle. It drives people to a place where we can enjoy the combination of art and science.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

My teachers and supervisors.

What helped you to become a great designer?

I think the more significant points are: the integration of knowledge, the courage to cross boundaries, the perseverance to success, perseverance, and determination to face and overcome difficulties.

What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

The design logic and research ability.

How do you think designers should present their work?

The reasonable combination of science and art could be considered more during the whole design process.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

A new micro engine used in UAV.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

To make every little piece of our life interesting.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

A new possibility to find new happiness.

How does design help create a better society?

For me, design makes a positive atmosphere for society, bring healthy and optimistic waves to people, and discover more possibilities for the future.

What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

I am focusing on my PhD research nowadays.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

The TREx. Because the new environment-friendly turbo engine opened my mind of design methods.

What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

I hope there will be more outstanding combination design methods are used in product design.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

Multicultural integration, multidisciplinary integration, and multidimensional development will be conjectures for future design. I think that more design fields, such as those related to animal psychological research, maybe endless.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

Generally, from 3 months to 1 year.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

Next year and I plan to start it in the UK.

What is your life motto as a designer?

Special but nice.

What is the role of technology when you design?

I always try to find a bridge between beauty and technology.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

The tools include some computer aid design, like UG NX, Metlab, Photoshop, and ANSYS.

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

The role of the colour, materials and ambient in a design should relate to the function and the customer.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

My combination methods.

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

It was 2018 and I saw the new environment-friendly engine product from The University of Birmingham in the UK.

Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

Co-design is the best way in the future product and art design.

Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

The supervisor of my PhD research.

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

The Science of Art

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

To develop my skills, I try to take part in science and art research projects.

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

I want to meet professor Martin Kemp and talk about the science of art with him.

How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

The first prize made my day. But the awards bring me new challenges too.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

White is my favourite colour. I love Florence best. Chinese food is my taste. I like the summer and autumn.

Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

A research about the relationship between calculus and art.

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

Art makes my day, always.

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

No, I do not think so.

What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

I think more and more trends will be produced. There is one thing I can see, which is people can not live without design. Design is a sort of art and designer could not be replaced by the computer, even AI.

Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

No thanks.

Designer Interview

40 questions

Although I am focusing on my Ph.D. research in the engineering area, becoming a combination designer is still my unchangeable dream.

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?

Although I am focusing on my Ph.D. research in the engineering area, becoming a combination designer is still my unchangeable dream. I finished my bachelor's degree in the industrial design area, but I put a lot of time into the visual design and engineering field too. Then I finished my master's degree in computer engineering, to improve the mind of design.

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

Birmingham High Performance Turbomachinery Limited is a high-tech headquartered in the UK. Its business focus has shifted to the development of new high-performance turbo extended range engine, turbocharger, micro engines, air bearing, and related products.

What is "design" for you?

Design is an irreplaceable approach to improve the quality of lifestyle. It drives people to a place where we can enjoy the combination of art and science.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

Be honest, industrial products and visual arts are my favorites.

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

The Mortise and tenon structure.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

It was the profile of a new electric car, 10 years ago.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Ceramics is my favorite. I like natural materials such as wood and pottery clay, but scientific methods and technology bridge art and academics very well.

When do you feel the most creative?

Morning, between 7 to 11 am.

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

The combination area between art and science, which is a part of my Ph.D. research too.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

When I design, I think I will become a person who has rigorous, logic, and divergent thinking.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

I always want to find a possibility for optimizing after my designs are realized.

What makes a design successful?

I think the more significant points are: the integration of knowledge, the courage to cross boundaries, the perseverance to success, perseverance, and determination to face and overcome difficulties.

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

The idea and the soul.

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

For me, designers should make a positive atmosphere for society, bring healthy and optimistic waves to people, and discover more possibilities for the future.

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

Multicultural integration, multidisciplinary integration, and multidimensional development will be conjectures for future design. I think that more design fields, such as those related to animal psychological research, maybe endless.

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

The recent exhibition where my design could be found is in ‘The 2019 San Jose International Digital Design’. I wish I could hold an exhibition later this year. It is time to represent more related information, share more experiences and contributions from my research.

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

Combination thoughts, especially the possibility of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary integration.

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?

My design style is combined. My current research aimed at the approach of how could we improve our design with mathematics and Computational Fluid Dynamics. My target is to find out a new method for design via science rules such as B-Spline functions.

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?

Now I live in the UK. After moving here, my views on design have changed a lot. I have been influenced by culture and education. In particular, the local people's pursuit of science and rigorous attitudes have made my design style more academic and feasible.

How do you work with companies?

Finishing every task step by step together, with good communication and a positive mood.

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

Before teamwork, companies and firms need to choose their co-designer very carefully. However, it will not help if companies pushing too much on designers during the cooperation process.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

First, I will talk about the case or the task more details with my clients.

Second, I prefer to learn relevant knowledge and academic background from papers or other publishings.

Third, I will make some drafts based on the main request.

Fourth, it is time to contact the companies between discussing and optimizing.

Fifth, I will put more details and finish the task.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

My brush washer for Chinese painting, my seal-ink box, my handmade cup for drinking, the water system of my house, and my iPhone SE.

Can you describe a day in your life?

The day when I finish my research and create a new design method in the future, I plan to celebrate it with the start of a new research program.

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

A lone tree could not become a forest.

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

Being a designer is my dream work, so it may be not easy for me to explain the negatives of that. But as I know, most of the designers have a very rich imagination, an optimistic attitude towards life, high aesthetic standards, and an open mind.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

It consists of 40% art and 60% science.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Personally, the research ability and open-minded.

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

The tools include some computer aid design, like UG NX, Metlab, Photoshop, and ANSYS. Also some knowledge resources such as academic publishing and laboratory contributions.

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

A reasonable schedule and project program could lead me to avoid vital risks. Also, it will save time if the right people focusing on the right things.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

It depends, industrial products spend more time than others for me.

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

‘What can I do for your products in differentiated competition?’

What was your most important job experience?

The redesign of a new turbocharged engine which it had been finished earlier last year for UK Innovation in England.

Who are some of your clients?

Generally, national organizations and industrial firms are my potential clients.

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

Visual design and product design are my interests. I am so keen on combining art and science via design, contributing to a new visual and user experience.

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

In the next step, I plan to reinforce my research method and find more possibilities for its utilization. For example, figure out how can I improve product design with my design method and guide future creations.

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

In the group from the academic institute, I am one of a team. However, as a Ph.D. candidate, I have to develop more new findings and creations by myself during the combination research program.

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

Recently, I am focusing on a UAV product design. This task includes studying the beauty of continuity, including G2, G3, and higher-order continuity. Good design should both reflect a part of the world truly or extractives, but also include some elements of beauty to rise above our world. B-Splines can provide continuity elements conveniently.

How can people contact you?

E-mail: luishanke777@gmail.com

Instagram: liu_han_7

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

No thanks.

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The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Han Liu regarding Trex Poster comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.