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Xiaokai Li

ChinaFurniture

Interviews with Xiaokai Li

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

Designer Profile

Designer of the Day Interview

18 questions

I have been working in design for 6 years and have worked in many famous design companies in Shanghai, Xiamen and Hangzhou, China.

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

I have been working in design for 6 years and have worked in many famous design companies in Shanghai, Xiamen and Hangzhou, China.

How did you become a designer?

Since childhood, the love of art, good design can make life and the environment a better belief.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

The design first considers the form of the product, then draws its structure with a pencil, and then uses a computer-aided rendering model.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

Step by step from the beginning of the design to the idea will make me more and more excited.

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

The love of Bauhaus design, Bauhaus design is the perfect combination of art and technology.

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

I am from interior design to furniture design. In the future, I want to cooperate with more fields. My ideal project is to design all the furniture products according to the specified architectural space.

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

Young people need to have faith, enthusiasm, and great commitment.

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

I hope more designers can pay attention to the current environmental and social issues.

What is your day to day look like?

Engaged in brainstorming in the company every morning, deepening the morning's ideas in the afternoon, and generally watching things related to design or art at night.

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

I think that good design should not follow the trend. Generally, design inspiration comes from daily life and is related to the things around you.

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

Good design comes with a language and has its own logic of existence.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I think there will be unfinished parts in every design. If the design is too perfect, it will lose its growth.

What is your biggest design work?

I once designed a whole set of furniture for a library project, all the furniture in it belongs to this space.

Who is your favourite designer?

Le Corbusier, his architecture and furniture are great.

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

I like reading, traveling and experimental music, they will bring me different fun and inspiration.

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

We operate both interior and furniture design. We prefer experimental and challenging projects.

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

As a designer, I pay more attention to the problems of urban streets, such as the iteration of new and old building streets, and how to protect traditional buildings.

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

Participating in the competition allows me to recognize myself, and through the competition platform, I can see more works of excellent designers, and I can get more opportunities for cooperation for myself.

Design Interview

Rt Stool or Sidetable · 19 questions

The product design is inspired by Chinese tangram and is composed of 3 different right-angled parts mutually supporting each other.

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

The product design is inspired by Chinese tangram and is composed of 3 different right-angled parts mutually supporting each other.

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

The style of the product I design is the structure of the product. I want to achieve the authenticity of the product.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

Check your own design direction through award-winning products and find new partners.

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

About a week.

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

The inspiration I got by accident is not a design commission.

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?

For the time being, there is no other company producing it. I am looking for a partner to plan to lease production rights.

What made you design this particular type of work?

It is the result of my usual observation and thinking of the forms and structures of things around me.

Who is the target customer for his design?

Everyone who likes it.

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

Through searching information, it was found that the form of the product had never appeared.

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

By the appearance of the product, Rt means right angle.

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

First draw a sketch with a pencil, then draw the dimensions with CAD, and finally render with 3D modeling.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

The form and structure of the stool.

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

I completed the design myself, and then there are professional technical staff to help achieve it.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

It has a great effect, and good technology can make the product fall to the ground.

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

Research on the toughness of various metal materials.

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

To construct the connection part, there is no suitable connection piece, you need to design the screw yourself.

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

I want to examine the thinking about the design direction during this period.

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

From idea to product landing, every link is collaborated with different people, making me understand the importance of teamwork.

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

No thanks.

Design Legend Interview

50 questions

I graduated from Jiamusi University, China, majoring in interior design. Now I am the founder and creative director of Hangzhou Wuxiang Space Design, and the founder and creative director of OBJECT SYSTEM brand.

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

I graduated from Jiamusi University, China, majoring in interior design. Now I am the founder and creative director of Hangzhou Wuxiang Space Design, and the founder and creative director of OBJECT SYSTEM brand.

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

The belief that design can make the world a better place.

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

I chose to be a designer because it suits this profession.

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

There are no restrictions on furniture, products, space, architecture.

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

Young people need to have faith, enthusiasm, and great commitment.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

Good designers only care about the product itself, and good designers not only care about the product, but also care about human, social and environmental issues.

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

Good design comes with logic, look at the standard of the design product itself.

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

Good design will make improvements to human and social environmental issues, and good design has predictability for the future. Investing in good design is investing in the future.

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

Design an art gallery for yourself.

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

Design of lamps.

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

Daily thinking, reading, traveling.

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

Designers and artists of the Bauhaus period.

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

Chairs and buildings, because they are the most frequent things that come into contact with people.

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

The design of the chair, the design of the chair can have its own logical composition.

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

I spend a lot of time to experience the surrounding things, thinking and studying how they are composed.

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

Scientist because I like research work.

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

Design is a kind of revelation. The designer uses a unique eye to discover the original things and logic.

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

My family, friends and career leaders.

What helped you to become a great designer?

The quiet personality allows me to do research better.

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

There are many practical problems, and the idea is that the idea cannot be implemented.

How do you think designers should present their work?

Good design comes with language.

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

Wooden structure products can be displayed through basic design principles.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

To discover and reveal things, to show more beautiful things.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

Can improve people's lives, social and environmental issues.

How does design help create a better society?

Design is an enlightenment that makes people understand the fun and beauty of life.

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

The wooden-structured stool takes a new form.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

Each work will have satisfaction. Because each item appears with a different place.

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

I hope the design can be more diverse and that people from different fields can participate.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

Design crosses boundaries, and designers can participate in more other fields.

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

Different projects have different lengths of time, some take a few days, some take a few months.

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

Inspiration or logic.

What is your life motto as a designer?

The existence of every thing has its own internal mechanism, and we need to reveal it.

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

Good design determines trends.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Tools to realize works.

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

Mainly 3DMAX, CAD, Photoshop.

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

Inspiring the human sensory system, colors, materials and environment are the constituent elements of different divisions.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

Hope people can find the answer by themselves.

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

What is his design principle.

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

Different types of people need to work together.

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

Family and friends who make art.

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

"The Human Situation"

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Experience, read, think.

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

Martin Heidegger

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

Winning a prize can test your thinking during this time, nothing more.

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

Gray-green, Xiamen, China, seafood, autumn, chair, physical system.

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

Go to the ancient Chinese garden to see many interesting scenes.

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

Designers can better experience the surrounding things.

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

When I was young, I just wanted to be an inventor.

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

In the contemporary era, people actually pay more and more attention to themselves. I hope that in the future, people will think more about the relationship between people and the environment and the relationship between people and the universe.

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

The method of design, the logic of product establishment.

Designer Interview

39 questions

I have always loved art since I was young and believe that art or design can make life better, so I chose art design from college and have been working in design since graduation.

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 have always loved art since I was young and believe that art or design can make life better, so I chose art design from college and have been working in design since graduation.

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

Our studio is a research and exploration-oriented innovative design laboratory, including interior design and furniture design. We try to cooperate with people in different fields, hoping to improve social environment through design.

What is "design" for you?

Design is a kind of revelation. The designer uses a unique eye to discover the original things and logic.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I prefer to design stools and tables because they are most commonly used in life.

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

Classic furniture and architecture from the Bauhaus period.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

All plywood furniture in a reading hall.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Real materials, such as wood, stone, and metal, are connected in the simplest and most direct way.

When do you feel the most creative?

The most creative when seeing different landscapes while traveling.

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

The logic of the design.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

I tend to be quiet when I design.

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

When the design is realized, it is hoped that time is still at that moment.

What makes a design successful?

Can continue to study.

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

Practical and form.

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

Designers should learn to observe and discover the shortcomings in society and the environment, and then propose solutions to these problems in a targeted manner.

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

In the contemporary era, people actually pay more and more attention to themselves. I hope that in the future, people will think more about the relationship between people and the environment and the relationship between people and the universe.

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

It is my usual observation and thinking about the form and structure of things around me.

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?

Can express the minimalism of the work simply and clearly.

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 Hangzhou, China. The form and structure of Chinese ancient buildings and furniture have a great influence on me.

How do you work with companies?

We mainly focus on the output of design thinking.

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

The company should retain the original ideas of the designer as much as possible, and use this as a basis for deepening the landing. Good designers have their own ways of thinking.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

I don't usually do design on purpose, many of them deepen the inspiration accumulated from daily observations.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Furniture designed by myself for the studio.

Can you describe a day in your life?

Engaged in brainstorming in the company every morning, deepening the morning's ideas in the afternoon, and generally watching things related to design or art at night.

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

Young people must be patient and have the spirit of study.

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

Designers generally have occupational diseases, and it is difficult to experience life with the eyes of ordinary people.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

The design must have its own logic.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Hand-drawn, text, and design software.

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

I usually record my inspiration by hand drawing with pencil, and then make it with 3Dmax.

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

The time to think about the plan and the time to deepen the plan are divided into time periods.

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

Depending on the design object, some will take a few days and some will take a few months.

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

What is the principle of design.

What was your most important job experience?

Each stage is more important.

Who are some of your clients?

There are no restrictions, and everyone who likes our design may become our customer.

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

I prefer minimalist works because they express clearly.

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

I hope to cooperate with people in different fields.

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

Design by myself, and then put the product on the ground through teamwork.

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

I am now designing a wooden stool, its form is also more interesting, the stability of this form needs to overcome many technical problems.

How can people contact you?

You can leave a message via email or ins.

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

No thanks.

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Data Source

The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Xiaokai Li regarding Rt Stool or Sidetable comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.