Interview with Hyunjae Noh
Hyunjae Noh is an industrial designer who has a strong passion for product, furniture, and UX design. With a focus on ideation, 3D modeling, and rendering, he has developed a deep understanding of…
Designer Interview
4 July 2025
I originally studied electronics in South Korea and served in the Navy. After completing my service, I decided to leave the electronics program and went on to study heavy equipment engineering.
My goal at the time was to specialize in that field, so I moved to Canada for further training.
While I was learning CAD as part of my studies, my girlfriend—who has an art background—saw my work and said, “You’d be a great fit for industrial design.”
Her words really stuck with me, and after learning more about the field, I realized that industrial design was where my interests and skills truly aligned. That moment sparked my decision to become a designer.
My goal at the time was to specialize in that field, so I moved to Canada for further training.
While I was learning CAD as part of my studies, my girlfriend—who has an art background—saw my work and said, “You’d be a great fit for industrial design.”
Her words really stuck with me, and after learning more about the field, I realized that industrial design was where my interests and skills truly aligned. That moment sparked my decision to become a designer.
After graduating from university, I’ve been working independently as a designer, creating products across a variety of fields including consumer electronics, furniture, and everyday objects.
My work explores both function and form, with a focus on user-centered design that enhances daily experiences.
My work explores both function and form, with a focus on user-centered design that enhances daily experiences.
For me, design is about solving everyday problems and making life more convenient.
It’s a tool that improves how we live, think, and interact with the world around us.
It’s a tool that improves how we live, think, and interact with the world around us.
I enjoy designing products that incorporate new technologies or solve real-world problems.
When I come across emerging technologies in news articles, I often start by imagining how they could be applied in everyday life, and then develop design concepts around those possibilities.
I also observe inconveniences that people experience and explore how design can offer meaningful solutions.
When I come across emerging technologies in news articles, I often start by imagining how they could be applied in everyday life, and then develop design concepts around those possibilities.
I also observe inconveniences that people experience and explore how design can offer meaningful solutions.
One of my favorite designs is the black iPhone 3gs.
When I was in high school, I wasn’t particularly interested in design. But one day, a friend brought their black iPhone 3gs to school, and I was completely captivated by it.
It didn’t feel like a phone—it felt like a piece of art. That moment made me curious about what “design” really means, and I think it was the first time I truly began to appreciate it.
When I was in high school, I wasn’t particularly interested in design. But one day, a friend brought their black iPhone 3gs to school, and I was completely captivated by it.
It didn’t feel like a phone—it felt like a piece of art. That moment made me curious about what “design” really means, and I think it was the first time I truly began to appreciate it.
The first thing I designed for a company was a set of ceramic bowls and plates with unique patterns.
I enjoy exploring a variety of materials, but recently I have been focusing on designs that utilize metal.
I feel the most creative when I’m coming up with ideas to start a new design project.
I used to focus mainly on functionality, but these days I try to balance both function and form throughout the design process.
Designing gives me a sense of wonder and excitement—like I’m bringing something entirely new into the world.
When I see my design realized, I feel very excited for the first few minutes—but then I quickly shift into a calm, focused mindset to identify any flaws or areas for improvement.
I believe a successful design is one that solves people’s discomfort and makes them feel that the product is truly necessary in their lives.
When judging whether a design is good or bad, I first consider whether it is feasible or not. For me, a good design must be realistic and achievable, not just visually appealing.
As a designer, I believe it is our responsibility to address various social and environmental issues through design.
With the advancement of AI, the design field has undergone significant changes. In particular, tasks like rendering have become much easier and faster thanks to AI, allowing us to create photo-realistic images more efficiently.
My last exhibition was held in 2023 in Toronto. I don’t have any plans for my next exhibition yet.
I find inspiration by reading news and books to understand the problems people face and the challenges society is dealing with. I aim to use design as a way to solve these issues.
My design style is minimalistic while ensuring that users can easily understand and use the product. To achieve this, I incorporate affordances in my designs to guide user behavior intuitively.
I was born in Korea but currently live in Toronto, Canada. Canada is a multicultural country, and I draw inspiration from many different cultures here.
I mainly communicate with companies via email, and hold meetings at the end of each phase or when there are important deadlines.
To select a good designer, look for creativity, problem-solving skills, and good communication.
My design process starts with identifying the problem, researching solutions, sketching ideas, modeling, and finally rendering.
i Phone, Airpod Max, lund tumbler, Braun table clock, ikea stand lamp
wake up at 7 a.m., take a shower, and arrive at the studio by 9 a.m. I work at the studio until 5 p.m., then go home, do some light exercise, tidy up my room, and do laundry. After having a simple dinner, I start my personal design work and go to bed around midnight.
Invest plenty of time in research before starting the design. Consider whether the design is feasible and what manufacturing processes will be used.
Being a designer allows me to be creative and solve problems, which I really enjoy. However, tight deadlines and demanding clients can be challenging.
My "golden rule" in design is to always prioritize the user’s needs while keeping the solution simple and functional.
The most important skill for a designer is the ability to bring imagination into reality—turning creative ideas into practical, tangible solutions.
For tools, I use a notebook, pen, and post-its for idea sketching. I model in Rhino 3D and render using KeyShot. To enhance rendered images, I use Adobe Photoshop, and for documentation, I use Illustrator and InDesign.
I try to finish all my work during the day, but if time is tight, I set up the rendering before bed and let it run overnight. Once the initial settings are done well, I don’t need to monitor it constantly, so rendering while I sleep helps save time.
It takes about 1 to 3 months to go from ideation to modeling, rendering, and creating manufacturing drawings. However, the actual production of the product usually takes between 6 months to a year.
How can I solve this problem?
My experience in the navy has greatly helped me develop teamwork skills.
Anyone can be my client. For example, if I design to solve problems that dogs face, then dogs can also be my clients.
I enjoy designing tech products that combine technology because I get to see the development of new technologies and use them to solve various problems.
As a designer, my next goal is to work at Apple or a design studio in Silicon Valley.
At the studio, I work as part of a team with various designers. However, during my personal projects after work, I work alone.
I am currently designing AR glasses. Most AR glasses on the market have thick frames, so I am researching how to design them thinner and how to hide the parting lines.
hyunjaenoh.design@gmail.com
One thing I’d like to add is that design is not just about creating beautiful objects, but about improving people’s lives in meaningful ways. I always try to keep that focus in my work.
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