Uiuinga Kaihoahoa
12 pātai
From high school to my Ph.D., I have been immersed in the study and research of design. Starting with a major in graphic design, I gradually expanded my design practice into the fields of environmental architecture and…
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?
From high school to my Ph.D., I have been immersed in the study and research of design. Starting with a major in graphic design, I gradually expanded my design practice into the fields of environmental architecture and, in recent years, product design. My exploration shifted from single-discipline design research to multidisciplinary design practice, and the focus of my work evolved from academic knowledge production and writing to spatial objects from a geographical perspective, eventually returning to my current practice centered on designing for the future human body. These experiences have shaped my passion for becoming a designer. My practice encompasses teaching, design research, and corporate work.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
practice, with an international design team. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, we revisited the new understanding of design explored in my doctoral dissertation—that design is a practice of three adaptations: the transformation of design as a discipline, the reshaping of planetary-scale geography, and the redesign of humanity itself. This led us to launch a new venture, integrating the original design team into a completely new company, OF HUNGER, while expanding the team to include product technology and design, marketing, and brand visual teams. We now focus on a new direction: developing novel species and perspectives for the future of electronic body fashion.
My business partner—and also my life partner—is a jewelry designer who graduated from a British university. Together, we run this new company.
What is "design" for you?
"Design for the Next Human Body"
"Designing for the Trans-Human"
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Design Research Project, Product System Design, AI-Powered Wearable Fashion
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I specialize in speculative design practices, establishing value frameworks for projects, overseeing holistic strategic planning, and executing concrete product form design.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
The previous OWS accessory Earphone design that won the A' Design Award Silver Prize.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Metals, natural mineral materials, and electronic materials.
When do you feel the most creative?
After extensive research and profound contemplation,
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The significance and value of design emerge as.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Highly rational and analytical—I don't give up easily when facing challenges, especially if I believe in the project's value.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel tremendous excitement and fulfillment, coupled with intense pressure, particularly when delivering a product to users and ensuring a flawless experience.
What makes a design successful?
Personal design philosophy and technical work ethic
