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Louis Yiu

Taiwan (China)Verpakking

Interviews met Louis Yiu

Lees de interviews met Louis Yiu: ontdek hun filosofie, creatieve proces en bekroonde werk.

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We hebben meerdere interviews met Louis Yiu.

Ze zijn uitsluitend in het Engels gepubliceerd en worden hieronder in de originele taal weergegeven.

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Ontwerplegenda Interview

48 vragen

I have been fond of fantasy and drawing since i was a child. When i was in middle school at HK, i met by chance and read a design book. This is how i became interested and start in design.

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

I have been fond of fantasy and drawing since i was a child. When i was in middle school at HK, i met by chance and read a design book. This is how i became interested and start in design. I later took different design courses and self-taught to become a designer.

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

When encountering interesting things or projects.

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

I choose to be a designer.

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

I mainly engage in commercial graphic design, and now i hope to design more VIS and packaging design.

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

I think it's important to keep a warm and open heart.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

My interpretation is that good designers can produce great works, while great designers can not only produce good works but also influence the industry and future generations.

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

Good design should be easy to understand, innovative, beautiful, honest, durable, environmentally friendly, and involve as little design as possible.

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

The most successful companies know that great design pays back more than it costs. this is good design the value.

Numerous studies over the years have shown that design-led companies enjoy greater turnover and greater profits than those which don’t place an emphasis on design. this is the reason everyone should be invest in good design.

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

I will design my home.

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

There are many projects that I really want to do, but my dream projects is to design a CIS for a zoo.

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

I want to be open to new things and a sense of humor is a factor.

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

I thnk there are three important masters who have always influenced me, 1. Paul Rand, 2. Neville Brody, 3. Tanaka Ikko.

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

My favorite design is Philippe Starck's Juicy Salif Citrus-Squeezer, I always thought this design was great and eye-catching, so i chose it.

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

I once designed a smart convenience card for a small place. This card has been used by more than one million citizens and has been used for more than ten years. it can create a collective memory.

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

I always keep the idea of giving and receiving new things.

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

I've been thinking about this question but haven't found an answer.

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

Design is a method of solving problems, whether it is optimizing the thinking process or integrating various resources to complete the purpose. For me, design is a skill, a method and an attitude.

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

I think every person and thing i encounter at different stages, study periods and work is more or less helpful.

What helped you to become a great designer?

I think it's because i really like the sense of success that design brings me.

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

Not enough money in life.

How do you think designers should present their work?

Nowadays, there are many different social media outlets to showcase their work.

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

My next project is a canned drink packaging design. It will be an interesting design.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

I hope can become a great designer.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

I'm not sure about this, I'll have to ask them. Ha Ha!

How does design help create a better society?

Because there are various problems in society, design is to deal with different problems with empathy. Whether the problem comes from individuals, companies or society, through segmentation, establishment and creation, some problems will be solved to a certain extent. Make society a better place.

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

Currently i have a packaging design project for canned drinks. I was very excited when i accepted this project.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

Looking back at some of my past works that satisfied me, I still feel dissatisfied. I think the most satisfying design projects will come in the future.

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

The rapid development of AI, I believe that there will be a big change in a very short time, just like the history of design has changed from not having computers to every designer only using computer to design.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

I think the future development of science and technology will be based on improving the convenience of human life and improving the quality of life, making human life more and more convenient. Everything can be done in an instant, making work efficiency infinite. Design field just keep moving towards these goals.

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

Depends on the complexity of the design project. The longest period was nearly a year.

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

I believe that from start with research.

What is your life motto as a designer?

Understand design and understand life better.

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

I think the two are pulling each other. Design can lead the trend, or it can followthe trend and determine the design.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Technology can bring greater convenience and efficiency to the design process.

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

Maining is Illustrator and photoshop.

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

I think these elements can also improve the quality of the design.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

I hope to ask the questions that i haven't thought about.

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

I'm so complimentary. It's so inspiring. How did the designer come up with the idea?

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

I believe in co-design, but I also enjoy the solitude in design, so I can't think of anyone who is my design partner for this moment.

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

It must be the design teacher who taught me in the past and my supervisor at work.

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

Graphic Annual, Communication Arts Annual, idea magazine, print magazine.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Continuously receive new knowledge and learn.

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

For me, the meaning of winning the award is not to become famous, but to have my design recognized by the industry, to remind myself that I have not regressed, and to give myself confidence, just like the feeling of getting a report card. But then because I won many awards, people started to recognize me.

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

My favorite color is black, white and grey, Japan, Eggs cooked any way, Autumn, Rolex

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

With my family together, becuase normal work time takes up too much, i'm really happy to be able to accompany them one day.

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

I only knew I would become a designer, but didn't think about what kind of designer I wanted to be.

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

Who know. Ha Ha!

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

The works speak for themselves.

Ontwerperinterview

38 vragen

I have been fond of fantasy and drawing since i was a child. When i was in middle school, i met by chance and read a design book. This is how i became interested in design.

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 been fond of fantasy and drawing since i was a child. When i was in middle school, i met by chance and read a design book. This is how i became interested in design. I later took different design courses and self-taught to become a designer.

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

A.S.M.D. is a brand design company newly established in Taiwan. It has been operating in Hong Kong for nearly 20 years and has won many awards. Has experience in cross-domain brand services, providing professional design consulting services, visual identity design and strategic communication. We specialize in brand identity, trademarks, packaging, posters and publications.

What is "design" for you?

Design is solving problems by making thinks and things, thereby improving our lives.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

All kinds of works i like all of them, but I mostly go for modern contemporary design style as it can blends perfectly with various personalities.

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

My favorite design is logo design, because the proportion of the area if appears in any design is the smallest, but it need may have the most to express. It is a very interesting design item. But recently i like packaging design because it is a very challenging to integrate all the theories and elements of graphic design.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

It must be the company logo.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I don't know if i like it, but i always use illustrator and photoshop.

When do you feel the most creative?

When there isn’t much to do.

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

Design direction.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

I usually need keep a calm mood when designing because analyzing and solving problems at every moment of design.

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

I will be very happy, because every project is completed with hard work. If it can be appreciated by customers or audiences, that would be even better.

What makes a design successful?

Hardworking and Lucky.

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

First I will consider the design direction must be right and correct.

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

In the past, designers have always believed that desigbers need to improve people's quality of life, but now we have added that the design processand works should be more enviromentally friendly.

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

I see the future of design as sustainable materials. Design and products that will be compostable and have a low carbon footprint. It is becoming increasingly popular to sell products that are good for the environment - which is good if we want to be carbon neutral by 2030. Wooden furtniture will have to sourced from responsible forests. In additon, the topic of AI must be inseparable. It will become a part of our lives, not to mention the design industry.

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

I would answer from life. Although this answer is perfunctory, it is indeed an indisputable fact, because the more time a designer sees and feels, his works will reflect it.

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?

I think the designer's preferences and personality are the design style. This process is natural and will change. In this age full of information, I now prefer a simple style. There are different design methods for different customers.

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 Taiwan, where the culture is diverse, my ideas can be free, and my clients are very receptive to new things, so the advantage for me is that I can do better in design.

How do you work with companies?

Because coopertion has many aspects, there is no standared answer, but we will first look at the conditions and company neds to find the common interests of both parties, and further preliminary discussions can be carried out under an equal relationship.

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

Look at the designer's past works. It doesn't matter if the designer haven't done the same type of project. Metaphor: Design projects are just a stage for experienced designers. Capable designers can definitely perform on different stages. Clients only need to evaluate the designer past projects. It's okay to feel whatever you want.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

we usually first understand the client's needs, because this process will produce different design processes according to different needs. Under normal circumstances, it is inseparable from preliminary research, design strategy formulation, design execution and delivery.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Eames chair, USM office cabinet, Dyson fan, Lyric speaker, Ikea ÄPPLARYD sofa.

Can you describe a day in your life?

My day is actually to constantly accept and deal with customer needs and solve internal administrative matters of the company. Whenever a customer asks me a question, I will try my best to understand the difficulties they encounter, understand the problem quickly, and organize and answer them.

Sometimes we proactively provide customers with interesting or useful information. So my day is actually a process of continuous learning, thinking and answering.

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

I believe that designers who can make a difference already have certain condiitons, so I have to say don't be afraid of setbacks. After setbacks, it will become a powerful weapob in the future.

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

Let me just talk about myself. As a designer, i can be exposed to different industries and my horizons have been broadened. The down side is the there never seems to be enough time.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

In addition to the importance of design direction, attention should be paid to every link and detail of the design. Details determine success or failure. Good detailed design can make the product more outstanding.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Have a spirti of continuous learning.

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

I will mainly use Adobe Illustrator and photoshop software to do my design.

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

I will set the time needed to manage each step in the process.

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

There is no set answer, it depends on the need of each project.

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

"Can it be cheaper?"

What was your most important job experience?

There are a lot of important work experiences for me because each one makes me grow.

Who are some of your clients?

Now there are clients in banking, sports, coffee, traditional Chinese medicine, food, drink and marketing industry.

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

It's packaging design for now, because it is very challenging, it can be said that it is the integration of graphic design.

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

In the future, I hope to do more packaging design, include tea and wine industry.

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

Depends on the size of the project.

How can people contact you?

If interest can though email to contact me.

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

No, thanks.

Groot Interview

Sinten Koffieverpakking · 10 vragen

In the packaging design for New Deng Coffee, I wanted to use the purest visual language to capture the essence of coffee—clean, focused, and delicately layered.

Your innovative approach to minimalist design in Sinten Coffee Packaging beautifully captures the essence of freshly roasted coffee - could you walk us through how you developed this distinctive visual language using simple lines and geometric patterns?

In the packaging design for New Deng Coffee, I wanted to use the purest visual language to capture the essence of coffee—clean, focused, and delicately layered. Therefore, I used minimalist lines and geometric shapes inspired by different coffee makers as the foundational elements, almost like illustrating the steady, rhythmic flow of coffee extraction.The fine lines symbolize the diffusion of aroma and create a sense of visual “breathing,” while the geometric forms provide a precise and orderly framework, giving the packaging distinct recognizability even within a minimalist approach. By structuring these elements, we established a unique visual landscape for the brand.

The vibrant orange color scheme of Sinten Coffee Packaging stands out remarkably in a market dominated by earth tones - what inspired this bold choice, and how does it connect to both Kaohsiung's sunny character and your brand message?

Earth tones have long dominated the coffee market, and I wanted New Deng Coffee to communicate with consumers in a more energetic way—one that also represents Kaohsiung.The orange color comes from the city’s intense sunlight and the dynamic energy of its harbor. The warm tones reflected off metal surfaces and the water convey enthusiasm, honesty, and a lack of pretension. It’s a bold color, yet it naturally aligns with Kaohsiung’s pace and the brand’s pursuit of freshness, making the product instantly noticeable on the shelf.

How did your deep understanding of coffee brewing's golden proportion (60% bean quality, 30% roasting technique, 10% brewing craft) influence the rhythmic graphic illustrations we see in Sinten Coffee Packaging?

I strongly agree with the concept of the golden ratio in coffee brewing—beans, roasting, and brewing are all indispensable. This proportional idea inspired the rhythm of the illustrations.We translated line density, length variation, and the amount of negative space into a “visual 60/30/10.” This gives the illustrations a sense of rhythm that corresponds with the extraction process, creating a deeper harmony between the visual and the brewing experience.

The Sinten Coffee Packaging series features different coffee devices rendered in consistent line patterns - could you elaborate on how this visual system helps communicate each product's unique characteristics while maintaining brand cohesion?

The series includes different weights and sizes, as well as various brewing methods. To establish a strong and unified brand identity, we used a single line-art style to illustrate different coffee tools.However, within this consistency, I still wanted each tool to tell its own story. The variations in line behavior and composition allow each product to express its unique brewing personality while maintaining a cohesive visual system.

In creating Sinten Coffee Packaging, you faced the challenge of standing out in an overwhelming coffee market - what strategic decisions guided your minimalist approach to achieve maximum visual impact?

The coffee market is fiercely competitive, and most brands try to attract attention by adding more information or details. I chose the opposite approach—creating presence through restraint.The strategy included:• Minimalist white space that lets the visuals breathe, making the product stand out on cluttered shelves.• Bold use of color to ensure recognizability from afar.• Precise line language to reduce decoration and highlight professionalism.• Symbolic illustrations of brewing tools to strengthen memorability and reinforce the series identity.These decisions allowed us to stand out in a pure and contemporary way.

The technical execution of Sinten Coffee Packaging involves moisture-proof materials and single-color printing - how did these production constraints influence your creative decisions while ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal?

Moisture-proof materials do create limitations, but I believe constraints inspire smarter design.The surface characteristics of moisture-proof material determine how detailed the lines can appear. Meanwhile, single-color printing forced us to focus on the expressive qualities of line thickness, density, and rhythm instead of relying on color.In the end, these constraints made the design more refined and further emphasized the brand’s minimalist identity.

Your work on Sinten Coffee Packaging, recently recognized with an A' Design Award, demonstrates a fascinating balance between local identity and contemporary design - how did you approach incorporating Taiwanese coffee culture into a modern visual language?

The A’ Design Award reinforced my belief that Taiwan’s cultural depth can indeed be expressed through modern design language.I didn’t draw directly from literal symbols. Instead, I translated the spirit of Taiwanese coffee culture—• the patience of handcraft,• the diversity of the market,• the warmth and fusion of the city—into the rhythm, spacing, and movement of the lines on the packaging.It’s not a folkloric presentation but a contemporary expression of “Taiwanese.”

The line-based illustrations in Sinten Coffee Packaging create a sophisticated visual rhythm - could you share the creative process behind developing these patterns and how they relate to the experience of coffee preparation?

While creating the line illustrations, I repeatedly reflected on the sensory process of brewing coffee.I wanted consumers to feel a sense of “coffee in the making” when they look at the packaging—the flow, the warmth, the aroma rising. It’s as if the visuals come first, and then the taste follows in their imagination.

Looking at the various sizes of Sinten Coffee Packaging, how did you ensure that your design concept maintained its impact and clarity across different package dimensions while preserving the brand's visual storytelling?

Different packaging sizes introduce challenges in proportion and viewing distance. My approach was to build a modular line system that allows illustrations to scale freely without distortion.The core imagery stays in fixed proportions, while the density of details is adjusted accordingly. This ensures clarity and impact across all sizes while maintaining the brand’s narrative consistency.

As the creative director of Sinten Coffee Packaging, how do you envision this design innovation influencing future trends in coffee packaging, particularly in markets where traditional and contemporary aesthetics intersect?

I believe this design presents a new possibility for coffee packaging—one that doesn’t rely on excessive information to convey expertise, but instead uses visual order and sensory cues to communicate brand spirit.In the future, coffee packaging will go beyond aesthetics and take on cultural storytelling as well. This fusion of minimalism and cultural expression will likely become a core competitive advantage for the next generation of coffee brands.

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De ontwerpinterviewgegevens die worden getoond op onze ontwerpinterviewpagina met de ontwerper Louis Yiu over het werk Sinten Koffieverpakking komen van het platform Design Interviews, waar toonaangevende ontwerpers, architecten en merken worden geïnterviewd over hun prijswinnende ontwerpen, producten en projecten.