Yuichiro Katsumoto

Specialized in Generative Design.

Yuichiro Katsumoto

About Yuichiro Katsumoto

Yuichiro Katsumoto is an artist and educator based in Saitama, Japan. He experiments with manipulating linear objects such as strings, strips, and springs to display letters and pictures. We humans have created art by writing and painting. It can be said that we have compressed our expressions into two dimensions by lines. He therefore seeks to decompress those lines into physical space, and display kinetic typographies and motion graphics using linear objects. He trained in video production, physical computing, and design thinking at Keio University SFC. He received a Ph.D. in 2010 and worked as a researcher at the National University of Singapore. He returned to Japan in 2018 and has been teaching design and practicing art at Tokyo Denki University since 2019.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Generative Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Generative
Hinemosu 30 Computer Display

Hinemosu 30 Computer Display

Generative Design

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Extended Interview with Yuichiro Katsumoto

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I studied film production as an undergraduate and pursued graduate studies in design thinking and physical computing. After obtaining my PhD, I worked for several years at a research institute specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Currently, I am employed as a university faculty member.
How did you become a designer?
I design because I love creating and I have a desire to see new things. I am not sure if the title of "designer" accurately represents my job. However, I engage in iterative processes with intent and purpose to create new forms and formats.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I aim to make physical objects behave informationally. Currently, I am designing computer displays using linear objects.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I still consider myself to be inexperienced. There is much to learn from others, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. Often, I feel a sense of despair when I witness the accomplishments of young prodigies.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer explores the unknown. A great designer shares the fruits of their exploration.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
As far as my field is concerned, good design should embody innovation in both technology and expression. Moreover, good design reflects the designer's intent and philosophy while addressing the demands of the time and society.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design shapes the future. Without those who pioneer the future, the world would regress into a dark age. It is essential to invest time and opportunities for exploration.
What is your day to day look like?
If I could dedicate time to design outside of work, I would like to design a home for my family. I believe that the experimentation involved in this process would also benefit my professional work.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I aspire to create a large-scale piece that can be permanently installed in a public space. I am currently preparing for this project.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
There are too many predecessors whom I admire so much that no matter how many names I write down, I will leave them out. If I dared to name one, it would be Shigeo Fukuda and Bruno Munari. They have remained free in their approach to design itself.
What is your biggest design work?
The award-winning work, Hinemosu 30, was made in the great footsteps of predecessors such as Daniel Rozin, Julius Popp and Art+Com. I have never forgotten my respect for them.
Who is your favourite designer?
I always try to make the best work I can and I think I've achieved that. But a lot of people are more pleased with the toys I was making earlier in my career.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
When I was a student, I used to transcribe books in the library. At that time, I had neither the money to buy books nor the ability to earn money, but I had plenty of time. The knowledge I gained from transcribing books still helps me in my work today.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I probably would have been a failed comedian or a member of parliament who could only criticise.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is about creating new forms and formats through trial and error with intention and purpose.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
First of all, my family. Without their understanding, I cannot continue my work. Secondly, my friends, my supervisor and senior colleagues from my student days, and my boss and colleagues from my time at the research institute. They helped me when I was struggling. Then the Art Community at SIGGRAPH, who always encourage me to take on my challenges.

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