Button Blessings

I have always been passionate about visual storytelling and how design can communicate ideas beyond words. My background is in visual communication design, where I developed skills in both digital and print media. During my studies and internship experience, I discovered how design can solve real-world problems and create emotional connections. What drew me to become a designer was the desire to bridge tradition and modern life through meaningful visuals. While I didn’t always know I would become a designer, I’ve always been drawn to creativity, and design naturally became the path where I could express that passion and make an impact.

Button Blessing is a student project team that explores the connection between traditional temple culture and modern design. We redesign deities that represent topics young people care about—such as love, letting go, wealth, and protection—and turn them into button-style amulets. Buttons symbolize both connection and protection, making them a meaningful medium for expressing faith in a contemporary way. Through visual storytelling and thoughtful packaging, we hope to bring traditional beliefs closer to the daily lives of younger generations.

For me, design is a way to solve problems and tell stories. It's not just about making things look good — it's about creating meaningful experiences that connect with people. Design can carry culture, spark emotions, and even build trust. I believe good design should be thoughtful, accessible, and able to communicate something deeper beyond the surface.

I enjoy designing works that combine storytelling with cultural elements. Projects that involve visual identity, packaging, or interactive experiences are especially exciting to me—especially when I can connect traditional themes with modern aesthetics. I love creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also meaningful and emotionally engaging.

My favorite design is Button Blessings, a project that transforms traditional faith into a portable and interactive object. I designed button sets inspired by five deities—love, letting go, wealth, fortune, and protection. Each is paired with minimalist graphics and meaningful blessings. The buttons come with story booklets using dragon-scale binding, mimicking temple rooftops. What makes it meaningful to me is how it bridges tradition and modern life, creating a tactile, spiritual experience for young people.

The first thing I designed for a company was a smartwatch interface during my internship at Garmin’s UI team. I was responsible for creating UI layouts and icon designs under supervision. That experience taught me how to balance design aesthetics with real-world usability and development constraints, which shaped the way I approach interface design today.

I’m especially drawn to tactile materials like wood and fabric because they bring warmth and texture to a design. I also enjoy working with interactive print formats—such as dragon-scale binding—where storytelling and user experience merge physically and emotionally.

I feel the most creative when I’m walking alone in a new place, especially in old neighborhoods filled with history. The textures, signs, and everyday rituals often spark unexpected ideas.

I focus on clarity, emotional connection, and cultural relevance. I believe a good design should be easy to understand, resonate with people, and carry meaning beyond aesthetics.

I feel a mix of calm focus and quiet excitement. There's a sense of flow when everything starts to come together—especially when a design feels emotionally and culturally meaningful.

It feels surreal and deeply fulfilling. Seeing an idea move from a sketch to something people can actually use or connect with—it’s like watching a part of yourself come to life.

A successful design solves the right problem while connecting emotionally with its audience. It balances function, aesthetics, and meaning—leaving a lasting impression and making people’s lives a little better.

I first look at clarity and intention—does the design communicate its message effectively, and is it appropriate for its context? Then I consider usability, visual impact, and how well it aligns with its purpose.

A designer has the responsibility to create solutions that are not only functional and appealing, but also ethical and sustainable. We shape how people interact with the world—so our work should respect cultural contexts, minimize harm, and inspire positive change.

The design field is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, sustainability, and user-centered thinking. Designers now integrate digital tools, AI, and data to create more personalized and efficient solutions. The future of design will focus on solving complex social and environmental challenges, promoting inclusivity, and blending physical and digital experiences seamlessly. Design will become more collaborative and interdisciplinary, shaping not just products, but systems and behaviors for a better world.

I am currently still a student. So far, I have participated in the New Generation Design Exhibition for students. I look forward to holding my own exhibition in the future to showcase my work and ideas more fully.

My design inspiration comes from everyday life, cultural stories, and personal experiences. I find creativity by observing the world around me, exploring different art forms, and staying curious. Nature, traditions, and human emotions are constant sources that fuel my ideas.

My design style is minimalist and clear, focusing on simplicity and meaningful details. I choose this style because it helps me communicate ideas effectively. I focus on clean lines and balanced composition. My approach is user-centered, starting with understanding needs and combining creativity with function to create purposeful designs.

I currently live in Taiwan. The rich cultural heritage here deeply influences my designs, inspiring me to blend tradition with modern elements. A benefit is having a unique cultural background that adds depth to my work. However, sometimes balancing traditional values with contemporary trends can be challenging.

I collaborate closely with companies by understanding their goals and users’ needs. I communicate regularly with teams to ensure design solutions are practical and aligned with the brand. I’m open to feedback and adapt my designs to achieve the best results.

I suggest companies clearly communicate their goals and expectations to designers. It’s important to build open, respectful communication and trust. Companies should look for designers who listen well, understand their needs, have a strong portfolio, and show creativity and problem-solving skills.

My design process starts with understanding the problem and the user’s needs. I research and gather inspiration, then brainstorm ideas. Next, I create sketches or digital drafts to explore concepts. I refine the designs based on feedback, focusing on both functionality and aesthetics. Finally, I prepare the final design for presentation or production.

Five of my favorite design items at home are: my Mondrian mug, which adds a splash of color to my mornings; a Mucha decorative pillow that brings some art nouveau vibes to my couch; a cozy fabric sofa that’s perfect for relaxing after a long day; a simple wooden desk where I do all my design work and studies; and a set of minimalist wall prints that inspire me every day.

A typical day for me usually starts with waking up a bit late and grabbing some coffee. Then I check emails and messages before jumping into design projects or school work. I like to listen to music while working to stay focused. I usually take breaks by scrolling social media or chatting with friends. In the evening, I might watch some shows or look for design inspiration online. Before bed, I review what I did and plan a bit for the next day.

Don’t be afraid to try new ideas or make mistakes—that’s how you grow. Focus on understanding people’s needs, not just making things look nice. Building good communication skills is just as important as creativity because design is about solving real problems with others. Most importantly, stay true to your own style and values, and let your passion guide your work.

Being a designer has many positives. You get to be creative every day and bring ideas to life, which is very fulfilling. You can solve problems in unique ways and make an impact on how people experience things. On the downside, it can be stressful when facing tight deadlines, unclear feedback, or balancing clients’ expectations with your vision. Sometimes, it requires a lot of patience and flexibility. Overall, the joy of creating and learning makes it worth it.

My golden rule in design is: Keep it simple and meaningful. Every element should have a purpose and connect with the user. Avoid unnecessary decoration and focus on clarity and impact.

The most important skills for a designer are creativity, problem-solving, and communication. Creativity helps generate fresh ideas, problem-solving ensures those ideas work in real life, and communication is key to understanding client needs and collaborating with teams. Additionally, technical skills in design software and attention to detail are essential.

In my design toolbox, I use software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma for creating and prototyping. I also use a sketchbook for quick ideas and notes. For hardware, my laptop and a drawing tablet are essential. Books on design theory and culture inspire me, along with online platforms like Behance and Pinterest. Music and nature also help spark creativity.

Designing can take a lot of time, so I try to stay organized by making a clear schedule and setting small goals. I use tools like calendars and to-do lists to keep track. Taking breaks and avoiding distractions helps me stay focused. Sometimes I work better under pressure, so I leave some tasks close to the deadline to keep the energy up.

The time it takes to design an object really depends on its complexity. Sometimes a simple design can take just a few days, but more detailed or innovative projects might take weeks or even months. I try to balance speed with quality, making sure the design is thoughtful but also finished on time.

The most frequently asked question I get is usually, “Where do you get your ideas from?” People are curious about my inspiration and how I come up with creative concepts.

Since I’m still a student, my most important job experience was my internship with a UI design team at Garmin. It helped me learn how to work in a professional environment, improve my design skills, and understand how to collaborate with engineers and other designers.

As a student, I haven’t had official clients yet, but I’ve worked on projects during internships and school assignments that involved real companies, such as Garmin during my UI design internship.

I enjoy UI and product design the most because they combine creativity with solving real user problems. It’s rewarding to create designs that are both beautiful and functional, improving how people interact with technology and everyday objects.

I plan to continue growing my skills in design, especially focusing on projects that blend tradition with modern life, like Button Blessings. Next, I want to collaborate more with cultural organizations and explore sustainable design practices to create meaningful, impactful work.

I usually develop my designs myself, as I enjoy having full creative control over the process.However, I also value teamwork and often collaborate with others, especially when the project requires diverse skills or perspectives.

Yes, I’m currently working on a project that combines traditional cultural elements with modern design, aiming to make heritage more relatable to younger generations. It’s still in progress, but I’m excited about how it’s shaping up.

You can contact me via email at [0509buttonblessings@gmail.com] I’m happy to connect and discuss design projects or collaborations!

One thing I’d like to add is how important it is for designers to stay curious and keep learning. Design is always evolving, so being open to new ideas and continuously improving skills is key to growth and success.

I spent a year as a design intern on the UI team at Garmin, where I worked on interface design and optimization across different products. That experience gave me valuable insights into user-centered design and cross-functional collaboration. Beyond industry work, my design research focuses on cultural themes—especially exploring how traditional beliefs can be translated into contemporary visual language. I’m passionate about creating designs that carry emotional resonance and cultural depth, aiming to connect with people in meaningful ways.

My journey into design started with a deep curiosity about people and culture. I’ve always loved drawing and storytelling since I was young, and over time, I realized that design is more than just how things look—it’s a way to shape experiences and create impact. That realization led me to pursue a design-related degree, where I worked on projects that explored human-centered approaches and cultural themes. Through internships and collaborations, I gained a clearer sense of how design can be both practical and emotional—it solves problems, yes, but it also tells stories and carries meaning. No single person pushed me into design; it was more of an internal drive to create something meaningful and help people feel more connected—to each other and to their environment. That drive is still what fuels my design work today.

When I design, I care most about having a clear concept, making sure it connects with people, and telling a strong visual story. A lot of my work revolves around the idea of “connection”—whether it’s between people, culture, or emotions. I usually start by doing some research and sketching by hand to explore ideas, then move into digital tools to refine them. Depending on the project, I might build mock-ups or work fully digitally—I like switching between both.

Honestly, designing brings out a mix of emotions—I usually start with curiosity and a bit of nervous excitement, especially when I’m exploring a new topic or problem. The most exciting part for me is the middle of the process, when ideas start to take shape and unexpected connections happen. I also enjoy the hands-on part—testing, making, and refining—that’s when I feel really in flow. Finishing a project definitely brings a sense of fulfillment, but for me, the joy really comes from the process itself—solving problems creatively and telling a story through design. Designing makes me feel useful, expressive, and connected to people—it’s a way for me to contribute something meaningful.

I believe that in addition to design skills, good designers should have strong observation, communication, and time management abilities. My experience working in cross-functional teams taught me how to understand different perspectives and integrate feedback effectively—an essential part of design collaboration. Good time management also helps me stay productive while maintaining quality under tight deadlines. The biggest influence on my design work has been the mentors and teams I've worked with. They taught me to approach design with empathy and strategic thinking—focusing not just on aesthetics, but also on purpose and usability. My design journey began with a curiosity about cultural topics during my student years, and it evolved through internships and collaborations into a people-centered design mindset. It confirmed my belief that design is a powerful tool for connection and change.

My growth path has always centered around one question: how can design create meaningful connections with people? Whether it’s through functional interfaces or culturally inspired visuals, that has been my focus. In the future, I hope to keep exploring how traditional culture can be reimagined through design in ways that speak to younger generations. My dream project would involve storytelling and interaction—translating local beliefs and customs into contemporary design that’s not only beautiful but also conversational. I’d also love to explore curatorial or research-based design formats, where the goal isn’t just to make a product, but to tell a deeper story. I hope to be remembered as a designer who used creativity to build bridges between people and culture—not just someone who made “pretty things.”

As a designer still learning and growing, I believe the most important thing is to stay humble and keep a continuous learning mindset. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable on the design journey, but they are part of the growth process. I often feel uncertain or confused too, and at those times, listening to advice from mentors and peers really helps. I think young designers should try a lot, ask questions, and reflect on their experiences to gradually find their own style and direction. Patience is key—design takes time and experience to develop. For me, the best advice is to stay curious and open-minded, so I can keep growing and improving.

I believe there’s no shortcut to success in design—it’s all about continuous learning and staying sensitive to details. I often make mistakes myself or get too focused on my own ideas, sometimes forgetting to listen carefully to users and teammates. My advice is to stay open-minded and learn from people in different fields, since inspiration often comes from unexpected places. Processes and tools are important, but even more so is the mindset—being able to accept failure and use it as a chance to improve. To me, design is a long journey, not something you master overnight. Staying humble, patient, and steadily gaining experience is what helps you go further.

I usually start my mornings by spending a few minutes browsing design news or inspirational articles to stay updated and inspired. Then I organize my to-do list and prioritize tasks for the day. What I enjoy most during a typical workday is solving design problems or seeing my ideas gradually take shape. Even on ordinary days, getting feedback from colleagues or finishing a small task gives me a sense of accomplishment and happiness. These little moments of progress and interaction keep me motivated and eager to keep going every day.

I do keep an eye on the latest design trends, but I don’t follow them blindly. To me, trends are like a language and a source of inspiration—they help me understand what people are talking about and what styles are popular, but I focus more on creating work with my own unique style and story. I prefer my designs to reflect personal identity and long-term vision rather than just chasing short-lived fads. When I want to catch up on trends, I usually read design websites, visit exhibitions, and observe aesthetic details in everyday life to gather inspiration and then blend it with my own ideas. I believe good design strikes a balance between being timely and being unique, rather than just following trends.

I believe a well-designed product or project is one that balances functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. Good design isn’t just about looking nice; it’s about solving problems and making the user’s experience easy and enjoyable. For me, that “aha!” moment usually comes from simplicity and thoughtfulness—like clever details or a smooth, natural user flow. Common mistakes include overcomplicating the design or ignoring user needs, which can make a product less practical or harder to use. When I judge whether a design is good, I mainly look at if it clearly communicates its purpose, is embraced by users over time, and achieves a balance between visual appeal and functionality.

Honestly, it’s hard to say exactly when a design is “done” because there’s always something to tweak. But I usually decide it’s ready when it hits the goals I set and users react positively. I also set some limits on time and resources so I don’t keep fiddling forever. When changes start making less and less difference, that’s when I stop and move on to something new.

The design work I’m most proud of is this current project, “Button Blessing.” I’ve put a lot of time and effort into it, aiming to connect traditional temple culture with younger people through buttons, a simple and fun everyday object. During the process, I faced challenges like balancing respect for culture with modern aesthetics, and finding a clear way to tell complex faith stories. This project is special to me because it’s more than design—it’s a cultural bridge and shows me the real power of design. I have other new projects underway, but “Button Blessing” stands out as a very important and meaningful milestone for me.

It’s hard for me to pick just one favorite designer because everyone has their unique style and contribution. However, some designers stand out to me, like Steve Jobs from Apple—his focus on simplicity and user experience has deeply influenced me. If I could talk to a deceased designer, I’d choose Walter Gropius, one of the founders of the Bauhaus movement, because his impact on modern design and architecture is profound. I think the most iconic designers are those who not only created beautiful work but also changed how we understand design. Le Corbusier, for example, made groundbreaking contributions to architecture that reshaped modern design thinking. Besides these historical figures, I also admire contemporary designers and artists who keep pushing the boundaries and inspire me to keep learning and growing.

My lifestyle and cultural background have a big influence on my design. I really like Taipei—its diverse and lively culture often inspires me. Music is also a key part of my creative process; it helps me focus and brings different moods to my work. I believe culture deeply shapes design because design reflects people, environment, and lifestyles. Right now, I’m focused on a project that combines traditional culture with modern aesthetics, hoping to help more people reconnect with and appreciate traditions through design. I think good design is essential for societal progress because it improves quality of life and fosters understanding and communication between cultures. For me personally, design has taught me to live more organized—like using smart storage solutions to make better use of space—which brings small but meaningful improvements to daily life.

My work culture focuses a lot on communication and collaboration. While I can work independently, I prefer to brainstorm and create with partners. In a team, I hope everyone respects each other, is honest, and openly shares ideas. When choosing business partners or colleagues, I value their attitude and willingness to learn most. Skills matter, but passion and growth mindset stand out more to me. Transparency and trust are key parts of my work culture, helping the team work more efficiently and stay motivated.One of the main challenges in design is balancing client needs with creative freedom, along with time and resource limits. My responsibilities go beyond design, including client communication, project management, and continuous learning.I believe a good designer or artist should have curiosity, patience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to accept feedback and keep improving.

As a designer, I believe giving back to society is very important. While I’m still in the learning and growing phase, I try to participate in community or culture-related design projects to help more people appreciate cultural values through design. I’m also open to doing pro bono or volunteer design work when I have the resources, to support those in need or nonprofit organizations. I think it’s very meaningful for artists and designers to be involved in humanitarian projects because design is not just about appearance—it can create real change and impact. I follow design events and conferences and try to support young designers as much as I can. In the future, I hope to offer more internships or collaboration opportunities to newcomers.

Participating in the A’ Design Award has given me many positive experiences as a designer. It provided an opportunity to connect with talented designers worldwide, sparking new creative ideas and gaining exposure and recognition for my work. The three main benefits of entering design awards and competitions are increased visibility for your work, a way to test and improve your design skills, and expanding your professional network. Design competitions serve as a platform for self-challenge and learning, greatly contributing to career growth. Being named “Designer of the Day” made me feel honored and excited; it’s a recognition that motivates me to keep pushing myself to create better work.

I started studying design in high school, where I received systematic design education and built a solid foundation of knowledge and practical experience. I am now in my senior year of university, about to graduate, continuing to deepen my professional skills and theory while participating in various design projects to grow through hands-on practice. This learning journey has helped me establish a strong design base and given me confidence for my future career in design.

My motivation to design comes from wanting to solve problems creatively and improve people’s experiences through design. I enjoy turning ideas into tangible works and feel a strong sense of achievement when my designs can truly help or impact others. I became a designer because I’ve always been interested in aesthetics and creativity since I was young, and I want to use design as a tool to express myself and make a positive difference in the world.

I chose to become a designer completely by myself because it’s a field I truly love and am passionate about. Since I was young, I enjoyed creating and solving problems, and design lets me combine those interests to make meaningful work. Of course, there are challenges along the way, but I’ve always enjoyed this path — it’s never been forced, it’s all driven by my own passion and choice.

I mainly design products related to culture and daily life, like combining traditional and modern elements in button designs to make it easier for young people to connect with and understand traditional culture. In the future, I hope to create more meaningful and storytelling designs—whether products, spaces, or visuals—that can inspire and move people.

I’m not a design legend yet, but I think the most important thing for young designers is to stay curious and keep learning. Try new things, observe the world around you, learn from mistakes, and find your own style and passion. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to fail—design is a path that requires patience and persistence.

I believe a good designer can complete the task and create beautiful work, but a great designer understands the users’ needs and creates impactful designs that truly solve problems. Great designers pay attention not only to aesthetics but also to functionality, emotion, and cultural meaning, giving their work depth and life.

I think a good design is not just about looking nice; it’s more about solving problems and making users’ lives easier or more meaningful. When I evaluate design, I look at whether it meets user needs, if the functionality is complete, and whether it offers innovation or a unique perspective. Also, details and overall feel are important—a truly good design shows thoughtfulness and care.

I believe good design helps improve quality of life by making things simpler, more efficient, and bringing emotional connection and aesthetic pleasure. Investing in good design isn’t just buying a product—it’s investing in a better experience and long-term value. Good design saves time, reduces waste, and even inspires creativity, benefiting both individuals and society.

If I had enough time, I’d like to design more works that connect people with culture, especially the younger generation. Things like products or spaces that blend traditional stories with modern aesthetics, making culture more accessible and easier to understand and pass on. I hope my designs can bring positive impact to society, helping people from different backgrounds find resonance and a sense of belonging.

My dream project is an interactive space that blends diverse cultures and technology, where people can not only view design but also actively experience and participate, feeling the energy and evolution of culture. This project requires a lot of resources and time, so I haven’t had the chance to realize it yet, but I’m always planning and hope to complete it in the future.

I think my secret recipe for success is staying passionate and always learning, plus being willing to face challenges and grow from failures. Design is not just about skills, but about truly understanding people and life, which brings warmth and depth to my work. My secret ingredients are curiosity and patience—these keep me moving forward on my design journey.

The designer who inspires me the most is Naoto Fukasawa. His designs are simple yet close to everyday life, perfectly blending warmth and practicality.

I like Naoto Fukasawa’s designs because they are simple and practical, fitting naturally into everyday life and making users feel comfortable. I especially admire his attention to detail and keen understanding of user needs, which makes his designs not only beautiful but also thoughtful and durable.

I believe my greatest design is this “Button Blessing” project. It blends traditional culture with modern aesthetics, carrying a meaningful story and helping young people connect with faith and culture in a fresh way. What makes me proud is that the design isn’t just about looks—it carries emotion and meaning, making it a truly valuable piece.

I think to become a better designer, it’s important to stay curious and keep learning, be willing to try different approaches and accept feedback. I personally look at works from various fields to get inspiration and actively connect with other designers to learn from their experiences. Repeated practice and hands-on work helped me improve continuously.

If I hadn’t become a designer, I probably would have worked in another creative field like illustration or photography, since I’ve always been interested in visual expression and creativity. Design allows me to combine imagination with practicality, but if not this path, I’d find other ways to express myself.

For me, design is about using creativity and thoughtful problem-solving to make life easier and better. It’s not just about looks, but a blend of function and emotion—a way to show care and intention. Design is a bridge that connects needs with possibilities, turning ideas into reality.

Throughout my journey, my family has been my biggest supporter, encouraging me to follow my design dreams. Teachers and friends have also been there, offering guidance and inspiration. Especially my mentors—their experience and advice have been crucial, giving me confidence and direction in my design path.