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Interview with Tairan Hao |
Home > Designer Interviews > Tairan Hao |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Tairan Hao (TH) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Tairan Hao by clicking here.
FS: 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?
TH: From a young age, I have been deeply fascinated by the intersection of technology and art, which significantly shaped my journey as an artist and designer. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the California College of the Arts, where I specialized in Human-Computer Interaction, followed by a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Pennsylvania. Growing up in a dynamic sociopolitical environment in China and later developing my career in the United States provided me with a unique perspective on the interplay between tradition and modernity, freedom and control, and individualism and collectivism. My work spans various mediums, including animation, video, sculpture, and interactive installations, aiming to create immersive experiences that engage audiences as active participants. I discovered my passion for new media and technology during my undergraduate studies, which transformed my artistic practice and guided me towards a career that blends design and art. This realization led me to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI, 3D printing, and interactive installations into my work, making design not just about aesthetics but about crafting meaningful experiences and interactions. This approach allows me to explore and push the boundaries of traditional art forms, encouraging viewers to reflect on their identities and the world around them.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
TH: TairanHao Studio, which I founded, is dedicated to developing technological art products and interactive installations that merge art with cutting-edge technology. We focus on creating immersive experiences using AI, 3D printing, projection mapping, and digital modeling, exploring themes like personal identity, social policy, and environmental crises. Our studio holds over 24 patents and has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including the Beijing Today Art Museum and the Wuhan Biennale. At TairanHao Studio, our mission is to bridge the digital and physical realms, transforming how audiences engage with contemporary art.
FS: What is "design" for you?
TH: For me, design is about creating meaningful experiences that transcend mere aesthetics. It’s a process of solving problems and communicating ideas through a thoughtful integration of form, function, and technology. Design should engage, inspire, and provoke thought, transforming everyday interactions into impactful and memorable experiences. By blending traditional methods with cutting-edge technologies, I strive to push the boundaries of what design can achieve, making it an integral part of our daily lives and a powerful tool for social and cultural reflection.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
TH: I most enjoy designing works that merge art and technology to create immersive, interactive experiences. Projects that allow me to explore themes of personal identity, social policy, and environmental issues are particularly fulfilling. I love working with mediums like AI, 3D printing, and projection mapping to push the boundaries of traditional art and engage audiences in meaningful, participatory ways. These kinds of works challenge viewers to reflect on their own identities and the world around them, making the creative process deeply rewarding for me.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
TH: One of my favorite designs is the interactive installation "Mission on Mars." This piece combines digital sculpting, 3D printing, and traditional handcrafting techniques to create an immersive experience that reflects on humanity's aspirations and anxieties about space exploration. The installation features a Sphynx cat-shaped speaker, steel-aluminum arms, and sensors embedded in dyed soil, all integrated into a dynamic sculpture that engages viewers through sound and movement. "Mission on Mars" is significant to me because it encapsulates my passion for blending technology with art to explore complex themes and create thought-provoking, interactive experiences.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
TH: The first thing I designed for a company was an interactive installation that integrated 3D printing and digital modeling for a client. This project involved creating a series of small, interactive sculptures that could engage viewers through touch and movement, utilizing sensors and custom software. The installation aimed to showcase the potential of new-media art to create immersive experiences and bridge the gap between technology and traditional art forms, setting the stage for innovative approach to contemporary art.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
TH: Late nights in the studio, when the world is quiet and I can fully focus on experimenting with new tools and ideas, are particularly inspiring for me. The freedom to explore and push boundaries without immediate constraints allows my imagination to flow, leading to some of my most innovative and engaging works.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
TH: During the design process, I focus heavily on the integration of functionality and interactivity. I ensure that the design not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also engages the audience in meaningful ways. I pay close attention to how the technology can enhance the experience, making sure that elements like sensors, AI, or 3D printing are seamlessly integrated into the artwork. Additionally, I consider the conceptual aspects, ensuring that the design effectively communicates the intended themes and narratives, whether they pertain to personal identity, social policy, or environmental issues.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
TH: When I design, I experience a wide range of emotions. There’s a sense of excitement and curiosity as I explore new ideas and technologies, and a deep satisfaction when a concept starts to come together. I also feel a strong sense of engagement and focus, as the creative process demands my full attention and imagination. Sometimes, there’s frustration when I encounter challenges, but overcoming these obstacles brings a rewarding feeling of accomplishment. Ultimately, designing brings me joy and fulfillment, knowing that my work can inspire and connect with others.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
TH: When my designs are realized, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and pride. Seeing an idea transform from a conceptual stage to a tangible, interactive piece is incredibly rewarding. There's also a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment in knowing that my work can engage and inspire others, creating meaningful experiences for the audience. Additionally, I often feel a renewed sense of motivation and excitement to continue exploring new creative possibilities and pushing the boundaries of art and technology.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
TH: From my perspective, a designer has significant responsibilities toward society and the environment. Designers should strive to create works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially relevant and impactful. This involves addressing pressing societal issues such as identity, social justice, and political change through their designs, fostering dialogue and reflection. Environmentally, designers should prioritize sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and methods to minimize their ecological footprint. They should consider the lifecycle of their designs, ensuring they promote conservation and responsible use of resources. By integrating these values into their work, designers can contribute to a more equitable, conscious, and sustainable world.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
TH: The design field is rapidly evolving with advancements in technology such as AI, 3D printing, and virtual reality, leading to more immersive and interactive experiences. The future of design will likely emphasize sustainability and social responsibility, addressing global challenges like climate change and social inequality. As the boundaries between different design disciplines blur, a more interdisciplinary approach will emerge, enabling designers to create holistic solutions that enhance our way of living, working, and connecting with the world. This convergence will foster innovation and have a profound impact on society and the environment.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
TH: The design inspiration for my works comes from a blend of technology, personal experiences, and societal issues. I draw heavily from the interaction between the virtual and real worlds, exploring themes like personal identity, social policy, and environmental crises. To feed my creativity, I stay updated with technological advancements, engage in continuous learning, and immerse myself in diverse art forms and cultures. My sources of inspiration include the dynamic sociopolitical environment of my upbringing, contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei, and the innovative potential of new media technologies such as AI and 3D printing.
FS: 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?
TH: My design style can be described as a fusion of technology and art, characterized by immersive, interactive experiences that engage the audience in meaningful ways. I was drawn to this style because of my fascination with how technological advancements can transform traditional art forms and create new dimensions of interaction. The main characteristics of my style include the integration of AI, 3D printing, projection mapping, and digital modeling, all aimed at exploring themes of personal identity, social policy, and environmental issues. My approach to design involves pushing the boundaries of what's possible by merging digital and physical realms, ensuring that each piece is both aesthetically compelling and conceptually profound.
FS: 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?
TH: We are living in Beijing. The design is usually affected by the environment and reflection of our life. There are some fantastic traditional architectures and full of oriental aesthetics atmosphere. We want to catch the culture's essence into our design and avoid having too many of the same elements.
FS: How do you work with companies?
TH: Collaboration is the key to the design studio to work with companies. It includes production, communication, testing, analytics, support, and updates. Those who realize that a designer is more than just a pencil, end up with a consistent and reliable product instead of a patchwork of narrow tasks.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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