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Interview with Chun-Te Ho |
Home > Designer Interviews > Chun-Te Ho |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Chun-Te Ho (CH) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Chun-Te Ho 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?
CH: Yes, sure! I was original a materials science and engineer and semiconductor engineer in tsmc. The routine works made me think of that if there's another way to contribute my creativity. And then, I attend Innovation design and engineering master course in Royal college of Art and Imperial College London to start my designer journey.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CH: CT Studio is focus on ultilising tech to imagine what we can do to make our life more playful, engaging and inclusive.
FS: What is "design" for you?
CH: Design is using a unique perspective to reshape how people experience things.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CH: Tech with inclusive design and playful interaction design in AR/VR.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
CH: Beyond Hearing, a AR glasses that helps Deaf people see and locate sound.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CH: XR/VR/AR technology. That create the whole different possibility for people to interact in 3D spatial experience.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
CH: I feel the most creative when I’m exercising. Physical activity helps clear my mind, boosts my mood, and sparks new ideas. It’s during these moments of movement and focus that inspiration often strikes, allowing me to approach design challenges with fresh perspectives and renewed energy.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CH: User experience design and inclusive design.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CH: I feel excited to discover the possibility of different combination of Ideas.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CH: I feel Joy and Excitement. Witnessing people engage with and benefit from your work is incredibly fulfilling. Their reactions can validate your decisions and spark a sense of joy.
FS: What makes a design successful?
CH: I feel if the design successful convey what designer would love to deliver, that is successful.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CH: When judging a design as good or bad, I first consider whether the designer's intention has been successfully achieved. Does the design meet the goals it was meant to accomplish? Next, I evaluate whether the approach used to achieve that goal is unique and innovative. Does the design bring a fresh perspective, or does it rely on clichés? A good design not only solves the problem but does so in a way that stands out and resonates with the audience.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CH: As a designer, I believe we have a responsibility to not only solve problems but also contribute positively to society and the environment. Our work has the power to shape behaviors, perceptions, and systems, so it’s crucial to approach design with intention and responsibility. Responsibilities to Society Promoting Inclusivity: Designers should create solutions that are accessible and equitable for all users, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. Inclusive design fosters a sense of belonging and empowers diverse communities. Delivering Positive Messages: Through our designs, we can promote values like empathy, respect, and collaboration, shaping a more harmonious and understanding society. Ethical Practices: We must consider the ethical implications of our designs, ensuring they do no harm and contribute to the greater good. Responsibilities to the Environment Sustainable Design: It’s essential to prioritize eco-friendly materials, processes, and practices, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Encouraging Sustainable Behaviors: By designing products and systems that promote recycling, conservation, or other sustainable habits, we can help users make environmentally conscious choices. Future-Oriented Thinking: Designers should think long-term, creating scalable and durable solutions that adapt to evolving environmental challenges.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CH: I feel design is field is evolving and it involves Integration with Emerging Technologies like XR,AR/VR and AI and also with the technology evolving, people will focus on the ethical and inclusive design.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CH: My last exhibition is Social Design Action｜CO-Blossoming Society (2024), RedDot Design Museum in ChengDu, China
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CH: My design inspiration often stems from my past life experiences, which provide a rich and personal foundation for creative ideas. For example, the concept behind Beyond Hearing was inspired by mechanics and storytelling elements in video games I’ve played, showcasing how deeply personal experiences can shape my design approach.
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?
CH: My design style is user-centered and technology-driven, with a strong focus on detail-oriented storytelling. I strive to create designs that not only meet user needs but also leverage the latest technological advancements to deliver innovative and impactful experiences. At the same time, I aim to tell a story through my work, integrating thoughtful aesthetics with functional clarity to craft designs that are both meaningful and memorable.
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?
CH: I currently live in Taiwan, but I previously lived in the UK. Both places have significantly influenced my design approach. In the UK, I was inspired by the creative and experimental design culture, which encouraged me to explore bold, unconventional ideas and push boundaries. This environment fostered a mindset of innovation and curiosity, allowing me to experiment freely and think outside the box. In Taiwan, I’ve been influenced by a more rigorous and detail-oriented design style. The emphasis here is often on precision, practicality, and ensuring every element has a clear purpose. This has helped me develop a balanced approach to design, where creativity is paired with structure and functionality. The combination of these experiences allows me to adapt my methods depending on the project's context, blending creativity with precision. While this dual influence is a strength, it can sometimes be challenging to balance experimentation with the need for rigor, especially when navigating differing expectations across cultural contexts.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CH: I would suggest that companies look for a designer who not only understands their needs but also aligns with their design vision and values. Here are a few key points to consider: Clear Communication: A good designer should be an excellent communicator who can translate abstract ideas into concrete designs while ensuring alignment with the company's goals. Companies should assess how well the designer understands and interprets their needs during discussions or interviews. Shared Design Philosophy: It's important to find a designer whose design sense complements the company's brand and culture. A shared vision ensures smoother collaboration and more cohesive results. Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Beyond aesthetics, a great designer is a strategic thinker who can adapt to challenges, work within constraints, and create solutions that are both innovative and practical. Portfolio and Process: Evaluate not only the quality of a designer’s portfolio but also their approach to design. Look for case studies that showcase their ability to solve problems, collaborate, and iterate based on feedback. Empathy and Collaboration: A successful designer is empathetic, not just toward end users but also toward team members and stakeholders. Companies should consider how well a designer works within a team and communicates across disciplines.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CH: My design process typically begins with background research, where I gather the foundational knowledge needed to approach the problem effectively. This includes understanding the context, industry trends, and user behaviors. Next, I move to problem definition, which involves conducting user research, interviews, and aligning with stakeholders to clearly identify the core issues and objectives. Once the problem is well-defined, I transition into the ideation phase, exploring creative solutions through brainstorming and experimentation. This leads to prototyping, where ideas are brought to life in tangible forms, followed by user testing to gather feedback. I iterate on the design based on these insights, ensuring continuous improvement. Collaboration is a key part of my process. I engage in cross-functional collaboration with engineers, developers, and other teams to ensure the design is implemented as intended. My engineering background often adds value here, helping bridge the gap between design intent and technical execution. Finally, I emphasize the importance of documentation, creating detailed user flows, specifications, and rationales. This supports seamless handoffs and ensures that the design vision is clearly communicated to all stakeholders.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CH: My advice to young and aspiring designers is simple: Just do it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The act of execution—bringing your ideas to life—and exploring diverse approaches can significantly broaden your perspective and help you grow as a designer. Take every opportunity to learn from great design works. Study them deeply to understand what makes them successful, and apply those insights to your own projects. Most importantly, stay curious and open-minded. Design is a continuous journey of learning, experimenting, and refining. Embrace challenges as opportunities to improve, and let your passion drive you forward.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CH: My golden rule in design is that my designs must have playful elements. I believe that introducing playfulness into a design adds an element of surprise, joy, and engagement, making the experience more memorable and enjoyable for users. Whether it's through subtle interactions, unexpected visuals, or creative details, playfulness can bring a sense of delight to even the most functional design.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
CH: I would say the two most important skills for a designer are empathy and a unique creative style. Empathy allows me to deeply understand users' needs and pain points, enabling me to uncover meaningful insights. With this understanding, I can explore a variety of creative experiments and iterations to discover the most suitable design solutions that truly resonate with users. At the same time, having a personal creative style adds a unique touch to my work. It ensures that my designs stand out and carry a distinct identity while still aligning with the project goals and user needs. This balance between understanding others and expressing individuality is what makes a designer's work both impactful and memorable.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CH: I usually use figma and figma jam to summary insights from interviews, and also brainstorming. I also use heptabase to learn new things.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CH: I manage my time by setting specific timeframes for each stage of the design process. This structured approach ensures that I stay on track and allocate sufficient time for research, ideation, prototyping, and refinement. I also leverage Parkinson’s Law, which states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. By establishing clear deadlines, I create a sense of urgency that helps me work more efficiently and stay focused, avoiding unnecessary delays caused by a lack of pressure.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CH: My plan is to bring what I have learnt in the UK back to Taiwan and share to people. At the same time continue discovering the possibility of how technology can allow us to do to bring better experience to people and create more inclusive world
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CH: Currently most works are done by myself. But I also do the cross-function collaboration.
FS: How can people contact you?
CH: chunteho22@gmail.com
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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