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Interview with Weiche Wu |
Home > Designer Interviews > Weiche Wu |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Weiche Wu (WW) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Weiche Wu 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?
WW: I have a background in Industrial Design, having graduated from an Industrial Design program in Taiwan. Later, I pursued my studies at Central St Martins in London, where I completed an MA in Industrial Design. I co-founded Union Atelier with Minhan Lin in 2013. Since then, we have been involved in various design projects, including brand design, graphic design, packaging design, commercial space design, and interior design. I believe that all design disciplines are interconnected, and I aim to utilize my expertise to assist clients in accomplishing various projects and enhancing the value of products or services across different industries.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
WW: Union Atelier offers a range of diverse design services to clients, including brand design, packaging design, and commercial space design. We firmly believe that comprehensive design integration can greatly enhance the value of the industries our clients operate in. Our designs not only incorporate an international perspective but also integrate local culture, allowing our work to be distinctive and innovative.
FS: What is "design" for you?
WW: Design is a very broad industry that can be approached from various perspectives, but the ultimate goal is to bring us joy and make our daily lives better.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
WW: I enjoy the challenges brought by various industries, ranging from brand design, packaging design to spatial design. I believe that each design project is fascinating in its own way, and collaboration often leads to different inspirations and ideas. I embrace the challenges encountered in the design process and find great satisfaction in working together with my design team to overcome them, ensuring that the final outcome is presented flawlessly. Therefore, I don't have a specific preference for a particular design category, but I thoroughly enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing each project.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
WW: Many works are exceptionally outstanding, so it's difficult for me to say which one is my favorite. I believe that any design created with dedication and meeting the needs is a good design. The works of many renowned designers continue to impress people even after many years, precisely because these works not only possess beauty but also align closely with users' expectations and needs. It is this alignment that gives these works their timeless quality.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
WW: Before embarking on each design project, I make it a point to clearly understand the purpose of the design, the project requirements, and the expectations of the consumers because it is crucial. Every design has its purpose, and understanding these objectives fully is what enables the design outcome to be truly captivating. Therefore, our design team invests a significant amount of time in conducting research and gathering relevant data prior to the design process. This allows us to analyze how each design case can be approached and executed effectively.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
WW: Recently, I have developed an affinity for eco-friendly paper materials. These materials often exhibit unique flaws and imperfections on their surfaces, which I find irresistible. These distinctive qualities add a richer and more diverse appearance to the final work. Not only are these eco-friendly materials environmentally friendly, but they also infuse the work with a sense of storytelling.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
WW: Many people enjoy doing design work late at night, but recently, I've discovered that I often get a surge of inspiration when I go for an early morning run. It could be because during my run, my mind is free from any pressure, and the surroundings often provide different sources of inspiration. Therefore, when I encounter obstacles in certain projects, I like to engage in physical exercise to release stress and find new inspiration.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
WW: In addition to the importance of design concepts, I prioritize the use of materials. Utilizing different materials to express the same design technique often leads to completely different outcomes. Sometimes, even if the design concept itself is not particularly outstanding, using unique materials can create new and intriguing effects. I believe that materials play a crucial role in enhancing the visual and tactile qualities of a design, allowing it to stand out and make a lasting impression.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
WW: During the design process, I always carry a sense of joy because good design is meant to bring optimism and a positive mood to consumers. As a designer, it is important to approach design projects with empathy and understanding, aiming to create designs that evoke such feelings. By putting ourselves in the shoes of the consumers, we can better align our designs with their needs and emotions. Ultimately, the goal is to create designs that uplift and resonate with people, enhancing their overall experience and leaving a positive impact.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
WW: If consumers notice and appreciate the details in my designs, or if they find them to be useful, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Knowing that my work can bring color and enhance their lives is incredibly rewarding. It means that I have successfully contributed to making their everyday experiences more enjoyable and meaningful. The ability to positively impact people through design is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a designer.
FS: What makes a design successful?
WW: Design does not have an absolute right answer; it is about finding the most suitable design that brings more beauty to people's lives.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
WW: Design has no absolute right answer; it's about creating designs that are suitable and bring more beauty to people's lives. It's a subjective field that adapts to diverse preferences and requirements. The goal is to design solutions that resonate with users, evoke emotions, and enhance functionality. The iterative process allows for exploration, refinement, and consideration of various factors. Ultimately, successful design makes a positive impact and enriches the human experience.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
WW: I believe that good design should not only bring joy and convenience to consumers' lives but also address environmental issues. As these issues become increasingly severe, it is important for us as designers to be mindful of the impact our designs have on the environment. While design often promotes consumption on behalf of clients, it is crucial to consider environmental sustainability as part of our design responsibility. By incorporating eco-friendly practices, materials, and approaches into our designs, we can contribute to a more sustainable future and fulfill our duty as designers.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
WW: I believe that the design industry, in addition to creating aesthetically pleasing products for consumers, is now incorporating stories and issues into design works. Designers are using their skills to prompt reflection among the public on various topics, including social issues, economic concerns, and environmental challenges. They aspire to leverage their creative power to convey positive messages to the masses. By introducing these design concepts, designers aim to raise awareness and provoke thoughts on issues that may have gone unnoticed or unexplored before.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
WW: I haven't participated in an exhibition for many years since my collaboration with a bicycle accessories brand from France. We showcased our creation at the Milan Salone exhibition alongside various designers and artists. Due to the recent impact of the pandemic, there have been limited opportunities for design exchange activities. However, I am planning to seek out exhibition opportunities again in the near future.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
WW: I often seek inspiration from Eastern culture, Asian culture, and Taiwanese culture as they possess unique characteristics. These cultural influences often spark creative ideas when combined with modern design, leading to the creation of distinct and innovative works. By drawing from these cultural elements, I aim to infuse my designs with a sense of authenticity and create something truly unique.
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?
WW: My works often blend modern design with traditional cultural perspectives. I strive to interpret these complex cultural concepts with a minimalist and sleek approach. When using traditional culture as inspiration, extensive research is crucial to fully understand its meanings, purposes, and values. This involves delving into the history, heritage, customs, and legends of the culture. Through such research, we can better comprehend and respect the culture and seamlessly integrate it into our design. During the creative process, I endeavor to convey stories and emotions through design, allowing the audience to perceive the underlying significance of the artwork. Through meticulous attention to detail and carefully selected elements, I aim to create an interactive experience where viewers can resonate and emotionally connect with the artwork. Ultimately, I aspire for my works to offer more than just visual aesthetics, but also deep cultural experiences and contemplation. I believe that integrating modern design with traditional culture can inspire people's interest and understanding of different cultures, while providing a unique and enriching design experience.
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?
WW: I live in Taipei, Taiwan. This city combines a mix of old and new elements. It features traditional Taiwanese temples, city gates, old houses, and streets, alongside modern high-rise buildings and shopping malls. The diverse environment often inspires me with different design ideas, making my work more interesting and storytelling. However, considering the conservative social norms, some clients may have a lower acceptance of avant-garde designs. Therefore, it becomes crucial to communicate and persuade clients to embrace innovative design approaches.
FS: How do you work with companies?
WW: I usually start by listening to the client's needs and understanding the purpose, target audience, and desired outcome of the project. Through this process, our team can propose effective design methods and strategies and set clear design goals. Good design is not just about producing visually appealing results; the design's purpose is also crucial. Therefore, through research and analysis, we can find the most suitable design approaches and directions.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
WW: Good designers often possess the ability to think independently. While having strong design skills is essential, experienced designers can typically produce visually appealing works. However, senior designers with critical thinking abilities tend to clarify the purpose of a project first. They are skilled at identifying the appropriate design approaches before diving into the actual design process. This is because blindly proposing designs without thoughtful consideration usually does not lead to the most ideal design outcomes.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
WW: My design process consists of several steps. Firstly, I begin by understanding the purpose of the design, the target audience, and the desired outcomes. Secondly, I engage in extensive data collection and research to fully grasp all the relevant information. Next, I collaborate with my design team to perform activities such as mind mapping and brainstorming to generate design inspiration, explore materials, and techniques. Finally, I proceed with comprehensive design planning to deliver a complete design project.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
WW: Lights and dining chairs are always the most important design pieces in my home. Lighting design is constantly evolving and can represent the taste of the inhabitants. On the other hand, classic dining chair designs are timeless, practical, and durable. Following that, the design of sofas, coffee tables, and dining tables also holds significance in my home.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
WW: In the morning, I always have breakfast with my family and children. I enjoy this time by playing my favorite music and sipping a cup of self-brewed coffee. During the day, we love to go outdoors and enjoy nature. In the evening, we often go to the supermarket together to buy groceries and then return home to prepare dinner. I love cooking together with my wife and preparing meals for our children. The kitchen and dining area are the heart of our home and family life.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
WW: Observing our surroundings, experiencing life, and interacting with people are crucial aspects of a designer's life. Our design works are meant to integrate into people's lives and enhance their experiences. Therefore, it is essential for us to empathize with users and consider every detail, as these details are key to the success of our creations.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
WW: Designers always pay attention to various details in life and have a keen sense of observation, which makes them meticulous in everything they do. However, when it comes to shopping, designers often prioritize well-designed products, which can increase their expenses.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
WW: I often refer to Dieter Rams' 10 principles of design, which serves as a guideline for me to evaluate my own designs. I believe that these principles showcase the design experience of a master, and they serve as a goal for young designers to aspire to and strive for higher levels of design excellence.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
WW: I believe that possessing good design skills is the fundamental requirement for a designer, followed by the abilities of independent thinking and observation. With these abilities, designers can create not only aesthetically pleasing designs but also enhance the lives of users by making them more convenient and enjoyable.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
WW: I often start by sketching design ideas in my portable notebook because inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere. Having a notebook with me is incredibly practical. Once I'm in the studio, I share my design inspirations with team members, and together we use computer software to create definitive designs. We frequently use Adobe software in our studio as it offers powerful functionality to bring our ideas to life. When gathering information, I like to use Pinterest to collect inspiration, and I use Trello to communicate with other team members, exchange information, and track progress.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
WW: When our studio has multiple projects running concurrently, I gather with team members to review the timelines for each project. We work on all projects simultaneously, ensuring that each stage is completed on time. Designing a perfect piece of work in one go is not feasible, so I ask team members to achieve 80% completion on one project before moving on to others. Once all projects are at a similar stage, we come back and gradually elevate each piece to 100%. This approach ensures that all projects progress at the same pace and that no project lags behind.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
WW: The timeline for each project depends on its nature and content. Typically, we discuss with the client how much time we have for the design phase of each project, and then we plan the progress of each project accordingly. In general, commercial projects tend to have tighter timelines, with a project needing to be completed within six months. This is because clients often face pressure to launch or present their products. Therefore, careful attention must be paid to the timeline arrangement in such cases.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
WW: I often ask clients, "What is the purpose of executing this project?" because we need a clear direction to proceed with the design. Design is not created out of thin air; there is always a reason behind it. By fully understanding the purpose of the project, we can develop design strategies and techniques that align with it. This approach allows us to design works that meet the requirements and fulfill the intended objectives.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
WW: I once worked for a startup company where I experienced the growth of the team, encountered various challenges, and eventually saw the team being acquired. This experience has provided me with valuable insights and knowledge that I can now apply to running my own business. As a designer-turned-entrepreneur, I've come to realize that there is more to consider beyond just design. It's not just about creating good designs; having effective business strategies and management practices are equally important. The key to running a successful studio lies in maximizing the productivity and efficiency of the design team, and that has become the core focus of my studio's operations.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
WW: The clients I have are: Reshock Coffee in Taiwan, Mama Cane in Taiwan, Nespresso in Taiwan, Boffotto Ltd in Hong Kong, Sunlight Tea Studio in the USA, John Tea Company in Taiwan, Pizza Marzano in China, and Pizza Express in China etc.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
WW: I enjoy working on brand design projects because we have the opportunity to build a complete brand from scratch. From brand name, brand story, logo design, packaging design, product sales models, advertising strategies, to commercial space design, we cover the entire design process. Through this comprehensive design process, we can assist clients in establishing a complete brand framework and launch it into the market. When a complete brand design project is completed, we always feel a special excitement and sense of accomplishment. We can't wait to see the response of the new brand in the market.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
WW: I have been working in brand design for 10 years, but the truth is, I studied industrial design during my student years. I still have a dream of pursuing furniture design, and I hope to one day create my own furniture brand.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
WW: All of my designs are completed in collaboration with the members of Union Atelier. I have a strong design team that is capable of executing various design tasks for clients. With the help of our professional design team, we ensure that every detail of the design is implemented and that the project is executed with completeness. Clients can trust us to handle their projects with confidence.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
WW: Recently, our studio has been working on some exciting projects in the food and beverage industry, including branding, packaging design, and creating the overall atmosphere of restaurants. Restaurant design projects often offer more creative freedom and fewer constraints. We are able to showcase our bold and unconventional design ideas because this type of project requires injecting a lot of creativity to attract customers. Clients always encourage us to unleash our creativity and explore various design techniques to make their establishments stand out.
FS: How can people contact you?
WW: Welcome to the official website of Union Atelier: unionatelier.com. You can find our complete portfolio of work there. We are also open to new design projects, so feel free to reach out to us!
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
WW: Design is an industry that requires a great deal of passion. I hope that every designer can shine brightly in this field!
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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