Interview
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
Jialiang Guo, a student designer from China, is currently pursuing an M.S. degree in Furniture, Lighting, and Fixtures Design at ArtCenter College of Design. With a B.F.A. degree in User Experience Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, he is strongly committed to creating furniture that addresses user needs and enhances interior spaces.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
When I was a child, I once attended the Salone del Mobile Milano, where I saw furniture from various brands showcasing their unique design tastes. It was at that moment I realized that becoming a furniture designer capable of creating aesthetically valuable pieces might be the future I aspire to.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
I will soon be entering ArtCenter College of Design in September 2023 to pursue a Master of Science degree in furniture, lighting, and fixtures design. Over the next two years, I will undergo systematic learning to become a better furniture designer.
4 What does “design” mean to you?
Designers are problem solvers. As a designer, I am most passionate about using design to solve unresolved issues. For me, as a future aspiring furniture designer, my focus is on solving the problem of creating furniture that not only serves its functional purpose but also enhances the aesthetics of interior spaces.
5 What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I love the Bauhaus design style the most. This is because I strongly identify with Bauhaus' prioritization of functionality, aiming to fulfill the intended purpose of furniture. The significant simplification of design, removing extravagant decorations, allows for better mass production. Influenced by the Bauhaus design philosophy, I hope to collaborate with experts from various fields to create intriguing furniture pieces. Additionally, I am enthusiastic about researching and utilizing new materials in the manufacturing of my furniture.
6 To you, what makes a “good” design?
I believe that a good design should undergo user and market testing. As a designer, I may naturally think of my design creations as the best, but sometimes, after testing, they may not meet the users' needs. Therefore, a design that undergoes user-centered testing is what truly constitutes a good design.
7 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
As a newcomer about to start learning furniture design, I don't have a specific design style yet. However, I know that I want to create minimalist designs that not only serve their functional purpose but also add aesthetic value to the space when they are not in use. Additionally, ease of production and transportation will be key objectives in my design.
8 Tell us about your design process.
I observed a cat stretching and yawning gently. Its serene behavior brought to mind the comfort of sitting in a chair. I outlined the first design that sparked Languido's creation, drawing from the cat's stretched stance and integrating fur hues into the colors for a lifelike appearance from a distance. In reality, Languido's curled tail serves as a holder for reading materials and includes an integrated LED light that enhances the reading experience. Furthermore, Languido's base, backrest, and seat are linked to ensure structural stability when sat upon.
9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Yes, I acknowledge that I have been influenced by Chinese culture.
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
As a student about to embark on furniture design studies, I am delighted to have received the 2023 Museum Design Awards. This is a tremendous source of encouragement for me and has given me the confidence to believe that I can become a proficient furniture designer in the future. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the judging panel for their recognition of the Languido Lounge Chair.
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The Languido Lounge Chair features a design inspired by a lazy stretching cat with its tail raised. I chose this project to participate in the MUSE Design Award because I believe that Languido would offer a visually striking experience, instantly captivating observers and making them feel that it looks incredibly comfortable, evoking the desire to relax in it. Another reason is to see whether the public would appreciate this type of furniture.
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
I plan to complete this project by the end of 2023. The design of the Languido Lounge Chair is exquisite, but the manufacturing process could pose some challenges. I am still exploring ways to mass-produce this furniture while keeping costs under control because I certainly don't want to produce just one Languido Lounge Chair.
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Winning the Muse Platinum award holds significant meaning for me. Firstly, it signifies that professionals in the field recognize this type of furniture, which boosts my confidence and makes me believe that I can become a qualified furniture designer. Through this award, my furniture design will gain more exposure, and I hope to have the opportunity to enter the furniture industry for work.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
First, it helps me test whether my furniture is accepted by the public. Second, it provides me with a platform to introduce myself and my work to a wider audience. Third, it instills in me more confidence, reinforcing my determination to become a furniture designer.
15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
China possesses a robust industrial manufacturing capability, providing designers with an excellent platform to mass-produce the products they design.
16 Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
Designers can utilize AI as a powerful tool to expedite the design process more effectively.
17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
I hope to receive feedback from industry professionals as it will help me improve my furniture designs further.
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
As someone about to start learning furniture design, I believe the best approach is to enroll in a school to study.
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I have always been concerned about whether choosing to pursue Furniture Design instead of continuing with UX Design is the right decision.
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My father has been a source of inspiration in my life because he is someone who never gives up on anything, and I have adopted the same mindset.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I don't consider myself successful yet, but I believe that to achieve success, one must persist in their design principles, and eventually, they will be embraced by the public.
22 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I really hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals in the furniture manufacturing industry to make the Languido Lounge Chair accessible to every home.
Entrant Company
ARTCENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN
Category
Furniture Design - Seating & Comfort