Hello, it’s Joy, like Happiness.
As you can see, I am a lover of books and literature.
Books not only provide me with knowledge, but reading also makes me a more empathetic person, and empathy is essential to designers.
Books and stories are narratives of other people’s lives, and the ultimate goal of design is to serve the people. Whether it is an arthritic friendly gardening tool, or an interactive toy for small children, design is human centred.
So it would be very important to know, understand and analyse people.
My multicultural background also enables me to have a wider and more comprehensive view of the world, as well as human lives. Being a Chinese Canadian, I am fluent in 2 languages, and language is directly related to culture and different ways of thinking, therefore it allows me to view the world from different perspectives and examine the problems through various lenses.
Apart from that, I enjoy the finer things in life that we often take for granted, like nature and history. I believe that learning is a life long dedication, and we don’t just learn from books and the people around us, but also from mother nature. I am particularly fascinated by the geometry and beauty of flora and fauna, which is where I draw my inspirations from.
I am also drawn to traditions and the old-fashioned lifestyle, as well as the timeless beauty and design. I think as designers, we have the responsibility to make the world a better place, by solving problems while preserving and incorporating the beauty from the past and introducing new beauty into people’s lives.
But in this fast-paced world, we should also learn to slow down and reflect. So whenever I feel the burden of life is crushing on me, I stop, and enjoy a cup of tea.
