Interview with Jialiang Guo from United States

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.

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!

Designs to me are solutions and the designers are problem solvers. As a designer, I am very passionate in using design to solve unresolved issues. For me, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Languido's base, backrest, and seat are linked to ensure structural stability when sat on.

Most definitely, I do acknowledge that I am influenced by Chinese culture.

As a student about to embark on furniture design studies, I am delighted to have received a Platinum in the 2023 MUSE 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, please allow me to express my gratitude to the judging panel for their recognition of the Languido Lounge Chair.

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.

I plan to complete this project by the end of 2023. The design of the Languido Lounge Chair is exquisite, but the manufacturing process posed 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!

Winning a 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 have what it takes to 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 when I start working.

The first would be the testing process as it helps me figure out whether my furniture is accepted by the public. Secondly, it provides me with a platform to introduce myself and my work to a wider audience. Thirdly, it boosts my self-assurance and strengthens my resolve to pursue a career as a furniture designer.

China possesses a robust industrial manufacturing capability, providing designers with an excellent platform to mass-produce the products they design.

Designers can utilize AI as a powerful tool to expedite the design process more effectively. Designers can harness the potential of AI as a potent tool to significantly enhance the efficiency of the design process. This not only accelerates the design phase but also enables designers to make more informed decisions, experiment with various design iterations, and ultimately create more innovative and impactful designs.

I hope that you can find the time to receive feedback from industry professionals because it will only help you improve your designs and yourself!

As someone about to start learning furniture design, I believe the best approach is to enroll in a school to study.

I've consistently questioned whether opting for Furniture Design over continuing with UX Design is the correct choice.

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.

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.

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!