Interview with Wen-Chi Hsueh for Air Shoes Packaging

I believe design is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about giving something a soul. Design is unique and interesting. It creates unexpected sparks, promotes creativity and communication, and improves our living environment. Design has the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, making life more enjoyable and meaningful.

I enjoy a wide range of design genres, ranging from minimalist to bold and even quirky ideas. I enjoy exploring diverse styles of design. I believe that design works should be creative, diverse, or even unexpected.

To me, a “good” design resonates with users both meaningfully and emotionally. It solves problems and enhances people’s lives. It also effectively communicates messages that are difficult to express in words, making abstract ideas and feelings tangible.

No matter what angle is used to approach or interpret, the ultimate goal of a good design is to solve a problem, establish a concept, or generate an idea.

I am still exploring and developing my personal style, but I don’t adhere to a specific design style; instead, I enjoy exploring a diverse range of aesthetics. From minimalist to bold and even quirky ideas, I find inspiration in various sources, drawing from everyday life such as the dreams and the world around me. This approach allows me to be flexible and innovative, and to express unique ideas.

Absolutely, my country and its cultural heritage have a profound impact on my design process. My country's rich history, cultural traditions, and the influence of Daoist philosophy and Chinese calligraphy, all inspire unique perspectives and expressions in my work.

As a graphic & packaging designer, winning the NY Product Design Awards has been particularly meaningful to me. It serves as an additional validation of my work in these specific areas.

Participating in this competition allowed me to explore how a product design focused on artistic expression rather than mere functionality. The design shows the shoe itself can be considered a work of art, as can the shoe package.

The packaging design for “Air Shoes” combines cutting-edge innovation with an otherworldly sense of freedom and lightness. Taking inspiration from the aerodynamic qualities of a spaceship, embracing the shoes’ focus on “air,” the packaging conveys the feeling of effortlessly cutting through the air and flying, representing the values of speed, agility, and innovation. Incorporating streamlined contours and lines, the spaceship packaging resonates with the fluidity of motion while highlighting the lightweight nature of the shoes.

As a graphic and packaging designer, my biggest challenge in this project was creating 3D models and prototypes. It was challenging because it required skills and knowledge beyond my usual graphic and packaging design work. From modeling to final prototyping, the process required different skills and a deeper understanding of materiality, structure, and manufacturing processes.

Winning this award has not only boosted my confidence but has also encouraged further growth and achievement in my career. Additionally, it has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to showcase my designs to a broader audience.

Leveraging its geographical advantage as an island, my country fosters a culture that embraces diverse global perspectives and influences. Taiwanese design is distinguished by its rich cultural diversity and historical heritage, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. The vibrant street life, local customs, and intricate patterns of everyday life in my country serve as constant sources of inspiration for its creative endeavors.

In the next 5-10 years, I believe design will get more high-tech with things like AI, AR, and VR becoming a bigger part of how we create and experience things. Collaboration between different fields like design and technology will be more common to solve complex problems.

While the result is important, the journey and learning experience are just as valuable. Stay curious about new trends and technologies. Trust your creative ideas. Success takes time and persistence, so stay patient and keep moving forward.

Websites like Pinterest, Behance, and Dribble are excellent sources for finding inspiration and discovering new ideas. Moreover, taking the time to look at award-winning works from design competitions can it’s also be a good way to keep yourself up-to-date.

My key to success is perseverance. Understand that everyone progresses at their own pace, so don’t give up. Stay committed to your goals, keep learning, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Success is a journey, not a destination.