Interview with Elbert Han

My design studio works in industrial design and specializes in jewelry and watches.

Design is creating a work that not only serves its function well but is aesthetically pleasing and invites the viewer to take a closer look at how the design works.

I like designing work that can be worn by others. Art should be shared, not kept in a glass case, and wearable jewelry symbolizes this ideal of spreading art.

The first thing I designed was a tension-set sapphire ring that was 3D printed in stainless steel.

My favorite platform is Google Sketchup because it is intuitive, easy to use, and functions perfectly well for my needs.

I feel the most creative at night when I have no other distractions and I am free to let my mind wander and wrap itself around any idea that comes into my head.

I focus on functionality and aesthetics the most during designing. I want the product to match the aesthetic qualities that I want but also to function as it's supposed to.

I feel happiness and accomplishment when my designs are realized because then I know that my ideas worked as they should and that what I envisioned in my mind has become reality.

I think a successful design first and foremost does its job well, and second, appeals to the aesthetic vision of many viewers.

I consider functionality, reliability, and aesthetic value.

I think the responsibility of a designer is to create a design that appeals to the members of society or positively impacts them.

My sources of inspiration include sports cars, speed boats, and other vehicle concepts, as well as certain animals and old industrial technology.

My design style largely works with sharp lines and angles, which derive from my interest in math and geometry. I feel that they give a design definition where natural lines can blur with the surroundings, and that allows the design to stand out.

I begin with sketches in my sketchbook, and begin finalizing the shape and structure that I want. Then I transfer to Sketchup and create the final structure, altering the design to fit any constraints or problems that I may encounter. Finally, I check over my design and make sure it is technically sound and think of the problems that may occur with the design, and attempt to remedy those.

Though I am also a young designer, I've gained valuable experience from this competition. Though there have been many who have disregarded my design as too conservative, my award serves as a reminder to listen to yourself and follow your dreams.

Function over form. Never sacrifice a product's function to achieve a good looking product.

Imagination and visualization are two of the most important skills. Imagination allows a designer to see a new angle to an old problem and make their unique contribution. Visualization allows a designer to see their design in 3D space and see where problems could occur as well as seeing the whole picture.

I use Google Sketchup, Rhino, Solidworks, and Keyshot renderer.

I usually allocate an hour or two a day to just imagining and sketching ideas

It depends on the complexity of the design. For jewelry that doesn't have many technical features, 1-2 weeks is plenty of time to finish the design. For something more complicated like a watch, it can take anywhere from a month to 3 months.

I plan to take a few of my designs to large-scale production and sell them, as well as getting publicity from this competition.

I develop my designs myself, but sometimes I get input or inspiration from my friends and mentors.

I am currently trying to design a watch that displays the time by means of two magnetic "carriages" that take the place of hands, altering the way one reads the time.