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Interviews with Zehui Ni
Designer profileDesign Interview
10 February 2025 · Etern Caraffa da decantazione
The Etern decanter is inspired by the philosophy of time and impermanence. Each moment in life is fleeting, yet within its own fragment of time, it is eternal. The design reflects this concept through its form, which symbolizes the cross-section of time, encouraging people to cherish and celebrate every moment.
The focus was to create a drinkware piece that transforms the act of decanting into a poetic experience—one that engages the senses and elevates wine drinking into a moment of reflection and appreciation. I aimed to capture the relationship between time, elegance, and celebration through a sculptural, functional object.
The goal is to introduce Etern to a broader audience by partnering with dining and lifestyle brands. I also envision expanding the concept into a collection of drinkware pieces that explore similar themes of time and impermanence.
The project was developed over six months, from May 2021 to November 2021. This period involved research, conceptual development, prototyping, and refining the final design.
This was a self-initiated project born from an inspiration to merge philosophy with functional art. It was not commissioned but rather driven by a desire to create a product that embodies deep meaning and elegance in everyday rituals.
I am exploring opportunities for licensing the design to high-end glassware manufacturers and luxury brands that align with Etern's vision.
I have always been fascinated by how everyday objects can hold profound meaning. Drinkware, especially a decanter, is an object of ritual, and I saw an opportunity to infuse it with symbolism and artistry.
The work is influenced by traditional glassblowing techniques, as well as the sculptural elegance found in contemporary product design. Inspirations also stemmed from philosophy, particularly ideas of time in literature and astronomy.
The design is intended for individuals who appreciate craftsmanship, luxury, and the intersection of design and philosophy—such as fine dining enthusiasts, collectors of unique drinkware, and those who seek meaningful design in their everyday lives.
Unlike conventional decanters, Etern is not just about aeration—it is an artistic statement. The form is sculptural, the experience is immersive, and the concept of time and eternity makes it uniquely poetic compared to standard drinkware.
The name Etern is derived from "Eternity," reflecting the idea that every moment, though fleeting, is eternal in its own way. The design invites users to savor and celebrate each passing moment.
The name Etern is derived from "Eternity," reflecting the idea that every moment, though fleeting, is eternal in its own way. The design invites users to savor and celebrate each passing moment.
The way it captures the essence of time in a physical form is its most unique feature. The fluid yet structured shape symbolizes the cross-section of time, and the interaction with wine creates a dynamic experience of "breathing" life into the moment.
I collaborated with expert glassblowers to bring the concept to life. Their craftsmanship was essential in achieving the delicate balance between form and function.
Technology played a key role in precision modeling and testing airflow dynamics for optimal wine aeration. 3D visualization tools helped refine the organic form before moving into physical production.
Yes, I conducted research on fluid dynamics in decanting, as well as scholarly studies on the philosophy of time. This helped shape both the functional and conceptual aspects of the design.
The biggest challenge was translating the abstract concept of time into a tangible, functional object while maintaining elegance. Additionally, achieving the right balance in glassblowing to create the desired form required extensive experimentation.
I believed the Etern decanter aligned with the competition’s values of innovation, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Submitting it was an opportunity to share this vision with a global audience.
This project deepened my understanding of conceptual storytelling in product design. It reinforced the importance of patience in craftsmanship and the beauty of merging philosophy with function.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing how people interacted with it—not just as a drinkware piece, but as a conversation starter about time, memory, and celebration.
Design Interview
10 February 2025 · Hmong Silver Gonna Tradizionale
The design is inspired by two exquisite oriental techniques—mother-of-pearl inlays and Hmong silver craftsmanship. It captures the essence of these historic art forms and translates them into a wearable garment that bridges tradition and modernity. The Mamian (Horse-Faced) skirt, symbolizes power, strength, and cultural pride.
The focus was on reinterpreting heritage craftsmanship in a contemporary, wearable form. I wanted to create a garment that preserves the beauty and significance of traditional Hmong silverwork while making it accessible for everyday fashion, keeping cultural storytelling alive.
I plan to further develop this design into a collection, exploring different interpretations of Hmong silverwork and pearl inlays. I am also considering collaborations with artisans and brands that value heritage craftsmanship.
The entire design process took 12 months, from research and material exploration to development and refinement.
This design was a pursuit inspired by both Hmong silverwork and pearl inlays. It is a tribute to traditional craftsmanship and a reflection of my interest in preserving and modernizing heritage techniques.
Currently, the design is being produced independently, but I am open to collaborations with brands or companies that align with my vision of preserving and reinterpreting heritage craftsmanship.
As someone passionate about cultural heritage and craftsmanship, I wanted to create a piece that embodies tradition in a way that is wearable and relevant to contemporary fashion.
The historical Mamian skirts from the Qing and Ming Dynasties, along with traditional Hmong silverwork and pearl inlay techniques, played a significant role in shaping this design.
The target customers are individuals who appreciate heritage fashion, cultural craftsmanship, and statement pieces that tell a story. This includes collectors, fashion connoisseurs, and those interested in luxury and artisanal garments.
This design uniquely combines two historical techniques—pearl inlay and Hmong silverwork—in a modernized, wearable form. It is both a cultural artifact and a high-fashion statement piece that seamlessly bridges tradition and contemporary elegance.
The name Hmong Silver Heritage Skirt reflects the fusion of Hmong silver craftsmanship with the legacy of the Mamian skirt. It emphasizes the design’s cultural significance and artisanal foundation.
I used a combination of traditional craftsmanship techniques, fabric manipulation methods, and digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator for pattern development and Rhino for precise detailing.
The most unique aspect is the intricate use of woven techniques to mimic the effect of pearl inlay while integrating the delicate beauty of Hmong silverwork. The result is a visually stunning and deeply cultural garment.
I collaborated with skilled artisans specializing in Hmong silver crafting and traditional fabric weaving. Their expertise was invaluable in ensuring authenticity and precision in the details.
Technology played a role in pattern development and material experimentation. Digital modeling was used to refine the design, ensuring that the woven techniques accurately represented pearl inlay aesthetics.
Yes, extensive research was conducted on historical Mamian skirts, Hmong silver craftsmanship, and pearl inlay techniques. I studied antique pieces, cultural significance, and material properties to ensure an authentic yet innovative approach.
One major challenge was translating pearl inlay, which is typically a furniture technique, into a textile format. Another was preserving the integrity of Hmong silverwork while ensuring the garment remained wearable and durable.
I believed this design deserved recognition for its cultural significance and innovation. Showcasing it at an international level helps highlight the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship in modern fashion.
I deepened my understanding of heritage techniques and learned how to innovate within traditional constraints. Working with artisans also taught me patience and the importance of cultural preservation in design.
This design is more than a garment—it’s a cultural bridge. It’s about honoring craftsmanship, preserving history, and giving new life to heritage fashion through contemporary expression.
Design Legend Interview
10 July 2024
I have a diverse background in sculpture, UX design, research, and the arts, with formal education in design and fine arts. This multidisciplinary foundation shapes my holistic approach to design. I've studied at ArtCenter, California Institute of Technology and INSEAD School of business.
I am driven by the desire to merge aesthetics with functionality. Designing allows me to create impactful, beautiful objects that enhance wellbeing and elevate everyday experiences.
I chose to become a designer, driven by a passion for creating elegant, functional solutions.
I design sophisticated products that promote wellness, ranging from digital products to home and health items. I aspire to design more innovative wellness solutions that integrate smart technology with timeless elegance.
Stay curious, embrace risks, and continuously seek inspiration. Build a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of design, and prioritize responsibility and integrity for users.
A great designer not only excels in aesthetics and functionality but also deeply understands user needs and market, creating emotionally resonant and impactful designs.
A good design seamlessly blends beauty and functionality, effectively meeting users' needs while providing a delightful and engaging experience.
Good design enhances quality of life, improves usability, and evokes positive emotions. Investing in good design is investing in wellbeing and efficiency.
Accessible, sustainable wellness solutions for underserved communities.
A comprehensive smart home system integrating wellness-oriented features.
The fusion of empathy, creativity, technical precision and business viability, with a deep understanding of user needs.
Charles Eames and Dieter Rams for simplicity and functionality, and Isamu Noguchi and Kelly Wrestler for sculptural elegance.
Noguchi’s Akari light sculptures and Rams’ Braun products for their balance of art, function, and simplicity.
The Etern Decanter, for its elegant form and its ability to capture the essence of time and celebration.
Continuously learn, seek diverse experiences, embrace feedback, and stay curious.
I would have gone to be a canine dental specialist, focusing on providing wellness and healthcare for animal teeth.
Design is the art of creating solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective, enriching everyday life.
Mentors, colleagues, and family have been my biggest supporters, providing invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout my journey.
A combination of formal education, diverse experiences, continuous learning, and a passion for creating impactful, beautiful solutions helped me become a great designer.
Balancing creativity with practical constraints
Designers should present their work clearly and compellingly, highlighting both the aesthetic and functional aspects, and demonstrating how the design meets user needs.
A new line of smart home wellness products, blending technology with elegant design.
My ultimate goal is to create designs that profoundly enhance wellbeing, seamlessly integrating beauty and functionality into everyday life.
Innovative, elegant solutions that meet needs and elevate daily experiences.
Good design improves quality of life, promotes sustainability, and fosters connection and wellbeing.
Developing a line of wellness-focused smart home products.
The Etern Decanter, for its blend of artistic elegance and functional innovation.
Greater emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and designs that promote wellbeing and accessibility.
The design field is moving towards greater integration of technology, sustainability, and user-centric approaches, focusing on creating smarter, healthier living environments.
The timeline varies; for example, designing the Etern Decanter took approximately six months from concept to completion.
I start with extensive research and ideation, understanding the user needs and exploring various concepts before moving to sketching and prototyping.
Designing humble tools to empower wellness.
Design has the power to set trends by pushing boundaries and introducing innovative solutions that resonate with people.
Technology plays a crucial role, enabling precision, enhancing functionality, and opening new possibilities for innovative, user-centered designs.
I use Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino for 3D modeling, and various prototyping tools, along with traditional sketching materials.
Color, materials, and ambiance are vital in creating the desired emotional response and functional efficiency, enhancing the overall user experience.
The wellness benefits associated with design functions.
I think about the underlying principles and innovative elements that make the design successful and how it could inspire future projects.
An ideal design partner shares a similar vision and values but brings unique perspectives and skills. Co-design is valuable for creating more comprehensive and innovative solutions.
Mentors, colleagues, and clients who provided valuable feedback and different perspectives have significantly influenced my design approach.
Books on design principles, architecture, and the intersection of art and functionality have profoundly impacted my design philosophy.
Continuous learning, seeking diverse experiences, embracing feedback, and staying curious have been key to developing my skills.
I would love to meet and discuss with Leonardo da Vinci, whose multidisciplinary genius and innovative thinking continue to inspire. I would mostly appreciate to meet my grandfather again, who continues to inspire me to this day.
The recognition is gratifying and validates my work. While fame can be challenging, it also provides a platform to inspire and influence positive change.
Favorite color: Ginkgo Green
Favorite place: Shanghai
Favorite food: Lobster
Favorite season: Fall
Favorite thing: Lecco Sofa
Favorite brand: Design Within Reach
Favorite place: Shanghai
Favorite food: Lobster
Favorite season: Fall
Favorite thing: Lecco Sofa
Favorite brand: Design Within Reach
Resilience, adaptability and grit serves well in the field of design. I once fell into a wet concrete hole in the road, losing my shoes and covered in concrete. but the person next to me thanked me for preventing her from fell into the wet concrete.
A great day involves creative breakthroughs in design and successful collaboration with my team. I stay motivated by the potential to create designs that positively impact people's lives.
Yes, I admired my grandfather and his miraculous crafts and beautiful sketches that blow my mind. He inspired me to become a designer.
In a thousand years, I envision a world where design and technology seamlessly integrate to create smart, sustainable living environments that enhance overall wellbeing.
Design is a powerful tool for enhancing wellbeing. I am dedicated to creating elegant, functional solutions that improve daily life and promote overall wellness. Thank you for your interest in my work.
Designer Interview
18 October 2024
My background spans sculpture, UX design, and the arts. The desire to blend aesthetics with functionality inspired my journey into design, driven by the belief that beauty and purpose can coexist.
Founded in 2020 in Los Angeles, ZN Design creates sophisticated, elegant products that promote wellness. We specialize in digital and home products, merging design with scientific benefits to enhance everyday life.
Design is the harmonious blend of form and function, creating solutions that are both visually pleasing and practical, enriching everyday life.
I enjoy designing products that significantly impact people’s lives, particularly those that promote wellness and enrich daily experiences.
The Etern Decanter is a personal favorite. Inspired by the fleeting nature of time, it celebrates life's precious moments with its elegant and timeless design.
My first significant design was a digital wellness app aimed at promoting mindfulness and mental health, solidifying my passion for wellness-oriented products.
I have a deep appreciation for glass, spatial design and UIUX. Its transparency and elegance, as seen in the Etern Decanter, make it ideal for creating timeless pieces.
Early mornings, when the world is quiet, is when my creativity peaks, allowing ideas to flow freely.
I focus equally on aesthetics and functionality, ensuring the final product is both beautiful and effective.
Designing brings immense joy and fulfillment, especially as ideas take shape and come to life.
Seeing my designs realized brings pride and excitement, knowing they will enhance others' lives.
A successful design seamlessly blends beauty and functionality, meeting users' needs while providing an engaging experience.
I prioritize usability and practicality, ensuring the design serves its purpose effectively.
Designers should create sustainable, environmentally friendly products that enhance quality of life, promote wellness and hold integrity toward users of the design.
Design is moving towards sustainability, wellness, and technological integration, focusing on creating smarter, healthier living solutions.
The Etern Decanter was showcased, following its Iron A' Design Award win. This year, Hmong Silver in a Silver A'Design Award. The next exhibition will feature new wellness-oriented products within the year.
Inspiration comes from nature, the passage of time, and everyday problems people encounter. I stay creative through diverse art forms and continuous learning.
My style is understated elegance focused on wellness. It combines simplicity with beauty and functionality to promote overall wellbeing.
I live in Los Angeles, a city rich in cultural heritage that inspires my designs. The vibrant community here is a constant source of creativity.
Collaboration is key. I engage closely with clients to align my designs with their brand values and goals, infusing my unique perspective.
Seek designers who share your vision and values, and foster open communication and collaboration for successful partnerships.
It starts with research and ideation, followed by sketching and prototyping. Refinement through feedback leads to meticulous production.
Etern Decanter
Eames Lounge Chair
Smart home assistant
Lecco Sofa
Handcrafted ceramic vase
Eames Lounge Chair
Smart home assistant
Lecco Sofa
Handcrafted ceramic vase
My day begins with creative sketching, followed by team discussions and project work. Afternoons are for prototyping or client meetings, and evenings are for reading and exploring new trends.
Stay curious, embrace risks, and build a strong foundation in both technical and creative aspects. Prioritize user experience, integrity, and responsibility
Positives include creating impactful designs and solving problems creatively. Negatives can be tight deadlines and the pressure to constantly innovate.
Being thoughtful in benefits the design brings. Every design element should serve a purpose and contribute to the overall effectiveness and beauty of the product.
Key skills include creativity, technical proficiency, problem-solving, empathy, and effective communication.
I use sketchbooks, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino for 3D modeling, and various prototyping materials. Inspiration comes from art books, nature, and online platforms.
I set clear priorities, break tasks into manageable steps, and schedule focused work sessions with regular breaks.
The timeline varies; for instance, designing the Etern Decanter took about six months from concept to completion.
People often ask about my technical tools used in design, the health benefits associated with a certain function, and how I develop my design ideas.
One of my more successful products has generated over 12 million in revenue and counting. Designing the Etern Decanter was pivotal as well, blending artistry with technical precision and resulting in a widely appreciated piece.
Our clients include wellness, health-focused, home décor, and lifestyle brands seeking sophisticated, wellness-oriented designs. We have sold products to Huawei, BMW and MCM.
I enjoy designing wellness-promoting products that combine beauty and health functionality, enhancing everyday life.
We plan to expand our product line with more wellness-oriented home and health products, exploring new materials and technologies.
I lead the creative vision but work closely with a talented team and clients. Collaboration is essential for the best results.
Yes, we are developing a new line of smart home wellness products, launching in the coming months.
Through our website or via email, we welcome discussions on new projects and collaborations.
zoe@ni.design
zoe@ni.design
I'd like to emphasize the profound impact of design on wellness. At ZN Design, we strive to create products that enhance both functionality and beauty, promoting a better quality of life.
