Welcome to my blog
Here I dissect design with the goal of becoming a better, more intentional designer. Join me to geek out on design process and the psychology behind design. I'm especially interested in designing for human behavior to improve Service and Experience Design. I hope this blog inspires us to think about the possibilities of design and our role in using it.
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Why I’m inspired by Japan as a designer
People often ask me ‘why Japan?’. Here’s my attempt at articulating why I find Japan particularly inspiring as a designer.
Service Design lessons from Isetan’s Omotenashi (hospitality)
Many of us have observed Japanese service from a customer’s point of view. I was happy to find this book which is like the handbook to hospitality training at Isetan (a giant Japanese departmental store chain). I was impressed by their thoughtfulness and approach and would like to share a few of these points with you.
Would it be so ambitious to say that design can change the world?
It’s easy to get lost in the minute details of the thing we are designing. But thinking more broadly makes us realize we, as designers, have the potential to impact far beyond the physical product or service. It’s actually a privileged opportunity to think about designing those ripple effects on humanity, and how we can make the world a better place to live on a macro scale. I’ll dive into architecture as our case study for this one.
Tokyo design pilgrimage: top spots for design and architecture inspiration
Best spots to go in Tokyo for design inspiration, with a focus on design research, speculative design, innovation, and architecture. Plus recommended spots to find cafes and nearby parks for those necessary breaks.
Designerless Experience Design
After investigating how service excellence comes about naturally in Japan, I now view training in design like one trains in martial arts - a dedication to awakening our sensibilities and considering deeply the most appropriate response. Here I explore traits from Japanese culture that lend themselves towards the cultivation of our discipline as designers.
‘Designing Japan’ by Kenya Hara - favorite quotes
Kenya Hara is well known as Muji’s Art Director but has done numerous projects across Japan and globally. In this book he shares his thoughts on the future of Japan and how to shape it through design. Here are a few of my favorite quotes and a bit of summarized context around them.
Hunting for design inspiration in Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)
I would go back to Kanazawa even if the only thing there was the Ishikawa Prefectural Library - but it’s definitely one of my favorite all-rounder cities in Japan and here are a few other things you may like to check out while there.
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum - Kobe
Not a design museum per se, but a wood lovers dreamland! Highly recommended to learn about Japanese woodcraft and carpentry! Gorgeous, interesting, hands-on, and has English audio guide.