Japanese designer Oki Sato on his playful approach to design | Braun | British GQ

Summary

In this interview with prolific designer and architect Oki Sato, he shares his approach to design, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and emotional connection. Known for his playful yet minimalistic style, Sato draws inspiration from everyday experiences and believes that design should be about solving problems in a fun, human-centered way. He discusses the importance of balancing creativity with technology and offers advice for future designers to trust their initial ideas. Sato's work, including collaborations with fashion legend Issey Miyake, highlights his innovative and boundary-pushing philosophy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sato believes that simplicity is key to good design, where eliminating unnecessary elements results in beautiful, functional objects.
• 😀 Designers, according to Sato, are like chefs who create by mixing different 'ingredients' from everyday life to form innovative ideas.
• 😀 Sato emphasizes the importance of having fun in design, where an object should not only be functional but also playful and engaging.
• 😀 While minimalism is important, Sato believes the true essence of design is in the story behind the object rather than just its aesthetics.
• 😀 Repetition in daily life, like walking the same route or drinking the same coffee, helps Sato notice subtle differences that spark new design ideas.
• 😀 Sato views design as a process of solving problems in a pleasant, fun way, where emotion plays a crucial role alongside function.
• 😀 He values imperfection in design, believing that perfection can make things boring and that the next step in technology should embrace ‘pleasant mistakes’.
• 😀 Sato finds inspiration in simple, everyday objects, constantly seeking ways to improve them and make them more user-friendly.
• 😀 He draws a parallel between design and sushi, advising designers to serve their ideas fresh, without holding on to them too long.
• 😀 Sato encourages designers to trust their first idea, as it often proves to be the best and most authentic, even when faced with doubts during the design process.

Q & A

What does Yanagi Soetsu's philosophy on design focus on?

Yanagi Soetsu emphasizes creating beautiful and functional objects by eliminating unnecessary elements, with simplicity being the key to good design.

How does Oki Sato compare the work of a designer to that of a chef?

Oki Sato likens designers to chefs, explaining that designers, like chefs, work with various ingredients (ideas, materials) to create something new and enjoyable, often improvising with what’s available.

What is Oki Sato's approach to design inspiration?

Oki Sato finds inspiration in repeating daily activities, like walking his dog or drinking coffee. By observing slight differences in everyday life, he finds sources for new ideas.

How does Oki Sato describe his design process?

Oki Sato begins with simple sketches, often starting with basic, playful drawings. He then moves to 3D modeling to develop ideas, whether for small products or architectural projects.

What does Oki Sato think about the principle 'Less is more' in design?

Oki Sato agrees with the principle 'less is more,' but he emphasizes that it's not about minimalism. Rather, it's about creating simple, functional objects that also have an element of fun.

What role does emotion play in Oki Sato’s designs?

Emotion is central to Oki Sato's designs. While functionality is important, he believes that designs should also evoke emotion, making them enjoyable and relatable.

How does Oki Sato view the relationship between design and technology?

While Oki Sato acknowledges that technology allows for the creation of things beyond imagination, he warns that technology can also lead to the loss of the core idea behind a design. He suggests that technology should be used to make 'pleasant mistakes' rather than striving for perfection.

What was the inspiration behind the capsule toy figure project?

The capsule toy figure project was designed to encourage children to think like designers. The toy requires children to assemble it, offering a playful introduction to design thinking.

What did Oki Sato learn from working with fashion designer Issey Miyake?

Oki Sato learned the importance of knowing when to stop a project, as he did when designing a chair for Issey Miyake. Miyake encouraged him to stop when the design felt complete, even if it seemed unfinished, which opened up new freedoms for Sato in his design process.

What advice does Oki Sato offer to future designers?

Oki Sato advises future designers to trust their initial ideas. Even if they feel the urge to improve or alter them, they should stick to the first idea, as it is often the correct one.