Interview

How does living and working in Japan influence your work as a designer?

There are strong design studios all around the world, but the Japanese perspective is special. When designing for a specific region, there are always a few cultural keywords that are important to grasp. For Japan, one of those is “Zen.” I thought I understood what Zen was when I joined Nissan, but as I learned to apply it in my work I found that it had philosophical depths I had not anticipated. Elsewhere, too, Japan has a strong and unique design identity. Every time I step outside, there are new things to learn. I find contemporary architects like Kengo Kuma and Tadao Ando particularly inspiring. A year ago I went to Naoshima, the “art island.” There was so much art and architecture there, from traditional pieces to modern structures by Ando, and I think a lot of the inspiration I get there influences my designs without even realizing it. It also draws inspiration from ancient Japanese culture. For example, by combining the elements of a traditional Japanese house with the latest design language, the interior of the car harmonizes with a modern space typical of Nissan. To do this, we work closely with various relevant departments within Nissan to harmonize materials, shapes and patterns to create what we call a “phygital experience” – a combination of physical and digital elements. We succeeded in realizing the experience finally.

You have worked on interior design for several concept cars and the upcoming next-generation Leaf. What drew you to automotive design as a field?

For me, automotive design is the most holistic design field, because it integrates technology, universal design, ergonomics, UI, UX, material, colors, style, and lifestyle. I discovered the beauty of cars at university when I chose automotive design as one of my three specializations. It was challenging, but I enjoyed it so much I decided to make it my career. I sought a position at Nissan because I admired the company’s daring. The Juke and the Cube impressed a lot of design students back then, showing that it was possible to succeed by “daring to do what others don’t.” I have tried to honor that heritage in my work here. The concept car "Chill-Out" was started from my sketches. Chill-Out is a compact vehicle, and the concept is to provide a new digital experience to the younger generation. Chill-out interior and graphical user interface (GUI) designs influenced the production vehicles that followed. Nissan isn’t like other companies. It’s highly global and diverse, and that absolutely affects what it’s like to work here. Personally, I prize new experiences. I think that is why I am living in Japan, speaking English at work, with Korean nationality. Conversations with Nissan colleagues from around the world inspire me to new heights. Diversity is part of Nissan’s culture, which means I can express myself as I want to.