Hyeonil is a product designer with experience in interior, industrial, exhibition, textile, and furniture design. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, he specializes in creating everyday objects that are efficient but playful.
New York, New York
Less is more—but not always! The concepts behind my designs are minimalist, but the final form doesn’t have to be simple. For example, the light I designed for Gantri was based on a simple and clear idea: using stiff materials to convey something soft, like billowing fabric. But the final form of the light is actually pretty complex.
I would love to design every single product in my house. From pans to notepads to computers—every single corner. And in my craziest of dreams, I would love to throw a party and serve food from animals that I designed. I know it won’t be possible in the next decade, but I want to design a chicken or a fish!
I like Alexander Calder, who made mobiles. I actually tried to make a mobile once for my son. I used chopsticks and fishing string and old business cards. But it didn’t last too long. My son just grabbed it chewed it up!
If I were being honest, I’d say toys. Toys are fun, but they’re also supposed to have a great mechanical structure for a reasonable price. I love little robots, or plastic turtles that swim, or remote control cars with sticky wheels that go up walls. I go to toy stores with my son, but I go more crazy than him.
[Laughing] I’m not sure my wife would agree. But yes, I’m a good daddy. We actually have another kid on the way. I’m going to have more chances to go to the toy store!