(in)visible (de)signs

〔粵〕何謂一門學科或行業的「宗旨」？今集邀請到建築師兼大專講師陳傳智Simon Chan一同探討建築設計的宗旨。[Cantonese] What is the purpose of a discipline or a profession? In this episode we invited architect and lecturer Simon Chan to explore with us the purposes of architecture design. Episode mentioned: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

〔粵〕很多人對寫作可說是又愛又恨。這集我們探討寫作的不同面向：當中的喜悅、痛苦、思考過程、工具與技術、藝術性、技巧等等。如果人工智能可以在極短時間內生成文字，那麼職業作家或者任何會進行寫作的人在文字創作這門手藝上還會有前途嗎？[Cantonese] Many people have a love–hate relationship with writing. In this episode, we explore different aspects of writing: the joy, the agony, the thought process, the tools and technologies, the art, the mechanics, etc. If AI can churn out text in hardly any time at all, will career writers – or any casual writer – still have a future with the crafting of prose?Mentions:Distraction-free typewriterhttps://getfreewrite.com/products/alpha?srsltid=AfmBOoq_Ux_3cARV5wLC-fN_aBABqantOu0tT94cis7MQ3hgbRXyMSFF This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

〔粵〕怎樣才算得上一個「成功」的設計師？本集從個人的成功定義出發，探討成為成功設計的多個維度，包括實用性、商業/經濟價值、影響力與及個人實現。[Cantonese] What are the criteria for a ‘successful’ designer? This episode explores possible definitions of success from different dimensions, including utility, commercial/economic values, significance, and personal fulfilment.Give us a follow on our Instagram!MentionsGoogle Font Tilt The story of VLC player Podcast summary (by Gemini)For reference onlyCore Theme: Redefining Success in Design and LifeIn this episode, hosts Kiki and Keith engage in a philosophical discussion about what “success” truly means, specifically within the context of the design industry and the modern era. They move away from traditional definitions to explore the internal and external drivers of achievement.Key Discussion Points:* Success as a Milestone, Not a Destination: Keith suggests that success should not be viewed as an “ultimate destination” but rather as a “milestone.” He emphasizes that the pursuit of goals is a lifelong process that continues until the very end, and that individuals must define success for themselves rather than letting society dictate it.* Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: The hosts distinguish between extrinsic success (transactional rewards like money, titles, awards, and social status) and intrinsic fulfillment (inner purpose and the feeling of contribution). They note that while external rewards can bring temporary happiness, they often lead to emptiness if there is no underlying sense of purpose.* Generational Shifts in Values: The conversation highlights how younger generations are shifting their focus toward the “present moment” and “living experiences” rather than deferring happiness until retirement. They discuss the importance of “sabbaticals” and “recharging” to avoid burnout in an information-heavy world.* Measuring Success in Design: The hosts explore different “metrics” for design success:* Commercial/Functional: Does the design solve a problem? Does it increase sales or user engagement (e.g., UI changes in e-commerce)?* Innovation: Using technology to create new visual possibilities (e.g., Variable Fonts and 3D typography like “Tilt Neon”).* Social & Cultural Impact: Designing for the greater good, such as creating writing systems for cultures without a written language or developing open-source tools (e.g., Wikipedia, VLC, and PDF) that benefit society without prioritizing financial gain.* Human Intent vs. AI: A significant part of the talk touches on the rise of AI. Keith argues that while AI can mimic patterns and handle data, it lacks intent, desire, and consciousness. The “chaos” and unpredictability of human decision-making and emotional connection remain the unique value of human designers.* Work as a Vocation: The episode concludes by discussing the difference between a job, a career, and a vocation (calling). They suggest that regardless of one’s role, everyone is a “gear” contributing to the social fabric. True success involves maintaining a “growth mindset” and continuously seeking the next level of personal and professional elevation.核心主題：重新定義設計與人生中的「成功」在本集中，主持人 Kiki 與 Keith 針對「成功」的真正含義展開了一場哲學對話，特別是在設計產業與現代社會的背景下。他們跳脫了傳統的定義，轉而探索成就背後的內在與外在驅動力。討論重點：* 成功是里程碑，而非終點： Keith 建議不應將成功視為「終極目的地」，而應視其為「里程碑」。他強調追求目標是一個持續終身的過程，個人應當為自己定義成功，而非讓社會主導成功的標準。* 內在與外在動機： 主持人區分了「外在成功」（如金錢、頭銜、獎項和社會地位等交易性回報）與「內在成就感」（內在目標與貢獻感）。他們指出，雖然外在獎勵能帶來短暫的快樂，但若缺乏深層的使命感，往往會導致內心的空虛。* 價值觀的世代轉變： 對話中提到年輕一代正將重心轉向「當下」與「生活體驗」，而非將快樂延後至退休。他們討論了在資訊爆炸的世界中，「休假（Sabbaticals）」與「充電」對於防止職業倦怠的重要性。* 衡量設計成功的標準： 主持人探索了衡量設計成功的不同「維度」：* 商業與功能性： 設計是否解決了問題？是否提升了銷售額或用戶參與度（例如電商的 UI 改動）？* 創新性： 利用技術創造新的視覺可能性（例如可變字體 Variable Fonts 以及像 “Tilt Neon” 這樣的 3D 字體設計）。* 社會與文化影響力： 為大眾利益而設計，例如為沒有文字的文化建立書寫系統，或開發開源工具（如 Wikipedia、VLC 和 PDF），這些工具在不以營利為先的前提下造福了社會。* 人類意圖 vs. 人工智慧 (AI)： 對話中有相當比例觸及了 AI 的崛起。Keith 認為雖然 AI 可以模仿模式並處理數據，但它缺乏「意圖」、「渴望」與「意識」。人類在決策中的「混亂感」、不可預測性以及情感連結，依然是人類設計師獨有的價值。* 工作作為一種「天職」 (Vocation)： 本集結尾討論了工作 (Job)、事業 (Career) 與天職 (Vocation/Calling) 之間的區別。他們認為無論角色為何，每個人都是貢獻社會結構的一枚「齒輪」。真正的成功在於保持「成長思維」，並持續追求個人與專業層面的自我提升。 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

〔粵〕在一個瞬息萬變的世界中，我們要怎樣設計？「前瞻性思維」（Futures Thinking）如何能夠幫助我們在充滿不確定性的未來中前行？在不能確切知道未來會發生什麼事之前，處於現在的我們能做什麼？設計思維系列的第五集，Peter與我們一起討論「前瞻性思維」。[Cantonese] How can we design when the world won’t stand still? How can Futures Thinking help us to navigate an uncertain future? What can we start making today, without knowing exactly what’s coming? Peter returns for the fifth episode of our design thinking series to talk about Futures Thinking.What is Futures Thinking?* Probable (最可能發生的未來)* Possible (可能的未來)* Plausible (合理的未來)* Preferable (理想的未來)Only two things could stop the graphic designer from growing up with the rest of the technological world: a failure to familiarize himself with the new areas of knowledge springing up alongside his own; and an inability to free himself from the straight-jacket of his preconceptions about the kind of tasks with which he expects to be confronted.Excerpt from the Introduction of Ken Garland’s Graphics Handbook, 1966. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

這一集我們為您帶來三則來自全球和本地字體設計社群的新聞:美國國務院已禁止使用Calibri字體並重新採用Times New Roman，稱前任政府的字體選擇是「浪費的多元化舉措」。Calibri於2002–04年間設計，是微軟ClearType字體系列的一員，針對改善螢幕閱讀體驗設計。而Times New Roman則是於1930年代為倫敦《泰晤士報》設計的字體。關於AI生成內容過度使用破折號（em dash）的爭議於近期浮現。儘管專業作家、記者和編輯為正確使用標點符號辯護，有些人卻刻意引入錯字和不正確的標點符號，以避免其作品被誤判為以AI生成。第11 屆TypeMeet已於12月16–17日於香港知專設計學院舉行，匯聚了來自韓國、上海、寧波、東莞和長沙的講者，進行了豐富的字體設計知識交流。In this episode, we bring you three news items from the global and local typography community:The US State Department has banned the use of Calibri and returned to Times New Roman, calling the previous administration’s font choice a ‘wasteful diversity move’. Calibri was designed in 2002–04 as part of Microsoft’s ClearType font collection to improve on-screen reading, while Times New Roman was created for The Times newspaper in London in the 1930s.A controversy has emerged over the excessive use of em dashes in AI-generated content. While professional authors, journalists, and editors defend proper punctuation use, some writers are deliberately introducing typos and incorrect punctuation to avoid having their work misjudged as AI-generated.The 11th TypeMeet took place at the Hong Kong Design Institute on 16–17 December, bringing together speakers from Korea, Shanghai, Ningbo, Dongguan, and Changsha for a rich exchange of typographic knowledge.00:00–45:00 Calibri vs Times New RomanThe Guardian's report on the order to use Times New Roman, replacing CalibriMicrosoft's ClearType documentation 'Now Read This'Microsoft's ClearType collection websiteLucas de Groot's IG post on Calibri and Times New Roman45:00–1:04:20 Em-dash controversy Rolling Stone's article on the discussion on em dashes1:04:20–1:17:13 TypeMeet: starting point/ meeting pointOur event's registration website (it has ended, but the event details are still up)1:17:13–end of episodeExit sign in Kowloon Bay station update/ new year’s resolution This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

[粵] 本集再次邀請Charles吳霆鋒和Henry葉振軒，一同探討近日關於港鐵站出口命名的話題。以老子《道德經》中「道，可道，非常道；名，可名，非常名」為引，思考公共運輸系統中標識設計的種種考量及一些相關的實踐案例。[Cantonese] In this episode we welcome Charles Ng and Henry Yip again to discuss the recent debate over the naming of MTR station exits. Drawing inspiration from Laozi’s Tao Te Ching — “The way that can be spoken of is not the constant way; the name that can be named is not the constant name” — the conversation explores the various considerations behind wayfinding design in public transport systems, as well as related real-world examples. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

[粵] 本集邀請到香港設計師吳佩儒分享她在香港及加拿大從事主題樂園設計的工作經驗。傳意設計這個範疇，如何在主題樂園的創作中發揮作用？曾到訪香港主題樂園的朋友，相信都見過 Carol 的設計作品！[Cantonese] In this episode we invited designer Carol Ng to share her experiences working on theme park design in both Hong Kong and Canada. How does Communication Design come into play in the creation of theme parks? If you’ve ever visited the theme park in Hong Kong, chances are you’ve already seen some of Carol’s work!Carol的一些設計作品 Some of Carol’s works:Carol設計的園區環境設計還能在東京見到 Carol also designed the environmental graphics in the Tokyo theme park which can be seen here: https://wdwnt.com/2019/09/photos-new-chip-n-dales-playground-at-disney-ambassador-hotel-at-tokyo-disney-resort/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

〔粵〕設計思維系列的第四集，繼續由Peter Chuah蔡振嘉帶領我們探討設計思維內的「同理心」如何影響實踐的成效。設計的好壞是否見仁見智？設計思維中的同理心能否確保一個設計的質素？設計風格和具有同理心考量的作品能否共存？[Cantonese] In this fourth episode of our Thinking in Design series, Peter Chuah returns to lead us in exploring how empathy within design thinking impacts practical outcomes. Is the quality of design merely a matter of perspective? Can empathy in design thinking guarantee the value of a design? And can distinctive design styles coexist with works shaped by empathetic considerations?Previous episodes:EP28 模棱兩可? Embrace ambiguityEP25 設計中的思維 Thinking in design EP18 與蔡振嘉談批判性思維 On critical thinking with Peter Chuah This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

〔粵〕港式英語豐富多變，融會了中英文的語言背景及在地文化的特色。港式英語往往被視為非正宗英語，但近年Kongish冒起，成為香港文化身份的一部分，而有別於傳統上的Chinglish和港式英語。本集讓我們笑談港式英語具活力的一面。[Cantonese] Hong Kong-style English is a dynamic ‘dialect’ steeped in both Cantonese and English language cultures. Although Hong Kong English has long been criticised as improper, Kongish (as opposed to Chinglish and Hong Kong English) has emerged as an integral part of Hong Kong culture. This episode explores the funny and vibrant side of Hong Kong English.伸延閱讀：Lee, Tong King (2023). Kongish: translanguaging and the commodification of an urban dialect. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net

〔粵〕無論在工作還是學習中，或多或少都會接觸到簡報或投影片，如今也常被統稱為PowerPoint、PPT、或slide deck。它的出現是否有其必要？而PowerPoint的廣泛應用，又如何改變了表達與溝通的方式？[Cantonese] Whether at work or in learning, we’ve all encountered presentation slides, often simply referred to today as PowerPoint or slide deck. But why do we use them, and how have they changed the way we present?Mentions:Edward Tufte’s ‘The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint’, 2003https://www.researchgate.net/publication/208575160_The_Cognitive_Style_of_PowerPointNancy Duarte’s TEDx talk on ‘The secret structure of great talks’, 2011https://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_duarte_the_secret_structure_of_great_talksNancy Duarte: slidedocshttps://1619981.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1619981/Duarte_Slidedocs_Ebook.pdfDead Poets Society (1989) now streaming on Netflix and Disney+ in Hong Konghttps://m.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net