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Interview with Juthamas Vadhanapanich |
Home > Designer Interviews > Juthamas Vadhanapanich |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Juthamas Vadhanapanich (JV) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Juthamas Vadhanapanich by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
JV: I’m left-handed, and as a child, I didn’t realize that what I enjoyed was called design. However, I was fascinated by shop signs and often thought about improving them to make them more readable. Design has always drawn me in, and art was the subject in which I excelled most in school. My parents consistently supported my passion for art and design, and my greatest inspiration was my mother, a highly skilled window display designer. With 25 years of experience in digital product design, my journey began uniquely. Although I studied Fine Arts, I became deeply intrigued by the internet when it first arrived in Thailand in 1998. Without a background in computer science, I taught myself HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. In 1999, I created my first blog on GeoCities before eventually launching my domain. At the time, being both a designer and coder was a rarity in Thailand, which set me apart as a web designer. Over the years, I expanded my skills from creating websites and software to designing mobile applications. Design has always been at the heart of my career, and it continues to inspire, challenge, and motivate me to explore new horizons.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JV: Our studio, Juth Studio, has been operating for over twenty years. We’ve been honored to receive Thailand’s Best UX/UI Design Studio Award from APAC Insider for three consecutive years. In addition to specializing in Brand Design and UX/UI Design, we’ve recently ventured into the Art Toy business. We even had the opportunity to showcase our creations at the Loft Art Toy event. There’s still so much excitement ahead; we’re continuously exploring new and creative avenues to grow and innovate.
FS: What is "design" for you?
JV: For me, design is about improvement—making something better than it was before. Ultimately, design is about commercialization; it has to be something that can sell. That’s why the design process must start with a deep understanding of the problem we’re solving and who we’re solving it for. If the design truly addresses the problem and meets the needs of the target audience, it will naturally be successful.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JV: I love designing mobile applications, software, and websites. They are my true passion, and I enjoy the challenge of creating digital experiences that are both functional and visually engaging.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
JV: One of my favorite designs was creating the official website for the horror movie SHUTTER many years ago, during the era when Flash was still widely used. This website was one of the early examples of advanced Flash interactions, which made it stand out. I received tremendous praise from the director, producer, and cast of the film for how impressive and immersive the website turned out to be. It was an incredible experience and a proud moment in my design journey.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
JV: The first things I designed for a company were brand designs and corporate identities, which included creating logos and visual branding systems. From there, I moved on to designing websites and eventually mobile applications, as the demand for digital solutions grew. It was an exciting start to my career, allowing me to explore different aspects of design and contribute to building strong brand presences for businesses.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
JV: My favorite design platform and technology is Adobe XD. Its collaborative features, intuitive interface, and real-time feedback capabilities make it an excellent tool for efficiently creating and prototyping user-centered designs.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
JV: I feel the most creative when I’m in a comfortable and peaceful environment, usually in a quiet space. Nighttime is often when my creativity flows best—it’s when I can focus deeply and let my ideas come to life.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JV: I focus on the human-centric aspects of design, starting from deeply understanding the users and their needs, all the way through to testing the design to ensure it truly addresses those needs effectively.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JV: When I design, I feel a sense of calm and focus. It’s an emotion rooted in intention and concentration, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the creative process.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
JV: I feel pride, fulfillment, and excitement when my designs are realized. Seeing an idea that started as a concept transform into something tangible that users can interact with and benefit from is gratifying. I also feel grateful and humble, knowing that the design really impacts people’s lives, whether it simplifies a task, solves a problem, or brings joy. At the same time, I feel a spark of curiosity—wondering how the design will evolve based on user feedback and how it can be improved further. The entire experience is a reminder of why I love being a designer.
FS: What makes a design successful?
JV: A design is successful when it deeply understands the needs of all stakeholders and ensures that those needs are addressed. Additionally, thorough testing is crucial in refining the design to meet its objectives effectively.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JV: When judging a design as good or bad, I first consider its functionality—whether it effectively solves the intended problem and meets the users' needs. Then, I evaluate its usability and aesthetics to ensure the design is intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing. An outstanding design balances all these aspects seamlessly.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JV: From my perspective, a designer’s responsibilities to society and the environment include prioritizing sustainability and considering ways to incorporate reuse and recycling into the design process. Designers have the power to create solutions that minimize environmental impact while fostering positive change in society.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
JV: The design field is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements and increasing awareness of sustainability and inclusivity. Design is becoming more user-centric, driven by data and insights from user behavior, making experiences more personalized and accessible. The future of design lies in integrating AI and automation, enabling faster prototyping and more intelligent solutions. Designers will also be critical in addressing global challenges, such as environmental sustainability, by creating products and services that minimize waste and promote circular economies. Additionally, design expands beyond visuals and functionality to include ethical considerations, ensuring that solutions are innovative, responsible, and impactful for society.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
JV: At A' Design Award 2023, I hope 2025 I can join the exhibition again.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JV: My design inspiration primarily comes from interviewing users. When I truly understand their needs and challenges, it sparks ideas for solving their problems. Beyond that, I keep my creativity alive by exploring the world around me with an open mind—observing, learning, and exposing myself to diverse experiences, industries, and cultures. Inspiration often strikes when you’re curious and willing to see things from new perspectives.
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
JV: I would describe my design style as minimalist, user-centric, and functional. It emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and ensuring that every element serves a purpose. My style focuses on creating designs that are intuitive and accessible while delivering an engaging user experience. I was drawn to this style because I believe that good design is invisible—it works so seamlessly that users don’t even notice it. This philosophy resonates with my approach to solving problems effectively without overloading users with unnecessary details. The main characteristics of my style include: Clean layouts with a strong hierarchy for easy navigation. Consistency in visual elements to create familiarity and trust. Empathy-driven design, ensuring it meets user needs and expectations. My approach to design begins with understanding the problem and the people I’m designing for. I prioritize research and testing, iterating on solutions until they align perfectly with user and stakeholder goals. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is also central to my process, as it ensures that the design is aligned with both technical feasibility and business objectives.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
JV: I live in Thailand, and yes, cultural heritage definitely affects my designs. When designing apps or digital products, it’s essential to understand the behaviors and preferences of the people. Different cultures influence how users interact with technology, their expectations, and even how they perceive design elements like colors, symbols, and layouts. Pros of designing in Thailand: A rich cultural background provides endless inspiration, especially in terms of visual aesthetics and storytelling. Thai people are very diverse, which helps in understanding different user personas and designing for inclusivity. Cons of designing in Thailand: Cultural nuances can sometimes add complexity to the design process, as what works in one culture may not work in another. There is still a growing awareness of the importance of design, which can sometimes lead to challenges in getting stakeholders to fully value the UX/UI process. Ultimately, living in Thailand has taught me the importance of adapting to different cultural contexts and finding creative solutions that resonate with users on a deeper level.
FS: How do you work with companies?
JV: I work with companies as a collaborative partner, focusing on understanding their goals, challenges, and target audience. My approach involves aligning the company’s vision with effective design solutions to create meaningful user experiences.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
JV: Suggestions for Companies Working with a Designer: Communicate Clearly: Provide a clear brief outlining your goals, target audience, and any specific requirements. Transparency in expectations leads to better results. Involve Designers Early: Include designers from the beginning of a project to ensure their insights shape the direction, not just the final look. Trust the Process: Design is iterative. Be open to testing, feedback, and revisions to achieve the best outcomes. Value Collaboration: Work closely with designers and involve relevant stakeholders for feedback, but avoid micro-managing. Allow the designer the creative freedom to explore solutions. Provide Constructive Feedback: Focus on the problem rather than dictating solutions. Feedback like "This doesn't align with our brand" is more helpful than "Make it blue." Invest in Design: Recognize the value of good design in achieving business goals and be willing to allocate the necessary resources and time.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
JV: My design process follows the UX Design Process, which includes five key stages: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
JV: 1. Swatch Mission to Mars Watch 2. Art Toy Collection 3. Mid-Century Modern Chair 4. Coffee Table Books on Design 5. Smart Home Lighting System
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
JV: I start my morning by feeding my cats, followed by a shower and heading to work. At work, my day involves designing, solving problems, and collaborating with the team. I take a break for lunch and then continue with meetings and more design tasks throughout the afternoon. After work, I return home and feed my cats again. In the evening, I dedicate time to working on my own business projects, focusing on creative tasks or planning for future goals. Once everything is done, I wind down and head to bed, ready to start again the next day.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
JV: Pain Point is Gold: Always start by understanding the problem you’re solving. A deep dive into pain points can lead to the most impactful and innovative designs. Solutions that address real user challenges are always valuable.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
JV: Positives: Creative Freedom: The ability to express ideas and innovate through design. Impact: Solving problems and improving experiences for users. Variety: Every project is unique, offering continuous learning opportunities. Recognition: Seeing your work being used and appreciated is highly rewarding. Negatives: Tight Deadlines: Balancing creativity with time constraints can be stressful. Revisions: Multiple iterations and feedback can sometimes feel overwhelming. Miscommunication: Aligning with stakeholders who may not fully understand design can be challenging. Burnout: The constant push for innovation can lead to creative fatigue
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
JV: My golden rule in design is: "You are not your users." This means always designing with the user's perspective in mind, not your own preferences or assumptions. Empathy, research, and understanding the real needs of the users are essential to creating effective and meaningful designs.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
JV: Creative Problem-Solving, User-Centered Thinking, Visual Communication
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
JV: Adobe Creative Suite: For everything from UI/UX design (Adobe XD) to visual elements (Photoshop, Illustrator). Figma: For collaborative prototyping and interface design. Miro: For brainstorming, wireframing, and organizing ideas visually. Notion: To organize design processes, research, and documentation. Canva: For quick mockups or presentations when time is limited.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
JV: Designing can indeed be time-consuming, but effective time management ensures productivity and quality. Here’s how I manage my time: Prioritize Tasks: I break projects into smaller tasks and prioritize them based on deadlines, complexity, and importance. Set Clear Milestones: I establish milestones for each stage—research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing—ensuring progress is steady. Time Blocking: I allocate specific time slots for focused design work, meetings, and breaks to maintain a structured routine. Leverage Tools: Tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion help me track progress and stay organized. Using collaborative tools like Figma reduces back-and-forth communication time. Avoid Perfectionism: I focus on delivering functional iterations rather than obsessing over perfect details initially, refining them later during feedback loops. Delegate When Possible: For larger projects, I collaborate with team members, sharing responsibilities to save time. Take Breaks: Short breaks during work sessions refresh my mind and prevent burnout, helping me stay productive. Learn to Say No: I set realistic expectations with clients or teams and avoid overcommitting to ensure quality work within available time.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JV: The time it takes to design an object from beginning to end depends on several factors, including the complexity of the project, its scope, and the design process involved. Here’s a general breakdown: For Simple Projects (e.g., Logo or Small Graphics): Timeframe: 1–2 weeks Includes research, ideation, sketching, refining, and finalizing the design. For Medium Projects (e.g., Website Pages or Mobile App Screens): Timeframe: 4–8 weeks Includes user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, testing, and revisions. For Large Projects (e.g., Entire Application or Comprehensive System): Timeframe: 2–6 months (or longer) Includes in-depth user research, multiple iterations, collaboration with cross-functional teams, extensive prototyping, usability testing, and development handoff. Factors That Affect the Timeline: Complexity: The more features or elements involved, the longer it takes. Client Feedback: Timely and clear feedback speeds up the process. Testing & Iteration: The need for multiple testing rounds can extend timelines. Team Size: Larger teams may speed up or slow down workflows, depending on coordination.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
JV: The most frequently asked question I get as a designer is: "How much does it cost to make an app? Is it expensive?" It’s a common question, and my response usually emphasizes that the cost depends on several factors, such as the app’s complexity, features, design requirements, and the time it takes to develop. I explain that good design is an investment and highlight the value it brings in terms of usability, user satisfaction, and business success.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
JV: One of my most important job experiences was designing the official website for the horror movie SHUTTER. It was during the era when Flash was at its peak, and the project pushed me to explore advanced interactive features, which were innovative at the time. The feedback I received from the director, producer, and cast—all praising the website's creativity and immersive experience—was a turning point in my career. It reinforced the impact of well-executed design and inspired me to continually push the boundaries of creativity and user engagement in my work. This project taught me the importance of collaboration, attention to detail, and creating designs that resonate with the target audience.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
JV: My clients are primarily individuals or businesses who want to develop mobile applications. These range from startups with innovative ideas to established companies looking to expand their digital presence. I work with clients who value user-centric design and are passionate about creating meaningful digital experiences that solve real problems for their target audiences.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
JV: I enjoy working on digital product design—specifically, mobile applications, software, and websites. These types of projects are my passion because they combine creativity with problem-solving and have a direct impact on users' lives. What excites me most is the opportunity to create user-centered experiences that are both functional and visually appealing. I love the challenge of taking complex ideas and simplifying them into intuitive, seamless designs that solve real problems for users. The dynamic nature of digital design, with its continuous evolution in technology and user expectations, keeps me inspired and motivated to innovate.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
JV: My future plans involve continuing to grow as a designer and innovator while expanding the impact of my work. Here’s what’s next for me: Expanding Juth Studio I aim to further establish Juth Studio as a leading name in UX/UI design and Art Toys, exploring new creative ventures and pushing boundaries in both industries. Focus on Sustainability and Inclusive Design I want to incorporate sustainable practices and inclusive design principles into all my projects, ensuring that my work contributes positively to society and the environment. Exploring New Technologies I plan to delve deeper into AI-driven design and AR/VR experiences, integrating these technologies into my projects to create innovative solutions. Sharing Knowledge Teaching and mentoring are close to my heart. I aim to inspire and guide the next generation of designers by expanding my teaching portfolio and conducting workshops or talks. Building a Global Network I want to collaborate with international teams an
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
JV: I do both, depending on the project. When working on large-scale projects, I collaborate with a team of designers, developers, and stakeholders. Teamwork allows for diverse perspectives, better problem-solving, and faster execution. It’s also essential for aligning the design with technical feasibility and business objectives. For smaller projects or specific tasks, I often develop designs myself. This allows me to focus on the details and ensure that the vision aligns closely with the goals of the project. In both scenarios, I value collaboration and feedback, whether it’s from team members or clients. Even when working independently, I seek input to ensure the final design meets the needs of the users and stakeholders.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
JV: Yes, one exciting project I’m currently working on is CatDogCenter. It’s a platform designed to help stray cats and dogs find loving homes. The platform leverages technology to match pets with potential adopters efficiently. The key features include: User-Friendly Interface: Making it easy for people to browse, learn about the animals, and connect with adoption centers. Matching System: Using data-driven algorithms to suggest pets based on the adopter's preferences and lifestyle. Education and Resources: Offering guidance on pet care to ensure a smooth transition for both the adopter and the pet. This project is close to my heart because it combines design and technology to solve a meaningful problem, improving the lives of stray animals and their future families. It’s a great example of how design can make a positive impact in the real world.
FS: How can people contact you?
JV: On Linkedin, Juthamas Vadhanapanich
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
JV: No.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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