[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:

[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 typewriter

https://getfreewrite.com/products/alpha?srsltid=AfmBOoq_Ux_3cARV5wLC-fN_aBABqantOu0tT94cis7MQ3hgbRXyMSFF

[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!

Mentions

Google Font Tilt
The story of VLC player

Podcast summary (by Gemini)
For reference only

Core Theme: Redefining Success in Design and Life

In 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。

[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)

New public housing in Singapore: Pinnacle@Duxton

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.

World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025

Podcast summary (by Gemini)
For reference only

1. Defining “Futures Thinking”

The discussion begins by highlighting that “Future” is often used in the plural (Futures) because there isn’t just one set path. Design is inherently a forward-looking act; designers imagine a possible future to improve upon the present.

Peter introduces the “4 Ps” framework used to categorize different types of futures:

• Probable: What is likely to happen if current trends continue.

• Possible: What could happen based on future knowledge.

• Plausible: What is logically or scientifically reasonable.

• Preferable: The ideal future we want to happen.

2. The Crisis of Graphic Design

The hosts discuss the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs” report, which lists “Graphic Design” as a declining profession.

• From Objects to Strategies: In the past, design education was “object-oriented” (e.g., “design a poster”). However, the hosts argue that the medium (print vs. digital) is becoming less important than the strategy behind the communication.

• The AI Factor: If a designer’s only value is “making things look good,” they will be replaced by AI. To survive, designers must move from being “implementers” to “consultants” who offer strategic insights and systemic solutions.

3. Case Study: Public Housing in Singapore

Peter shares how Singapore uses Futures Thinking at a government level:

• Long-term Vision: Because Singapore is small and resource-scarce, the government plans 50 years ahead, breaking it down into 10-year increments.

• Changing Perceptions: By applying Futures Thinking, Singapore transformed public housing (HDB) from basic shelters into high-quality, aesthetically pleasing living spaces (e.g., Pinnacle@Duxton). This shifts the public’s expectation of what a “government home” can be, unlike the more “reactive” or market-driven housing approach often seen in Hong Kong.

4. Tactical vs. Strategic Design

The hosts debate the “HK Pace” (fast and cheap).

• Tactical: A client pays $100 for a poster to be done in two weeks. This is a short-term fix.

• Strategic: A designer asks, “Why do you need a poster? Is there a better way to achieve your goal for the next 5 years?”

• The conclusion is that while tactical work pays the bills, designers must equip themselves with strategic value to avoid becoming obsolete.

5. Three Core Competencies for the Future

Peter concludes with three skills designers need to develop:

1. Big Picture / Systems Thinking: Looking beyond the individual object to see how everything is interconnected.

2. Grounded Imagination: Having the optimism to imagine a better world, but grounding that imagination in knowledge and data rather than just “daydreaming.”

3. Scenario Thinking: The ability to map out multiple “what-if” scenarios and create designs that can adapt to them.

Final Thought

The hosts reference a 1966 quote by British designer Ken Garland: A designer only stops growing if they fail to learn new areas of knowledge or remain trapped in their own preconceptions about what “design” should be. Even 60 years ago, the message was clear: Designers must evolve with technology or be left behind.

1. 什麼是前瞻性思維（Futures Thinking）？

• 非單一未來： 英文中使用複數 “Futures”，強調未來不是只有一種可能，而是包含多種「替代未來」（Alternative Futures）。

• 四個 P 模型： Peter 介紹了評估未來的四個維度：

  • Probable (最可能的未來)： 根據現狀推測最容易發生的。

  • Possible (可能的未來)： 基於現有知識，理論上可能發生的。

  • Plausible (合理的未來)： 在邏輯上說得通、具備發生條件的。

  • Preferable (理想的未來)： 我們最希望達成、最理想的結果。

• 核心本質： 前瞻性思維不只是預測，而是透過想像與分析來「創造未來」，並思考設計如何為未來帶來改善。

2. 設計專業的演變與危機感

• 平面設計的沒落： 引用世界經濟論壇（WEF）的報告，平面設計被列為可能衰落的職業之一。

• 從「物件」轉向「策略」： 過去的設計教育側重於產出特定物件（如海報、小冊子），但現代設計（如溝通設計 Communication Design）更應關注「溝通的目的」與「策略」。

• AI 的威脅： 如果設計師的價值僅止於「美化圖片」或「排版」，則極易被 AI 取代。設計師必須轉向提供「策略性建議」、「研究」或「設計政策」等更深層次的價值。

3. 新加坡的實踐案例：公共房屋（Public Housing）

• 政府的遠見： 新加坡資源匱乏，因此政府極其重視前瞻性思維，會為 50 年後的城市發展做規劃，並將其拆解為 10 年、20 年的階段性任務。

• 改變預期： 透過前瞻性思維，新加坡將公屋從「單純的住所」提升至接近私樓的品質，改變了市民對公共建築的刻板印象。

4. 培養前瞻性思維的三大核心能力

嘉賓 Peter 總結了設計師應具備的三種能力：

1. 大局觀思維 (Big Picture Thinking)： 具備宏觀視野，將問題放在「系統思維（Systems Thinking）」中檢視，而不僅僅看當下。

2. 基於根據的想像力 (Grounded Imagination)： 設計師必須是樂觀主義者（Optimist），相信未來可以被改善。但想像力必須建立在知識的基礎上，而非天馬行空。

3. 情境分析 (Scenario Thinking)： 有能力構建不同的情境，分析各種變量如何影響未來，並在其中找到解決方案。

5. 結論與省思

• 設計師的角色： 1966 年的設計大師 Ken Garland 曾預言，設計師若不學習新知識或不擺脫過時的自我預設，將無法與技術世界同步。

• 行動的必要性： 前瞻性思維不是空談，必須透過實踐（Implementation）來落實。設計師應從「執行者（Implementer）」轉型為「顧問（Consultant）」，幫助客戶思考更長遠的可持續性（Sustainability）。

Previous episodes:

EP35 同理心 Empathy

EP28 模棱兩可? Embrace ambiguity

EP25 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

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 Roman

The Guardian's report on the order to use Times New Roman, replacing Calibri

Microsoft's ClearType documentation 'Now Read This'

Microsoft's ClearType collection website

Lucas de Groot's IG post on Calibri and Times New Roman

45:00–1:04:20
Em-dash controversy

Rolling Stone's article on the discussion on em dashes

1:04:20–1:17:13
TypeMeet: starting point/ meeting point

Our event's registration website (it has ended, but the event details are still up)

1:17:13–end of episode
Exit sign in Kowloon Bay station update/ new year’s resolution

[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.

[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/

Previous episodes:

EP28 模棱兩可? Embrace ambiguity

EP25 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

[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

[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’, 2003
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/208575160_The_Cognitive_Style_of_PowerPoint

Nancy Duarte’s TEDx talk on ‘The secret structure of great talks’, 2011
https://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_duarte_the_secret_structure_of_great_talks

Nancy Duarte: slidedocs
https://1619981.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1619981/Duarte_Slidedocs_Ebook.pdf

Dead Poets Society (1989)
now streaming on Netflix and Disney+ in Hong Kong
https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

[Cantonese] With the new school year just around the corner, we self-assessed our teaching beliefs and practices using Daniel D Pratt and John B Collins’s ‘Teaching Perspectives Inventory’.

Teaching Perspectives Inventory: https://www.teachingperspectives.com/tpi/

The five perspectives are:

1. Transmission 傳授

2. Apprenticeship 師徒

3. Developmental 發展

4. Nurturing 栽培

5. Social Reform 社會改革

Keith’s TPI (2018)

Kiki’s TPI (2025)

[Cantonese] In this episode we invited designer Gabriella Lai to share her experience in cross-disciplinary research, curation and design. What are some of the areas and creative representations of food design? Does food design have potential to expand in Hong Kong?

[Cantonese] In this episode we invited communication design educator Clive Ng to share his experience teaching design in the UK. How do the pedagogical approaches differ between Hong Kong and the UK? Process or portfolio oriented? Emphasis on experimentation or adopting a user-centred methodology?

〔英〕香港有哪些獨特之處？今集我們各自分享了一些我們認為能夠代表這座城市及其精神的事和物 。歡迎各位聽眾跟我們分享你心目中「香港獨有」的清單！

Mentioned in this episode:

Different versions of ‘Tempo’ that were usually gifted to customers when they purchase newspaper from the newspaper stands.

[Cantonese] In this third episode of our Thinking in Design series, Peter Chuah returns to continue exploring one of design thinking’s core mindsets: embracing ambiguity.

https://dlibrary.stanford.edu/ambiguity

Previous episodes:

EP.18

EP.25

〔中英雙語〕近年穿梭於香港的朋友可能會見過「方塊英文字」的創作，今集我們探討一下中國當代藝術家徐冰的作品，尤其他的英文方塊字書法系列，可見於港鐵灣仔站及香港藝術館的外牆。

The Threads post on the Wan Chai MTR station art piece

An news article on the Hong Kong Museum of Art facade

Xu Bing's Square Word Calligraphy webpage

〔英〕在使用不同的語言表達時候，我們的思考方式會有所不同嗎？考慮到香港的雙語背景，情況又會否跟其他城市不同？今集我們將分享自己作為雙語使用者的觀察與經驗。

[Cantonese] What is design thinking? Is it exclusive to the design discipline or can it be applied to other

[Cantonese] Who invented work? Is work really separate from life? Is it wrong to enjoy working — and does that automatically make you a workaholic? In this episode, we share our thoughts and personal takes on what work means and how it fits into our lives.

[Cantonese] What is taste? Who decides what is good? In this episode we explore the many areas that relate to ‘taste’. ‘No judgement of taste is innocent – we are all snobs.’ A quote from the synopsis of ‘Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste’ by Pierre Bourdieu.