設計師的成功之道？The road to becoming a successful designer?
Sun Jan 25 2026
〔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.
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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。
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net
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〔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! 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。 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit invisibledesigns.net