Meet Vivian Chen | Industrial Designer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivian Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, what are you inspired by?
My work discusses human-technology relationship. I aim to create seamless and emotional experiences that elevate our everyday lives, while reducing noise and distractions caused by tech.

I constantly seek to push the boundaries of what I can create, broadening the definition of industrial design. In my free time I love carrying a camera and explore the city, I find it to be the best way to be aware of our surroundings and the ways people behave. I observe creative and unintended behaviors, noticing trends in society. I capture these moments and express my view through how I frame the photo. By staying observant, I can channel what I notice into meaningful statements and better understand the root causes of issues. This approach guides me as a creative, helping me to create more effective solutions in the design world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work discusses human-technology relationship. I aim to create seamless and emotional experiences that elevate our everyday lives, while reducing noise and distractions caused by tech. As an industrial designer by training, I was exposed to the development of consumer electronics early on and at a deeper level. While appreciating the benefits technologies bring, I have also been particularly interested in its impact and how it re-shapes our world. Recently, I have been focusing on designing furniture and art pieces that discuss this topic.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What I love about LA is that it has so many things, so many sectors and endless streets to discover—each has its unique vibe and culture. I could easily spend an afternoon in Silver Lake with a camera in hand, snapping pictures throughout the walk in the neighborhood on the hills. I might drive to Manhattan beach and enjoy a sunset by the water—that’s always a good spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s very hard to come up with ideas and carry them through in a vacuum, I got to know many talented friends at school and encountered several mentors who are willing to guide me along the way. In a philosophical way, they all shaped my work.

Website: https://vivianchendesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivianchendesign/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-chen-426b40123/