We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Jungjoon Hwang about their original and creative Kettle design work. Jungjoon Hwang is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original kettle works.
Jungjoon Hwang ("JH") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work CORTINA Kettle. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
JH : "There is no beginning, and no end. Water cycles." I gave form to the cycle of water as circle by converging the spout and handle of kettle. Watched from the front, it is circular, but watched from the side, we can see that it is distorted. I suggest the concept of not literal convergence, but design convergence as distorted form. The word 'convergence' came to my mind while I was doing a research. In addition to it, circle and water cycle inspired me.
JH : In the form of existing kettles, spout and handle parts are distinctly separated. Escaping from such a typical concept, I suggest a new form with the concept of convergence.
JH : I would like to take a job. I would like to get a job as soon as possible and enjoy another pleasure. However, I think I am still not sufficient. I would like to go abroad for language training. I want to study English and experience multi-cultures. I will have to do sketches, use 3D tools, and conduct my own projects while studying a foreign language.
JH : It was the moment that this concept came to me. It came to my mind when I made a research on the kettle.
JH : This is not determined by others, but it is my own determination and behavior. I tend to think of this while I was designing. "Although there are many good designs, another solution is always there. And I must not do the same thing as others. I should have my own uniqueness different from others. I should make my own differentiation." Like this, I had so many thoughts. I don't know if others may do the same thing, but such thoughts seem to have existed in my mind. There have been so many pretty kettles. But, no one have tried the convergence of handle and water outlet. Also, no one have seen it. So I wanted to make a new concept of kettle.
JH : Anyone probably have an intention to make by themselves. But, considering my finance or ability, I am not able to make it to sell. That's why I wanted to look for an investor or a manufacturer.
JH : This cortina was coated with chrome after nc operation. This is because I can't produce my perfect design if I make it with mold. Anyway, I did nc operation.
JH : Stella's and Alessi's works influenced me. I referred to Stella's design with good shape and thermal conduction. In addition, Barnett Newman's grand and simple works influenced me with detailed design.
JH : My major customer target thinks a little differently from others. My consideration was on those who pay more attention to home interiors rather than stereotype. My major customer target probably have the same opinion on the details as others.
JH : There is no similar type of concept.
JH : Kettle has a long history, but I hope that it will become a new kettle with a new proposal of shape. Latin language was a source of many languages. Cortina means 'kettle' in Latin.
JH : Rhino 3D, Keyshot 2, Photoshop, and Illustrator were used.
JH : This is a handle twist. There is a convergence of design in it.
JH : Jaeyong Lee who operates a design group called Tempore Terrae with me was of great help for me. Jaeyong Lee was also awarded Golden A’design Award this time. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Prof. Eok-Cheol, Park in Konkuk University Global Campus for his help.
JH : There is no function of concept. I only wanted to give pleasure with a new shape. Please refer to question no. 1.
JH : In the first place, I looked at the history of kettle. Then, I made a research on the kettle on sale, concept kettle, size-specific kettle, kettle with good usability, etc. In addition, I made a research on other idea products and sculptures. Like this, I made a research on various fields including kettle prior to design: color, image, idea, etc.
JH : When doing design ,the capacity with which the kettle can hold water, the sense of grip of handle, its thickness and position, fibonacci numbers as the golden section, environment-friendly material, material considering its heat conduction, location of steam when water is boiled, problems caused by steam, position of the lid, its beginning part, speed of pouring water, quantity of remaining water, space size which the kettle bottom contacts, simplicity of interesting design, uniqueness and detail, angles of triangle and diameter of circle, the shape when looked down at from the above, the shape when looked at from the front, the shape when one pour water holding the handle, design convergence, many different designs, I studied those elements, Each and every thing was a new challenge and pleasure.
JH : I dreamt of winning a big contest exhibit. I have no other reason. But, I just wanted to give a challenge. And further I wanted to have an interaction.
JH : While I was doing this design, I felt again that 'nothing is unimportant.' Every moment was challenging and new. In particular, I think trying to touch or make is an important thing in design.
JH : I would like to make history in design.
