We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Minwoo Park a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Minwoo, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful and favorite projects I’ve undertaken has been designing a cigarette holder and ashtray. This project holds a special place in my journey as it marked my return to school after a one and a half year military service hiatus during COVID-19. I enrolled in a course called Eat, Sleep, and Drink, where we were tasked with creating two collections reflecting our personal rituals around these essential acts.

Throughout this project, I found myself reaffirming a belief in my own unique aesthetic vision, but even more so, I discovered a refined eye for detail that deepened my understanding of what I want to pursue professionally. Industrial design offers a broad spectrum of opportunities, from electronics to furniture, tableware, and even automotive design. But for me, design is more than functionality—it’s about sparking emotion and fostering dialogue. I strive to create objects that resonate on a profound level, inviting users to engage thoughtfully through their form, materiality, and intricate details.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an industrial designer based in New York, where I bring together creativity and craftsmanship to design products that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging. I believe that products should do more than serve a practical purpose; they should foster a unique connection with users, inviting them to engage on a sensory and experiential level. By integrating my broad knowledge of design principles and materials, I craft products that resonate with users, transforming everyday items into enriching, multidimensional experiences. My approach is deeply rooted in attention to form, materiality, and detail, ensuring that each piece I create feels thoughtful, intentional, and memorable.

My portfolio spans a range of projects, including tableware, bioleather development, experiential food design, adult toys, and more. While these projects may seem diverse, they are united by a single focus: my belief in designing objects that evoke emotion and create space for meaningful interactions. I’ve had the privilege of exploring various mediums and industries within industrial design, allowing me to bring fresh perspectives and unique solutions to each project.

What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to create sensory experiences that allow users to see and feel the world differently. Each project is a journey to discover new ways of connecting people with products, exploring the intersections of form, texture, and purpose. I’m particularly proud of projects like my bioleather initiative, where I designed a sustainable material from apple pectin, and my experiential designs that push the boundaries of how products interact with users.

Ultimately, I want potential clients and followers to know that my work goes beyond conventional design. I aim to create pieces that don’t just fill a need but resonate on a personal level, standing apart through their depth, beauty, and intentionality. I strive to bring this philosophy to every project, elevating simple objects into thoughtfully crafted experiences.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One of the first lessons I learned in art school was the importance of letting go of ideas that may not work—quickly and without hesitation. Sometimes, the best path forward is realizing when something doesn’t align with the project’s goals. However, as I gained experience, I also learned the value of holding onto those same ideas. Just because an idea doesn’t fit one project doesn’t mean it won’t bring life to another. That’s why I always sketch out every concept and keep my sketchbook close; it’s a treasure trove of inspiration that I revisit constantly.

To anyone outside the creative field, it might seem like we’re simply moving from one project to another, but for creatives, there’s an ongoing dialogue with past ideas, experiments, and sketches. A sketchbook becomes almost like a living document of creativity—a place where ideas grow, evolve, and sometimes resurface unexpectedly in new contexts. My advice to aspiring creators or anyone who works with ideas: cherish your sketchbooks. Treat them as works in progress. You never know when they’ll unlock something valuable in the future.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My ultimate goal as a designer is deeply personal. I envision a future where my own space is filled solely with pieces I’ve designed—each one representing a moment in my creative journey. I’ve thought about this often: having a home that reflects the breadth of my work, filled with objects I’ve crafted, would be a constant source of inspiration and a powerful reminder of my progress and growth. To me, it would be the ultimate celebration of my creative journey and a tangible expression of the pride I feel in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.designbyminu.com/
• Instagram: @oyster.minu / @86cgallery
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minwooparkdesign

Image Credits

All image credits are under Minwoo Park

1. Erois: Erogenous zone discovering kit_user shot
2. Dessert for change: Raising awareness through climate resilient ingredients
3. Erois: Erogenous zone discovering kit
4. Ki: Cigarette holder and ashtray
5. Bleck: Leather alternative
6. Ra: Mezzaluna knife
7. He: RC car