Stories | Issue 01 | October 2025
New Reality,
New Designer(s),
New Normal
Chanwoo Lee has worked with Modem Works, Pentagram, and recently the MAP Project office, researching and developing human-AI interaction design.
He pointed out how designers, whether they are new generation or not, should adapt to the new reality and be prepared for what's coming.
Moderated by Wigy Ramadhan
Photograph by Wigy Ramadhan
This interview was conducted on October 7, 2025 in South Kensington, London. It has been edited and condensed.
Wigy:
Hi Chanwoo, thank you for having me.
Chanwoo:
Hi Wigy, ...
Wigy:
Let’s be chill, and having the conversation just like we usually have.
Chanwoo:
....
Wigy:
We have been talking about the development of AI and how we, designers, especially interaction design, product design, should adapt to it.
But before we jump to the more detail I would like to begin with talking a little bit about your background and your interest. So all the audiences here can understand what you do.
Chanwoo:
....
Wigy:
In FRD we always cover people who have transdisciplinary practice, and I see you as someone who have successfully embodied it. Could you tell me more detail what shape your practice, and how did you mixed all the disciplines into your work?
Chanwoo:
......
Wigy:
You have been working with Modem Works, Pentagram, and recently Map Project Office. Such dream places to work and collaborate for many designers. How does it feel? and why work with them?
Chanwoo:
....
Wigy:
I remember when we have a little conversation back then, you said that apparently many of big studios, especially the legendary ones, they are looking for fresh minds to help them apply AI in their project. Could you tell me more about it? What is changing?
Chanwoo:
....
“We need to be intentional and proactive towards AI.”
Wigy:
You have been working with Modem Works, Pentagram, and recently Map Project Office. Such dream places to work and collaborate for many designers. How does it feel? and why work with them?
Chanwoo:
....
Wigy:
I remember when we have a little conversation back then, you said that apparently many of big studios, especially the legendary ones, they are looking for fresh minds to help them apply AI in their project. Could you tell me more about it? What is changing?
Chanwoo:
....
Wigy:
That’s very interesting take! Seeing how fast AI has been developed and it shaped many form of today’s interaction, and it is not yet slowing down, how do you catch up with all of that and not getting overhwelmed?
Chanwoo:
....
“The best way to catch up with the AI progress is by connecting with people who involve in it or working with it, people are the best resource in today’s information chaos”
Wigy:
You just recently started your practice, Lovelace Reserch, the name was inspired by Ada Lovelace. Could you tell me more the story behind your studio and who involved in it, how do you define your practice,and what kind of work it does?
Chanwoo:
....
Wigy:
Do you think AI interfaces will be mainly digital? Would AI hardware device, like Friends, Rabbit, or Humane Pin would be our future?
Do you think we need a new hardware for adapting with AI development?
Chanwoo:
....
Wigy:
What book you read that inspired on what you do?
Chanwoo:
....
Wigy:
What is the current exciting thing you work on today if you can share it to us?
Chanwoo:
....