My name is Youtian Duan. I'm an artist, designer, and co-founder of Another.World studio. I'm currently studying at Harvard Graduate School of Design, and I hold an MFA in furniture design from Rhode Island School of Design. My art is a vibrant tapestry where I weave narrative, memory, culture, and innovation together.

My creations are a playful yet profound reflection of the authenticity of life and the emotional rollercoaster we all ride. Fascinated by the dream world, I capture the essence of the subconscious, turning it into art that speaks to the soul. Each piece I create is an invitation to adventure, encouraging viewers to explore the complexities of the self and the ever-shifting landscape of reality.

I've been good at art and design since I was a kid. I have a strong sense of my own emotions and the feelings of others. I like to tell stories that connect with people, and art is a great way to do that.

Welcome to Another.World, a place where Yingxi Ji and I let our creativity run wild. We believe in a world where people can face their inner demons with laughter, where being vulnerable is okay, and accepting yourself is the greatest achievement. My goal with our playful and innovative projects is to create a safe and inclusive place.

I want people to explore their complexities, embrace the parts of themselves that might be uncomfortable, and come out the other side stronger, more resilient, and true to who they are. Here in this special place, we call Another.World, we make furniture, objects, graphics, and loads of fun! Come join us on this journey!  

Design to me means creating objects by hand with good intentions to bring happiness to those who see them.

This question is a bit tricky, haha. I deeply believe that everything that exists is reasonable. In a broad sense, I like all kinds of design, even those that are considered failures by conventional standards, because I find their existence intriguing. People can always learn from failures. If we're talking about aesthetics, I believe my taste is based on a unique system formed by my own experiences, and it evolves.

For me, a "good" design is easy to use; the object itself should clearly explain its function, how to use it, and how to care for it.

Whimsical! It has human-like qualities and a sense of story, so when people look at it, their imagination can take over, helping them think about what's going on with this piece of furniture. It reminds them of their own stories and experiences.

My first step is to take inspiration from my dreams. I believe that dreams are not just nocturnal illusions; they are true reflections of my inner world, echoing my past experiences–both those easily recalled and those deeply buried and "forgotten." Next, I sketch the idea and test it with various materials. I usually go with the flow; the result often looks nothing like the original sketch, but it always turns out to be the best version!

I think this is a great encouragement for me! I'll keep working hard.

Flock of Sheep is my most "design-oriented" work and has the potential to be mass-produced. Compared to my other artistic work, I think Flock of Sheep fits better into the design competition.

The biggest challenge with this project was hand-shaping the upholstery foam into a round shape. It was a fun but difficult task. I can still remember being covered in mud that night.

Winning this award certainly serves as a certification of my skills as a designer. I think it's an effective way to show my credibility to the market.

It's never boring, always introduces something new, and is always energetic!

Over the next 5-10 years, I see the design industry evolving significantly with advances in artificial intelligence. However, designers who can craft compelling stories, develop new manufacturing techniques, or specialize in a particular craft will have great potential. Despite the growth of artificial intelligence, the fundamental human needs for physical objects and environments – because we still need to eat, sleep, and live – will ensure that design remains essential to enhancing our quality of life.

I would say just go for it and try your best! If you are unsure, confused, lacking confidence, or anxious, just dive in and do it. The effort will reveal the answers you're looking for.

I recommend trying an artist residency. These programs provide valuable opportunities to focus on your work, learn new techniques, and collaborate with other artists and designers.

The NY Product Design Awards is my second award. I am very excited!

I could thank so many great people for helping me get to where I am today! If I were to focus on my journey into the world of design and art, I would especially like to thank Monica Correia, my professor at the University of Iowa. She opened my eyes to the world of design and made me believe that I had infinite possibilities.

If you're feeling anxious or lost, just find a starting point and start working; effort will lead you to the answers. If everything feels difficult and painful, remember that these challenges are evidence of your path toward success.