The arrows 5G F-51A was the recipient of the Good Design Award in 2020. When asked about his thoughts on this, Misawa responds, "The concept of this product was easy to understand. We were able to respond to needs such as cashless payment and quick operation with catchy features, and we are glad that we were recognized for that. UI design is part of the product, but I was able to get involved in a good project." Misawa then shared his thoughts on the meaning of the word "design."
"When we say 'design,' we are not just talking about the actual act of designing, but we are also talking about the act of manufacturing itself, the ingenuity required to achieve a goal, and all of these different processes. That's why it feels strange to me when people say things like, "adding design to manufacturing," or "the importance of design in manufacturing." I feel that part of design is manufacturing, and part of the ingenuity to achieve a goal is manifested in the products and the UI."
Misawa, who believes that design is something that always occurs when achieving objectives, adds, "Designers in manufacturing are the ones who construct ideas, indicate a direction, and visualize that direction. I keep in mind that design is not a job that only designers can do, but something that everyone does. It's something that occurs naturally."
If design is something that everyone does, and not just designers, what does it really mean to be a designer?
Misawa shared his own thoughts in response to this question. "I think a designer is someone who focuses on the user perspective in manufacturing and takes various approaches. A designer has the wisdom to know what kind of creative theory to use for the purpose they want to achieve. For example, a designer knows a lot of things like grammar in the native language and formulas in mathematics, and is able to combine them effectively to make them useful. Therefore, we believe that designers are important in order to reach a certain goal."
Misawa says that he would like to continue to be involved in the creation of services with a broad perspective that is not limited to only manufacturing, while specializing in manufacturing with a focus on smart devices. At the end, Misawa shared some final thoughts. "The creation of a good product is a job that I can be proud of. In order to achieve that, I think it is even more important for the entire organization to be in good shape than it is for individual designers and members of the development team to do their best. Rather than changing one thing at a time, I believe we need to have the courage to transform our fundamental way of thinking."
New technologies are emerging in the world of smart devices. As Misawa comments on how UI design acts as a bridge that links technology and people, his voice is full of anticipation for the technologies to come.
