Nothing’s Global Head of Brand and Creative, Ryan Latham, and Design Director, Adam Bates, recently visited Hangzhou, China and Kyoto, Japan for a series of workshops all about Nothing’s design philosophy.
In Kyoto, the team arrived at a stunning venue and prepared to welcome over 200 guests. With attendees ranging from design students, members of the local design community (including from Nintendo, Sony and Panasonic!), and our very own Nothing Community members, the buzz in the air was fantastic.
Adam, a resident of Nothing’s design studio in London, spoke about product and industrial design. Nothing has only released five products so far, but our iconic transparent design found in our products has been celebrated over the world. Ryan then delivered a talk on brand architecture and marketing, highlighting Nothing’s unique visual identity.
“We’re both big fans of Japanese design, and brands like Sony, Roland and Yamaha have been design inspirations for us. Their heritage is in incredible design, so it was exciting to speak at an event full of like-minded design fans, in a place where the design culture is so rich,” says Ryan.
The two workshops were followed by a roundtable discussion. Adam and Ryan were joined by Hiroshi Ashida, author and professor at Kyoto Seika University’s Department of Design, and Wataru Nozaki, President and Chief Creative Officer of Smiles Co., Ltd., to discuss design philosophy, and the challenges that come with creating new ideas.
After the talk, attendees moved outside to find some specially-created Nothing cakes and stands with Phone (2), Ear (2) and Ear (Stick) on display in the garden. Ryan and Adam hosted a Q&A and got to meet lots of people new to the brand, and some Community members too!
“In between talks and travelling, we managed to visit some design stores, the Kyoto markets, ate sushi, and met the Nothing team out in Japan. I’d love to visit again, and spend more time in Japan. This time around it was a flying visit. I’ll be back,” says Ryan.
Check out the video below for a recap of the events, and let us know what you think! Were you an attendee at the event? Should we bring design workshops to your nearest city?
