Randy J. Hunt is head of design at Southeast Asia’s super App Grab, where he manages a team of designers, writers, engineers, and researchers. Previously, Randy served as head of design at Artsy, a New York based online art brokerage, and was vice-president of design at Etsy, a global online marketplace for handmade goods. Hunt spoke to KrASIA during UXDX APAC about his personal failures, oversights, and lessons learned from leading design practices at large and small firms.
KrASIA (Kr): What do you personally think of Singapore’s city design?
Randy Hunt (RH): What I really appreciate about Singapore is the thoughtful integration of public and private services, right where they’re needed. I think it’s exquisite. From recreation to essential goods, to transportation, Singapore does an exemplary job weaving the interconnectedness and accessibility of urbanization with sustainability and livability. It’s high density living, but it never feels that way because you have incredible greenery and flora everywhere. It’s a product of foresight and meticulous planning.
What would I change? I’d love to see Singapore be more bike-friendly. Bicyclists need safe, protected lanes, including Grab delivery partners!
Kr: You are now working on a research project called “Design in SEA”–what is this project about?
RH: This started as a large open question I found myself coming back to again and again: “What is ‘Southeast Asian design’?” I feel a great sense of responsibility leading design at Grab because of the opportunity and potential we have to create a positive impact on communities all across Southeast Asia, including through design. It’s important to me that we amplify and cultivate what exists, rather than attempt to rewrite the rulebook. In order to do that, you have to understand and get to know what already exists and what history it is built upon.
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