[Taiwan Special] bi.du.haev Wang Xuan-The aesthetic process of extracting coffee life

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Tasting coffee has become a part of the daily life of Taiwanese. From the Italian coffee machines that can be seen everywhere in convenience stores, to the various media which have taken coffee as a topic, the coffee shop distribution, interior design, coffee types, and utensils used have been itemized and discussed in depth. The coffee industry seems to be one of the leaders of the life style industry and has become an important part of our lives.

Walking into the alley of the Taipei mansion, we were greeted by a strong aroma of coffee. Through the glass window, bi.du.haev 's best-known work, "Independent priceless Ice drop system," can be seen through the transparent all-glass design. You can see every drop of water and transform the coffee powder into ice drops of coffee, just like an hourglass counting time. You need to wait to enjoy the beauty. Looking around, the washed floor is covered with small black gravel, like coffee beans embedded in cement, with long wooden tables, vintage cabinets, and a little metal decorations, reflecting every handicraft of bi.du.haev, made of glass, wood, cement and metal.

Bi.du.haev, what kind of person, what kind of thing, what kind of person?

Many people are curious that the origin of the brand, "bi.du.haev", is actually three simple English words "Be ·Do ·Have". Founder Wang Xuan explained to us that Be is who you are; Do is what you do; and Have is what kind of person you become. "the name reflects the course of life." It was only then that we found that behind these beautiful objects, there is a philosophical way of thinking, he says. Most people should think that "what you do and what you become, du.bi.haev," but he feels that the order of bi.du.haev is more able to convey the concept behind his design. It's like, "if a designer's life and thinking are very confused, naturally, what he makes is easy to feel a little unstable." such a simple argument, clinging to Wang Xuan's concept of humanism, spreads to creation and design. Become part of the life experience.

I put into it because I like it.

Wang Xuan, who was born as a graphic designer, originally did not have a deep relationship with product design. He devoted himself to bi.du.haev entirely out of the pursuit of the ultimate style of life. He said: "the purpose of creating a brand is not to create a brand, but because you can't find anything you want to use, so you find a way to do it yourself." In the process of looking for coffee utensils in his heart, he met the ice drop kettle of the classic Japanese brand "IWAKI" of Big Brother, which fascinated him with the accuracy of the production equipment, and began to embark on the road of product design.

In a short period of eight months, he designed five or six bi.du.haev products, and in June 2013, he rented the Huashan Glass House, which has just started operation, for an one-day sharing. He invited trusted friends to experience it, hoping to listen to the views of all parties through his presentation. As a result, some minor changes, such as the increase of water plugs and packaging, are also caused by the demand for delivery.

Design enthusiasm + professional craftsmen

As soon as you see bi.du.haev, you can't help but admire the quality of this handicraft and wonder how it is made. Luckily, Wang Xuan has a group of collaborative manufacturers behind him who are willing to produce in small quantities and be able to meet the standards he wants. Inspired by IWAKI curling, he wanted to find out if there was any way to have such a craft, so he began to visit one by one, because at first the quantity was not enough for the glass factory to be willing to put into production. "but my glass factory is very supportive of me," and so did the later woodworkers. So these handicrafts include Wang Xuan's exploration of life style design, as well as the excellent craftsmanship of professionals and craftsmen. "I'm very lucky," he says.

Jay, the founder of Fujinshu, who has been operating brands and selecting products for many years, is also well aware of the difficulties in the process of brand and product creation. Jay can't help but wonder if Wang Xuan has encountered any setbacks along the way. Wang Xuan said that "capital" and "production" are the two biggest setbacks. The frustration of production comes from these supportive craftsmen, such as his glass suppliers, who once said, "success this time does not mean success next time." It's beautiful this time, but it won't be like this next time. "his goods use the highest proportion of glass, but the probability of success in each production is not very high, causing the cost to rise." when the master finishes it, he can only swallow a piece of money. I can't sell it at all, so I have to use it myself. I can't use that much myself. " However, he, who described himself as an ungodly Christian, thanked his God, "my God loves me very much, and the money will come to save me in the end." he has survived one crisis after another.

Bi.du.haev is not only a brand but also a part of aesthetic life.

For Wang Xuan, bi.du.haev is not only a brand, but also where people can see the economy of aesthetic design. He will not change people just because other masters are cheaper. "I know my masters are too expensive, but expensive masters can come up with good things and give worthwhile people more opportunities to develop, contributing to the promotion of the entire industry. Masters will also think that bi.du.haev is made by them and take pride in their own things." Bi.du.haev does not confine itself to the coffee industry, but hopes to open up more possibilities. Jay agrees, "Life is everywhere, we come into contact with different things every day has its behind the meaning and business opportunities, the life industry is valuable!" Wang Xuan added that it is like a switch that is touched every day. With good design, it can influence and nourish life. "I believe that bi.du.haev is noticed, and it is also the beginning of attention in aesthetic life."

Bi.du.haev 's sales and popularity in Taiwan have gradually stabilized, and Wang Xuan and his wife have begun to expand. Japan is one of their strongholds. Wang Xuan said that at DESIGN TOKYO, "the Japanese left when they saw Made in Taiwan because the Japanese were very focused on craftsmanship, but it was good for Europeans who came to see DESIGN TOKYO, with no special bonus or deduction." For him, the current strategy does not have to emphasize where it is produced. The most important thing is to let the design be seen. Jay also nodded and said, "there is no need to emphasize where the good things come from. Beauty is common to the whole world." Fresh Taiwan, which has even entered Taiwan's creative center this year, is going to compete in important trade shows around the world with 10 Taiwanese brands, hoping to find foreign agents so that more people can see bi.du.haev. In addition to coffee utensils, Wang Xuan is also developing style living utensils, hoping to bring more beautiful utensils into life and implement real aesthetic life.