Mal Yu

Industrial designer Mal Yu talks the value of tactility and functionalism in the physical world.

How would you describe your profession and your practice?

I am an industrial designer. My practice is constructed from curiosity, serious playfulness, and insights from environments I find myself in.

What was your “eureka!” moment that made you realize that art/design was the route you wanted to take?

I’ve always had an inclination towards creativity and the arts, but I am also a pragmatic person. I studied animation straight out of high school, and something always felt missing. Over time, I came to realize how much I miss and value the tactility and functionalism of the physical world. Materials and forms evoke some of the most profound emotions in me, so my true “eureka” moment was discovering industrial design – a perfect storm of function, creativity, and material exploration.

Is your work inspired by anything in particular? What turns you on creatively?

I’m inspired by synergy in form, material, and process. It is the most beautiful thing when materials are processed in ways that lean into their unique characteristics and properties. I feel like the consumer can tell when a product was happily made or not. It just feels correct and peaceful. One of my favourite designs, and a great example of that synergy, is Thomas Heatherwick’s Spun chair. It is visually striking, absolutely distinctive, and its playful functionality never fails to put a big smile on my face as I spin round and round.

Which designers or artists inspire you and why?

Joe Colombo’s smoke glass was a transformative moment that redefined my understanding of what an object could and should be. It opened my eyes to the possibility of design as a medium for storytelling, where a glass becomes more than a vessel – it is an experience. Gaetano Pesce’s design embodied perfect imperfection and bold expression, encouraging designers to embrace contemporary materials. Jamie Wolfond’s work exemplifies exploration and play with meticulous execution. The works of Denyse Thomasos, Julie Mehretu, Jenny Saville, Élise Lafontaine, Cai Guo-Qiang, and Ana Mendieta also inspire me in deeply personal ways that I can’t quite describe yet.

What is the name of the DesignTO Project you’re exhibiting in and what is the name of the piece you are sharing?

I am presenting two projects this year at DesignTO. The first is ‘Rondo’, which is featured at DesignTO and Umbra’s Prototype Exhibition, ‘Surface Impressions.’ This piece is a new interpretation of the classic intrecciato weave, utilising Umbra’s new recycled leather material. Breaking from the traditional horizontal-vertical pattern, ‘Rondo’ features a distinctive circular weave that creates a vibrant, alternating radial design.

The second project, ‘Lacework’, is part of the DesignTO Youth exhibition, ‘Story Story,’ This piece is inspired by the transformation of the traditional doily and lace through exaggerated scale and metallic materiality. The intention is a reimagining of a symbol of domesticity into a statement that challenges notions of gender, ethnicity, and queerness. The tension between solidity and delicacy invites viewers to explore intersectional identities within familiar patterns.

What can attendees expect to experience when seeing your work?

Delight and desire.

How long have you been involved with DesignTO? Do you have any memories from the past 15 years of DesignTO Festivals you want to share?

This is my first time as a participating designer with DesignTO! As an attendee of the festival over the years, it is always exciting to spend time, connect, and nerd out with fellow design lovers. I’m grateful to have access to a space that is dedicated to the love of design.

As DesignTO gets ready to celebrate its 15th birthday, why do you think it’s important to the creative community, here as well as abroad?

DesignTO plays a vital role in the recognition and celebration of designers at all stages of their careers. It’s a platform that supports and spotlights to the world what contemporary Canadian design looks and feels like. As DesignTO reaches its 15th year, I believe its importance only grows, serving as an intersection where diverse voices in design can be shared and celebrated, enriching the community both locally and globally.

Lastly, what random fact about yourself would you like to share with the DesignTO community?

I love street cats!


‘Surface Impressions’ and ‘Story Story’ are just two of over 100 free window installations, exhibitions and events at the 2025 DesignTO Festival, January 24 – February 2, 2025. Visit the Festival Schedule to learn about these projects and more.