LinYee Yuan, editor, MOLD
By Vicki Matranga
Design Programs + Services
Retailers and media looking for trend-setting, high-design products at the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show head for Discover Design in South Building. The inspiring Discover Design Gallery, accessible to buyers and media, features products submitted for the Global Innovation Award (gia) for Design.
Specialty retailers, editors at influential websites and print publications, trendspotters and independent designers serve as Discover Design judges. They review 
exhibitors’ entries to choose six products as finalists, three of which will be honored as Global Honoree. They also select three companies as gia finalists for best product collection; one will be named the Global Honoree.
Let’s get acquainted with some of the industry experts who will determine the winners of the Show’s gia product awards. Today we are speaking with LinYee Yuan, editor of MOLD, a website exploring the intersection of food and design. Formerly an editor at Core77.com and a design industry consultant, LinYee founded MOLD in 2013. www.thisismold.com.
LinYee, tell us about MOLD and its direction.
MOLD was launched to shine a spotlight on projects and designers working at the intersection of food and design. So many designers working in this field do not have a real opportunity to share the process and intention for their work in a public forum. MOLD provides an authoritative and rigorous editorial platform to explore new trends and ideas in food design. Designers working in all aspects of food—interiors, tableware, products, kitchen systems–are interested in the same processes and experiences as other types of designers. You won’t find recipes at MOLD, but news and interesting profiles and projects relating to food design.
How many years have you been coming to the International Home + Housewares Show? What are you looking forward to seeing at the Show?
I’ve attended the Show for the past three years. I am particularly interested in heritage brands that honor a long history through a commitment to craftsmanship and products that display a holistic approach to design — from responsible materials and manufacturing choices to a consideration of a product’s afterlife.
What do you find exciting and inspirational at our Show?
It’s wonderful to be able to see a cross-section of the world’s best homewares brands in one place. The design stories that can be discovered at the Show provide valuable insights on how we will be interacting with and using products in the future.
What do you see as consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?
Consumers want to be responsible—to the environment, to their own families and their communities—and they seek out companies that do the same. Companies that display a commitment to the users and purchasers of their products and services are rewarded.
What attractions, locations or stores do you visit while you are in Chicago?
I love eating at independent restaurants in Chicago like Lula Cafe and having a drink at The Aviary! I hope to visit with my friends at ODL CO, www.odlco.com/ which always has wonderful bespoke design objects. I am also excited about seeing the Culinary Curiosity permanent exhibition at Kendall College. www.culinarycuriosity.org
Thanks, LinYee, for sharing your enthusiasms with us. I know you’ll enjoy this year’s offerings in Discover Design. You’re sure to discover some great new products there. We look forward to seeing the decisions of the Discover Design judges soon! And learn more about the latest thinking about food at MOLD, www.thisismold.com. Submit story ideas or contact LinYee at editors@thisismold.com.
Learn More About Discover Design Exhibitors
In these final weeks before the Show, our blog introduces Discover Design and Design Debut exhibitors to give you a glimpse of the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the exciting products that you’ll see in March at McCormick Place.
Discover Design is the premier design destination at the International Home + Housewares Show. Located in the South Building, the invitation-only category features more than 100 exhibitors from around the world. Companies driven by innovation and design present distinctive products and collections in Tabletop, Gift, Textiles and Home Décor categories. Learn more about Discover Design exhibitors and their products by clicking here.
