Nicholai Wiig-Hansen - How dyslexia transformed his relationship with colour forever

The Sound of Colour

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Have you ever thought about how dyslexia can shape the way someone sees and works with colour?

Join us as we explore the world of colour with designer Nicholai Wiig-Hansen, co-founder of Raawii, whose unique way of perceiving colour has influenced his approach to design in fascinating ways.

In his work, Nicholai explores the interplay between shape and colour, creating timeless designs that range from ceramics and furniture to everyday objects, his work includes collaborations with brands like Normann Copenhagen, Lightyears, IKEA and of course Raawii.

Designer Nicholai Wiig-Hansen grew up surrounded by art, shaping his deep and instinctive connection to colour. In this episode, he shares how his unique way of seeing the world—shaped by what he calls his “super dyslexia”—makes him perceive colour and form before words.

In this episode we dive into his creative process, from testing 20-30 colour variations for each product to designing with light in mind. Nicholai explains why nature is the ultimate colour inspiration, how colours create emotional journeys, and why good design considers how shades shift throughout the day.

And most importantly, he reminds us that colour is free—it’s all around us. We just need to practice seeing it.

Wrapping up this episode with the musical experiment “The Sound of a Colour”, this time composed by musician Sofie Søe, the artist behind ALOO, that creates the sound of the Raawii bowls.

Nicholai is one of the warmest and most engaging people I’ve met—you can’t help but be drawn in by his energy. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about perception, creativity, and the power of colour. Happy listening!

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @nicholaiwiig @raawii.dk and the episode's musician @aloo_music

This episode is sponsored by Flügger and supported by The Danish Arts Foundation.

SHOWNOTES
- Want to buy your own ‘Strøm’ bowl to make music with? Find them here
- Read more about the artist Vilhelm Lundstrøm and his paintings that the ‘Strøm’ collection was inspired by here
- Check out Nicholai Wiig-Hansen’s work at his website
- Check out Raawii and their collection here

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.
The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

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For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Fejezetek

1. Nicholai Wiig-Hansen - How dyslexia transformed his relationship with colour forever (00:00:00)

2. Where Does Nicholai Wiig-Hansen's Love of Colours Comes From? (00:02:33)

3. How Growing Up with Art shaped Nicholai Wiig-Hansen's Deep Connection to Colour (00:04:37)

4. So why is a colour not just a colour? (00:07:33)

5. Sofie Søe Composes Colour: Inside Her Creative Process (00:12:45)

6. The Birth of the Strøm Collection (00:23:12)

7. Colors Create Emotional Atmospheres (00:25:15)

8. What is Nicholai's Design Process ike? (00:27:04)

9. The Sound Experiment (00:35:18)

10. The Musician has Created The Sound of The Raawii Bowls (00:38:58)

11. Translating Colours into Music (00:43:27)