Interviews med Wai Ho Cheung

Following the 9-months internship at By-Georgsen S.L., Spain, I have worked at Shenzhen Mannay Cosmetics Co., Ltd. in China for 2 years. I was responsible for all design-related aspects of interior design and product design, including packaging design. Then I have interned at Karim Rashid China in 2017. Currently I am a freelance designer undertaking product, packaging, graphic, interior design and furniture design.

I originally majored in Physics at The University of Manchester, UK. After a year, I realised that I preferred to make my own creation which gave me more satisfaction. Then I changed the study to Industrial Product Design at Coventry University, UK. Just one year after graduation, I was selected to participate in Din-Design In 2016 during Fuorisalone, Milan, which gave me a booster to become a designer.

Personally, I think the more advanced the civilisation becomes, the fewer accessories will be used, as accessories have now become a functional part in everyday life, such as a watch. In other words, my design concept is making decorations even functional. From practical aspect, I always try to simplify the types of material used, number of manufacture processes etc. I also have an interest in combining ancient geometry with modern techniques, such as ergonomics. Due to working as a freelancer, I usually work on paper modelling and CAD modelling after developing the ideas through sketches.

Certainly, I will have different emotions when I design different things; usually I feel blissfulness when I get inspirations instantly.

After the internships at By-Georgsen S.L. and Karim Rashid China, my team-working and presentation skills have been greatly developed, which are the essential skills to designers. It is because design is a subject to improve users’ quality of life, for no doubt communication with clients and the team is very important in order to understand each other. At the meantime, I would say my scientific background is very crucial for my career. When I studied Physics, left-brained logical mind was key factor; when I do design, the ability on graphics and aestheticity are essential, which are functions of right-brain. Thus, I can always find the balance between reality and imagination and make the designs come true. Meanwhile, I usually apply the concept of physics on my designs.

I was born and raised in Hong Kong; also I spent quite a lot of time in U.K. Before I decided to be a designer, I studied Physics in fact. When I changed the subject I studied, I knew it was the thing for me because I had a strong feeling on design. In the near future, I would like to find a full-time job in Europe relating to product design, especially furniture design. Once I have become a designer recognised by international award and exhibitions, I knew my dream had come true. Since then, every project profitable is all my dream project. For sure, it will be even better if my furniture designs can be produced 100% according to the original design. In addition, I have few storylines that I want to turn them into the films. If I can cooperate with Mr. Christopher Nolan or The Wachowskis to develop the stories, my dream will come true.

Conceptually, I don’t agree with ‘thinking outside the box’. When you think outside the box means you still realise there is a boundary. Although designers always have constrains to do design, such as ergonomics, thinking should be limitless. So the first step is to take away the label, ‘designer’ and to explore your own philosophy about life, then you will know what the best design(s) should be.

When I have conversations with other designers, many of them tell me that the discussion with clients is more or less the most difficult part. Thus, the communication skills are very important. Besides, designers always have different clients in various fields. I suggest designers can do volunteering. You will able to train up your communication skills and you will know sometimes human are easy to be pleased with an even not-so-fancy object, once it is useful to them.In Chinese, we have a motto, ‘a calf would not be scared by tigers(初生之犢不畏虎)’. This means that a new-born animal will not fear challenges and will explore the world with curiosity and without assumptions. I believe keeping the passion and humbleness is also a key attribute in a great designer.

I will write a to-do list when I wake up or the day before to ensure I will follow up everything I should. Depends on the stage of the current projects, I will keep reading magazines and surfing the internet if they are at the beginning; I will keep thinking and sketching if they are on the right track. I can say I have improved as a human recently: I can fully concentrate on the projects at work, so it will not be boring at all; if I ever meet a boring business day, I would like to take a short nap, due to the brain always keep thinking as a designer.

When you ask all the masters in art and design about it, I think they would say ‘I am the start of the trends’. Thus, I think only 3 situations design trends do matter: 1. when you are designing products for a very short period 2. when you are not confident of you style 3. when you are a journalist. If I need to work with the design trend, I would read fashion magazines and have conversation with other designers.

Nothing is absolutely good or bad, unless you give out some constraints. For example, you will not say that a shelter is a good design before you know a disaster is coming. Therefore, I would say a good design is the right answer for the right question at the right moment.

Depends on the time, even good design can become the worst. For example, if you bring the B&W TV to this generation, it is definitely an unwanted product. So design is always able to evolve to fit the users’ need at the specific timing and situation. When I work on my own projects, I will improve it until I think it is perfect and I always bear in mind that the design could be evolved whilst I have new inspiration; when I work on projects for clients, luckily I am still passionate on my profession; I will try to satisfy the clients as much I can.

Up to now, the project I am proud of the most is the Arctic coffee table, which awarded Bronze A’ Design Award 2016-17, although it is one of the quickest projects I have finished. Arctic is the design fulfilling the most of my design concepts. It is the product combing functional decorations, simple manufacture processes, single type of material used, visual illusions and the knowledge of ancient culture and geometry. The form is inspired by tidal wave hence the inspiration is conducted to mathematical sinusoidal wave with the keyword, wave. In the meantime, the functionality is inspired by park bench slats; the structure of the slats with gaps in between is considered to be highly functional. In Chinese Five Elements, the corresponding direction and colour to Water element is north and black. Thus, it is named as the largest ocean in the north, Arctic.

My favourite designers are Zaha Hadid, who was very good at playing with curves and liquid shapes and H. R. Giger, who created Alien with the simplest and purest elements but already enough to make everyone scared, yet he inspired the thinking in life-form. If I was given a chance, I would like to talk with the architect who designed The Giza pyramid complex, who was also created a big impact to me.

I live in Hong Kong and I spent quite a lot of time in U.K. In U.K., I had the freedom and time to think but making prototypes were expensive; Hong Kong is an international city with various people and cultures and it is close to China, which makes prototyping much more efficient; however, here is many distractions as other megacities do. Besides, my culture, particularly I Ching(易經) affects me very much, not only on the designs, but the concept and philosophy of life.

I am a sole designer currently. My life-time goal is to remind people about happiness, so I do not mind to work with people with different characteristics, as I will consider it as a practice. However, if I look for a business partner, integrity would be a key factor.

As a designer, I once donated my participation reward of an exhibition to an NGO. As a normal human, sometimes I do volunteering to take care of the minority in society. Moreover, I am always using my own way to try to remind people about happiness.

It is a good way to promote myself and my designs to the world and a good way to connect with other awarded designers.

The main principle behind the design is to reflect the marine ingredients and their benefits and drawing inspiration from Thalassotherapy. The design incorporates elements from the classic Japanese Ukiyo-e artwork, 'The Great Wave of Kanagawa,' to emphasize the oceanic theme.

The main focus has been to create a visually appealing and functional design that aligns with the brand’s identity of combining natural, scientific, and humorous elements. The goal is to enhance the user experience by incorporating innovative design features like oil droplet sedimentation technology.

The future plans include promoting the product in the online market, targeting young consumers and leveraging the unique design elements to attract and retain customers. In addition, expanding the product line with similar innovative designs is also a potential plan.

The project started in March 2019 and was completed by April 2019. The detailed and innovative nature of the design suggests a thoughtful and extensive design process within this timeframe.

This design was pursued to embody the brand’s core identity of ‘The Laboratory Containing Nature’ and to align with the principles of Thalassotherapy. The inspiration came from a desire to create a product that stands out both in functionality and visual appeal.

production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

The design is currently associated with Luckinfo, and it seems that the brand intends to produce and market the product themselves.

The design was motivated by the desire to integrate natural, scientific, and aesthetic elements into a skincare product that caters to the brand's target audience and enhances their skincare routine.

Our design team has been closely associating with several iconic artworks and design principles. Notably, the design was heavily influenced by the classic Japanese Ukiyo-e artwork, ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa,’ which played a central role in reflecting the marine theme. The team’s collective expertise and collaborative efforts ensured the integration of natural, scientific, and aesthetic elements into the final design, resulting in a product that is both visually striking and functionally innovative.

The target customers are young individuals born between 1995-2000, primarily in Chinese online market.

This design stands out due to its innovative integration of technology and aesthetics. The advanced oil droplet sedimentation technology, which creates a light blue droplet at the bottom that splits into tiny drops when shaken, is a key feature that enhances user experience. Additionally, the design emphasizes the use of marine ingredients and Thalassotherapy inspiration, all while maintaining a visually appealing and functional package. The thoughtful incorporation of the wave illustration and pastel blue tones further distinguishes it from other products, making it both a technological and artistic achievement.

The name ‘Luckinfo Ocean Refreshing Base Serum’ emphasizes the oceanic inspiration and refreshing qualities of the product, aligning with the brand’s identity and the product's benefits.

Our design team utilized a combination of advanced graphic design software and packaging design tools to bring the concept to life. Notably, the key visual of the wave was originally illustrated by our team, taking inspiration from 'The Great Wave of Kanagawa.' This customized illustration was meticulously crafted to reflect the marine theme and seamlessly integrated with other design elements to create a cohesive and visually appealing product.

The most unique aspect of our design lied in the thoughtful integration of technology and aesthetics on the bottle and box. The design on the bottle emphasized the innovative oil droplet sedimentation technology, showcasing a light blue droplet that split into tiny drops when shaken, thereby enhancing user experience. The outer design of the box matched the brand’s characteristic with a minimal and rigorous surface. Additionally, the wave illustration provided immersive experience and compelling storytelling that highlighted the product’s marine-based functions of moisturizing, repairing, and softening.

Our design team played a pivotal role in creating this innovative product. The team is particularly noted for their excellent skills in illustration and extensive experience in packaging design. Their expertise ensured that the wave illustration was meticulously crafted to reflect the marine theme, and the packaging design was both visually appealing and functional. The collaboration of our talented designers brought together the technical and artistic elements, resulting in a product that stands out in both functionality and aesthetics.

The innovation primarily lies in the product itself, particularly with the advanced oil droplet sedimentation technology that enhances the functionality of the serum. The packaging design, on the other hand, was crafted to optimize the presentation to the audience. It ensured that the unique features of the product are highlighted, and the overall user experience is enhanced through visually appealing and functional design elements.

The design is influenced by research into packaging design trends, target audience preferences, and the efficacy of natural ingredients. This research helps ensure that the product meets consumer expectations and stands out in the market.

The primary challenge was balancing the brand’s minimal and scientific image with the need to be visually appealing and attractive to the target audience. Ensuring that the design elements align with the product’s functionality was also a key challenge.

The decision to submit to an international design competition likely stemmed from the desire to gain recognition for the innovative and aesthetically pleasing design, and to showcase the brand’s unique approach to skincare products.

Throughout the design process, we gained valuable insights into the latest trends in packaging design, which played a crucial role in enhancing the overall appeal and functionality of our product. We focused on creating a seamless bond between the packaging, the product, the brand, and the audience. This holistic approach not only ensured that the design was visually captivating but also reinforced the brand’s identity and values, resulting in a more immersive and engaging user experience. We continuously improved our skills in illustration, material selection, and user interaction to achieve a design that truly stands out in the market.

This design emphasizes the importance of aligning product functionality with visual appeal to create a cohesive and engaging user experience. The thoughtful integration of marine-inspired elements and advanced technology highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

The form is inspired by tidal wave. In the meantime, the functionality is inspired by park bench slats.

The main focus was to improve the first version I did and turn it into more commercial. Therefore, my aim was to design a unique coffee table with material and production process as cheap as possible.

I will try to sell the design to a furniture company.

I took around a week to design the first version, as the first version was for publishing related to Fuorisalone 2016, Milan. Then I redesigned and finished the current version in a week after the event, which took around a month for the whole design process discretely.

I wanted to apply for the selection of a catalogue, Design for 2016 with new designs. Therefore, I created the first version, Wave ( (Please visit http://waihocheung.wixsite.com/waihocheung/wave for detail regarding the design). Afterwards, I wanted to develop the previous one into a more commercial way. Thus, Arctic was designed.

It has not been produced or used by any company yet, only a prototype was produced by myself. However, I would like to sell the production rights to a furniture company.

I am highly committed to developing a career in furniture design. Therefore, I always develop self-directed projects to fulfil my desire and to put my design concept and philosophy into practice.

Unfortunately, there was no other designer got influence.

The target customers would be people who love furniture in simple and contemporary style.

I would say the simple and economy production process, under-estimated functionality and unique outlook with the dynamic waves are the factors set apart this coffee table from others.

The current version was called Uphill originally. However, I thought the waves underneath looked like currents in ocean more than hills. Besides, in Chinese Five Elements, the corresponding colour and direction to Water element are black and north. Therefore, I renamed it as the largest ocean in the north, Arctic.

I used pencils, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, my brain and my heart.

Certainly, it would be the dynamic waves underneath which can generate a visual illusion that the still table appears as moving.

From idea development to building up CAD model, I worked on my own at each stage and I appreciate Mr. Ip’s assist by giving technical advice.

I would say that technology will be only involved during the production. This design does not contain any high technology.

My design is not exactly influenced by any analytical research, just my limited knowledge of science and knowledge of I Ching (易經).

The first version was designed with 3 types of materials, so the challenge was to reduce the types of material used, at the same time to keep the dynamic outlook and to emphasise it.

I met a Dutch designer who won the gold award at A' Design and he recommended me to apply for it.

The first version was an asymmetric design with one end opened; now Arctic is a combination with symmetric and asymmetric design elements, depends on the point of view.

It is a complete questionnaire. For more information, please feel free to request an interview.

I originally majored in Physics at The University of Manchester. After a year, I changed the study to Industrial Product Design at Coventry University. I used to be intern at By-Georgsen S.L., Spain and Karim Rashid China, China and work in Shenzhen Mannay Cosmetics Co., Ltd., China. I have also designed a collection of fashion.

Whist I was studying Physic, I realised that I preferred to make my own creation which gave me more satisfaction.

I chose to become a designer, but maybe I can say I was forced to be by my bag of skills.

I would like to do product design, especially furniture design. For sure, I will challenge myself if my clients want me to design things in different fields.

Designer is a kind of job that you have to involve in many processes and hence you need to have so much different knowledge and various angles of observation. Therefore, the first step is to take away the label, ‘designer’ and to explore your own philosophy about life, then you will know what the best design(s) should be.

In Chinese, we have a motto, ‘a calf would not be scared by tigers(初生之犢不畏虎)’. This means that a new-born animal will not fear challenges and will explore the world with curiosity and without assumptions, which I believe is a key attribute in a great designer.

Nothing is absolutely good or bad, unless you give out some constraints. For example, you will not say that a shelter is a good design before you know a disaster is coming. Therefore, I would say a good design is the right answer for the right question at the right moment.

Design is a subject to improve the usage of tools, no matter in shapes, methods or materials. Therefore, a good design can at least make the functionality and hence the money spent more efficiently. In addition with the calculation on authenticity, this can catch people’s attention in order to increase the sales.

From the question ‘if you had the time’, I assume you are asking about my design at leisure. For my self-direct projects, I would design whatever I could think or get the ideas, which are assigned to nobody specifically, only people interested in mine.

For my self-direct project, I have uncountable ideas waiting for further development. But one dream project I particularly want to realise is my sci-fi story concept, which is about alien abduction, dimensions and Tai Ji (太極). I hope it able to be filmed and to cooperate with Mr. Christopher Nolan or The Wachowskis.

Most of my inspirations come from my dreams. I will draw the images out and then I will try to puzzle the whole design by searching reference, sketching and CAD modelling. Certainly, my secret ingredient is my passion.

Mr. Morten Georgsen, Mr. Karim Rashid, Mr. Marcel Wanders, Ms. Zaha Hadid, H. R. Giger and Michelangelo.

I like Zaha Hadid’s Liquid Glacial Tables very much, because she played excellently with the rippling surface.

I think Dimension and Arctic are the designs which can mostly represent my design style, especially Arctic; aesthetics also means functionality. Moreover, with one material, one colour and one shape, I can say I am using the least to make variations on Arcitic.

Again, like the Chinese motto, ‘a calf would not be scared by tigers(初生之犢不畏虎)’. I think not only designers, everyone should be like a new-born animal to explore the world with curiosity, always keep their mind fresh and willing to jump out from their comfort zones, which I believe is a key attribute to improve to be better humans.

Maybe I would become a quantum physicist, a philosopher or a businessman.

Design is creation with meaning(s).

For sure, the most important supporters are my family; I could not be a designer if they did not let me change my subject. Then Mr. Morten Georgsen, his professional design team and Ms. Angela Micoli taught me a lot during the internships.

My dreams and my hypothesis.

As I studied Physics before, all the education and training I received were how to be a person with good logical mind and calculation skills. In other words, I was very weak on the foundation of design. However, nothing was wasted that it can also be the enhancement with my scientific thinking way, whilst I am keep learning to fill up the knowledge of design.

Just like everybody says, ‘let the product talks’. Designers are not artists, we design products and eventually the products are bought and used by customers. Obviously, you cannot present to your customers one by one, so let the product talks!

My plan is:

1. Find a job in Europe relating to product design, especially furniture design

2. Try to sell my designs

3. I have few storylines that I want to cooperate with Mr. Christopher Nolan or The Wachowskis.

4. Remind people about happiness

In other words, I tend to get a job instead of promoting my own projects. Maybe the next project will not be my design, but a team’s.

To remind people about happiness and to spread out my hypothesis.

In whatever profession, a true master can always enlighten people through their work. However, I suggest people to lift down their expectations first, which have limited their mind.

I think design is supposed to help the resource being used more efficiently, such as multi-functional products.

I am currently looking for job and now I am excited to improve my portfolio by promoting my furniture designs with interior environments, which is like giving my designs a new life.

I think my sofa-bed project, Dimension, which gave me the most satisfaction. It was my final year project at university, so a full spectrum of work was involved, research, idea development, prototyping etc. Likewise, I was very pleased to see my concept was work with my full scaled prototype.

I think 3D printing technology is the milestone in the design field in this decade. 3D printing technology will make every single design ‘specifically general’, which means the same product can be tailor-made for customer that is more ergonomic.

I think smart products will be the trend in this decade and smart products will keep improving to be more intelligent and dominate the products in every field.

It depends on how detailed I need to work on the project. Usually I finish a project from 2weeks to a month, but few of my projects took me even more than a year.

Usually on my bed for my self-direct projects.

a calf would not be scared by tigers (初生之犢不畏虎).

I think it is always a cycle, and the funny thing about a cycle is there is no start and no end. Are you sure you want to ask ‘Which came first, the chicken or the egg?’

I do not like to put high technology into my design as I want to keep it simple. So currently, I would say that technology is mainly involved during the production. However, I will also do hi-tech products if my clients want, no problem at all.

I used pencils, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, my brain and my heart.

We are living in 3-dimensional space with senses of vison, hearing, smell, taste and tactile, so all colours, materials and ambient are taking important roles in design; also it depends on the type of design and product we are talking about. For examples, colour is important to a traffic light; material is important to a magnet; ambient is important to a power station.

I would like people to ask me about the concept behind my design.

I would like to observe it as detailed as I can and then whisper, ‘This is amazing!’

The ideal partner would be someone I can trust. Unfortunately, I never tried co-design before so I cannot judge if I believe it or not.

Sometimes, I would discuss detail parts with my friends to see people’s opinion. For technical assistance, I am glad with advices from Mr. Ip, who helps me all the time.

I Ching(易經).

To improve my foundation of design, I keep reading books to gain the knowledge. Meanwhile, I would buy some books or attend some courses to strengthen my design skills when I realise it’s time to improve.

Michelangelo

Currently, I have only won A’ design award this year and certainly I am excited with it. As I am still young, I don’t care about how to be famous; I will just do my best.

My favourite colour is violet and the favourite brand of furniture is Moooi.

I used to get 3 different sets of opinion on my design from my supervisor, my manager and my boss at the same day.

Sketching and building up 3D models are always joyful when you realise how seductive your design is.

No, as I said I studied Physics at the beginning, becoming a designer was not my dream before.

Sorry, I don’t want to predict the future so far like this.

I can be more than a designer, like everyone else.

I originally majored in Physics at The University of Manchester. After a year, I realised that I preferred to make my own creation which gave me more satisfaction. Then I changed the study to Industrial Product Design at Coventry University. Following the 9-months internship at By-Georgsen S.L., Spain, I have worked at Shenzhen Mannay Cosmetics Co., Ltd. in China for 2 years. I was responsible for all design-related aspects of interior design and product design, including packaging design. Then I have interned at Karim Rashid China in 2017. Currently I am a freelance designer undertaking product, packaging, graphic, interior design and furniture design.

I have not founded any design studio yet unfortunately. Currently, I am looking for a design job in Europe.

Design is creation with meaning(s).

I like furniture design most, particularly in Scandinavian style which is simple, natural and minimal.

The universe. It is beautiful and essential; it is untouchable but amiable; it is simpler than what you understood but more complicated than what you thought.

The first design was the showcase, Ferris Wheel for Shenzhen Mannay Cosmetics Co., Ltd. and the first complete design project was to design and visual merchandise for their first retail shops, Cutyland. Please visit my online portfolio at http://waihocheung.wixsite.com/waihocheung for detail regarding my design project.

I like Scandinavian furniture which is mainly made of natural materials like wood to provide the feeling of nature but I realised that the material I used most was plastic and metal. To improve and diverse my design style, I will keep learning and practicing on different kinds of material and technology.

I am the most creative when I am dreaming.

In my opinion, we have a simple but difficult mission as designers: to make things to improve quality of life. Design is not art, so the key must be functionality. However, products with pure functionality usually look clumsy and unwelcome. So I always focus on a question: how to make the functional part as a part of authenticity or vice versa.

Certainly, I will have different emotions when I design different things; usually I feel blissfulness when I get inspirations instantly.

I remembered when the first showcase I designed for Mannay was produced; I was inexplicably excited due to my first commercial design had come out. Until now, I still think it is amazing and unbelievable every time I see my designs are produced.

It depends on the point of view. For sure, a win-win situation must be economic, long-lasting authentic and functional for all manufacturers, retailers and customers.

Nothing is absolutely good or bad, unless you give out some constraints. For example, you will not say that a shelter is a good design before you know a disaster is coming. Therefore, I would say a good design is the right answer for the right question at the right moment.

I remember I answered something similar during the first year of the study: While we think we are designer and creating something good, we are a part of the industrial activity which destroys the world most. Besides, when you try to find the replacement, it might be even worse. For example, during the Earth Hour, people do not turn on the lights but instead they may do other activities which cause even more pollution. Thus, I think the responsibility is not because of our profession, but as humans, that we may need to think how we can be humans with better mentality.

I think smart products and 3D printing technology are the milestones in the design field in this decade and smart products will keep improving to be more intelligent and dominate the products in every field; in the meantime, 3D printing technology will make every single design ‘specifically general’, which means the same product can be tailor-made for customer that is more ergonomic.

Last time, I exposed during Fuorisalone 2017, Milan at Din-Design In 2017 by Promotedesign.it and I hope I will exhibit as many as I can in the rest of the year.

For my work, I usually reference the current products and showcase then try to translate into a unique design; for my self-direct projects, I usually get inspirations in dreams, so I just feed my creativity every night. In fact, I always keep attention to the surroundings because I believe the nature is the best designer.

Personally, I think the more advanced civilisation becomes, the fewer accessories will be used, as accessories have now become a functional part in everyday life. For example, a watch is no longer simply used as a statement piece of jewellery, but is used to tell the time. In other words, even accessories are functional. I also have an interest in combining ancient geometry with current techniques, such as ergonomics. Thus, I would describe my style as making functionality authentically.

I live in Hong Kong and I spent quite a lot of time in U.K. In U.K., I had the freedom and time to think but making prototypes were expensive; Hong Kong is an international city with various people and cultures and it is close to China, which makes prototyping much more efficient; however, here is many distractions as other megacities do. Besides, my culture, particularly I Ching(易經) affects me very much, not only on the designs, but the concept and philosophy of life.

I worked as a designer in the companies I worked for and I was responsible for all design-related aspects of product design and interior design. Besides, I used to control the time and cost for the production of showcases.Currently I am a freelance designer undertaking product, packaging, graphic, interior design and furniture design.

I suggest that companies can give out the design brief at the beginning as detailed as possible and be confident on the projects and the designers. Meanwhile, designer is a profession involves in creativity, so for companies, I suggest they can set up some open questions for the candidates.

Most of my inspirations come from my dreams. So I have a notebook next to me. I will draw the images out and then I will try to puzzle the whole design by searching reference, sketching and CAD modelling. For my work, I usually reference the current products and showcase then try to translate into a unique design for the company.

Monopoly, flush toilet, vacuum cleaner, sofa bed (especially my design, Dimension), Arctic, Liquid Glacial Table

I will write a to-do list when I wake up or the day before to ensure I will follow up everything I should. Depends on the stage of the current projects, I will keep reading magazines and surfing the internet if they are at the beginning; I will keep thinking and sketching if they are on the right track. I can say I have improved as a human recently: I can fully concentrate on the projects at work, so it will not be boring at all; if I ever meet a boring business day, I would like to take a short nap, due to the brain always keep thinking as a designer.

Conceptually, I don’t agree with ‘thinking outside the box’. When you think outside the box means you still realise there is a boundary. Although designers always have constrains to do design, such as ergonomics, thinking should be limitless. So the first step is to take away the label, ‘designer’ and to explore your own philosophy about life, then you will know what the best design(s) should be.

Designer is the profession allows me to fulfil my creativity also which is the profession I can use most of my skills. These are the opinions I can tell, but I cannot find the negatives because I love my profession.

In Chinese, we have a motto, ‘a calf would not be scared by tigers(初生之犢不畏虎)'. This means that a new-born animal will not fear challenges and will explore the world with curiosity and without assumptions, which I believe is a key attribute in a great designer.

Creativity, passion, the way of thinking and the ability to present the ideas.

I used pencils, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Rhinoceros, Solidworks, my brain and my heart.

To me, the most time-consuming part would be finding inspiration and translating it into a real object. Consequently, I always try to catch as many inspirations as I can to enrich my library.

It depends on how detailed I need to work on the project. Usually I finish a project from 2weeks to a month, but few of my projects took me even more than a year.

'Can you low down the cost?'

All opportunities I have had were important to me, but the internship at By-Georgsen S.L., Spain was the life-changing one. My foundations for furniture design were laid under the guidance from Mr. Morten Georgsen and his professional design team; the work experience at Shenzhen Mannay Cosmetics Co., Ltd. provided me a lot of freedom of creation; the internship at Karim Rashid China had strengthened my presentation skills.

Fernbaby (China) at Karim Rashid ChinaVIDA & Co. for my fashion designAn Italian couple for my furniture design

I enjoy every kind of design I can handle, but the most in furniture design because it is the field I have the most inspirations.

1. Find a job in Europe relating to product design, especially furniture design2. Try to sell my designs3. I have few storylines that I want to cooperate with Mr. Christopher Nolan or The Wachowskis.4. Remind people about happiness

Currently I am a freelance designer undertaking product, packaging, graphic, interior design and furniture design.

For my self-project, I have uncountable ideas waiting for further development, so I have no clue where I should start to explain unfortunately.

Website: http://waihocheung.wix.com/waihocheungWatsapp: +85263301863Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wai-ho-cheung-0a6ab96bE-mail: waiho_hunter@hotmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lycoritocheung/

I promised myself that if I had chance to speak publicly, I would encourage my favourite football player, the former Manchester United Brazilian, Luis Anderson. I believe Anderson still have chance to become a top class player, please does not give up; that is the thing I also want to tell everyone: stand for your dreams and step out your comfort zone.

The wave-inspired base of the Arctic begins with the vision of capturing the fluidity and motion of tidal waves. This idea translates into mathematical sinusoidal waves to ensure precision in the design. Through iterative prototyping, the dynamic element evolves, refining the curves and interwoven structure to create a sense of movement while maintaining stability and functionality.

The philosophy of the Chinese Five Elements plays a crucial role in the Arctic's design. The Water element, symbolized by the color black, guides the selection of materials and the visual aesthetics. The choice of painted metal strips not only provides the desired fluidity and wave-like appearance but also adheres to the cultural significance, creating a cohesive and meaningful design.

The inspiration for the dual-purpose design comes from the need to harmonize aesthetics with functionality. Observing the structure of park bench slats, I realize that incorporating gaps and interwoven strips can enhance both the visual and practical aspects of the coffee table. This approach allows the metal strips to serve as both a striking visual element and a useful storage solution, embodying the principle that contemporary design should be both beautiful and functional.

Balancing practical innovations with visual harmony is achieved through careful consideration of the table's overall design. The supporting frames and metal strips are strategically placed to ensure they provide storage without disrupting the aesthetic flow. By maintaining a consistent wave pattern and seamless integration of storage features, the table achieves a harmonious blend of utility and beauty.

The key insights that guide material simplification are driven by the desire to streamline production and enhance the design's visual impact. Reducing the number of materials to just metal strips, that allows for a more cohesive and unified look, emphasizing the wave-like dynamics. This simplification not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also facilitates a more efficient production process, aligning with both functional and economic goals, even though the table has yet to be produced.

Translating natural tidal wave movements into precise architectural forms involves a combination of mathematical modeling and physical prototyping. By using sinusoidal wave equations, the design captures the essence of natural fluidity. Through CAD software, these mathematical models are translated into detailed design plans, which are then refined through physical prototypes to ensure accuracy and stability in the final product.

The exploration of park bench slat structures is inspired by their functionality and simplicity. In public spaces, bench slats provide durable, practical seating with an open, airy design. Applying this concept to the Arctic allows for a similar blend of strength and functionality, while also introducing an element of familiarity and comfort into domestic furniture design.

The dimensions of the Arctic are determined through a balance of ergonomic and visual considerations. The width, depth, and height are chosen to ensure the table fits comfortably in various living spaces while providing ample surface area and storage. These proportions also enhance the visual impact, maintaining a sleek, elegant appearance that complements the dynamic wave design.

Winning the Bronze A' Design Award, which is the first design award I have ever won, reaffirms the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality. This recognition encourages a continued focus on creating designs that are not only visually stunning but also practical and user-friendly. It reinforces my belief in my personal design concept and thinking, that great design should seamlessly integrate form and function. This award has inspired me to stay true to these principles and to apply them in future projects with even greater confidence.

From the Arctic project, one key insight is the value of integrating functionality with artistic expression. Emerging designers should strive to create pieces that serve practical needs while also delivering a strong visual statement. This can be achieved by understanding the interplay between materials, form, and utility, and by pushing the boundaries of traditional design to create innovative, multifaceted furniture.