Interview with Ian Tang of Woodmax Ky Industries Corp

As a child, I loved imagining and drawing robots and other cool creations. This passion led me to major in industrial design at university. Now, as a designer, I find the work both fun and challenging, allowing me to bring my creative visions to life.

Woodmax is a professional one-stop solution for drinkware projects, providing leading design and manufacturing services for lifestyle products customized for global brands since 1986. My role at Woodmax involves designing innovative new products.

For me, design is a transformative journey that takes us from our current situation to a brighter and more innovative future. It’s about envisioning possibilities and creating solutions that improve our lives and the world around us. Through thoughtful and creative design, we can address challenges, enhance experiences, and shape a better tomorrow.

A truly impactful design not only provides excellent functionality but also delivers emotional value.

A well-crafted design seamlessly aligns with the brand's marketing strategy, ensuring coherence and enhancing the overall brand message. It not only supports the brand's goals but also strengthens its identity and resonates with the target audience.

I would describe my design style as a blend of functionality and aesthetics, balancing practical utility with visually appealing and metaphorically rich forms. This approach ensures that my designs are not only useful but also engaging and meaningful.

My design process begins with identifying the core problem that needs to be addressed. I then integrate functionality with a storytelling element, creating designs that are both practical and narratively compelling.

I'm afraid not, I think that my design process is a separate entity from my country and cultural heritage.

The impact is significant, both for the company and for me personally. We are thrilled and grateful to see the results, which greatly inspire us to continue creating more innovative products.

Aquapod Jacana is the world's leading rechargeable flowmeter straw. As a pioneering product in the market, we entered it into the design award competition to increase its exposure and enhance our company's prestige.

To seamlessly integrate electrical components with mechanical parts, ensuring they harmonize perfectly with the overall design.

It's a significant milestone in my design career over the past decade.

1. Filled with challenges, including the opportunity to learn new things.

2. I have the chance to meet many talented individuals and experts.

3. Experiencing the success of your product and witnessing its positive impact on the world.

My country is renowned for its technology and semiconductor industry, boasting a strong manufacturing foundation. This robust infrastructure greatly assists designers in turning their ideas into tangible products.

In the next 5-10 years, I anticipate the design industry will evolve in several significant ways. Sustainability will become a central focus, driving the creation of greener, more energy-efficient solutions that reduce environmental impact. Additionally, designs will place greater importance on offering emotional value, fostering deeper connections with users through thoughtful and meaningful experiences.

Moreover, there will be an increase in cross-disciplinary collaboration, with designers working alongside experts in fields such as technology, psychology, and environmental science. This interdisciplinary approach will yield more innovative and holistic solutions, addressing complex challenges and enhancing overall quality of life.

Just go for it. You never know until you try!

I would recommend Feng Zhu on YouTube!

I consider myself fortunate and grateful to have become a designer.

In the design realm, I find the work of German designer Luigi Colani and Singaporean designer Feng Zhu to be my greatest sources of inspiration. Their designs, to me, embody a profound sense of freedom and passion, qualities I deeply admire and aspire to emulate.

For me, the key to success is uncovering the purpose of my life and fully embracing it. When you have a clear sense of purpose, it ignites your passion, steers your choices, and sustains your determination through obstacles.

I would like to thank the jurors involved in adjudicating my project, this award means so much to me and its honor to have it recognized by a group of professionals.