Interview with Zerong Yang for Clink Clicker

My interest in design began in childhood with dreams of becoming an inventor, driven by a penchant for taking things apart and reassembling them, combined with a love for math, physics, and solving problems. These interests guided me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Soon after, I recognized the significance of ergonomics and user-focused design in making meaningful products, which led me to further explore the field of design to enhance my engineering background.

I founded Clink Design Inc., a startup focused on improving the lives of pets and their owners with inventive product design. In my role, I lead our product development and business strategy, staying aligned with our core mission: "Linking pets and owners through innovative design – Clinking to a stronger bond."

To me, design is fundamentally about solving problems. It involves devising solutions that tackle real-world issues in a practical and elegant manner. More than just aesthetics, design is a meticulous process that entails grasping the nature of a problem, investigating various solutions, and developing a product that not only resolves the issue but also enhances the user experience.

I value design that seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality to solve problems effectively.

In my opinion, a "good" design must effectively address real-world issues, be commercially sustainable, and provide tangible benefits to users. It should transcend theoretical ideas and be applied practically in ways that serve the broader community. If a design fails to positively impact the community or meet user needs, it does not meet my standards for good design.

The concept for the Clink Clicker, a combined portable treat carrier and training clicker, originated from my personal experiences with my dog. Handling a separate treat pouch and clicker during training sessions was cumbersome, prompting me to devise a unified solution that enhances the efficiency and convenience of pet training.

The design of the Clink Clicker was inspired by the sliding mechanism of old mobile phones, which I admired for their one-handed usability and ergonomic fit. This inspiration shaped my design, focusing on ease of use and comfort, particularly for one-handed operation during pet training.

My design process has been significantly shaped by my Chinese heritage and my nine years living in the United States. The differing cultural views on pet ownership and care in these two countries have enriched my perspective and inspired my work.

Interacting with numerous dog owners and trainers in the U.S. has provided me with crucial insights and feedback on my products, enhancing my knowledge and design approach. This fusion of cultural experiences has been key in tailoring my designs to accommodate a variety of needs and preferences.

Winning the MUSE Design Awards is a tremendous honor for us at Clink Design Inc., validating our dedication to innovation and excellence. This accolade not only boosts our motivation but also represents a significant milestone in our international recognition, propelling us to keep developing designs that have a meaningful impact.

The Clink Clicker, our debut product and entry into the MUSE Design Awards, occupies a unique position in our portfolio. It exemplifies our mission to revolutionize the pet care industry by merging a treat carrier and training clicker into one cohesive, user-friendly device.

Addressing the primary challenges of incorporating a seamless sliding mechanism and an effective clicker into a confined space required us to engage in iterative prototyping and extensive testing. Collaborating with engineers, we refined the design for both functionality and compactness, using sophisticated manufacturing methods to ensure a balanced product.

Receiving this award elevates my standing in the design community, creates new opportunities, and fuels my drive to engage in innovative, impactful work. It establishes a standard for my future endeavors, promoting ongoing excellence and creativity.

Creativity and innovation.

Impactful solutions.

Versatility and global Reach.

In the coming 5-10 years, the design industry is expected to witness a significant integration of AI and new technologies, which will propel advances in product design, user experience, and sustainability efforts.

Concentrate on honing your skills and remain receptive to fresh perspectives. Always keep your design objectives in view and be open to inspiration that may come from daily experiences. Let your thoughts explore design ideas during routine activities like eating, showering, or walking. A groundbreaking idea could emerge unexpectedly.

To enhance your design skills, I suggest interacting with real-world products directly instead of merely observing them on a screen. Examine a diverse array of items from various industries, scrutinize their characteristics, and contemplate potential enhancements or creative redesigns to spark inspiration.

Throughout the design process, we faced considerable difficulties with the clicker function, which initially suggested we might need to redesign the product. Nevertheless, through persistence and problem-solving, we managed to surmount these challenges and reach our objective.

The mentor for this project has been an incredible source of inspiration to me. His guidance has not only introduced me to various design techniques but has also significantly deepened my appreciation for design.

Commit to lifelong learning and continuously strive to broaden your knowledge and skills in areas that interest you. The world is ever-evolving, and maintaining curiosity and adaptability is essential for both personal and professional development.

We are already developing our next product and eagerly anticipate competing in the upcoming MUSE Design Award. Keep an eye out for more updates from Clink Design Inc!