Interview with Zerong Yang of Clink Design Inc.

My passion for design originated from my childhood dream of becoming an inventor, driven by a curiosity for taking things apart and putting them back together, as well as a love for math, physics, and problem-solving. This interest led me to earn a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

However, I soon recognized the critical role of ergonomics and user-centered design in developing meaningful products, which motivated me to explore the world of design further to enhance my engineering expertise.

I am the founder of Clink Design Inc., a startup focused on improving the lives of pets and their owners through creative product design. In my role, I steer our product development and business strategy, ensuring we stay aligned with our core mission: "Connecting pets and owners through innovative design."

To me, design is about problem-solving. It's the process of developing solutions that tackle real-world challenges in a practical, effective, and often refined manner. Design isn't just about aesthetics; it's a deliberate approach to understanding a problem, exploring various solutions, and creating something that not only addresses the issue but also enhances the user experience.

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

To me, a "good" design is one that successfully addresses real-world issues, is commercially viable, and provides direct benefits to users. It should move beyond theoretical ideas to practical applications that serve the public interest. If a design doesn't positively impact the community or meet user needs, it doesn't meet my criteria for being truly good.

My design style blends simplicity with sophistication, emphasizing clean lines, carefully considered details, and adaptability across different settings.

The concept for the Clink Clicker, a portable treat carrier with a built-in training clicker, was inspired by my personal experience with my dog. I realized the inconvenience of managing a separate treat pouch and clicker during training sessions.

This prompted me to design a solution that integrates both functions, making pet training and handling more efficient and user-friendly.

My Chinese heritage, along with nine years of living in the United States, has significantly shaped my design process. The differing cultural views on pet ownership and care in both countries have provided me with abundant inspiration.

Interacting with numerous dog owners and trainers has given me invaluable insights and feedback on my products, deepening my understanding and refining my design approach. This fusion of cultural experiences has been key in crafting designs that cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.

Being honored with the 2024 NY Product Design Awards is a tremendous achievement for us at Clink Design Inc., reaffirming our dedication to innovation and excellence. This recognition energizes us and represents a significant milestone in our journey towards global recognition, inspiring us to keep creating designs that truly make an impact.

The Clink Clicker, our submission for the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, is a significant milestone in our portfolio as our first product. It encapsulates our mission to revolutionize the pet care industry by merging a treat carrier and training clicker into one seamless, user-friendly device.

To tackle the primary challenges of integrating a seamless sliding mechanism and a functional clicker within a confined space, we concentrated on iterative prototyping and testing.

Collaborating closely with engineers, we refined the design for both functionality and compactness, utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques to achieve the ideal balance.

Receiving this award elevates my standing in the design community, unlocks new opportunities, and inspires me to pursue innovative, impactful work. It establishes a standard for my future projects, driving me to maintain excellence and creativity.

Creativity and innovation, impactful solutions, versatility and global reach.

China's design industry uniquely blends centuries-old artistic traditions with modern innovation. Rooted in its rich cultural heritage, Chinese design effortlessly combines ancient aesthetics with contemporary techniques, producing distinctive creations that captivate audiences worldwide.

In the next 5-10 years, the design industry will witness greater integration of AI and emerging technologies, fueling innovation in product design, enhancing user experience, and advancing sustainability practices.

Concentrate on perfecting your craft while remaining receptive to new ideas. Keep your design goals at the forefront and draw inspiration from everyday life. Let your mind explore and reflect on design concepts during routine activities like eating, showering, or walking.

To enhance your design skills, I suggest engaging with real-world products directly rather than merely observing them on a screen. Explore a diverse range of items across various industries, analyze their features, and think about possible improvements or innovative redesigns to spark inspiration.

Throughout the design process, we faced considerable challenges with the clicker function, which at one point led us to consider redesigning the product. However, through perseverance and problem-solving, we successfully overcame these obstacles and achieved our goal.

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

Embrace lifelong learning and strive to broaden your knowledge and skills in areas that interest you. As the world constantly evolves, staying curious and adaptable is essential for both personal and professional growth.

I want to express my gratitude to the award platform for providing me with the opportunity to win the award and for expanding my international perspective. Additionally, I would like to thank the organizer for their recognition.