We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Li Sung Shan ("LSS").
Product Designer & Managing Director of ThinkThing Studio Jason Li is a Hong Kong product designer and the Managing Director of ThinkThing Studio. His works have won numerous design awards such as iF, Red Dot, Good Design Japan, Golden Pin, DFA, K Design Award, and the Hong Kong Smart Design Award. His products are distributed and sold all over the world including at outlets such as MoMA Design Store, TOKYU HANDS, T-Mall and more. His brand new product ZTRAW, a foldable reusable straw that is fully recyclable, has crowdfunded over HK$600,000 on online platforms within a month, and is popular among American, European and Southeast Asian backers. Jason’s passion for design stems from his belief that design can solve problems encountered by consumers in their everyday lives. From design to branding and marketing, Thinkthing Studio curates their own identity, so that consumers could experience their ideal lifestyle while using a practical product. Jason’s design and studio upholds sustainability and social responsibility, not only by designing products that improve quality of life while putting resources to good use, they also seek to collaborate with non-profit organizations during production, hoping to benefit society. Jason's goal is to connect people through design, and to make the world a better place.
Li Sung Shan Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Li Sung Shan.
Li Sung Shan Design - MS 2.0 Wireless Charging Powerbank
Li Sung Shan Design - Ztraw Reusable Straw
Designer Interview of Li Sung Shan:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
LSS : Since childhood, I’ve had a knack for solving problems. My dream? To make a positive impact on the world. Back in high school, I designed eco-friendly products to help those in need. By age 17, I’d already launched my personal collection, “Jason’s Collection.” Fast forward to 2011—I founded THINKTHING STUDIO Limited. My mantra? Create products that matter. If something already exists, I won’t duplicate it; that’d just add to excess production. But if there’s an unsolved problem on our planet, count me in. I taught myself electronics, structures, and product design, hoping to channel my knowledge and creativity to help others and tackle real-world issues.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
LSS : Our company isn’t just about products; it’s a dream realized. We’re a tribe of like-minded souls, united by the vision of “Solving Problems, Changing the World.” Our brand philosophy revolves around three Cs: Conversion: We strip away noise, preserving the essence of design to solve the core issue. Connection: Every person holds untapped potential. By linking minds, we unleash powerful creativity. Creation: We believe in our innate ability to think creatively. With the right application, we can devise inspiring solutions that benefit others.
DI: What is "design" for you?
LSS : Design is my oxygen—it flows naturally. As a problem-solver, I can’t help but tackle everyday challenges. Take FPV Drones, for instance. Their CPUs tend to overheat, and most drone housings are plastic. So, I designed a foldable metal FPV housing—better heat dissipation, longer CPU lifespan, and enhanced safety. Even with my own car, I brainstorm auto accessories. Design isn’t a job; it’s woven into my life as a designer and inventor.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
LSS : As a designer and inventor, I don’t limit myself to specific products. My portfolio spans foldable pens, eco-friendly straws, power banks, chargers, phone accessories, drone structures, carabiners, wireless charging desk lamps, water bottles—even architectural concepts. It’s not about the products; it’s about the thrill of problem-solving. Success lies in using my creativity to make Earth more convenient, one design at a time.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
LSS : MagSafer 2.0, the winner of the A Design Award, embodies my essence as a designer. It’s not just a power bank; it’s a statement. Imagine a power bank that defies wires—both for charging itself and your devices. MagSafer 2.0 achieves this wireless utopia. Its design? A nod to Bauhaus principles—clean lines, functionality, and purpose. No superfluous curves or unnecessary parts—just like my logical, straight-thinking self. And the double-sided magnet? It securely attaches to any surface, freeing your hands from charging cables. MagSafer 2.0 isn’t just a product; it’s my design philosophy in action!
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
LSS : After founding my company, my very first creation was the FLIPEN—a foldable pen. The inspiration? A friend from church wanted a commemorative item to aid Bible reading. So, I put on my thinking cap and designed a pen that could double as a bookmark. But here’s the twist: FLIPEN isn’t your typical cylindrical pen. When folded, it takes on a sleek triangular shape. Why? Well, when we grip a pen, we naturally use three fingers—forming a triangle. So, a triangular FLIPEN feels more ergonomic than its cylindrical counterparts. And guess what? It’s not just a pen; it’s also a bookmark! With an internal magnet, FLIPEN securely attaches to book pages, making it a reader’s best friend.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
LSS : I have a strong affinity for titanium alloy because of its exceptional hardness. I once used titanium alloy to create the casing for the MagSafer 2.0, which I personally assembled. Although the assembly process was challenging, the satisfaction I felt upon completing it was immense.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
LSS : My most creative moments occur when I encounter a problem. As an inventor and designer, I’m constantly thinking about solutions. Inspiration strikes swiftly because my mind is always at work, analyzing and seeking answers.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
LSS : When designing, I emphasize a product’s usability. While aesthetics matter, true value lies in substance. Otherwise, it’s just a pretty piece of trash. Practicality is paramount in product design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
LSS : Designing makes me happy and fulfilled. Problem-solving is my passion. I strive for excellence, envisioning customer scenarios and using my skills to address any issues. The process is exhilarating.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
LSS : Achieving a product’s realization is incredibly exciting. My designs often focus not only on appearance but also on production techniques and innovative technologies. Take my award-winning MagSafer 2.0, the world’s first wireless charging power bank that simultaneously supports input and output. It took extensive research and development, and the success feels rewarding and thrilling.
DI: What makes a design successful?
LSS : A product’s success isn’t solely about its appearance. Many products look different but offer similar functionality. To truly innovate, I focus on solving user problems. This requires knowledge in engineering, electronics, product structure, and production processes. Only then can a product come to life.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
LSS : When evaluating a design, I consider two critical angles. First, does it genuinely solve a problem and meet users’ needs? Second, is the design built for longevity? A short-lived design risks being phased out by the market, which is environmentally unsustainable.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
LSS : As a designer, I believe our responsibility lies in avoiding superfluous creations that contribute to production pollution and unnecessary products. My designs address unmet market needs and prioritize longevity. Sustainable products endure over time, minimizing waste—a duty we bear as designers.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
LSS : While I haven’t participated in exhibitions, I’m honored that the MagSafer 2.0 power bank, which won the A Design Award, also received the German Design Award a few months ago.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
LSS : My design inspiration stems from everyday life, but most importantly, I contemplate how our Creator designed this world. The golden ratio, physics, aesthetics—they’re all interconnected. By exploring the divine and understanding His methods, I integrate these skills into my designs.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
LSS : Bauhaus Design captivates me due to its pure rationality. It eschews unnecessary lines, emphasizing both problem-solving and genuine sustainability. In this way, it aligns with my design philosophy.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
LSS : I live in Hong Kong, which is a place where East meets West. Hong Kong indeed stands at the crossroads of cultures, seamlessly blending Eastern and Western influences. Its vibrant modern cityscape coexists harmoniously with centuries-old traditions. Whether it’s cuisine, art, architecture, or language, Hong Kong showcases a diverse and rich cultural tapestry
DI: How can people contact you?
LSS : Email info@thinkthingstudio.com