We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Cheng Yu Lan ("CYL").
Cheng Yu Lan and her partner run an industrial design company in Taiwan. The company's philosophy is to help companies create their own brand image with the most suitable design. And hope to provide young designers with professional knowledge about design. She is a person who loves and is passionate about design. And she is not completely satisfied with she achievements so far, and still continues to work hard on design. She hopes to use design to make people's lives more refined and quality.There are beautiful things in life, and every day is interesting!
Cheng Yu Lan Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Cheng Yu Lan.
Cheng Yu Lan Design - Neat Multifunctional Blender
Designer Interview of Cheng Yu Lan:
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?
CYL : ChenChing imagine was co-founded by myself and my partner. I have the knowledge and experience of design and my partner specialises in marketing. We are both passionate about design, art and culture and will continue to pursue this path.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CYL : We attach great importance to the "original spirit" and advocate designing all the small details in life. In less than two years after its establishment, we have won five international awards. We respect any culture and hope to bring cultural emotions into the design. Continuous growth is our belief.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CYL : Design is an attitude. It may be life. It may be social humanity. It may be a commercial activity.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CYL : We hope to continue to make breakthroughs and always look forward to the next project.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CYL : A design that resonates with emotion and experience.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CYL : Each material and technology has its own strengths and weaknesses, and each partner manufacturer has its own expertise, so we are open to all elements of manufacturing.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CYL : Basically, creativity can happen at any moment, but the execution is usually in the quiet of the evening.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CYL : In the design process, all details are important.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CYL : Impassioned and forceful.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CYL : Excitement.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CYL : Focus and ambition.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CYL : Whether the design itself has a unique personality.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CYL : The designer is in fact multifaceted. He may be a cultural translator, an environmental pioneer, or an inventor of convenience. But either way, the premise of commercial volatility is linked, and it is important to strike a balance between the environment and the humanity and social structure.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CYL : In the future, everyone's requirements for design will not only be "beautiful", "convenient", and "practical". They will also hope to express emotions and humanistic requirements. "Emotional design" may be the future development.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CYL : Every moment in life is a source of inspiration, keeping an open mind of curiosity and accepting different ideas and cultures.
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?
CYL : Our company has always hoped that our design has a unique personality, no matter what kind of product it is.
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?
CYL : We are a product design company from Taiwan and the aboriginal culture of Taiwan is one of the factors that influences us, along with the Chinese culture of course. This may sometimes be very different from Western aesthetics, but we have discovered the meaning of “fusion” and that perhaps the “differences” can also bring beauty.
DI: How do you work with companies?
CYL : We have been actively working on projects and have transformed from a design studio to a design company.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CYL : Ambition is the main personality trait, as it drives a person to improve.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CYL : Observe, think, discuss, execute, verify.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
CYL : Work and enjoy life.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CYL : Be persistent and don't let go of any detail that expresses the design.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CYL : Observation and experience.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CYL : The source of inspiration usually comes from various books, even movies, or perhaps a delicious restaurant.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CYL : We have always believed that design is really about life, and that you don't have to be at your desk all the time to be working. Inspiration from life is also a form of work, but we will establish a work schedule and strictly implement it.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CYL : An industrial design or product design case, from conception to mass production is a very lengthy process, on average one to one and a half years.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CYL : Does this design meet its own requirements and standards?
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CYL : We have helped many SME manufacturers to transform their products so that clients can enhance their corporate image through design.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CYL : Any type of design are interesting, because design is an interesting thing.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CYL : In the future, we plan to expand the company's operating system, increase staffing, and expand brand marketing services. Cultural aspects will be explained in the way of integrating culture into design and presented on products.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CYL : ChenChing imagine is a professional design team.
DI: How can people contact you?
CYL : Address: Rm.3, 11F., No. 758, Zhongming S. Rd, 402, Taichung, Taiwan Phone: +886 4 2260 6865 URL: www.chenching-imagine.com.tw Contact email: anney-shen@chenching-imagine.com.tw