Collaborative Design: Industrial Objects as Emotional Carriers

September 21, 2022

The past three years of the pandemic have drastically altered operational models across industries. Events tied to daily life and culture have become unpredictable, with survival and obsolescence often unfolding unremarkably in the blink of an eye. Independent designers, at once at the forefront and the end of the industrial chain, must simultaneously nurture their creative logic while adapting to the interconnected processes and shifting strategies of industrial design. These designers resemble seekers on a journey, navigating a rapidly changing world with resilience and introspection.

Lex Pott, a Dutch designer under forty, has amassed over a decade of experience in industrial design. Operating out of his studio in Rotterdam, he collaborates extensively with businesses and industries across various scales. For him, each project represents an opportunity to deepen his understanding of materials and techniques. Lex views the industrial design industry as a “collaborative and warm” field, where mutual support and understanding are essential for creating works that genuinely respond to the present moment. He avoids categorising design methods as mainstream or niche, instead developing flexible, principle-driven approaches that can adapt to diverse contexts.

Joining him in conversation is Tseng Shih-Kai, an industrial designer and creative strategist. Early in his career, during a residency in Turin, Italy, both he and Lex Pott were recognised as emerging talents in design, sparking a friendship that has spanned years. Lex appreciates Tseng’s ability to absorb Western design philosophies while remaining rooted in Taiwan, strategically positioning himself to influence industrial structures. Tseng, in turn, is curious about Lex’s role as a trailblazer within established design collaborations. Together, they will exchange insights from their respective careers, offering observations on the industry and shedding light on the position of independent designers in today’s landscape.

This lecture, featuring Tseng Shih-Kai, Creative Director of Studio Shikai, and Dutch designer Lex Pott, will provide Taiwanese audiences with a comparative perspective on global design practices. Through their shared experiences, the discussion will examine the similarities and differences among design professionals worldwide, offering reflections on the self-positioning of independent designers in fields such as product and industrial design and insights into the next wave of industry dynamics.

Planned and co-organized by pon ding︎︎︎.
Opening song remix: Xíng︎︎︎.
Published: August 26, 2022. Last Updated: December 27, 2024.