Collaborative Design: Industrial Objects as Emotional Carriers

The past three years of the pandemic have drastically transformed operational models across industries. Events tied to daily life and culture have become increasingly unpredictable, with survival and obsolescence often occurring quietly and instantaneously. Independent designers—positioned simultaneously at the forefront and the end of the industrial chain—must nurture their creative logic while adapting to the interconnected processes and evolving 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 accumulated over a decade of experience in industrial design. Operating out of his Rotterdam-based studio, he collaborates extensively with businesses and industries of varying scales. For him, each project is an opportunity to deepen his understanding of materials and production techniques. Lex views the industrial design field as “collaborative and warm,” emphasising the importance of mutual support and shared understanding in creating work that responds meaningfully to contemporary needs. He resists categorising design practices as either mainstream or niche, instead embracing flexible, principle-driven approaches that 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 design talents, sparking a lasting friendship. Lex admires Tseng’s ability to absorb Western design philosophies while remaining deeply grounded in Taiwan, strategically positioning himself to influence regional industrial structures. Tseng, in turn, is intrigued by Lex’s role as a trailblazer in collaborative design practice. Together, they will share insights from their respective journeys, offering reflections on the field and the evolving role of independent designers today.

This lecture, featuring Tseng Shih-Kai, Creative Director of Studio Shikai, and Dutch designer Lex Pott, offers Taiwanese audiences a comparative perspective on global design practices. Through their dialogue, the discussion will explore shared values and differing approaches among international design professionals. It will also provide reflections on how independent designers position themselves within the realms of product and industrial design, as well as insights into the next wave of industry evolution.