Interview with Zhejiang Zhongguang Electrical Co., Ltd

The reason why I became a designer is because I long for a stage where I can unleash my creativity and showcase myself, turning unique ideas in my mind into tangible works and gaining a sense of accomplishment from it. At the same time, I am passionate about using my professional skills to solve practical problems, gaining a deep understanding of user needs, breaking through various limitations, and finding innovative solutions. I also look forward to using design to improve people's living experience and contribute to the positive development of society and the environment. Moreover, I have a deep love for aesthetics, and constantly exploring and innovating aesthetic styles is also an important driving force for me to move forward.

I choose to become a designer.

My work across a range of design field, including graphic design, interior & spatial design, exhibition design, product design. It is difficult to choose which one is my favorite, if have to choose, I prefer product design, because it is more closer to our daily life.

As someone who has been there before, I would like to say to young designers: first, build a solid foundation, master the basic knowledge of design principles, craftsmanship materials, etc., and maintain lifelong learning; Dare to break through again, draw inspiration from diverse fields, and boldly innovate; We also need to focus on polishing our works, actively seek feedback and optimize them, and accumulate experience in practice; Actively linking industry resources and expanding horizons through cross-border collaboration; Finally, carefully crafting a portfolio that reflects one's personal style and abilities - infusing passion into continuous cultivation, in order to approach design ideals through the tempering of time.

Excellent designers can accurately solve problems and meet needs, and their works are professional and mature; Great designers break through boundaries, lead trends, convey ideas through their works, influence the times, and even reshape industry cognition and social values.

A truly good design needs to have both functionality and emotional resonance: accurately addressing needs, evoking empathy with aesthetics or values, and being sustainable. Evaluate whether one has insight into the essence, breakthroughs in innovation, and the unity of details and the whole - it is the silent companionship of "using smoothly, observing smoothly, and warming the heart".

Good design combines practicality and emotional value, optimizing experiences, solving problems, leading aesthetics, and even promoting social progress. Investing in excellent design can enhance the quality of life and stimulate innovative thinking, and its long-term value far exceeds material costs. It is a dual investment in efficiency and beauty.

If I have time, I would like to design "barrier free and friendly public spaces" for ordinary people, focusing on aging friendly renovation and universal design in urban corners, so that people of different ages and physical conditions can equally enjoy the convenience of space, and use design to gently touch the details of life.

Designing a "modular portable air conditioner" for urban migratory bird populations, with a magnetic split structure that adapts to multiple scenarios, intelligent temperature control that moves with the residents, and breaks through spatial limitations, is the air conditioning theme project I am waiting to implement.

Deeply study the essence of user needs and find the design origin from pain points; Cross disciplinary capture of inspiration, reconstructing problems from unconventional perspectives; Adhere to detail obsession and repeatedly refine the dimensions of experience; Embrace iterative thinking and continuously evolve through feedback.

One of the design masters who has influenced me the most is Sir Jonathan Ive, he is the chief design officer (CDO) of Apple Inc. we graduated from the same university, I think the most important thing he taught me is you have to make the real design model by your own hand, not just drawing.

Philippe Starck's Juicy Salif, I think it is not just a product, it is a work of art in the kitchen.

My greatest design is Inno Air Louvre. It is a heat - pump outdoor unit for air - conditioners. It can blow air over a wide angle, and its blades can rotate and close individually. When it detects pedestrians passing by, the blades automatically rotate or close to change the direction, thus solving the problem of traditional outdoor units blowing large amounts of air directly at pedestrians. This unit can also adjust the indoor fresh air. With an environmentally - friendly and aesthetic appearance, it supports customization.

Improving design ability lies in the "input deconstruction reconstruction" cycle: immersing oneself in diverse inspirations, dissecting the problem-solving logic of excellent designs, challenging habitual practices with limited conditions, regularly reviewing works from an observer's perspective, and making design thinking a daily habit.

I think I will become a painter.

Design is like a thoughtful partner who provides support for life.

There is no doubt that my team and friends.

Observation, curious everything, take notice and make record of things others overlook.

Eye reach, freedom of thinking and persistence.

When designers showcase their works, they should succinctly point out the core values, present the thinking process, convey warmth through real scenes, and resonate through interaction.

I focus on the design of heat pump air conditioning, with innovation and demand as the core, to improve energy efficiency and experience, promote the integration of technology and environment, and create efficient and comfortable sustainable solutions.

Using design to make technology more warm, allowing every user to feel 'taken seriously' in details, and creating long-term value for people and the environment through sustainable solutions.

Customers wants but expects you to deliver a amazing project he needs.

By addressing needs, optimizing experiences, and delivering care, design aims to make facilities more inclusive, spaces more livable, and services more attentive, bridging social pain points with innovative solutions and building an equal and sustainable beautiful society.

I’m currently deeply immersed in developing a smart home climate system that integrates heat pump technology with AI-driven environmental sensing. What excites me most is its dual focus: it adapts dynamically to users’ daily rhythms (like automatically optimizing temperature based on activity schedules) while minimizing energy consumption through predictive learning. The goal is to turn "sustainable living" into an intuitive, effortless experience—not just a concept. Every prototype iteration feels like a step closer to merging comfort, efficiency, and environmental care in a way that could redefine how we interact with our living spaces.

I am most satisfied with the air conditioning design project because it was the first project I participated in in the air conditioning industry.

We hope that the design industry will focus more on "humanistic care and sustainable coexistence", so that technological innovation and humanistic warmth can coexist, and use design power to promote the evolution of society towards a fair, low-carbon, and inclusive future.

The design field will further integrate technologies such as artificial intelligence and biomimetic biology, guided by "intelligent user experience", "sustainable material application", and "scenario based social issues", and move towards a more forward-looking and ecological innovation stage.

Spend time based on the complexity of the actual project.

Research and brainstorming.

Details are not details, they make up the design.

Design and trends are a symbiotic relationship of two-way empowerment - designers use innovation breakthroughs to generate new trends, while social, cultural, technological evolution and other trends provide direction for design. The two work together to promote industry evolution in dynamic interaction.

Technology is the 'implementation lever' for design implementation, providing feasible boundaries and innovative pivot points for creativity, transforming concepts from imagination to tangible, operational, and scalable reality.

Photoshop, AI and Rhino.

Color conveys emotions and recognition, materials determine functionality and texture, and the environment defines scenes and interactions, all of which together build the design experience.

I hope people will ask, 'Whose real needs does this design solve behind it?'

I would wonder: how did it accurately reach unspoken needs, and what innovations did it use to break existing boundaries?

I think anyone can be my ideal design partner, in most cases , design is the collaborative innovation amongst different areas, so I believe in co-design.

Anyone who can ask questions can always provide direction for polishing design inspiration.

Design Psychology - Donald A. Norman

By continuously observing the details of life, breaking down the underlying logic of classic cases, repeatedly verifying the feasibility of creativity in practice, and maintaining an open absorption of interdisciplinary knowledge.

I'd most want to meet Leonardo da Vinci — his boundless curiosity across art, science, and engineering, and his ability to bridge imagination with meticulous observation, would surely spark conversations that redefine how we see creativity itself.

I think the awards just recognized for my professional level, but it does not represent all of my design capabilities.

Deep green, Kyoto Arashiyama bamboo forest, matcha desserts, autumn, Moleskine notebooks, and MUJI are my favorite colors, locations, foods, seasons, items, and brands, each with their own unique design inspirations and aesthetic pursuits.

Keep in a good mood, and set a schedule to do the little piece of work every day.

When I was a child, I didn't have a clear prediction of becoming a designer, but my obsession with "breaking down the principles of things" and "reconstructing the world with a paintbrush" may have already planted the seeds of using creativity to solve problems.

In a thousand years, technology may reshape life, and artificial intelligence will deeply integrate into daily life and overcome difficult diseases. Humanity is expected to achieve breakthroughs in interstellar exploration and build a global collaborative mechanism, but it may also face ethical challenges in resources and technology.

Design should be people-oriented and meticulously crafted with attention to detail.

CZON's design team vertically integrates air energy tech, innovating whole-house comfort systems through scenario-driven solutions. Dual engines: "thermal efficiency reengineering + spatial behavior insights" transform heat pump and fluid tech into seamless living experiences. Core strength: cross-disciplinary collaboration between designers and engineers, ensuring products balance technical precision with spatial aesthetics.

Design is the equilibrium of technological reengineering and human-centric insight — transforming invisible gears like air energy heat pumps into breathable rhythms of comfort within living spaces. We design "disappearance": burying tech behind walls, letting warmth surface in life.

We obsess over designing "invisible" home systems — like embedding AC units and ducts as natural architectural organs. Industrial design translates complex air-energy tech into intuitive buttons and elegant curves, letting users enjoy comfort effortlessly, without needing a PhD in thermodynamics.

Our favorite design is the R290 AC outdoor unit. Using eco-friendly R290 refrigerant (zero ozone depletion), its ribbed shell creates dynamic light-shadow interplay, transforming industrial tech into architectural aesthetics. The team redesigned internal airflow paths, turning the unit into a wall-mounted tech sculpture with 60% lower carbon emissions than conventional models.

Our first mass-produced design was a heat pump AC prototype. The industrial design team worked as "space origamists": folding complex piping into a honeycomb chassis, with matte metal and woodgrain panels that blend into living rooms or balconies. This established our "dual fusion" philosophy — hiding tech in structure, dissolving products into living spaces.

Our top choice is R290 eco-refrigerant. This natural solution has zero ozone depletion and low carbon footprint. The industrial design team encapsulates R290's efficient thermal transfer into compact, safe, and visually clean equipment through structural optimization. Green tech magic: making natural energy flow gently through design.

When my design is implemented and brought to life.

We focus on three "invisible transformations": 1. Tech invisibility — hiding heat pumps and piping within structural elegance; 2. Effortless interaction — making temperature control as intuitive as breathing; 3. Architectural integration — blending devices into building textures. The goal: let technology stay silent, while comfort speaks loud.

When I design, I experience a rich tapestry of emotions. At the onset of the creative process, there’s a surge of excitement and anticipation as I brainstorm ideas, envisioning the endless possibilities that could come to fruition. As I delve deeper into the work, concentration takes over, and I often feel a sense of calm focus, almost losing track of time as I refine details and bring my concepts to life. When I encounter challenges or hit creative blocks, frustration can set in, but it’s also a driving force that pushes me to think outside the box and find innovative solutions. Finally, when the design is complete and meets my expectations, a profound sense of satisfaction and pride floods over me, knowing that I’ve transformed an abstract thought into a tangible creation.

Industrial design gains tangible warmth: technology finally feels as natural as air, and we’re crafting "invisible" tenderness.

A successful design should be clear, effectively conveying its intended message without confusion. It must also be highly functional, satisfying users' needs efficiently. Aesthetically, it should be visually pleasing, with a harmonious blend of colors, shapes, and textures. Finally, uniqueness is key; standing out with an original perspective makes the design truly memorable.

When judging a design, I first consider its functionality. A design should fulfill its intended purpose effectively, whether it’s a product that needs to be user - friendly or a graphic that needs to convey information clearly. After that, I look at its visual appeal. Aesthetically pleasing designs with good color coordination, layout, and proportion tend to attract and engage the audience more. Finally, I assess its originality. A unique design that stands out from the crowd shows creativity and can leave a deeper impression.

From my perspective, a designer shoulders significant responsibilities for society and the environment. They should create inclusive, user - friendly designs that enhance people's well - being and convey positive social values. Regarding the environment, designers must prioritize sustainability, opting for eco - friendly materials, minimizing waste, and maximizing energy efficiency. By integrating social and environmental considerations into their work, designers can drive positive change and contribute to a more harmonious and sustainable world.

The design field is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements like AI and VR, growing emphasis on sustainability, and a shift towards user - centered and cross - disciplinary approaches. Personalization and social media integration also play crucial roles. In the future, design will become even more digital and intelligent, with sustainability at its core. Cross - disciplinary collaboration will deepen, and there will be a stronger focus on enhancing the human - computer interaction experience while promoting cultural diversity.

Regarding the next exhibition, I am currently in the process of preparing some new designs. I hope to hold the next exhibition in about a year at a well - known design exhibition center. This time, I plan to focus on presenting a series of sustainable industrial designs, integrating environmentally friendly materials and innovative manufacturing processes to demonstrate my exploration and practice in the field of sustainable design.

My design inspiration comes from daily life, technological trends, and cultural traditions. I observe people’s needs, explore new materials, and study historical crafts. To boost creativity, I attend design events, exchange ideas with peers, and keep up with industry news.

My design style can be described as minimalist yet functional. I was drawn to this style because it emphasizes simplicity and practicality, which align with my belief that good design should solve problems without unnecessary complexity. The main characteristics are clean lines, uncluttered forms, and a focus on user experience. My approach to design is to start with in - depth user research, identify their needs, and then use simple and efficient solutions to meet those needs while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

I live in China. Undoubtedly, China's rich cultural heritage deeply influences my designs. Traditional elements like calligraphy, porcelain patterns, and architectural structures often inspire my aesthetic choices. The advantage of living here is the abundant cultural resources, providing endless inspiration and unique cultural connotations for my designs. However, the con is that sometimes the traditional cultural constraints may limit my innovative thinking, and I need to spend more effort breaking through the traditional framework to create more modern and international - oriented designs.

When working with companies, I first communicate in - depth with them to understand their brand positioning, target market, and specific design requirements. Then, I conduct research and analysis, put forward initial design concepts, and continuously communicate and modify them according to the company's feedback. During the process, I also collaborate closely with various departments of the company to ensure that the final design can meet both aesthetic and practical needs, and is feasible in terms of production and cost.

For companies working with a designer, I suggest clearly defining design goals and requirements, providing sufficient background information, and maintaining open communication. When selecting a good designer, companies should look at their portfolio to assess their design skills and style, check their professional experience and reputation, and also evaluate their communication and collaboration abilities.

My design process starts with in - depth research. I study user needs, market trends, and relevant technologies. Then, I brainstorm ideas, sketching out various concepts. After selecting the best concept, I develop it further, using 3D modeling and prototyping tools. Throughout the process, I constantly test and refine the design based on feedback to ensure it meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.

a minimalist floor lam，a modular sofa，a sleek and functional kitchen knife set，a wall-mounted clock with a unique geometric design，a set of stackable storage boxes

In the morning, I start by checking industry news and social media to keep up with the latest design trends. Then, I spend a couple of hours on ongoing design projects, sketching ideas, and working on 3D models. After lunch, I might have meetings with clients or colleagues to discuss design concepts and get feedback. In the afternoon, I do some research, exploring new materials, technologies, or user needs. In the evening, I unwind by reading design - related books or visiting art exhibitions, which also helps fuel my creativity for the next day's work.

For young designers, always stay curious and keep learning. Experiment with different styles and techniques. Don't be afraid of failures, as they are stepping - stones to success. Also, build a strong portfolio to showcase your work and skills.

Positively, designers can express creativity, see their ideas come to life, and have a significant impact on products. Negatively, there can be high stress from tight deadlines, client demands, and the need to constantly adapt to new trends and technologies.

My "golden rule" in design is to always prioritize user experience. No matter how aesthetically pleasing a design is, it must be functional and easy for users to interact with. By deeply understanding users' needs and behaviors, I can create designs that bring real value and make people's lives better.

For an industrial designer, creativity, technical skills, understanding of user needs, and attention to detail are crucial. These skills help create innovative, functional, and user - friendly products.

For software, I use CAD for precise modeling, SketchUp for quick 3D prototyping, and Adobe Photoshop for visual effects. Hardware includes a high - resolution monitor and a pressure - sensitive tablet. I also keep design books and regularly visit design exhibitions and online platforms for inspiration.

I use a project management approach to manage time. First, I break down the design task into smaller steps and set deadlines for each. Then, I prioritize based on importance and urgency. I also allocate specific time slots for research, sketching, and prototyping. By sticking to this schedule, I can ensure efficient progress.

Under normal circumstances, it takes one month or even longer, starting from sketching and ending with the final modeling and production of renderings. If it is necessary to communicate with the factory and implement the production, the time frame will be uncertain.

As a designer, the most frequently asked question is probably "How can you ensure the design meets our needs and stands out in the market?" My answer is always based on in - depth research of user requirements and market trends. By understanding the target users thoroughly, I can design products that are not only functional but also have unique selling points. Meanwhile, keeping an eye on competitors helps me create designs that differentiate and attract consumers.

My most important job experience was working on a smart home product project. I led a team to integrate user - friendly interfaces, intelligent functions, and aesthetic designs. Through continuous communication with clients and cross - departmental cooperation, we overcame many technical and design challenges, which greatly enhanced my overall design and project management abilities.

My clients include individual users, merchants, schools and so on. Each type of client has different needs.

I enjoy designing sustainable consumer products the most. The reason is that sustainable design combines functionality with environmental responsibility. By choosing eco-friendly materials and optimizing production processes, I can create products that meet users' needs while minimizing harm to the environment. For example, when designing a daily-use item like a water bottle, I can use recycled materials and design it for easy disassembly and recycling at the end of its life cycle. This not only gives the product a unique selling point but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle and a better future for the planet. It's rewarding to see how my designs can have a positive impact on both consumers and the environment.

I'm currently designing the new outdoor unit of the R290 air conditioner.

We work as a team.

I'm currently designing the new outdoor unit of the R290 air conditioner.

1595732019@qq.com