Yuyi Zhuang

Unlike many others, my journey in product design started way before my degree. Product design was what I wanted to do from a young age.

I completed a higher diploma in product design at Hong Kong Design Institute in 2015 and was taught fundamental knowledge of product design, such as visual, graphical and digital modelling skills and producing prototypes of design solutions. After that I went straight into the design industry, working as a junior furniture and interior designer at MAYER DESIGN and later as a product designer at Alexander Wong Architects Limited. My projects involved designing for diverse clients and venues such as luxury retails, shopping malls, showrooms and cinemas. These work experiences revealed to me how inadequate I was in pursuing my dreams in product design with only a higher diploma. To improve, I have to keep learning. What I had was no longer enough. I quit my job and enrolled in Birmingham City University (BCU) for my degree.

In 2018, I graduated from BCU with a Bachelor of Art (First Class) in Product Design. The degree improved my mastery in design research, hand sketching, model making and presentation, culminating with a best student award in my graduating year. My final project titled ‘Protective Helmet for the cyclist’ was integrated with both communication and fall detection technology, which allows cyclists to get help by sending a message to the emergency contact when they encounter accidents. While studying, I was also invited to be a freelance designer at a design studio called Yellow Dot Design, a multi-disciplinary and consulting design company. These experiences have been didactic and conferred on me invaluable knowledge. My work embodies my human centric design philosophy and dedication in creating products which are popular, unique and truly improve people’s life.

Since 2019, I have been employed as a product design engineer in BMA Technologies Limited, which is a leading manufacturer and supplier of wire harnesses and custom cable assemblies. My existing design capabilities were further complemented by the engineering and manufacturing experience in this position. For example, I learnt how to estimate the molding cost, analyse the potential manufacturing problems of cable connectors’ outer and inner molding design and deal with related problems. I also ensure that our chosen materials can meet international specifications, such as UL-94 V-0 flammability Standard and shore-A harness. The insight into manufacture and engineering knowledge is extremely helpful for my prospect design path.

Finally, I am getting closer to what I really want to do but still I know it is not enough. After looking at many masters courses internationally and locally, I decided on the Integrated Industrial Design MSc at Loughborough University and completed my major project titled ‘Power-Lift’.

Being an international student and from Hong Kong, I’m good at bringing numerous creative and practical ideas to projects. I look forward to working in the UK.