An inflatable pen, an airbag for aerial workers, an E-letter box spitting letters with a push on the button…On the morning of June 29, students from Singapore Technologies Design University and Zhejiang University “Design Workshop” were showcasing their creative products. “We see improvements in every exhibition, indicating that our training is worth it.” The 18-day training offered an opportunity for the students to try the work of designers and produce interesting design works.
Singapore Technologies Design University (STDU) is a 4th public university under construction in Singapore. In 2010, Zhejiang University and STDU signed a cooperation agreement to carry out all-round academic exchange and cooperation in teaching and research. Student exchange programs are an important part of the cooperation. From 2013, STDU will send 100 students to Zhejiang University in student exchange program every year, while 50 Zhejiang University students will go to STDU for exchange.
"This time , the 5 students are vanguard,” introduced Dr. Yang Jiangshan ,the leader of the STDU delegation. The five students were carefully selected from a mass of candidates. In their 3-week visit at Zhejiang University, they were involved in “simulation practices” to learn designing with students at the International Design Institute of Zhejiang University.
"I used to think that designing means to develop new features and functions for a product. Now I understand it’s absolutely not the case. We develop solutions targeted at the problems found in the products. So designing is more of a problem-solving process.” Chen Yuankang from STDU commented.
"We’re trying to approach problems with more perspectives and make assessment from each perspective. After the process, we can decide the best solution.” Jessie from STDU remarked.
Chinese Instructor Ying Fangtian observed that the interest and talent demonstrated in the 3-week training were amazing. The 18-day simulation practices helped cultivate a problem-oriented way of thinking in students and allow them to truly understand designing work by integrating uniqueness, morality, emotion and aesthetic value.
In August this year, another 7 students from STDU will come to Zhejiang University “Design Workshop”. Their creative works will be exhibited in October at STDU.
