Self-cultivation of Returnee Designers

Published: 2026-01-26 00:00:00


Since the man named Watt invented the steam engine
Western society triggered the process of modern scientific and technological civilization through the Industrial Revolution
and always with a lead of more than one position
leads the development process of various industries
has established various excellent methodologies, value propositions, and advanced ideas



Thus, the Chinese people who love progress
go overseas to study one after another, then return to China,
Gradually narrow the gap between China and the world's leading level in various industries
From the Qing Dynasty's "learning from the barbarians' superior techniques to subdue the barbarians"
to the emergence of the world's second largest economy
Returnees have always been an important driving force for promoting industry progress

The industrial design industry is no exception
As a Yichen Design Team with the label of returnee from overseas
Over the years, in addition to delivering design value to global clients
has always taken it as its own responsibility to build a platform that can accommodate more diverse returnee designers
Contribute to the design system that connects China and the world

As the MIT Review article published last year
Call a team like Yichen "a representative of China's new generation of creative class"
Inject Western design concepts into the local product system, which is fast-paced and highly distinctive
Upgrade the copycat culture into a more globally competitive technological civilization



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This article specifically recommends two new returnees from overseas of Yichen for you
They were born in Macau and Taiwan respectively
Studied in the United Kingdom and the US
Works in Shenzhen


Lu Lou



Q: I heard that the boss's first question during the interview was how to distinguish your name Lou from the English slang loo (toilet). So what words came to mind for you at that time?
A: @!#$%^& ..... Since that's the name on the passport, I'm too lazy to change it.

Q: What's it like to study at Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design for undergraduate and the Royal College of Art for postgraduate, two prestigious design institutions?
A: Although the alumni of the Royal College of Art are more renowned, such as Jonathan Ive of Apple and James Dyson of Dyson, who are well-known in China, it is still more normal compared to St. Martin, where the atmosphere is rather strange and students often cross-dress.


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Q: Are the black-framed glasses meant to get closer to the temperament of a United Kingdom gentleman?
A: It's because of myopia and astigmatism.

Q: You attended primary school in Macau, secondary school and university in the United Kingdom, and worked in Shenzhen. Which experience was the most memorable for you? Why?

A: The United Kingdom, after all, I'm better at English than Chinese now thanks to it, and my life philosophy and values have also been influenced by that place.

Q: I heard that all those who study art overseas are rich kids... So are you still single?
A: What do you think?


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11g of ground, 22g of ground


Lou's designs often do not have seemingly grand and imposing sources
is rooted in the subtleties
His interpretation of design is attached to the experiences in life
convey deeper thoughts to the audience from the surface to the core



11g of ground, 22g of ground
is a series of cups designed by him during his college years, made from recycled coffee bean residue
Can be biodegraded after use



Just as some people believe that industrial design stimulates overconsumption
Located in the West
will particularly feel the strong attention from all sectors of society towards topics such as "Design and Social Responsibility"





In addition to creating objects, designers
also needs to express our generation's care and vision for the future



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Li Wen Wayne



Q: May I ask that since you are also a Taiwanese compatriot, why isn't your English name Coco?

A: Because coco is for drinking


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Q: Studying industrial design at National Cheng Kung University, the most well-known institution for industrial design in Taipei, what different understandings of design has it given you?
A: National Cheng Kung University is actually located in Tainan... Tainan has a slower pace of life and is a city that combines modernization and traditional culture. In design, it can also spark different thinking and produce designs with deeper cultural connotations.


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Q: As someone who grew up in the US, how do you view the differences between US industrial design and Chinese industrial design?
A: Industrial design and consumer habits in the US tend to emphasize functionality, with relatively rough use of colors and materials. Chinese design places more emphasis on the emotional significance of form. Moreover, China's more densely populated living environment means that products, in addition to their practical use, often need to have certain symbolic (showy) attributes.


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Q: What are the key skills required to walk on the boundary between being fat but not obese and oily but not greasy without crossing it?
A: The key is to move less. Lie down instead of sitting, sit instead of standing, and take a taxi instead of walking. Never touch healthy foods such as salads and vegetables. Going to bed before 12 o'clock will result in sufficient sleep time, greatly increasing fat burning. By mastering these three points, everyone can easily maintain a good figure like mine.


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Q: If you weren't a designer, what would you most like to do?
A: Supermodels, after all, can make money just by walking and wearing clothes. They just need to pretend to be very hardworking and dedicated. Or they might also want to try stand-up comedy, where they can make money just by telling jokes.
Sure! I'll photoshop a Victoria's Secret stage for you right away!


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is not just a "flexible fat guy"
Wayne's design thinking truly demonstrates unique imagination under multi-regional and multi-cultural backgrounds

His works often break the monotonous taste of uniformity
When designing services for multinational brands
can also be more adept at discerning customers' needs



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Except when being affectionately called "Mr. Li" by domestic clients
There will be a bit of confusion caused by the intertwining of time and space



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The times roll forward
More and more returnees
are constantly joining the ranks of those building the country
Become a leading talent in all industries

All industries are also adopting a more open attitude and providing higher-quality development platforms
Welcome the return of these overseas returnees



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What overseas experience has bestowed upon the designer
Beyond a shiny resume
A more international endorsement
More importantly, it is the ability to think and learn independently
is also a method and an attitude towards the industry



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The Chinese design industry, expected to grow with the participation of successive generations of returnees
can also, just like the predecessors did in transforming other industries,
Turn the world's into China's
Turn China's into the world's
Continuously showcase China's design value and strength on the global stage
Advancing to let the world rediscover the mission of Chinese design





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