Wentao Zhong

I love envisioning and illustrating the world around me. Designers can reimagine these experiences and turn them into meaningful designs for and with people. A career in design would allow me to harness my experiences and ideas to help others and positively impact the world.

W Studio is a collective of designers with diverse expertise in architecture, landscape design, urban design, and UI/UX design. We collaborate by sharing ideas from different perspectives and leverage our skills to communicate and develop prototypes or concepts. Our projects range across multiple scales, from architecture and landscape to furniture and toys.

Design is about recognizing problems and needs, innovating new approaches to problem-solving, and, most importantly, helping people live in a better world.

I find great satisfaction in creating small-scale outdoor and indoor furniture designs. The process begins with developing low-cost prototypes, allowing us to quickly gather feedback from users and make necessary improvements. This iterative approach ensures that the final design is not only visually appealing and affordable but also durable and environmentally friendly. By prioritizing sustainability and user input from the outset, we create pieces that have lasting appeal and contribute positively to both the environment and people's lives.

Designers must constantly think on different scales and seek feedback to improve their work. It’s essential to remain humble, continually learning new skills and insights from others. By listening to diverse perspectives and learning from them, designers can enrich their approach and ensure that these varied experiences contribute to creating truly "good" designs.

Research, discussion, and prototyping are central to my approach to design. I believe that thorough research lays the groundwork for a well-informed and effective design. Engaging in discussions with colleagues and clients is crucial, as it allows me to gather diverse perspectives and refine ideas. Prototyping serves as a practical tool to test concepts and gather real-world feedback. Rather than working in isolation, I prefer to collaborate closely with others. This collaborative approach not only enriches the design process but also ensures that the final outcome is both innovative and aligned with the needs and expectations of those involved. By integrating research, open communication, and iterative prototyping, I strive to create designs that are thoughtful, relevant, and successful.

Research, discussion, and prototyping are the cornerstones of my design process, with each contributing uniquely to the creation of effective and impactful solutions.

Research - is the first step, involving a deep dive into the problem at hand. This includes understanding the context, gathering data, analyzing trends, and exploring existing solutions. Through comprehensive research, I aim to gain a thorough understanding of the user needs, market conditions, and any constraints or opportunities. This foundational knowledge ensures that the design is not only informed but also relevant and innovative.

Discussion - follows, where I actively engage with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. These conversations are vital for brainstorming ideas, sharing insights, and gaining diverse perspectives. Collaborative discussions help refine concepts and address potential challenges early in the process. By incorporating feedback and fostering an open exchange of ideas, I ensure that the design evolves in a way that is well-aligned with user needs and project goals.
Prototyping - is the practical application of research and discussion. Creating prototypes—whether low-fidelity sketches, digital mockups, or physical models—allows me to test and validate design concepts. This iterative process provides valuable feedback and helps identify areas for improvement. Prototyping clarifies design ideas and helps communicate them effectively to stakeholders, enabling iterative refinement and ensuring the final design meets its intended objectives.

My design is also profoundly influenced by my country, China, and its rich cultural heritage. China's deep historical roots and diverse traditions provide a wellspring of inspiration that permeates my work. Elements such as traditional art forms, architectural styles, and cultural symbols often find their way into my designs, adding layers of meaning and connection.

China's extensive history offers a wealth of design motifs, techniques, and philosophies that I integrate into modern contexts. For example, the principles of Feng Shui, which emphasize harmony between human environments and natural forces, can guide spatial arrangements and aesthetic choices. Traditional Chinese craftsmanship and materials, such as intricate woodwork or delicate ceramics, inspire me to incorporate unique textures and details into my designs.

Winning this award has been a major milestone for us. It not only validates our innovative approach but also opens doors to new collaborations, significantly boosting our credibility within the design community. I am thrilled to receive this award. It means a great deal to our team and inspires us to think more deeply about the world and the challenges we face. As always, design is a powerful tool for reflection, listening, creation, and enhancing communication, ultimately helping us build a better world.

We are always seeking ways to bring people together through play, and our new Wooden Rotating Seesaw is a great example. This charming, all-wood seesaw can accommodate up to four players and features a unique assembly mechanism that requires no screws, making setup and disassembly easy. It’s more than just a play structure; it’s a catalyst for communal fun and connection. As it gently rotates, it creates an environment where laughter and conversations flow freely, fostering bonds that bridge ages and backgrounds. This seesaw turns playtime into a shared experience, uniting people through the simple joy of play.

Ensuring that this structure is both stable and easy to assemble using only wood presents one of the biggest challenges for our project. Our team has been dedicated to overcoming this challenge by experimenting with various wood assembly techniques and creating multiple prototypes using CNC cutting. We meticulously tested each design to determine the most effective method for achieving stability and ease of assembly.

Our approach involved exploring different joint configurations and structural designs to find the optimal solution. We conducted thorough analyses and adjustments based on performance tests to refine our prototypes. Each iteration brought us closer to a design that balances structural integrity with user-friendly assembly.

The result is a seesaw that meets our aesthetic and functional goals and ensures a hassle-free setup and dismantling process. By continuously iterating and refining our prototypes, we have developed a robust and efficient design that stands up to the rigors of active play while remaining easy to assemble and disassemble.

Winning this award has been a pivotal moment for our previous project, and we are committed to leveraging this experience to reach more people and better understand their needs. We aim to think expansively and use our designs to engage with a broader audience, addressing various issues. We are both excited and optimistic about the opportunity to continue our distinctive design work, confident that our approach will foster meaningful connections and provide effective solutions.

Communication is the cornerstone of effective collaboration and successful project outcomes. It ensures clarity, making sure that ideas are accurately conveyed among team members, clients, and stakeholders. Effective communication in design goes beyond merely sharing information; it involves actively listening, offering constructive feedback, and aligning everyone toward a unified vision. This dynamic exchange of ideas and insights refines concepts and helps ensure that the final design resonates with its intended audience.

An innovative atmosphere is crucial in the design process, fostering a culture of experimentation and curiosity. In such an environment, traditional methods are challenged, and boundaries are pushed, leading to the discovery of novel solutions. This space encourages the exploration of new technologies and methodologies while embracing creative risks. It empowers designers to think beyond conventional limits and approach problems from fresh perspectives, resulting in breakthroughs that can redefine industry standards.

Creative thinking is a driving force behind exceptional design. It involves approaching challenges with an open mind, generating original ideas, and blending diverse influences into unique solutions. Creative thinking goes beyond aesthetics; it encompasses problem-solving, user experience, and functionality. It requires a combination of intuition and analytical skills, allowing designers to create experiences that are visually compelling, meaningful, and effective. By embracing creative thinking, designers can elevate ordinary concepts into extraordinary innovations that deeply resonate with their audience.

The Chinese design industry stands out for its unique blend of rich cultural heritage and rapid modernization. Traditional elements, such as calligraphy and ceramics, are seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices. This dynamic combination reflects China’s swift urbanization and economic growth, fostering a design landscape that embraces both historical influences and contemporary trends. The industry benefits from strong government support, a growing middle class with evolving tastes, and a focus on nurturing emerging talent through advanced education. Additionally, global exchanges introduce international influences, enriching China’s design scene and positioning it as a hub of creativity and technological advancement.

AI-generated tools will be a key focus over the next 5 to 10 years. Instead of worrying about potential job loss, it's more valuable to concentrate on strengthening human connections and enhancing quality of life. We should aim to effectively communicate with both AI and people, using AI to streamline tasks and allow more focus on design, communication, and improving our everyday experiences.

Stay humble and view every challenge as an opportunity for growth. In design, it’s crucial to prioritize the user’s needs in every decision you make and keep sustainability at the forefront of your work. As you advance in this field, strive for your designs to solve problems and inspire and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

"The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman emphasizes the importance of user-centered design, advocating for intuitive, functional, and error-preventing products by focusing on key principles like affordances, signifiers, feedback, and constraints.

I have been making toys and models since I was three years old.

Oki Sato is celebrated for his minimalist yet playful approach to design, often blending simplicity with a touch of whimsy. His work spans various disciplines, including architecture, interior design, furniture, and product design. I learned a lot from how he thinks about design and always strives to be creative, using various design approaches to solve problems.

Never fear failure. In design, encountering new challenges is a natural part of the process. Each obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace these challenges with curiosity and openness, exploring solutions from various perspectives. By continuously learning and applying these insights, you can transform setbacks into stepping stones for innovative design. Persistence is key—keep trying, adapt, and refine your approach. Remember, perseverance and a willingness to experiment are crucial to achieving success and making meaningful contributions to the design field.