Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Lifehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/team-1-scaled.jpeg25601920Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/team-1-scaled.jpeg
Tell us a little more about yourself. What do you do at ComfortDelGro?
I’m currently working at ComfortDelGro (CDG Zig app) as a Senior UI/UX Designer. I am deeply passionate about solving problems and making useful things for people. I leverage research and data to transfer insights to actionable design solutions which solve problems for both users and businesses.
How do you feel when you see consumers using the CDG Zig app?
I feel both happy and proud when I receive compliments or feedback from the users. With the given feedback, we try to enhance the user experience in the app.
Interaction with any product produces an experience (emotion) – whether it has UX or not. Thus, we establish connections with the users by tapping into their emotions through enhancing their user experience.
What has been your personal mantra?
As a firm believer of having a positive attitude, I constantly advise myself to never let go of the witty kid inside me. I believe that such a mindset can create a ripple effect to the world in volumes.
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the Zig app and possesses a passion for creating useful solutions.
If you had the chance to turn back time, what would you tell your 20-years old self?
Embrace technological endeavours, and make sure that they are accessible, applicable, and affordable to all.
Keep on learning and enjoy what you learn.
Living in a world where technology is ever advancing, is there anything you wish would remain unchanged?
Technology makes life easier and more comfortable for humans. It enables us to save both time and money. Indeed, AI can replace some of our jobs.
But leadership, socio-emotional skills and human intelligence are irreplaceable facets of the world. The human intelligence and humanity that run the world should remain unchanged.
Having recently joined DBCS Circle Connects, what topics are you looking forward to in the future?
Design Thinking, UI/UX, Interior Design and Product Design
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ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Ergoworks are the premier ergonomics concept store that provides an integrated solution for one who appreciates the benefits of healthy ergonomics lifestyle.
A cherished, destination, the Rifle Range Nature Park has restored natural forest and wetland habitats, while providing recreational spaces for the community.
SNACK is the only financial lifestyle app for the ultimate flexibility in micro insurance and investments. You never have to worry about hefty monthly premiums or lock-in periods ever again.
ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Circle Connects Decemberhttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DBCS_Circle-Connects_Dec_Fashion.jpg10001000Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DBCS_Circle-Connects_Dec_Fashion.jpg
The fashion sector is one of the world’s largest industries, and in design, fashion technology is growing faster than ever. Fashion companies are partnering with technology providers, snapping up startups, and even building their own tech, leveraging the opportunity to open up more revenue streams and business models.
Faced with challenges brought on by environmental impact amongst others, fashion companies are constantly reexamining processes across the value chain to reinvent themselves as a conscious business model.We are excited to hold our first Circle Connects on fashion and sustainability!
Yan Ng, CEO of Lily and Lou and Sean Chiu, Head of UX Design, Vestiaire Collective APAC will be joining us for a fireside chat to give their take on how this transition can be navigated and effect change. If you are working in the fashion industry or curious to learn about how sustainability and fashion can be integrated as a way forward, sign up now: https://app.glueup.com/event/66990/
Lily and Lou believes in the power of customisation where customers can design their own unique, sustainable clothing that lasts beyond its season. Vestiaire Collective fights fashion waste by giving a second life to the clothes we no longer wear and aims to transform the fashion industry for a more sustainable future.
Shoutout to Raffles Education for sponsoring their venue at their spanking new premises in the heart of Orchard Road and Singapore Fashion Council as our Supporting Partner.
SG Mark 2023https://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SG-Mark-Open-Call_3_11_22.jpg10801080Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SG-Mark-Open-Call_3_11_22.jpg
Each year, SG Mark attracts new and innovative projects from all over the world, celebrating the very best in design across 7 disciplines, with a special category introduced (watch this space for more details)! Entries are reviewed and judged by an influential jury panel of experienced academics and established industry professionals.
Show us what you can bring to the table. Be recognised for your design excellence and commitment towards creating superior designs that improve lives.
The Duo Behind PLUS Grouphttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7.jpeg16001600Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7.jpeg
How was Plus Group founded? How did Mervin and you meet and become a business duo?
PLUS was founded by 11 other members. We started out as a student group in NUS Architecture that explored life plus curriculum outside of architecture to enrich our understanding of what design can do to a creative person. From the student group, the Head of Dept and our Professors encouraged us to form something more concrete outside of the school’s vicinity, to harness the unique synergy that we have built in school.
Currently, most of the other partners have expanded their personal careers and have left PLUS, a situation that we knew would arise and hopefully our journeys will meet in the new future to push PLUS again.
Husband-and-wife creative duo, Mervin and Cheryl are founders of the PLUS Group, a Gold Recipient of the Singapore Good Design Awards 2022.
Instead of focusing on a specific niche, why interdisciplinary?
We have always felt that design is a strategy to reach a goal that was carved out. We view each project with a holistic approach and suggest different outputs that we feel will have the best outcome. Therefore, to be able to achieve this unusual approach, we needed an interdisciplinary setup.
“Design is subjective. But your objectives aren’t.” Could you further explain this bold statement on PLUS Group’s website?
Design as a topic is definitely subjective. What is “nice” or “beautiful” to a person, might not necessarily be the same to another. However, when achieving a goal with proper setups of targets to meet, that becomes objective. For PLUS, this is where the data and art or design meet.
What went through your mind when the project – Insecta Iridesse was awarded the Singapore Good Design Gold Award?
We were definitely delighted. It just proves that our hard work meant something to others, especially those within the design industry. It was tough to convince clients of our unusual approach to design, but this helps in showing that our ways, though unconventional, could still yield positive results.
What is one of the most worthwhile investments that both of you have ever made for a project?
Community projects are something new that we are exploring. Seeing the faces of the communities and having them respond to you the way you want your design to impact them – those situations are priceless.
Leading a team isn’t easy. Do you have any advice for solopreneurs or managers on what it takes to succeed and/or complete a project?
We are not sure if it is an advice, but we make sure the team in PLUS eats a lot. Eating is our form of appreciation and eating is our way of showing that we care. Make sure the team is being taken care of and the team will take care of you.
As the saying goes, two heads are better than one. If we may ask, how do you and your partner take care of each other after work?
We do not know actually. Our lives are so intertwined with work that it sometimes gets muddled up and the flow just leads the way.
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ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Ergoworks are the premier ergonomics concept store that provides an integrated solution for one who appreciates the benefits of healthy ergonomics lifestyle.
A cherished, destination, the Rifle Range Nature Park has restored natural forest and wetland habitats, while providing recreational spaces for the community.
SNACK is the only financial lifestyle app for the ultimate flexibility in micro insurance and investments. You never have to worry about hefty monthly premiums or lock-in periods ever again.
ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
EMBRACE!https://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/embrace-day.jpg500500Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/embrace-day.jpg
Project EMBRACE seeks to beautify Singapore’s landscape and unite people with MRT pillars.
I frequently go down to the track right by the MRT to run and I’ve often thought that the spaces could have been better utilised. The idea of EMBRACE is to clad the MRT columns with 22 used holding panels and allow members of the community to come together to paint them and express themselves.
About the project
The premise of this project stemmed from a far-sighted concern on the MRT system. Mindful about the implications the fixed corridors created by the network of on-grade MRT tracks have on our city when WFH becomes the norm, how can design spark online or physical conversations/collaborations to rejuvenate our community spirit in a post-pandemic Singapore?
EMBRACE cleverly reuses construction hoarding steel panels affixed on circular steel support around the MRT pillars, with hoarding panels serving as canvas for any community expression through Paint, Stick or Project. The initiative showcases our people’s ingenuity for turning an urban challenge into opportunity, while the colours and vibrancy of the adorned columns embraces our diversity, creativity and aspirations.
Like what you read? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and Youtube to get the latest updates!
ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Ergoworks are the premier ergonomics concept store that provides an integrated solution for one who appreciates the benefits of healthy ergonomics lifestyle.
A cherished, destination, the Rifle Range Nature Park has restored natural forest and wetland habitats, while providing recreational spaces for the community.
SNACK is the only financial lifestyle app for the ultimate flexibility in micro insurance and investments. You never have to worry about hefty monthly premiums or lock-in periods ever again.
ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
SG Mark Winners Sharinghttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SDW_Singapore-Good-Design-SG-MARK-SHARING.jpg10801080Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SDW_Singapore-Good-Design-SG-MARK-SHARING.jpg
Fresh from their triumph at the Singapore Good Design awards, a few of our winners will be joining us for a sharing session on 27 Oct, 3pm to 5pm at Pixel, One North.
Speakers will engage us with their success stories on how they have thrived in a positive design culture and robust processes, aligned their stakeholders’ expectations and how winning the SG Mark has made a positive impact.
In the line-up:
– Dylan Soh & Calvin Soh, Co-Founders of One Kind Block for Kinder and Greener together
– San San Yap, Design Experience Director of Accenture Song for CPFB Members’ Platform Reimagined
– Mervin Tan, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Plus Group for Insecta Iridesse
As part of Singapore Design Week, feel the creative pulse and join us in championing thought leadership and showcasing the best in design from Singapore and beyond!
3D Printing and Pokemon Enthusiast, Matt of Imagene Creativehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-8.jpg16001066Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-8.jpg
Tell us a little more about yourself. What excites you in life?
Hello, I am Matt, a photographer, a maker, and a designer. More importantly, I am a 3D printing enthusiast who enjoys creating new products that solve everyday problems. I work on a wide range of 3D printed projects ranging from architecture models, toy making, engineering solutions to many everyday products. As convenient as 3D printing is, not all parts of a product need to be 3D printed.
I often go shopping at stores like Daiso to hunt for a simple base product (for example a spray bottle) and enhance its features functionally or aesthetically by modifying the base product to suit it for a specific purpose. As a huge fan of Pokemon, I creatively recreate functional items that reflect the characteristics of some of my favourite Pokemons.
How was Imagene Creative founded?
Although Imagene Creative officially started in 2020, the preparation works started much earlier. When I was in university, I realised a market gap in which students are expected to complete their prototype for their course work within a certain time period, but there are often not sufficient resources in schools for everyone to utilise. That was when I began to provide a prototyping service via 3D printing.
I started off with only one personal 3D printer on hand, and as the business grew, I acquired more printers along the way. Through this journey, I met more like-minded people and that is where I got exposed to workshop facilitation in the area of design across various levels. I really wanted to advocate the convenience of self-printed products and the power of imagination that allow oneself to break free from the concept of forced adaptation of lifestyle based on the restriction by the readily-available-products in the market.
Currently, Imagene Creative is a start-up based in the SUTD Entrepreneurship Centre (EC) where the school provides support for its students and alumni to kickstart their creative process. This environment provides a safe harbour and a close network for like-minded individuals to spark creativity and mutual learning.
From 3D printing services to offering workshops, which activity engages you the most?
I would say that both the 3D printing services and the conduct of workshops are closely related within the design ecosystem; they are in an upstream-downstream relationship. Firstly, the teaching of design or entrepreneurship allows students to create solutions on paper or in some form of 3D software, then there is a need to prototype them into the real-world space for testing, and that is where 3D printing comes in.
Matthew Chiu is a young entrepreneur and the founder of Imagene Creatives, where he works on an array of 3D printed projects.
How did the PM50 project come about?
The PSM50 is a project that took all my skills to test. I was referred by one of my university professors in Architecture about an opportunity to re-create replicas of national monuments in Singapore in collaboration with the National Heritage Board (NHB). Having a degree in Architecture, creating 3D models of buildings should not be that difficult of a task, at least that is what I thought at first. In the engagement of PSM50, I was tasked to recreate digital 3D models of 11 renown monuments before 3D printing them physically within a short period of 2.5 months.
The real challenge lied where I had to recreate the digital 3D models without the full set of building documentation mainly due to security reasons. In order to complete the task, I will then have to rely on puzzling complete images of various sources together such as Google Maps, Google Earth, Instagram, and several onsite visits to determine the shape and proportions of the monuments. Another challenge involved the short timeline where I had to stagger the virtual model creation and the physical 3D printing. While the first monument had been loaded on the 3D printer, I would have to start on the next monument immediately. Though the job was tedious, I had a lot of fun learning about our history as I was detailing the model.
One of the 11 monument miniature models that I was tasked to create was the “Bowyer Block” that is located within the Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Besides the models needed for the PSM50 Exhibition, I was also tasked to fabricate extra Bowyer Block models that were going to be given as tokens-of-appreciations to VIPs during an important event. I was thrilled to be told that one of the Bowyer Block models was even presented to PM Lee.
How did you feel when you learned that you were awarded the Singapore Good Design Award?
I was really excited when I was notified about the award and the opportunity to be able to interact with fellow brilliant designers in Singapore. In my impression, SG Mark is a prestigious recognition given to the top designers across the sectors and I would not have fathomed receiving it before I got to work on the PSM50 exhibition.
During the gala dinner, I was honoured to be meeting so many like-minded individuals and organisations that are pushing the forefront of design in various aspects in their own unique ways. The award ceremony acts as a symposium that motivates and encourages people to solve everyday problems creatively using design as a focal point, to emphasise that there is more than one approach to solve the same problem; where each individual can potentially solve a similar problem in a very unique approach that leverages on their personal experiences and beliefs.
Overall, it was a fun and joyous experience in both knowing about getting the award and attending the actual event itself.
Is there any equipment or software that you use to help you manage your workload and productivity?
Yes, simply a 3D printer. The response may give the impression that I am a geek, but I wouldn’t want to be classified as one. Having a 3D printer at home keeps my brain active and allows me to immediately prototype my ideas into the real world, without having to wait till the next day at work. I do not particularly agree with the phrase “to sit on an idea and give it another thought”. I believe in the rapid cycle of “prototype – test – learn – repeat”.
Having to materialise my ideas allows me to test it immediately in terms of ergonomics and usability, which are aspects of design that are hard to foresee just by thinking. Thus, having a 3D printer at home grants me the power to create something overnight literally by just sending the file into the printer and heading to bed.
One example was the involvement in the “MakersAgainstCovid19” organisation that was founded during the initial Covid days where the 3D printing community in Singapore collectively printed 52,000 ear-savers for the frontline workers within a short period of time. The ear-savers were printed and iterated in batches rapidly in accordance with the feedback obtained.
What helps you to decompress and recuperate after work?
I indulge in a wide range of activities such as kayaking, prawning, 3D printing, photography, and surfing. Well, the most interesting activity to share might be my photography hobby where I have moved beyond digital cameras. When I say, “moved beyond”, most would think that I have shifted to something more high-tech. But no, it is the exact opposite. I am now doing Gameboy Photography which is a 1990s technology. Being a 90s kid, the Gameboy is something that I personally grew up with. But only recently did I realise that there is something called the Gameboy Camera which was released back in 1998 which I did not have the luxury to have back then.
The Gameboy Camera is basically a game cartridge with a built-in camera and allows the Gameboy device to become a camera upon plugging the cartridge in. Although the Gameboy Camera produces a low-resolution image, the image has a unique timeless style to it. As the Gameboy Camera has a built-in wide-angle lens, it is difficult to capture portraits with a rather clean background.
To mitigate the issue, online enthusiasts have attempted to combine a Gameboy Camera cartridge with modern DSLR camera lens with a customised adapter. In my case, I have 3D printed my own adapter using the online provided file and added my own modification of an extra grip for a more stable and pleasing shooting experience. The process of creating such an adapter had demonstrated my emphasis on the “prototype – test – learn – repeat” cycle as one will never get the prototype right on the first try itself.
Beyond working hours, do you have any commitments or activities that you pursue?
Beyond working hours, I am actually a full-time dad for my 8-month-old daughter. From my very brief experience, juggling fatherhood and work is not easy at all but I will say it is indeed very fruitful when you see that happy face smiling at you after a long tiring day of work.
My love for 3D printing does not just get confined with work; I think it is more of a way of living to be constantly creative and try to problem-solve using design. I have designed and 3D printed various gadgets and toys that help me with fatherhood along the way whenever I encounter “opportunities”. Yes, I will identify those as opportunities instead of problems, so yes, I am quite “problem-free”!
Like what you read? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and Youtube to get the latest updates!
ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Ergoworks are the premier ergonomics concept store that provides an integrated solution for one who appreciates the benefits of healthy ergonomics lifestyle.
A cherished, destination, the Rifle Range Nature Park has restored natural forest and wetland habitats, while providing recreational spaces for the community.
SNACK is the only financial lifestyle app for the ultimate flexibility in micro insurance and investments. You never have to worry about hefty monthly premiums or lock-in periods ever again.
ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Scratchbachttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/scratchbac2.jpg17781000Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/scratchbac2.jpg
Scratchbac was inspired by the thought of connecting neighbours together.
Scratchbac is a proximity-based app that originally started out to solve my personal problem but the idea quickly grew to something bigger than myself.
We began organising events such as inviting neighbours to come down and play games together and small markets where people could bring down and exchange their pre-loved items with one another.
Like what you read? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and Youtube to get the latest updates!
ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Ergoworks are the premier ergonomics concept store that provides an integrated solution for one who appreciates the benefits of healthy ergonomics lifestyle.
A cherished, destination, the Rifle Range Nature Park has restored natural forest and wetland habitats, while providing recreational spaces for the community.
SNACK is the only financial lifestyle app for the ultimate flexibility in micro insurance and investments. You never have to worry about hefty monthly premiums or lock-in periods ever again.
ZipBlind was created based on the company’s ethos of putting our customers first. With over 10 years of experience in the market, we studied the balcony needs of Singaporeans and gathered feedback from consumers who have purchased similar zip blind systems to create the ultimate blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Franchising Licensing Asiahttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Partner-Banner-1000x1000px.jpg600600Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Partner-Banner-1000x1000px.jpg
Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia), Asia’s leading Franchising and Licensing marketplace, is returning to in-person event on 27 – 29 October 2022, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore with the theme “Franchising Reset: Seizing New Franchise Opportunities in Asia Pacific”.
A Celebration of Good Designhttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SDW_Singapore-Good-Design-SG-MARK-SHARING-04-03.jpg10811082Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SDW_Singapore-Good-Design-SG-MARK-SHARING-04-03.jpg
Singapore Design Week (SDW) returns this September! One of Asia’s premier design festivals, SDW returns with a brand new vision, exploring design through 3 defining festival pillars: Design Futures, Design Marketplace and Design Impact.
In celebration of creativity and innovation, we are excited to be onboard as one of the community partners, presenting a Celebration of Good Design. This event showcases 90 winning projects of the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark ) 2022 – a roving exhibition held across 2 venues, showcasing 7 categories, namely Architecture, Interior Design, Digital Solutions, Experience Design, Product, Sustainable Design and Special Category: Virtually Unlimited.
On top of that, anyone is welcome to vote for the People’s Choice Award for SG Mark 2022 and have a say in deciding which project is deserving of further recognition!
Event Details: Date: 17 to 30 Sep 2022 Time: 9am – 9pm Venue: Fusionopolis One Atrium 1 Fusionopolis Way, S(138632)
Event Details: Date: 16 Oct to 30 Oct 2022 Time: 11am – 10pm Venue: Jewel Changi Airport Near Bengawan Solo
