Hsintzu “Cindy” Chang’s Applied Chemistry Turns Scientific Innovations into Creative Designs

I'm Hsintzu "Cindy" Chang, an industrial designer working towards a master's degree at Pratt Institute with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry. My background in chemistry provides a logical mindset and helps me integrate scientific knowledge into my design process.

My studies at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art have further enhanced my interdisciplinary skills and teamwork abilities. I have experience working on diverse design projects, including medical devices, furniture, consumer products, and home goods.

I am passionate about creating functional and aesthetically pleasing products that improve daily life by closely observing and addressing everyday challenges.

Working on a design project is always thought-provoking and captivating. Each topic allows me to dive into unfamiliar fields, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and broaden my perspective through research and expert insights. Staying attentive to our daily surroundings and society helps me grow as a designer, enhancing my problem-solving abilities, creativity, and innovation.

Design is everywhere, with endless possibilities. As humans, we’re driven to create a better world and elevate our way of life. To achieve this, people dedicate themselves across fields, developing products, services, structures, and spaces to benefit others. Design is a testament to this creativity and commitment.

I’m deeply fascinated by furniture design—it’s an artful blend of creativity and function. Many furniture designers inspire me, each bringing a unique personality and perspective to their work. Through their designs, we experience the environments they've crafted. Furniture is essential to our lives, enhancing our spaces and interactions wherever we are.

Good design influences people profoundly, sparking thought and evoking emotional responses. To me, it creates a meaningful, positive impact on both people's lives and the environment, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity. Additionally, effective design serves its purpose while remaining visually appealing, simple, and innovative.

The design process starts with background research, which involves gathering information, exploring similar projects, and understanding the context. I conduct in-depth research, interview experts, and gather diverse perspectives to broaden my understanding.

Next, I begin sketching and rapid prototyping to explore different ideas and refine concepts. With each iteration, I narrow down my ideas, focusing on what aligns best with the design goals. As I move closer to the final design, I continue refining details, testing, and adjusting until I achieve a thoughtful, functional solution.

I’m thrilled to be the winner of the NY Architectural Design Awards! As an industrial designer working toward a master’s degree, this honor means so much to me—not only as a personal achievement but as a valuable endorsement of my career in design.

As a designer living in New York City, I often feel that many people in modern society have gradually lost their connection to nature. Growing up in the countryside, I spent a great deal of time immersed in natural surroundings. Now, I want to use that precious experience to bring the beauty of nature to others who seek to reconnect with it.

In the design industry, there’s no single correct answer or limit to solving a problem. Diversity drives creativity, with different perspectives from different people generating a vast range of ideas. These ideas are transformed into designs that change the world. Design also harnesses human potential, pushing boundaries and inspiring innovation. From tackling challenges on a nano scale to exploring possibilities in space, design has an impact far greater than we often realize.

My mom exposed me to all kinds of art when I was young, planting the seeds of my love for art and design. Conversations with my dad often revolved around daily problems and how we could use scientific knowledge to create innovative solutions. During my studies in chemistry, before stepping into the design world, Neri Oxman inspired me to pursue a design career. I saw the incredible potential and impact of combining science, engineering, design, and art.