Interview with Yinghua Lu for HYPEX

Yumei Feng | NY Product Design Awards
Interview with Yumei Feng from the United States
July 29, 2024
NAVIGATING CONSEQUENCES | London Photography Awards
NAVIGATING CONSEQUENCES | Reflecting Authenticity
July 30, 2024

Yinghua Lu

Yinghua Lu is a passionate footwear designer whose journey began with a foundation in product design from ArtCenter, delving into the intricate process of footwear creation. Professionally, Yinghua has contributed to projects for globally recognized sports brands like ANTA and ADIDAS.

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

Hello, I'm Yinghua Lu, a passionate footwear designer. My journey began with a foundation in product design from ArtCenter, which enabled me to delve into the intricate process of footwear creation.

Professionally, I've had the experience of contributing to footwear projects for globally recognized sports brands like ANTA and ADIDAS. Fueled by a profound passion for footwear, I am committed to crafting captivating and innovative projects within this dynamic industry.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a product designer?

I chose to become a product designer because of my profound love for footwear. From a very young age, I was captivated by shoes, constantly observing the latest trends and popular styles on the streets.

I then thought, why not pursue a career in footwear design? This realization led me to relocate to Los Angeles and embark on my journey at ArtCenter.

3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

As a footwear designer, my primary responsibility is to conceptualize and bring to life designs for shoes. Each day, I immerse myself in observing current fashion trends, industry developments, and what people are wearing to anticipate the next big trend.

The challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between creativity and commercial viability. It's essential to infuse each design with creativity while ensuring it appeals to consumers and can be manufactured efficiently.

After all, no matter how innovative a concept may be, its success ultimately hinges on its feasibility for production.

4What does “design” mean to you?

To me, design is the process of transforming ideas and concepts into tangible and functional solutions that enhance people's lives.

As a footwear designer, it's about more than just creating aesthetically pleasing shoes; it's about understanding the needs and desires of consumers, interpreting fashion trends, and innovating to create products that not only look good but also perform well and resonate with the market.

Design is a harmonious blend of creativity, functionality, and feasibility, with the ultimate goal of delivering meaningful and impactful experiences to users.

5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?

Definitely footwear design. The allure of footwear lies in its ability to blend fashion, functionality, and innovation seamlessly. Footwear design allows me to channel my passion for creativity into tangible products that people wear every day.

I love the challenge of staying ahead of trends, infusing each design with unique storytelling elements, and finding that perfect balance between creativity and commercial viability. Plus, the fast-paced nature of the industry keeps me constantly engaged and inspired.

6To you, what makes a “good” design?
To me, a "good" design transcends mere functionality and aesthetics; it fosters a profound emotional connection with its users.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
My design style is characterized by a harmonious balance between aesthetics and practicality, with a focus on understated elegance and seamless integration of details and inspiration.
8Tell us about your design process.
My design process varies depending on the project at hand, but it consistently follows a logical sequence: observation, research, ideation, and prototyping. Observation allows me to gain a deep understanding of the subject matter, while thorough research from the outset helps me uncover insights and identify optimal solutions.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

As a Chinese person, I am influenced by the subtle and reserved nature of Chinese culture. Just like kung fu, which uses softness to overcome hardness.

My cultural background leads me to pay attention to details while focusing on engaging content. This aspect greatly aids me in storytelling because captivating narratives are often filled with intricate details that invite careful examination.

10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

Winning the 2024 NY Product Design Award is a tremendous honor for myself especially lots of professional designers, big name company is competing at the same time. It signifies not only wider recognition of my work but also serves as validation of my design prowess within the competitive landscape of the industry.

This achievement showcases our commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence in design. Furthermore, it demonstrating my ability to deliver exceptional design solutions that resonate with both consumers and industry peers.

11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

HYPEX is a creek shoe design that seamlessly integrates outdoor functionality with hypebeast style. What distinguishes HYPEX is its innovative incorporation of safety belt-inspired elements, providing a secure foot lockdown for maximum stability, even in challenging terrains. Users can adjust the shoe's flexibility by pulling the metal pieces outward for a looser fit or pushing them inward for a tighter fit, with varying levels of elastic bands overlay.

Additionally, the visual language of gorpcore style enhances comfort and support, setting a new standard for urban river tracing enthusiasts. The integration of speed dry materials, ergonomic design, and outdoor footwear trends forms the foundation of this project, ensuring that HYPEX offers unparalleled performance and aesthetics.

The reason I chose to enter this concept into the competition is to introduce something unique to the footwear industry. I aim to showcase a product that appeals to trendy individuals, highlighting its suitability for outdoor use. My goal is to draw attention to this innovative concept and encourage more people to consider it as a stylish option for their outdoor activities.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was striking the right balance between aesthetics and functionality. While designing for trendy individuals, I also had to ensure the shoe met the performance demands of water tracing activities.

This required careful consideration to seamlessly integrate fashionable elements with practical features, ultimately delivering a product that not only looks stylish but also performs exceptionally well in outdoor environments.

13How has winning an award developed your practice/career?

Winning the 2024 NY Product Design Awards has significantly advanced my career and practice. Amidst stiff competition from seasoned professionals and major companies, this accolade represents a significant milestone.

It not only highlights broader recognition of my work but also validates my design expertise within the competitive industry landscape. This achievement underscores my dedication to innovation, creativity, and excellence in design, while also showcasing my ability to deliver exceptional solutions that resonate with both consumers and industry peers.

14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
My top three favorite things about our industry are the constant innovation and evolution, the opportunity to be part of the creative process and potentially even the creator behind the scenes, and the satisfaction of identifying and solving unaddressed pain points to improve people's lives. Each day brings something new and exciting, keeping my mind stimulated and refreshed.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
What sets my country apart in the design industry is its remarkable efficiency and rapid response within the supply chain. This agility enables us to achieve seemingly impossible feats and deliver results that often exceed expectations.
16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

I foresee the footwear design industry evolving over the next 5-10 years towards a paradigm where shoes are not just individual products people buy, but rather integral pieces that complement and enhance their outfits.

Each shoe will be imbued with its own unique story, becoming a statement piece that adds depth and personality to the wearer's ensemble.

17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring NY Product Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?

For aspiring students entering the industry or those considering submitting to the NY Product Design Awards, my advice would be to focus on effectively communicating your story to the viewer.

Pay attention to the details and thoroughly understand the motivation behind your design decisions. Ultimately, it's all about effectively communicating your ideas and the story behind your design.

18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
I would recommend exploring design websites, subscribing to design magazines, and studying past design award winners. These resources offer valuable insights into current trends, innovative techniques, and exemplary designs, providing inspiration and opportunities for skill development.
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
Opportunity, timing, place, and effort take me to this point. I have nothing but gratitude.
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?

I've been fortunate to draw inspiration from many individuals in my life. My father has always sparked my imagination since I was young, while my mother's unwavering encouragement has been a constant source of inspiration.

Additionally, as I've entered this industry, numerous designers I've had conversations with have provided me with courage and guidance. Their insights and wisdom inspire me every day, expanding my knowledge and pushing me to new heights in my career.

21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth, stay true to your passion, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.
22Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, friends, instructors from ArtCenter, the designers I've met in the industry, and all those who have supported and guided me along the way. Their unwavering assistance and encouragement have been indispensable on my journey, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions to my success. I could not have made it this far without them.

Winning Entry

HYPEX | 2024

HYPEX | MUSE Design Awards

Yinghua Lu

Yinghua Lu is a passionate footwear designer whose journey began with a foundation in product design from ArtCenter, delving into the intricate process of footwear creation. Professionally, Yinghua has contributed to projects for globally recognized sports brands like ANTA and ADIDAS.


Read more about Yinghua Lu's interview for the 2024 MUSE Design Awards!

Muse.World