Interview with Zhong Zicheng for SNUG SOCKS

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Zhong Zhicheng

Zhong Zhicheng, founder of sNug, has upheld the core principle of "offering solutions that genuinely address consumer needs" throughout the brand’s 18 years of research and development. He believes that a well-made pair of socks can deliver unmatched comfort and convey a sense of thoughtful care.

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

I grew up in a textile factory, so my background is in production and manufacturing. When I started working in the end-consumer market, my ideas stemmed from my own needs and observations of the market. For 18 years, sNug has adhered to the core principle of "providing solutions that truly address consumer problems" in our brand's research and development.

Through consumer feedback, we continuously invest in product development and innovation to ensure that our customers wear the safest, healthiest, most effective, and durable socks.

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

I grew up in Shetou, a town known for sock production, so I am very familiar with the manufacturing process of socks. However, socks are often overlooked as an accessory since they are worn on the feet. I have always believed that a good pair of socks can provide unparalleled comfort and a sense of being carefully cared for.

I hope to elevate the importance of socks, making them a key part of the wardrobe, and help everyone realize that a pair of socks can bring such comfort that even their mood improves!

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

From the very beginning, our company has held the highest goal of "Glorifying God and Benefiting People," with the core of our brand development centered around "providing safe and effective solutions to consumer problems." Our business philosophy is based on "high quality at affordable prices," guided by the principle of "earth-friendly sustainable management," and committed to "giving back to society and empowering the youth."

With this belief, we embarked on our business journey, establishing the sNug brand. sNug was the first in Taiwan to segment sock sizes, making socks that are more fitting and durable—socks that protect the feet, extend the life of shoes, and provide all-day comfort, embodying the expression of self-love.

4What does “design” mean to you?
The best design is one that solves consumer problems, improves their lives, and brings them a sense of happiness.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I prefer simple and stylish designs that can be paired with any outfit without standing out too much. These designs should give people more confidence in situations where they need to remove their shoes, with no unpleasant odors, no sagging, and no holes.
6To you, what makes a “good” design?
A "good" design is one that people don't want to take off once they put it on, a design that they reach for every time. This reflects the most genuine reaction from consumers.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
My inspiration is to help people compete in sports with more style and grace, without worrying about odor or interference, allowing them to perform at their best.
8Tell us about your design process.
It came from my own needs—I wanted everyone to no longer feel embarrassed by foot odor, to enjoy close relationships, and to be able to remove their shoes at any time while maintaining a positive image, without foot odor being a barrier to interpersonal relationships.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Yes! In my country, there is a general preference for black and plain colors to avoid the issue of mismatched socks and because black hides dirt better. Therefore, our primary focus is on darker, more durable colors. However, preferences vary greatly in other countries, where people may favor more vibrant colors.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Winning this award signifies that our design philosophy has been recognized internationally, which greatly encourages us in our efforts to expand globally.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The sNug odor-resistant socks are our company's flagship product and most well-known item. Their odor-resistant function, durability, and comfort still set them apart in the market. The work we entered into this competition combines design aesthetics with functional materials and ergonomic foot structure, making it, in our opinion, a perfect masterpiece.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?

The biggest challenge was the design constraints we imposed on ourselves. We believe that the internal seams of socks should be minimized to enhance comfort and safety, particularly reducing the risk of entanglement for infants and people with diabetes.

Therefore, we aimed to avoid overly complex patterns while still meeting modern fashion expectations, which was not easy to design.

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

It is a great honor for us to receive this award, and it also affirms sNug's commitment to sustainable development. sNug actively promotes ESG sustainability initiatives, aligning with the SDGs15 "Life on Land" development goal by prioritizing the use of natural and green materials, such as recycled PET bottle eco-friendly fibers, natural cotton, and lyocell, which are free of harmful substances. We also collaborate with factories that meet OEKO-TEX production standards to minimize waste and pollution during the manufacturing process.

sNug is dedicated to producing high-quality, washable, and durable socks, with the concept of "improving quality to reduce waste" to achieve the SDGs12 goal of "responsible consumption and production." Through this product design philosophy, sNug hopes to engage consumers in caring about issues related to the health of the planet and marine ecosystems.

14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Product design, packaging design, and listening to customer feedback.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?

My country is a country that integrates diverse ethnic groups and cultures, and this cultural uniqueness allows us to showcase distinctiveness in the design industry. In the past, my country was a major producer of socks, and we developed refined sock-making techniques and expertise. sNug's designers have incorporated this valuable technical knowledge along with the cultural diversity of my country's multi-ethnic society into their designs, demonstrating rich cultural diversity.

While designing socks, sNug also places great emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development. From material selection to every detail in the manufacturing process, we strive to achieve green sustainability. This philosophy ensures that our designs are not only beautiful and practical but also carry a responsibility and mission toward society and the environment.

This integration of ethnic culture, professional expertise, and innovative capability in design allows my country to showcase a unique design style in the global design industry.

16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
Under environmental policies worldwide, people will lean towards better quality and more durable clothing to reduce textile waste. This means that designs will likely move away from chasing short-lived trends and towards simpler designs that remain wearable for longer periods. We need to focus not only on aesthetics but also on functionality in our designs.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
You must have unwavering belief in your ideas to create products with soul. Don’t aim to be number one; instead, focus on your original intention and design something that conveys a meaningful message—this is good design.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Participate in competitions. The process can help you broaden your horizons and gain more inspiration.
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
Every pair of our socks goes through 13 quality control procedures to ensure they meet the highest standards.
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?
The insecurity, bullying, and social isolation caused by foot odor inspire me. If changing a pair of socks can solve these issues, how wonderful would that be? It’s a low-cost way to achieve high-value interpersonal relationships.
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Stay true to your beliefs and dare to use high-cost materials that others haven’t tried to make socks.

Winning Entry

SNUG SOCKS | 2024

SNUG SOCKS

Zhong Zhicheng

Zhong Zhicheng, founder of sNug, has upheld the core principle of "offering solutions that genuinely address consumer needs" throughout the brand’s 18 years of research and development. He believes that a well-made pair of socks can deliver unmatched comfort and convey a sense of thoughtful care.


Read more about this interview with Claudia Wang for Temporal Rose, the Second Quadrant, the Gold Winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards.

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