Founder Interview @ Muse.World

Founder Interview @ Muse.World

 

Interview With The 2023 NY Product Design Awards Winner – Davidian Chen

Davidian Chen, the founder and CEO of DWC ETERNITY, is involved in product design, brand direction, customer experience enhancement, and international distribution processes.

 

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

I am Davidian Chen, the founder and CEO of True Agility Consulting Group and DWC ETERNITY. True Agility is a renowned management consulting and training company serving corporate clients globally.

On the other hand, DWC ETERNITY is a luxury watch brand espousing the philosophy of timelessness and eternity. I have dedicated my career to helping businesses excel while celebrating time's eternal nature through exquisite timepieces.

 

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

In my journey, it's not so much that I chose product design; rather, it chose me. My passion for aesthetics and functionality coupled with an inherent drive to create led me down this path.

Additionally, the philosophy of DWC ETERNITY perfectly coincided with my belief in amalgamating art and science, timelessness and precision, that yields exceptional watches. And thus, designs that strike a unique balance between functionality and style while reflecting eternity became fundamental to my role as a product designer.

 

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

I founded the True Agility Consulting Group, which offers management consulting and training to corporate clients worldwide. As CEO, I oversee business operations, lead strategies for growth and client satisfaction, and steer our course towards meeting long-term goals.

On the other hand, I established DWC ETERNITY, a luxury watch brand that brings together sublime craftsmanship and unique concepts of timelessness. At DWC ETERNITY, each piece mirrors the philosophy of celebrating eternity. My role involves product design decision-making, overall brand direction, customer experience enhancement, and managing international distribution processes.

 

4. What does “design” mean to you?

For me, the ideal design dances between the understated and the exquisite. Simple forms and a pared-down approach strike a chord, as they rise above passing fads and resonate with DWC ETERNITY's emphasis on enduring elegance.

Just like our watches, this kind of design celebrates the magic of less while never sacrificing luxury.

 

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

My favorite design is one that balances minimalism with sophistication. I love clean lines and a streamlined aesthetic because they transcend fleeting trends, aligning well with DWC ETERNITY's focus on timelessness.

This type of design finds essence in simplicity while not compromising on luxury, much like our watch collections.

 

6. To you, what makes a “good” design?

A "good" design to me is one that effectively balances form and function. It should communicate a clear narrative, solve a problem for its user, and also be aesthetically pleasing.

In other words, it's not just about looks; it's equally important how well the design performs its intended function.

 

7. Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

One word: "Simplicity". My motto is "Simplicity cultivates true elegance". I believed elegance is not about superficial details but rather about timeless craftsmanship that stood the test of time.

 

8. Tell us about your design process.

Our product design process is quite straightforward and organized. It first begins with meticulous research, where we thoroughly understand the project requirements and context. Then there's the ideation phase, wherein we generate a multitude of ideas and concepts. After that, these ideas are visualized either on paper or digitally during sketching or drafting. This is followed by refinement where we select a concept and meticulously polish it until its best form emerges.

Once refined, prototyping begins – this is when we create a working model of the design. At the testing stage, we evaluate the design's effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments based on feedback received. Finally, with everything finalized and optimized to perfection, delivery takes place as we prepare for implementation of our fully-realized design.

 

9. Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

Absolutely, Taiwan's cultural heritage significantly impacts our design process. Our rich traditions and unique aesthetics serve as a source of inspiration, fostering creativity in how we approach design.

We always strive to incorporate elements of our culture into our products, from the overall concept to finer details. This connection helps us design impactful products that resonate locally while also sharing part of Taiwanese culture with the global audience.

 

10. Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 NY Product Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

To me and my company, it is truly a recognition for our outstanding creativity, innovation, and dedication in design. Thanks NY Product Design Awards for validating our work's excellence and potentially open new opportunities while inspiring me and my company to continue striving for quality in future projects.

 

11. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 NY Product Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

We selected our first project named EternalProject to enter the 2023 NY Product Design Awards. EternalProject is a collection of wristwatches inspired by our original story "Book of Eternity" which is based on well-known Greek mythology.

It is a captivating fusion of ancient wisdom and modern design, encapsulating the enduring spirit of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, the Big Three in Greek mythology. The reason we choose EternalProject is simple, it's our first project and we are proud of it.

 

12. What was the biggest challenge with this project?

Delving into the world of watchmaking with my company, we grappled to identify dependable vendors, ones imbued with deep-rooted industry knowledge and experience. As an avid watch collector myself, I naively asked - "How hard could it be?" Truth be told, yes, crafting a product without quality consideration may not be rocket science; however, our vision was different - to create something that triggers an "A-HA!" moment as customers first gaze upon it and feel its presence on their wrist.

We worked tirelessly on research, vetted potential collaborators for DWC ETERNITY's debut venture before morphing ideas into reality. The production stage arose amidst an ongoing pandemic, fanning my concerns more about timely delivery than quality assurance. Nevertheless, we successfully navigated through 14 rigorous acceptance tests ensuring every piece impeccable! Learning we were soon welcoming our creations felt exuberantly relieving - this journey etches itself indelibly in my memory; it's indeed unforgettable!

 

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

DWC ETERNITY is a new brand in the watch market, winning awards could be a huge plus for raising our brand awareness. Me and my company believed that winning an award could bring recognition, bolster our reputation in the field, and open new opportunities.

 

14. What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?

Innovation, creativity, and the opportunity to impact society positively.

 

15. What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?

Taiwan holds a distinctive position in the design industry, largely due to three defining features. Firstly, it's the harmonious blending of tradition and modernity that sets its design aesthetic apart. Taiwanese designers masterfully merge age-old aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities to create unique and innovative products.

Secondly, Taiwan's distinction comes from its technological savoir-faire; being a technology powerhouse means that many designs are suffused with advanced tech trends, culminating in standout user-centric solutions. Lastly, sustainable practices play a major part in Taiwanese design ethos. A firm emphasis on eco-friendly principles reflects Taiwan's earnest commitment to environmental stewardship, further distinguishing its crucial role in the global design landscape.

 

16. Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

Firstly, a surge in digitalization is expected; design disciplines are poised to more extensively coalesce with digital technology, opening the doorway for amplified use of virtual and augmented reality experiences.

Secondly, sustainability is set to play an even greater role than it does today. Designers will strive harder than ever to minimize environmental impact and abide by ecologically friendly practices.

Lastly, user-centric designs will take the center stage. There's going to be a heightened emphasis on crafting designs that not only enhance usability and accessibility but also address the multifaceted needs and preferences of a diverse user base.

 

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

For all those entering the design sector, or aspiring to submit to the NY Product Design Awards, here's some advice from my personal experience: One, creativity is your best friend. The design realm cherishes innovative approaches and unique perspectives; keep pushing your boundaries.

Second, embrace the power of technology. Get comfortable with cutting-edge design software; they're indispensable in today's work scene.

Thirdly, sustainably is vital. Understand its importance and infuse green practices into your strategy.

Fourth, remember that practice molds perfection - work continually on your crafting skills and develop a portfolio that mirrors your talent.

Lastly, be open to criticism - take it constructively, let it guide you towards more refined work. And above all else – persist! Remember, this industry is as competitive as it gets.

 

18. What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?

Online platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy (even YouTube!) provide a host of courses taught by industry luminaries. It's also essential to get hands-on with design software or apps such as Adobe Suite (ex: Photoshop and Illustrator) could be your go-to tools.

Additionally, consider attending networking events or meetups; learning from your peers and building connections can open up unexpected opportunities. And don't forget online forums! Communities on StackExchange Graphic Design or Reddit can offer practical advice and ignite meaningful discussions about design. Remember: continual practice mixed with regular exposure to fresh concepts is key in this field!

 

19. Tell us something you have never told anyone else.

During my elementary school years, I had the unique opportunity to learn comic drawing from a professional manga artist for about four years. This incredible mentorship not only honed my artistic skills but also introduced me to the intricate world of manga artistry.

I explored various styles and techniques typically employed in manga, like character development, storytelling through visuals and the effective use of panels. The knowledge I received during these formative years continues to shape my artistic expression today and instilled in me a profound appreciation for this style of art.

 

20. Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Throughout my life, I have been deeply inspired not by celebrities or idols who seem worlds away from my own experiences, but by the everyday people who are right there around me. Why? Because their stories are real and relatable with a significant impact made in subtle ways.

These individuals demonstrate resilience and skill as they navigate life's challenges, offering an authentic source of inspiration on how one can lead a fulfilling life amidst ordinary struggles. Their lives may not be splashed across news and magazine headlines or celebrated on flashy award ceremonies, but to me, their courage, perseverance and authenticity shine just as brightly.

 

21. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Embracing and welcoming all changes in life, both major and minor, holds immense influence on one's journey. For me, the true essence of success echoes the insightful words of Benjamin Franklin: “Change is the only constant in life. One's ability to adapt to those changes will determine your success in life.”

This means recognizing change as an inevitable phenomenon and harnessing it positively gives us the strength to thrive amidst uncertainty. It pushes us beyond our comfort zones enabling personal growth and new experiences. Successfully navigating through life's transitions involves flexibility, resilience and a forward-thinking mindset, turning obstacles into opportunities for progress.

 

Read the full interview:

https://muse.world/interview-with-chien-chang-chen-of-dwc-eternity

 

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