Treasured designer: UNNC's hidden gem
Ever since the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) introduced its video programme, "Nottinghorizon", four scholars from the realms of artificial intelligence and computing, fintech, mechanical engineering, as well as language and literature, have captivated audiences with their lucid presentations on complex subjects. Recently, the programme welcomed its fifth scholar, Dr Liu Bingjian, course director of Product Design and Manufacture (PDM), a provincial first-class undergraduate programme, and he has gradually gained more attention.
In students’ opinion, Dr Liu is a scholar full of humanistic care and focuses on actual practices. As the director and one of the main lecturers of the two modules, "RSA Design Projects" and "Major Design Project", Dr Liu always emphasises the concept of "design serving people", alongside advocating the use of design to embody humanistic care and encouraging students to combine innovation and feasibility to solve problems related to rescue, environmental protection, health, and ageing.
In recent years, Dr Liu has supervised many UNNC undergraduate students to publish several papers at the International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, and has guided UNNC students to clinch over 20 accolades in prestigious international competitions, including the International Design Awards (IDA), A' Design Award, and the iF Product Design Award.
In early 2023, one of the world's top design competitions IDA announced the winners for 2022, and UNNC students won 14 awards. These award-winning works included a fitness weight belt designed for hand and arm amputees, an air purifier that can improve the user's mood, and a sports bra designed specifically for post-surgery breast cancer patients. The majority of these works were developed as part of the modules convened by Dr Liu and their focus often centres on addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and showcasing a deep sense of humanity.
In fact, Dr Liu's design ethos and teaching accomplishments are deeply intertwined with his prior industry experiences.
In September 2018, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) unveiled a stunning concept high-speed train at the industry's leading event – InnoTrans exhibition in Berlin, Germany, with Dr Liu responsible for the exterior design. The train's body is predominantly golden, with a sleek and high-tech-looking front, contrasting with the diamond-shaped headlights and windows formed by rigid straight lines. This design is both clever and harmonious, creating a strong visual impact for viewers.
Dr Liu revealed that he drew inspiration from the phoenix in the design process, abstracting its head and feathers and incorporating them into the train body. He continuously adjusted and optimised the design based on parameters such as the train's drive layout and aerodynamic performance. Ultimately, his design stood out among proposals from countries including France and Japan. In 2019, CRRC showcased the concept of a high-speed train again at the World Industrial Design Conference.
Furthermore, Dr Liu has garnered considerable hands-on experience within the industry. He joined Hisense and played a pivotal role in designing the Hisense 950 series mobile phones, taking full charge of the three-dimensional design and modelling of the exterior contours. "I pursued the ultimate perfection in the overall curves and detailed lines of this mobile phone, even though it might have seemed a bit 'excessive' at the time. But I believe the unity of 'overall coordination' and 'exquisite details' is essential for creating product design aesthetics," Dr Liu recalled.
His unwavering commitment to excellence earned the phone widespread consumer recognition, notably for its exterior design and handling comfort. That year, the phone became one of the sales champions. From initial sketches and prototype creation to the eventual product delivery, this journey equipped Dr Liu with a comprehensive understanding of the product design process. The concept of "practical operation" has become deeply ingrained in his teaching philosophy.
With the evolution of the industry, Dr Liu believes that catering to a target demographic through a singular product design will become progressively challenging. He said, "We are gradually guiding students majoring in PDM at UNNC to reframe their understanding of industrial design within a broader context of service design. By applying systematic design thinking to address people's current problems and challenges, we can better serve society."
OfferEasy
/ 选学校
/ 英国大学
/ 诺丁汉大学
