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Mon, Sep 01, 2003 - Page 11　News List

Industrial designers see a new future for Taiwan

In order to move from a manufacturing-oriented society to an innovation-based one, Taiwan needs to upgrade its design capabilities. Last Monday, four local design and industry leaders from Taiwan were joined by a German designer to discuss the issue of industrial design at the Industrial Design Forum Organized by Lite-On Technology Inc. 'Taipei Times' staff reporter Bill Heaney listened to David Chen, president of Era Technology, Elton Fang, general manager of Conser Corp, Christoph Boeninger, director of DesignAfairs GmbH, Paul Lo, chief technology officer of Lite-On Technology and Lin Rong-tai, president of Chang Gung Institute of Technology. The following are excerpts from their discussion

Chen: In the last decade, especially the last two or three years as Taiwan has moved from OEM to ODM and now OBM, we have started to have a platform for designers. Each year the number of ID department graduates is increasing, but the percentage going into ID as their core business is rather low. I think the problem with Taiwan's education system is how we pass examinations and gain diplomas. We're talking about the curriculum and method of training. A good designer is a mindset.

An industrial designer is different from an engineer. Many people get into the ID field by accident. Schools should understand the needs of industry, just as industry should understand the needs of the market.

We need to nurture people who can actively think and ambitiously and effectively resolve problems, only then can we nurture a real superstar for our industry.

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