There is no vehicle manufacturing industry in Hong Kong. Indeed, only a few automotive designers are from Hong Kong. VTC alumni Derek Ng is one of them. He once was a science stream student, who merely studied Arts till Secondary Three. He had his first formal training on Industrial Design since studying at IVE (Shatin). However, he did not find himself "lose on the starting point". On the contrary, he believes that his character with a mix of science rationality and aesthetics sensibility, together with his proactive learning attitude is a big advantage for being an automotive designer.
Derek recalled that all his classmates studied hard during Secondary Six in the aim of getting admitted to university while he indulged himself in drawing on a notebook. He did not draw comic characters, but the outline of different electronic products. "I like making models since I was young. One day when I passed by a bookshop, I was fascinated with the exploding view of products on a product design book. Every screw and joint were precisely drew on the paper. So I bought soft pastels and water color, and began to draw day and night since then. "
Begin with Notebook Sketching
Those sketches on notebook were turned to be a collection of portfolio for presentation during the admission interview for Higher Diploma in Industrial Design at IVE (Shatin). With a science background, Derek expressed that the study of Industrial Design enabled him to connect design with science, “We put focus on light, shadow, reflections, perspective drawing, tactile impression and three-dimensional effect of design artwork. All these require scientific knowledge and calculation.”
The comprehensive curriculum of IVE Industrial Design course covers a wide range of product design knowledge and the institute established a close relationship with the industry. Derek had hands-on experience in designing watch, switch or even animation. His graduation project was an out-of-the-box “Monument Navigation Device” for tourist in Yau Ma Tei region. Derek excitedly said, “I enjoyed very much my time at IVE. The Institute offered great freedom for students to implement their projects. From preliminary study, drawing, to prototype production or following up with outside production specialist, students were encouraged to complete on their own. The whole training aimed to simulate the actual workflow of product design which brought me great satisfaction.”
After graduated from IVE, Derek worked on HiFi design job, in which he discovered his interest in automotive design. “I pay great attention to the design of vehicle and space shuttle in movies. Automotive design is a more realistic choice,” Derek laughed. However, the universities in Hong Kong did not offer degree programme in automotive design. Study abroad was the only option. Derek concluded that his study in overseas institute that what he had learnt is not necessarily the latest design technology, but what makes a good design. He recalled that the project with a garbage truck company was the most inspiring one, “I learnt to put the practicality of a design in the first consideration. Half of an automotive design comes from designer’s imagination and half from the practical need of the society.”
Proactively Search for Opportunity
It is not easy to start a working life as an automotive designer. Take the Taiwan Vehicle manufacturing company where Derek works at as an example, there are only 10% automotive designer in the 150-people core development team. Derek said that one has to fight for the opportunity working in the field, “During Year 2 of Master class in Sweden, all classmates fought for the internship opportunity provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Before looking for job, I visited significant international car shows as the Head of Design Department from the major automotive manufacturers usually attend the show in the first two days. I could grab the chance to connect with them and build my own network in the industry.” Taking the advantage of these opportunities, Derek met another Hong Kong automotive designer Mr Lo Wai Ki, who oversaw the Design Department of General Motor. “The design portfolio shows your design capability. If you could create opportunity to get connected with the department head, it shows that you are not only having the job competence but communication skill as well, and sure it is easier for you to get an internship place or employment.” Finally, the portfolio of Derek received appreciation from Mr Lo and he got the internship in General Motor, whom already had internship experience in Honda Design Centre of Germany. Derek was the minority in class who had ample eye-opening internship experience.
Even Derek was an elite in class, his career start was not as smooth. Derek graduated in 2010, when the Financial Tsunami outbroke. The automotive market was inactive, it was common that car manufactures cutting manpower rather than hiring. However, with the proactive character, Derek managed to get himself a job in such harsh condition. “Despite that there were no recruitment advertisement posted, I sent my application letter with portfolio to car manufacturers one by one and asked my employed classmates to see if there were any job vacancies for one whole year. I knew that was difficult because it is a niche market. But I kept myself always well prepared and waited for the opportunity.” Finally, job opportunities dawned on Derek, big car manufacturers from Sweden, China and Taiwan offered him employment contract at the same time. Considering the career prospectus, Derek decided to work in Taiwan. That decision did not disappoint him. After one year of working on car parts design, Derek obtained a precious opportunity of working on a modified car project. With 2 years development and testing, the “LUXGEN U7 Turbo” modified car was available in the market. Whenever Derek saw this “Son” in Taiwan or overseas, he could not help himself to take a photo with the car. It was not only for memory but research for better performance of the next project.
Contribution to Alma Mater
This year, Derek participated in the Solar-powered car SOPHIE VI design project self-developed by VTC Engineering Discipline as an alumnus automotive designer. That was the first time for IVE inviting professional designer to join the project. Learning the past technical challenges encountered by the engineering team, Derek significantly increased the solar panel area of new generation SOPHIE while emphasis on the streamline design to minimise air resistance. Finally, SOPHIE VI has completed the World Solar Challenge 2017 in Australia this October in an outstanding fourth place.
Advice for Fellow Students
For students who are interested in automotive design, Derek suggested them to frequently visit China or overseas motor websites and pay attention to the industry development. “Starting from the Design course of Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and then bridge to Year 2 of overseas University is a good option. Since automotive design is a branch of industrial design, they have a lot in common”, said Derek. He anticipated that as the car demand from Chinese market increased and the manufacturing technology advanced, Chinese automotive designers will become more popular in the industry.
