Interview with 2025 NXT-GEN winners
We speak with the 2025 NXT-GEN winners from Guangdong Industry Polytechnic University to learn more about their winning work and what this achievement means to them
We speak with the 2025 NXT-GEN winners from Guangdong Industry Polytechnic University to learn more about their winning work and what this achievement means to them
Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an emerging designer
We’re all from Guangdong Industry Polytechnic University. Though we each started from different points, our shared passion for design brought us together. At school, we learned to observe life and blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern creative thinking. We love integrating cultural elements into contemporary design. As emerging designers, we believe observation and accumulation are key to pushing us forward. Whether solving problems or expressing emotions through creativity, our goal is to turn imaginative ideas into commercial designs that bring value to society.
Congratulations on winning the 2024 NXT-GEN Award! How did it feel to receive this recognition?
We’re super excited and honoured to win the 2024 NXT-GEN Award! It’s not just about recognizing our hard work, but also about acknowledging the power of teamwork. Every idea we had was a team effort, and this award is a huge milestone in our careers. We’ll definitely cherish this honour and keep working hard to live up to everyone’s expectations!
Can you share the story behind your winning design, XUN? What inspired you?
The inspiration for the “XUN” brand comes from the slight blush on people’s cheeks when they’re tipsy. It’s that warm and beautiful feeling we wanted to capture. We used temperature-sensitive materials to bring this idea to life, and in our design, we drew on the figures of Tang Dynasty ladies. It gives the design a soft, feminine touch.
Which part of creating the pack did you love the most?
We each had our favourite parts. Rongjin and Zhuowen loved the bottle’s shape, inspired by ancient Chinese porcelain—it’s elegant yet functional. Chuxun was most excited about the temperature-sensitive feature, which adds an interactive and playful touch. These details make the design not just visually appealing but also engaging for users.
What was your experience like participating in the competition? How did it help you grow as a designer?
In this competition, we learned how to dig out endless creativity within limitations through practice and further improved our design skills. Our teachers gave us a lot of room for imagination and encouraged us to try all sorts of possibilities. This allowed us to keep pushing our own boundaries during the exploration. Teamwork also taught us how to complement each other’s strengths and solve problems together. This experience not only enriched our design experience, but also cultivated our innovative thinking and collaborative abilities, taking us a big step closer to becoming great designers.
How has studying at Guangdong Industry Polytechnic University shaped your approach to design?
Our studies gave us a solid foundation. The school emphasizes both theory and practice, and our teachers always encouraged us to “think more, act more, and explore more.” Through hands-on projects, we learned to evaluate design quality and understand the industry better. It taught us that design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about solving problems and meeting real needs.
Are you currently working on any exciting new projects?
Yes, we’re all diving into new projects. Rongjin is exploring beyond packaging design, Zhuowen is integrating modern technology into her work, and Chuxun is refining his skills to create more impactful designs. We believe design has endless possibilities, and we’re excited to keep pushing boundaries.
You will now be looked at for inspiration. What is your message to young creatives:
Stay curious, observe the world, and never stop pushing your limits. Whether it’s competitions or real-world projects, maintain a positive mindset and keep practicing. Design is a journey of constant exploration and innovation—only by staying passionate and persistent can you go far.
What does the power of design mean to you?
To us, design’s power lies in its ability to connect the past and future, blending tradition with modern needs. It’s about solving problems, expressing emotions, and creating meaningful change. Design can improve lives, drive progress, and inspire new possibilities. It’s not just a tool—it’s a way to make the world better.