'Good design derives from observing the people and environment around us,' says Lantau-born Chelsia Lau, chief designer, China/Asean Programmes, Asia Pacific and Africa, at Ford Motor. 'But the intention isn't to observe and learn; it has to be more natural than that - things resonate deep inside and that's where you connect with others.'
In an 18-year career with Ford Motor, Lau's understanding of drivers' tastes and sensibilities has influenced the design of a generation of vehicles, from concept cars to the latest model Fiesta.
After attending Lee Wai Lee Technical Institute (now Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education), she was accepted for study at the Art Centre College of Design in Pasadena, in the United States, renowned for its car-design programme.
'Looking around the classrooms, with walls full of innovative design concept sketches you couldn't help but think, 'How can design be this wild and this blue-sky?' I was hooked,' she says. Lau interned with Ford during her years at the college, an experience that contributed to her understanding of Western management styles.
'It was about communication and encouragement of ideas. Growing up, we were taught to be a little more reserved. I soon learned not to hold back - maybe now I express myself too freely!'
Almost two decades after helping design the Ford Focus, Lau is still one of the few women in the business. Female designers have unique perspectives, she argues, 'particularly in areas like aesthetics and detail, and of course understanding the needs of the growing segment of female consumers'. She describes how her team once redesigned some climate-control switches to improve usability for drivers with long finger nails.
Even in her down time, Lau's interests remain design-oriented, and include the appreciation of Yixing teapots.