Who is she? Tse recently received a higher diploma in product design and technology at the Hong Kong Design Institute. Her tutors nominated her for the institution's Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award and she was selected from a shortlist of 14 entrants. The judging panel consisted of local designers such as Lee Chi-wing, founder of Milk design, and Chow Tat-chi, founder of Anthropy and Zixag. The panel was chaired by the head of Create Hong Kong, a government agency established to promote development of the city's creative industries. The award's aim is to provide young designers and students valuable opportunities to undergo training or gain work experience in world-class institutions. As such, part of Tse's prize is a HK$250,000 bursary to study abroad and she plans to head to Europe to continue her studies.
What did she do to win the Red Dot award? Tse entered her prototype for a bathroom sink called Pond and Pine (right). She won the 'best concept in the bathroom' award, chosen by a panel of international judges. Lamb created a basin shaped like a pond and a tap that projects the image of a red fish, inspired by traditional Chinese paintings. The fish appears on the user's hands while the tap is in use but fades the longer the water runs. Tse's intention was to provide a visual reminder about the impact of water wastage and the importance of conservation.
What inspires her? 'I spend a lot of time reading newspapers and thinking about how we can reduce our consumption of raw materials,' Tse says. 'I really believe that as a designer I can do something that will protect the Earth. Many of my designs are for bathroom fixtures so my natural focus is on saving water. It's my intention that the design is not only functional but communicates a positive message in a practical way.'
How does she approach design? 'I place a lot of emphasis on using established materials in unique ways. For bathrooms sinks, for instance, this means a lot of ceramic. When you're trying to promote designs that are ecological and challenging, it's important that there are manufacturers capable of making the finished product. Equally, people have to be able to recognise your design as something practical. Otherwise your ideas will never go beyond the conceptual stage.'
What next? 'I'm planning to use my prize money to study in Europe. My hope is to gain a place at the IED school of design, in Milan, Italy, and complete a post-graduate course specialising in product design. Not only is the school one of the best in the world, but the city is also home to the world's best lighting, bathroom and interior trade shows. I intend to soak up as much inspiration as possible and, in a few years, bring it back to Hong Kong.'
