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Jason Tan is one individual who definitely attests to the fact that form and functionality can exist hand in hand. After all, the man is only one of Singapore's top product designers, having successfully turned his lifelong dream into reality.
Upon graduation from the School of Design at Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, Jason has been steadily building up a reputation for himself as being on the forefront of consumer product design. His impressive client list currently includes Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, Creative Technology and Siemens.
With his seemingly bottomless reserves of energy,Jason's success is proof that you've got to think big to succeed. We delve into the workings of his mind to find out what makes him tick.
TAXI>>Hey Jason, it's a pleasure having you here in The Front Seat! What's the first thought that came to your mind this morning when you woke up?
Jason Tan >>Hmmm… I wished that I could arrive in the office immediately instead of my arduous 1hour 15 mins train + bus ride.
TAXI>> You are the first product designer from the sunny island of Singapore to be featured on TAXI and how do you feel about product design in Singapore?
Jason Tan >> I am honoured to be given this chance, thanks a lot!!! Singapore is not synonymous with great product design/designers, but we are slowly getting better. YES we do have talents here!
TAXI>> What advice could you give to aspiring product designers in order to succeed in this industry?
Jason Tan >>Be focused and steadfast in what you want – PURSUE, PURSUE, PURSUE.
TAXI>> Design is also interrelated to music and I understand that you have a strong passion for Dj-ing, what made you turn to product designing as a career instead?
Jason Tan >>My ultimate passion is to still design products that others can feel, use and experience. I believe that tactile/visual and user experience must be in harmony with a product. DJ-ing – was a hobby. Designers need time off too and music is my love!
TAXI>>You were recently awarded the Red Dot Design Award for Creative Popz Speakers. Congratulations on that! Tell us more about this work of yours and what was your inspiration for it?
Jason Tan >>The brief of the product was to design a small, portable speaker. So I was thinking, why not make the speaker a fashion accessory at the same time? Why must a speaker look like a speaker? That’s how the design concept came about. I incorporated a semi-hard casing/pouch made of fabric which encases the speakers within it, you wouldn’t guess that it contains speakers inside. I got to give credits to the design team involved in this project too!
TAXI>>You're currently working for Siemens VDO, designing car audio decks. How did you manage to get inspiration for designing the car decks?
Jason Tan >>Magazines/ books, in consumer electronics, cars, fashion, furniture, nature… Understanding the design philosophy of the car and the target markets is also helpful. Of course, keeping an eye on industry trends (by going to espionage tours to motor shows under the pretence of ogling the motor show babes….)
TAXI>>Have you always wanted to be a product designer?
Jason Tan >> No doubt about it…
TAXI>>Name me one company that you would like to work for
Jason Tan >>Hmmm… If I tell you, are you going to help me get the job?
TAXI>>Have you ever thought of changing your work scope and major into another type of design instead?
Jason Tan >>Currently, I still believe that I have much to contribute to product design, so you’ll be seeing me in this field for awhile.
TAXI>>Making a name for yourself internationally is not easy. How do you think young artists can break into the industry?
Jason Tan >>Like all design fields, you have got to develop a good portfolio to showcase your abilities, versatility in the design of multiple products. Another way is to use sites like Taxi Design where designers are able to market themselves online, which could lead to potential employers knocking on your door! In Singapore, hiring is often base on recommendations, so keep doing good work, and you’ll never know if the next call comes with a job offer.
DO NOT LET YOUR GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION LIMIT YOUR DREAMS. The world is so much smaller than you think.
Interestingly, I think that Japan and South Korea is more exciting for product design, compared to the rest of the world.
TAXI>>Okay, before we go, tell us where do you want a TAXI to bring you now?
Jason Tan >>Not just any TAXI, but a TAXI that can sprout wings. Take me to the best restaurant in the world, I am famished after answering all these questions.
© 2003 - 2007 by TAXI Design Network. All rights reserved.
Upon graduation from the School of Design at Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, Jason has been steadily building up a reputation for himself as being on the forefront of consumer product design. His impressive client list currently includes Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, Creative Technology and Siemens.
With his seemingly bottomless reserves of energy,Jason's success is proof that you've got to think big to succeed. We delve into the workings of his mind to find out what makes him tick.
TAXI>>Hey Jason, it's a pleasure having you here in The Front Seat! What's the first thought that came to your mind this morning when you woke up?
Jason Tan >>Hmmm… I wished that I could arrive in the office immediately instead of my arduous 1hour 15 mins train + bus ride.
TAXI>> You are the first product designer from the sunny island of Singapore to be featured on TAXI and how do you feel about product design in Singapore?
Jason Tan >> I am honoured to be given this chance, thanks a lot!!! Singapore is not synonymous with great product design/designers, but we are slowly getting better. YES we do have talents here!
TAXI>> What advice could you give to aspiring product designers in order to succeed in this industry?
Jason Tan >>Be focused and steadfast in what you want – PURSUE, PURSUE, PURSUE.
TAXI>> Design is also interrelated to music and I understand that you have a strong passion for Dj-ing, what made you turn to product designing as a career instead?
Jason Tan >>My ultimate passion is to still design products that others can feel, use and experience. I believe that tactile/visual and user experience must be in harmony with a product. DJ-ing – was a hobby. Designers need time off too and music is my love!
TAXI>>You were recently awarded the Red Dot Design Award for Creative Popz Speakers. Congratulations on that! Tell us more about this work of yours and what was your inspiration for it?
Jason Tan >>The brief of the product was to design a small, portable speaker. So I was thinking, why not make the speaker a fashion accessory at the same time? Why must a speaker look like a speaker? That’s how the design concept came about. I incorporated a semi-hard casing/pouch made of fabric which encases the speakers within it, you wouldn’t guess that it contains speakers inside. I got to give credits to the design team involved in this project too!
TAXI>>You're currently working for Siemens VDO, designing car audio decks. How did you manage to get inspiration for designing the car decks?
Jason Tan >>Magazines/ books, in consumer electronics, cars, fashion, furniture, nature… Understanding the design philosophy of the car and the target markets is also helpful. Of course, keeping an eye on industry trends (by going to espionage tours to motor shows under the pretence of ogling the motor show babes….)
TAXI>>Have you always wanted to be a product designer?
Jason Tan >> No doubt about it…
TAXI>>Name me one company that you would like to work for
Jason Tan >>Hmmm… If I tell you, are you going to help me get the job?
TAXI>>Have you ever thought of changing your work scope and major into another type of design instead?
Jason Tan >>Currently, I still believe that I have much to contribute to product design, so you’ll be seeing me in this field for awhile.
TAXI>>Making a name for yourself internationally is not easy. How do you think young artists can break into the industry?
Jason Tan >>Like all design fields, you have got to develop a good portfolio to showcase your abilities, versatility in the design of multiple products. Another way is to use sites like Taxi Design where designers are able to market themselves online, which could lead to potential employers knocking on your door! In Singapore, hiring is often base on recommendations, so keep doing good work, and you’ll never know if the next call comes with a job offer.
DO NOT LET YOUR GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION LIMIT YOUR DREAMS. The world is so much smaller than you think.
Interestingly, I think that Japan and South Korea is more exciting for product design, compared to the rest of the world.
TAXI>>Okay, before we go, tell us where do you want a TAXI to bring you now?
Jason Tan >>Not just any TAXI, but a TAXI that can sprout wings. Take me to the best restaurant in the world, I am famished after answering all these questions.
© 2003 - 2007 by TAXI Design Network. All rights reserved.