Today we’d like to introduce you to Shun Cheng Hsieh
Hi Shun Cheng, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been passionate about creativity and problem-solving, which naturally led me to pursue a career in design. I started my journey studying industrial design in Taiwan, where I focused on developing a strong foundation in product design and craftsmanship. After working on projects that ranged from outdoor goods to footwear and accessories, I became fascinated by how design can merge functionality and aesthetics to create meaningful experiences for users.
In 2018, I joined the Pensole Footwear Academy, which opened my eyes to the intricate process of footwear design and how empathy and storytelling play a key role in creating successful products. From there, I gained experience working with clients like Skechers, Target, and Walmart, where I honed my skills in transitioning designs into manufacturable products while balancing affordability and aesthetics.
To further expand my skills, I pursued a master’s degree at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where I explored new tools like AI and VR in design, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in footwear and product development. Since graduating, I’ve worked on award-winning projects, including professional skateboard footwear and innovative lifestyle designs. My journey has been about embracing challenges, learning continuously, and finding new ways to innovate and connect with people through design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges have shaped me into a more resilient and resourceful designer. Early in my career, one of the biggest struggles was balancing creativity with practicality. For example, when I worked on affordable footwear designs for clients like Skechers and Target, I had to learn how to create aesthetically pleasing products that met strict cost and manufacturing constraints. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me how to prioritize both form and function.
Pursuing my master’s degree while managing internships and personal projects was another challenging period. Juggling coursework with real-world design responsibilities required me to improve my time management and adaptability. I also embraced learning new tools like AI and VR, which initially felt overwhelming but ultimately helped me push my creative boundaries.
Another significant challenge was stepping out of my comfort zone to communicate and collaborate with international factories. Language and cultural differences made it difficult at times, but being fluent in Mandarin and English helped bridge the gap and taught me the value of clear, empathetic communication.
Every obstacle along the way has helped me grow, teaching me how to problem-solve and stay focused on delivering meaningful, impactful designs, no matter the circumstances.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in footwear and product design, blending functionality and aesthetics to create designs that connect with people. My work spans footwear, apparel, accessories, and outdoor goods, but I’m particularly passionate about footwear because of its unique combination of design, material innovation, and user-centered problem-solving.
I’m known for pushing the boundaries of design through innovative tools like AI (Vizcom, Midjourney) and VR (Gravity Sketch), which allow me to explore new possibilities and refine ideas efficiently. My ability to balance creativity with practicality is another strength, as I’ve developed designs for global brands like Skechers, Target, and Walmart, where cost-effectiveness and manufacturability are key considerations.
One project I’m especially proud of is Surge, an award-winning professional skateboard footwear design that bridges high-performance functionality with sleek aesthetics for emerging athletes. It was recognized by the FIT Sport Design Awards and other international competitions, which validated my approach to blending innovation with user needs.
What sets me apart is my empathetic design approach—I strive to deeply understand the user and their challenges, ensuring my work doesn’t just look good but also enhances their experience. I’m also fluent in both Mandarin and English, which allows me to facilitate smooth collaboration between design teams and factories, ensuring the transition from concept to production is seamless.
Ultimately, my goal is to create designs that inspire confidence and bring joy to people, while always staying curious and exploring new ways to innovate.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One thing I’d like to share is my belief in the importance of embracing curiosity and continuous learning. The design industry is constantly evolving, and staying open to new tools, trends, and perspectives has been a cornerstone of my journey. Whether it’s exploring AI and VR to push creative boundaries or diving into archives to draw inspiration from the past, I find that every experience adds a new layer to my work.
I’d also emphasize the value of empathy in design. Understanding the user’s needs and challenges is what transforms a product from simply functional to truly impactful. For me, it’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about solving problems and enhancing lives.
Finally, I’d encourage aspiring designers to embrace challenges and never stop experimenting. Some of my proudest moments, like winning multiple international design awards, came from taking risks and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Design is an ongoing journey, and there’s always something new to discover.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shunsdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shunsdesign/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shun-cheng-hsieh-2717a8172
Image Credits
Shun Cheng Hsieh
